Chessies 101

Sporting group

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerful dog who forms a strong bond with their people. They're quick to learn and eager to please but can have their own ideas on how to accomplish tasks. Less lovey-dovey than the average Golden and more protective than the Labrador, the Chessie is a popular dog for duck hunters.

What we love about Chessies

A determined dog who'll happily break ice to swim

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

21 to 26 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 21 to 26 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.

Lifespan

10 to 13 years

Lifespan: 10 to 13 years average

Weight

55 to 80 lbs

Weight: 55 to 80 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
21 to 26 inches
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
Weight
55 to 80 lbs

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever stands 21 to 26 inches tall and weighs 55 to 80 lbs. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers get?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers stand 21 to 26 inches tall and typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.
How long do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers live?
The average lifespan of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever is 10 to 13 years.
Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers good for first-time dog owners?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers bark a lot?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Chesapeake Bay Retriever health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Chessie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

Mid-life Chesapeake Bay Retrievers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk

Senior Chessie

8+ years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

Senior Chesapeake Bay Retrievers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Hypothyroid disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Moderate Risk

Chessie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk. Conjunctivitis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
High Risk

Young adult Chessie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

As Chesapeake Bay Retrievers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.

40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Chessie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

Mid-life Chesapeake Bay Retrievers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk

Senior Chessie

8+ years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

Senior Chesapeake Bay Retrievers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Hypothyroid disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hypothyroid disease
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Moderate Risk

Chessie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk. Conjunctivitis is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
High Risk

Young adult Chessie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

As Chesapeake Bay Retrievers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant.

40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
Chesapeake Bay retriever standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Chesapeake Bay Retriever's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 1 year)
Urinary tract infection: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Conjunctivitis: High Risk
Young Adult (1 year to 4 years)
Trauma: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee): High Risk, Hypothyroid disease: Moderate Risk, Seizures: Above Average Risk
Senior (8+ years)
Arthritis: Very High Risk, Hypothyroid disease: Very High Risk, Kidney failure: Moderate Risk
3-Fun fact-Chesapeake Bay retriever GettyImages-465489365

Before being called the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, this dog was known as the Brown Winchester.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever coat care and colors

While retrievers tend to have dense, water-repellent coats, the Chessie's is also a bit oily. The coat is also thick with a softer undercoat. A weekly brushing will reduce shedding. Acclimate to nail trims early to avoid struggles later on.

Chessie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed to hunt all day in every imaginable condition. This is a breed that needs lots of exercise, preferably daily.

Trainability

Trainability

A smart, hard-working dog, the Chessie prefers partnership and respect. Although most other retriever breeds are pretty tolerant of other dogs, this may not be the case with the Chesapeake. Early socialization and positive training along with regular, strenuous exercise will get the best results. Acclimate to nail trims early to avoid future struggles.

Chessie fun facts

Top girl names for Chessies

100%

of Chessies are female

0%

of Chessies are male

Top boy names for Chessies

Nationwide loves Chesapeake Bay Retrievers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Chesapeake Bay Retriever gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Chesapeake Bay Retrievers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Chessies

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