The Chesapeake Bay Retriever (CBR) is a deeply affectionate all-American breed with a soft heart and protective nature. While not an attack dog by any means, they establish a strong family circle and keep a constant and watchful eye over them. Intentional and well-guided socialization between 3 weeks and 12 months of age is crucial for the development of confident dogs who adjust and adapt well to new people, dogs and situations. Chesapeakes are keenly intelligent and have a strong work drive; as such they do best when they are properly obedience trained and understand their role and expectations within your family unit. This breed needs regular physical activity and time with their people to be healthy and calm. Almost without fail, a "bad" CBR is either poorly bred, not adequately exercised, or (this is usually the prime suspect) is not in the house with their family often enough. A CBR's typical lifespan is 10 - 13 years. Average weight for an adult male is 65 - 80 pounds and for females is 55 - 70 pounds. This breed's heritage is a waterfowling one and they prove over and over again to be irreplaceable hunting partners who can withstand extreme weather conditions with ease. Chessies blow coat (shed heavily while their undercoat is replacing itself) twice yearly, typically in spring and fall. CBR's are moderate shedders the rest of the year; brushing and/or vacuuming two to three times weekly will keep "Chessie tumbleweeds" to a minimum and your dog's coat in top shape. Bathing should be done sparingly and only with appropriate shampoos to maintain the waterproofing oils in the protective top coat. Fun fact: Many Chesapeakes display the "Chessie Grin" when excited, happy or hoping they have pleased you; this should not be mistaken for aggression.
Tug is our old gal. She's a Lab mix who came to us when we were still growing up ourselves. Though she's never been a part of our breeding program, she has always played a huge role in training all the puppies brought here and born here.
As a breeder who feels the responsibility to not only protect the cherished traits of Chesapeakes but also to continually improve my own lines, it does not make sense for a small program like mine to own stud dogs. There is no such thing as a "perfect" dog; a breeder who tells you their dog has it all is fibbing. That's why I seek out studs who strengthen my dogs' weaker points and build upon their strong points. While it's a complicated equation involving a lot of homework and diligent research, the results are well worth it: healthy, temperamentally sound and beautifully built puppies. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have about your puppy's sire.