The Chesapeake Bay Retriever claims an adventurous and somewhat mysterious history. In 1807, two Newfoundlands were rescued off the coast of Maryland after a shipwreck. The black male and brown female were both excellent water dogs and were later mated. These pups were most likely crossed with other local sporting breeds such as the Coonhound, the English Water Poodle, and the Curly and Flat-Coated Retrievers. What emerged was an able rough-water dog with excellent retrieving instincts. The coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, in particular, is unique in that it can withstand icy-cold water yet remain dry underneath; sportsmen claim a quick shake is all it takes to shed any remaining water and ice.

Appearance
Distinctive features of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever include eyes that are very clear, of yellowish or amber hue, hindquarters as high or a trifle higher than the shoulders, and a double coat that tends to wave on shoulders, neck, back and loins. This "waterproof" coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever feels slightly oily compared to other members of the same family.

Character
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is valued for its bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. The breed is very loving and makes a wonderful companion.

Some Chesapeake Bay Retriever become vocal while happy; while this can be mistaken for a growl it is only a sign of happiness and not intended to create alarm. In addition, some dogs will 'smile' when happy by baring their front teeth in a peculiar grin; again this is not a threat but a sign of joy.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is naturally dominant and, while usually won't start a fight over dominance, the breed will defend his position as the alpha dog. For the casual pet owner, it is usually not a good idea to have more than one Chesapeake Bay Retriever because of dominance issues.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to recognize only one person or family as master. All other people are considered by the dog to be either equal or subordinate. In order to keep the Chesapeake Bay Retriever from attempting to become the alpha family member, the dog's master should regularly reinforce dominance over the dog by issuing a command such as 'come' or 'sit' at a time when the Chesapeake Bay Retriever would rather not do so.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is very tolerant of pain, which makes it difficult to tell when they're injured. This trait also makes Chesapeake Bay Retriever tolerant of roughhousing from young children; when they have had enough they typically move away rather than snap at or otherwise attempt to correct the child for their behavior. This dog can also smile some times.
 

Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a protective dog breed who makes a good watchdog. These are friendly, intelligent and obedient dogs with a mind of their own. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is reserved with strangers and can be protective; it also can be aggressive toward strange dogs if challenged. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the hardiest, most strong-willed and protective of the retriever breeds, but it can make a good family pet.

Exercise/Training
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large active dog that needs a daily chance to exercise. It enjoys a good walk or swim. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Chesapeake Bay Retriever will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
Three basic colors are generally seen at the Chesapeake Bay Retriever: brown, which includes all shades from a light cocoa (a silvered brown) to a deep dark brown; sedge, which varies from a reddish yellow through a bright red to chestnut shades; and deadgrass in all its shades, varying from a faded tan to a dull straw color. The standard of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever states that white may also appear, but it must be limited to the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet. This breed is also known for their large, and powerful chests; used to break apart ice when diving into ice-layered water while duck hunting or retrieving apples.

Grooming
The oily, wavy coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs weekly brushing but is generally easily maintained. It seldom needs washing; in fact, it’s hard to get a Chesapeake Bay Retriever wet! A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.