Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large dog breed with a broad head, wide skull, small, deep-set eyes, and a dense, oily coat.
Breed Profile
Height
24 - 26
Inches
Weight
55 - 70
Pounds
Life Span
10 – 13
Years
Health
health
Degenerative Myelopathy
What is it?:
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord in dogs. It causes muscle weakness in the hind legs, a lack of coordination, and leads to paralysis.
Clinical signs
Struggling to use stairs
Loss of coordination of hind legs
Loss of muscle
No control of the bowel and bladder
Dragging of hind legs
Treatment
There is currently no cure for DM, but treatment options can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of this disease.
Physical therapy to help maintain the strength of the muscles and mobility.
Supplements such as antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may be given for muscle strength.
Anti-inflammation medication to help reduce swelling.
Stem cell therapy may be used to help reduce the progression.
Surgery may be considered to help alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and improve mobility
Eligible vet bill
$5,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
What is it?:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a genetic condition caused by the degeneration of the tissue of the eye which affects the retina, eventually leading to blindness.
Clinical signs
Progressive loss of night vision
Dilation of pupils
Decrease in eye pigment
Cataract formation
The eye may become gray with a glass-like sheen on it
Eyes may start to look cloudy
The dog may bump into objects because of unclear vision
The day vision degenerates and ultimately leads to total blindness
Reluctance in walking on stairs
Treatment
There is currently no treatment that can cure or reverse PRA. However, there are ways to manage the condition and help slow its progression.
Special diet that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and lutein, which are known to support eye health
A diet that is rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin E and Vitamin A, to help slow the degeneration of the retina
Providing a low-light environment to help minimize visual stress and prevent further damage to the retina
Providing eye drops or ointments to lubricate the eyes and help protect the cornea.
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Affectionate
The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are an affectionate dog breed that loves their families. They can also be protective towards them which may make them wary of strangers.
Intelligent
They are a very intelligent breed with great problem-solving abilities as well as quick learners.
Active
They are a highly active dog breed that needs mental and physical stimulation to be happy. They are great hunting dogs and also love to be in the water.
Lifetime Care
Coat
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a thick and wavy coat. Their undercoat is dense and thick while their overcoat is coarse and waterproof.
Colors
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever coat color can vary from a deep brown to a lighter "dead grass" color and may have white markings on the chest and belly.
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a wavy and thick coat that requires regular brushing to help prevent it from matting and getting tangled. They do not need to bathe frequently as their coat is waterproof. Their coat may develop a particular smell, and that’s when you know they need to bathe. Their nails need to be trimmed occasionally along with brushing their teeth.
Training
The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are highly trainable as they are intelligent creatures, but they are also known to be stubborn. The key is to keep being consistent and start training as early as possible. Once they have been trained to socialize with different people and pets, they can become comfortable around strangers.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Introduction to the Breed
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever may also be known as ‘Chessie’. They have their origins in the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland and Virginia in the United States. They were developed in the 1800s to help with hunting and retrieving waterfowl and swimming in frigid regions. The breed is thought to be a cross between two different types of retrievers: the Newfoundland and the Curly-Coated Retriever. These dogs were bought by English settlers from the Chesapeake area and bred with local breeds to create a species that could survive the harsh conditions. The breed that birthed was one with a coarse waterproof coat that could survive the cold. They had good stamina and a broad chest and webbed feet to help them swim in cold waters. Today, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is still used as a hunting dog and is also popular as a companion and show dog.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Physical Characteristics:
Large dog breed
Thick and oily coat
Broad head
Small ears
Thick tail
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is best suited for pet owners:
Who wants a loyal and affectionate pet
Who are active
Who want an energetic pet
Who want an intelligent and trainable pet
Things to watch out before deciding to own a Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a coat which sheds quite often and needs to be brushed weekly to maintain it.
They are an intelligent breed but can be stubborn to train and need consistent and early socializing.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are large dogs and need a decent amount of living space. They may not be ideal for people living in small apartments.
They may not be friendly with strangers unless they are trained to socialize with various people.
They are active dog breeds and also are large in size and hence need daily exercise to keep them fit.
How Intelligent is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a highly intelligent dog breed. They are known for their trainability, problem-solving ability, and ability to learn new tasks quickly.
Conclusion
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever can make a good pet because they are highly intelligent and trainable. They are also very loyal and protective of their owners and families, making them great guard dogs. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which makes them great with children and other pets. They enjoy being active and are good companions for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and hunting. So, if you are looking for an energetic and active dog breed, they are just the choice for you!
Happy Health and Mood to your Doggo and Lots of Love and Licks to you!