You may not have heard of him, but the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is anything but new to the dog scene. His roots are well-established, and his origins are downright romantic.
It was 1807 when a British ship wrecked off the coast of Maryland in the frigid waters of the Eastern Seaboard. Among the rescued were two dogs named Sailor and Canton. Early reports were that the dogs were Newfoundlands, but that’s become the subject of some debate over the years. Some contend that Sailor and Canton were Lesser Newfoundlands, or St. John’s Water Dogs, a breed now extinct. Regardless, the two shipwreck survivors were instant celebrities—both for surviving, as well as for their soon-apparent remarkable adeptness at retrieving waterfowl. The dogs caught the eyes of local enthusiasts, who bred them to hounds, setters, water spaniels, and other retrievers. The results of those breedings served as the beginnings of today’s Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Come 1878, the first Chesapeake Bay Retriever, named Sunday, was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Perhaps not surprising given their survivor heritage, the breed is a remarkably tough one. The Chessie is prepared to take on the icy waters of the Atlantic and capable of retrieving upwards of 200 waterfowl a day.
According to AKC standards, Chessie males stand between 23 to 26 inches, with females 21 to 24 inches. Proportions are emphasized of course, but nothing is given more attention in the standard than the coat, which is thick, short, and accepted in eight colours but with no variations. The Chessie has webbed toes which give him some advantage when swimming. His eyes are bright and clear with an amber hue—yes, yes, we call this dreamy in dog-talk.
Physically, the Chessie is arguably the most tank-like of the gun dogs. He was bred to work in an incredibly hostile and unforgiving environment, and it shows. But, let’s be clear: this breed is tough enough to withstand almost anything Mother Nature can throw at him—but this is not a dog who will thrive as an outsider. Though physically tough as nails, the Chessie brings a sensitive soul to the table, and is very devoted to his family, so make way for that big, beautiful Chessie in your home or find another breed!
This brings us to the subject of temperament, and the Chessie is certainly an interesting case. He’s a dog with a mind of his own—assertive and confident, but with a soft side. The best way to train a Chessie is with early socialization and positive reinforcement. These dogs bond intently with their loved ones and even a harsh look or word can be hurtful. Chessies are smart, biddable, and eager to please their loved ones—pretty much a dream for those seeking a dog who can be taught good manners.
The Chessie is an “up for anything” dog—especially if it involves physical or mental exertion. He’ll thrive if you engage him in field trials, hunt tests, agility, tracking, obedience, or confirmation. He wants to work and he wants to please. Talk about a winning combination.
One thing is for sure, this is a working dog, born and bred, through and through. The Chessie wants to work. For those in search of “just” a companion, this is not the breed. The Chessie does love his people and will take in as much dotage as they can offer—but he’ll be missing something if he doesn’t have a job. This breed needs to be busy—runs, hunts, walks, plays… whatever, so long as he’s kept engaged.
The Chessie is downright aloof if you compare him with many Retriever breeds. He’s not a Velcro dog—the kind who constantly reminds you how much he loooooves you. That’s not his style. He’ll almost always be close by, and to a degree he’ll be on guard for you, but mostly, he will simply be with you. Loving you, giving you space, and asking for it in return. For some, and I won’t lie—I’m one—that sounds like a dream.
Rest assured, when you’re ready to get a move on, your Chessie will be by your side. He’ll be right there with you, up for the next big adventure.
Shedding and ‘eau du chien’ are things you may just have to learn to accept about the breed. The Chessie loves being in the water and that oily coat is built for it. But it can be a bit… smelly. As for shedding, at least once a year, plan on some pretty epic shedding. Even with regular brushing, it’s inevitable. Cheap-o vacuums need not apply at the homes where Chessies run the show.
So, is the Chessie the right dog for you? Let me put it to you as simply as I can: If you love the idea of a Labrador Retriever, but can’t stop thinking about those amber eyes and that dense curly coat… then no, the Chessie is not for you.
Why? Because he’s not just a version of a Lab or a Golden or of anything, for that matter. He’s his own dog. And he’s a lot of dog. This is a sporting animal for serious animal lovers. The best guardian for a Chessie is the one who gets him—a fellow sportsman or outdoor enthusiast who wants to dedicate the time and resources needed to giving this beautiful soul what he needs. Serious inquiries only, as the saying goes—because Chessies are special, indeed, and they deserve nothing but the best.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Brave, playful, and clever
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a family dog through and through. Silly, friendly, and smart, they make loyal companions devoted to their families. With a wide, smiling mouth, broad chest, and compact, solidly muscled body, the Staffordshire is a sweetheart—official breed standards mandates the Stafford must be affectionate with children—but also a powerhouse. As the AKC notes, “While [the Stafford] is a sweet-tempered, affectionate dog, his strength and determination require an experienced owner who can work with him in a firm, but gentle way.” This dog is gentle, playful, and clever, but also brave, tenacious, and slightly stubborn.
This is also a breed that doesn’t always socialize easily with other dogs or animals. Dayna Lemke, the author of A New Owner’s Guide to Staffordshire Bull Terriers says: “It’s better to go into the Stafford experience expecting to have a dog who isn’t canine social than the other way around.” Early and extensive socialization with other dogs and animals is recommended for all Staffords.
If you’re looking for a loyal, lovey dog devoted to its family, one who perhaps prefers human friendship over canine buddies, the silly, smiling Stafford might be the dog for you.
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier right for you? Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate, graceful, and gentle
Despite being named after a king and boasting one of the most unquestionably upper crust pedigrees of any breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is too full of affection to stand on formality. Perhaps this is the secret behind the long love affair between the Cavalier and the British monarchs—surrounded by propriety and stiff etiquette, the royals must have delighted in the unassuming and unrehearsed antics of their little spaniels.
At least three Stuart kings owned the breed, as well as Queen Victoria, whose favourite pet during the early part of her reign was a Cavalier named Dash. The young queen even wrote an epitaph for Dash upon his death.
Confusingly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a cousin with a similar name
—the dome-headed, short-faced King Charles Spaniel. The Cavalier is primarily distinguished by his longer muzzle and flatter head.
The Cavalier currently ranks 19th in popularity in the US, thanks to the compact, friendly, and adaptable nature of this breed. At 12 to 13 inches in height, the Cavalier is small and portable yet is not fragile or dainty. The essence of the Cavalier’s personality is “Hello! I love you!” The breed sports a silky, medium-length coat in black and tan, ruby, tricolour, or red and white.
Today, the Cavalier may find repose upon a cozy couch rather than on the silken cushions of her courtly past, but one thing has not changed—as Queen Victoria wrote of her own darling Dash, these sweet-natured spaniels still “live beloved.”
Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel right for you? Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
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