History

The Chesapeake was created in the U.S. in the early 1800’s from two Newfoundland dogs that were rescued from a shipwreck in Maryland. These Newfoundlands enjoyed the water and had good retrieving skills, and they were crossed with various other retrieving breeds such as the Curly-Coated Retriever and the English Otter Hound, to create today’s Chesapeake. They were bred specifically for hunting and retrieving, and they gained their name from the Chesapeake Bay where they would swim through icy cold and choppy waters to retrieve ducks.

Health

The average life expectancy for this breed is between 10 – 12 years, and the breed is associated with some genetically inherited conditions which pet owners should be aware of, including eye problems and hip dysplasia.