Contact Verified Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breeders

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever – affectionately known as the “Chessie” – is a powerhouse from the USA. Originally bred for demanding duck hunting in rough waters, this retriever has a maximum energy level, enormous stamina and a dense, water-repellent coat with an undercoat. At the same time, he is an affectionate, bright and sensitive companion, but one with plenty of independence. It is precisely this combination of a strong willingness to work, sensitivity and physical power (males reach 58 to 66 cm at the shoulder and weigh 30 to 36 kg) that makes finding a knowledgeable Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder so important. Although the breed is regarded as a robust working dog, it has breed-typical risks affecting the joints, eyes and nervous system. Thoughtful mating choices and expert rearing lay the foundation for your dog to enjoy his life expectancy of 10 to 13 years actively and free of pain.

A health-focused breeder does not rely on how their dogs look, but uses precise diagnostics to reduce hereditary risks in their breeding line. The Deutscher Retriever Club e.V. (DRC) requires specific tests for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Before you buy, always ask to see the written results for both parents.

• Hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED): As the Chessie is a heavy dog that loves to work, his joints have to withstand great strain. Official X-ray scoring of the parents significantly lowers the risk of painful joint malformation in the offspring. Later on, you can do your part to keep your dog mobile for a long time by keeping him at a healthy weight, rearing him in a way that protects his joints and avoiding extreme physical overexertion.
• DNA tests for prcd-PRA, EIC and DM: Established DNA tests exist for progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA, a progressive degeneration of the retina), exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and degenerative myelopathy (DM, a neurological disease of the spinal cord). These show whether a dog is genetically clear, a carrier or affected. For prcd-PRA and EIC, a reputable breeder mates carriers only with genetically clear partners. For degenerative myelopathy, choosing a mate deliberately on the basis of the DNA test considerably reduces the risk of a dog developing the disease later.
• Clinical eye examinations: In addition to the DNA test for prcd-PRA, responsible breeders have the parents’ eyes examined regularly by specialist veterinary ophthalmologists for other eye abnormalities. This reduces the risk of cataracts, other forms of progressive retinal atrophy and eyelid conformation problems such as ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) or entropion (inward turning of the eyelid).

In addition, von Willebrand’s disease (a blood clotting disorder) is one of the breed’s known health issues. Ask the breeder directly whether this condition or eyelid problems have already occurred in their line.

A good Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder understands the high demands of the breed. As the Chessie scores rather poorly on suitability for city life (2/5) and is not always reliably good with other dogs (3/5), he needs structured habituation to new environments from the very start. The puppies grow up in the house and garden, in close contact with the family. The breeder encourages the puppies’ high trainability through play, without overwhelming their sensitive nature. They will also give you an honest opinion on whether your lifestyle suits a dog who demands daily mental and physical exercise – ideally retrieving or swimming.

6 specific questions to ask the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder

Use your first visit to ask the breeder targeted questions. An expert will appreciate your thoroughness:

• “May I see the official X-ray results for HD and ED, as well as the current eye examination certificates, for both parents?”
• “Are the DNA test results for prcd-PRA, EIC and degenerative myelopathy available for the parents, and what exactly are the results?”
• “Have there been any cases of cataracts, entropion, ectropion or von Willebrand’s disease in the related lines?”
• “How do you exercise the mother in everyday life, and how do the parents behave towards unfamiliar dogs?”
• “How do you accustom the puppies to different environmental stimuli without overwhelming their sensitive nature?”
• “What advice will you give me on raising the puppy in a joint-friendly way during its first year?”