Here you can learn who we are, how we work and get the necessary knowledge about the nuances of the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
This section is being updated.
Welcome to Heritage Chesapeake Retrievers
If you’re looking for a loyal, hardworking, and family-focused companion, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the perfect choice. Originally bred for waterfowl hunting, “Chesapeakes” are known for their love of water, intelligence, and determination. They are protective when needed, but above all, they are deeply devoted to their families.
Whether you’re interested in hunting, dog sports, or simply having a loyal best friend by your side, a Chesapeake will rise to the challenge. Strong, reliable, and full of heart — that’s what makes this breed so special.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
History
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s history goes back to 1807, when two Newfoundland puppies were rescued from a shipwreck off the U.S. East Coast. These dogs were later crossed with hounds, coonhounds, and water spaniels. The result was a strong, hardworking retriever that quickly became the favorite dog of professional hunters. In addition to retrieving game, they were also used to guard homes and property.
Thanks to dedicated landowners around the Chesapeake Bay who valued the breed’s abilities, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1918. The Swedish Kennel Club registered the breed in 1973.
Purpose
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are bred first and foremost as hunting dogs. They excel in waterfowl hunting thanks to their incredible passion for water, but they are also versatile enough for pigeon, woodcock, and pheasant hunting.
With their excellent noses and calm, steady working style, they also make outstanding tracking dogs. Beyond hunting, they enjoy activities such as agility, obedience, and search work. No matter the task, one thing is always true: a Chesapeake loves to work.
Health
Like many larger breeds, the Chesapeake can be prone to hip dysplasia (HD), so responsible breeding always includes health checks before mating. The breed club also monitors elbow dysplasia (ED), though cases are rare and usually without lasting problems. Eye conditions such as cataracts and PRA exist in the breed but are uncommon.
Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed to be both a hunting companion and a guardian. Today, you can still see both qualities in the breed. Chesapeakes are hardworking, tough, and extremely loyal to their families. They may be reserved or neutral toward strangers, but their devotion to their owners is unmatched.
Size and Appearance
This is a medium-to-large retriever.
• Males: 23–26 inches (58–66 cm), 65–80 lbs (30–36 kg)
• Females: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm), 55–70 lbs (25–32 kg)
They come in a range of solid brown shades, sometimes with small white markings.
Coat and Care
The Chesapeake’s coat requires very little maintenance. They shed once or twice a year, and a simple brushing helps during that time. Their coat is naturally oily, which protects them in cold water, so bathing should be kept to a minimum. Never shampoo before a show, as it removes the coat’s natural water resistance.
A Note on Breeding
Because the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a relatively rare breed, careful and responsible breeding is especially important. If you’re considering adding a Chesapeake to your family, take some time to learn about the breed and what makes it special — their loyalty, strength, and willingness to work make them truly unique companions.
We are proud to announce that we have been accepted into the AKC's
"Breeder of Merit" Program. Heritage Chesapeake Retrievers has bred more than 20 conformation champions since 1996 and has more conformation champions, Chessies that is, than any other breeder in NC, maybe even in the South (I'll have to check on that) and has more on the road to their championships. I always say we don't breed ugly dogs; take a look, I think you'll agree.
Heritage Chesapeake Retrievers, an AKC Breeder of Merit, produces Chesapeake Bay of the highest quality for use as both companion and show dogs. We offer both puppies and established champions for sale throughout the year (all with the proper clearances, as well as stud and breeding services (including artificial insemination, whelping and raising litters), training, boarding, and inoculations.
Our facilities include large indoor/outdoor dog
runs, a large "beach access" pool, and plenty of space for the dogs to run around.
We have 29 years experience with sporting dogs and working dogs, so look around the site and let us know if we can help you find the perfect dog today.
Take a few minutes and read all the news about Heritage Chesapeake Retrievers. We're making new champions, breeding great litters and having new pups!
All dogs bred have OFA and CERF clearances. Our line is free from DM, EIC and PRA. Pedigrees available upon request of all our dogs.
Our foundation bitches were out of 2 senior hunters. We have many titled progenies in hunt, tracking, service, military, law enforcement, agility and obedience. Our dogs are excellent retrievers and water dogs, not to mention wonderful dispositions. In over 29 years of breeding Chessies, we have never had one dog returned for a bad hunter or being gun shy.
This Chesapeake Bay Retriever was one of the finest females we’ve ever had in our breeding program. In 2014, she delivered an exceptional litter of 16 puppies with every single pup healthy and thriving. Her strong maternal instincts, attentive care, and outstanding temperament made her an ideal example of the breed. She consistently demonstrated the qualities we value most in our Chessies: intelligence, loyalty, resilience, and a natural ability to nurture. Coming from a strong and proven bloodline, she passed on the very best traits to her offspring, many of which went on to excel as loyal companions and working retrievers. Her contribution to our program lives on through her lineage, and she remains an important part of the foundation of our kennel.
