BEARTOWN CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVERS

Our Goals

The goal of our breeding program is to produce the type of Chesapeake that will be a pleasure to own, no matter what your interests. Not all litters will be field competition potential, but we do make breedings frequently for the serious hunter or hunt test competitor. Not all litters will set the show ring on fire, but there will be pups from most litters that can finish their championships. There will always be pups to suit hunters and active families.

Bred for hunters, by hunters.

Temperament and soundness are major objectives. Working ability is never sacrificed just to obtain excellence in the show ring. We have not tried to produce a uniform, instantly identifiable "Beartown" type Chessie. Hunters want and need variations in colour, build and activity level depending on their hunting situations.

Genetic diversity is necessary.

We like variety and the genetic diversity that it suggests. Compared to Labs and Goldens, the breed is small in numbers and has sometimes suffered from the effects of overbreeding to the popular sires of various eras. Our lines are founded on the breeding of Mount Joy's Mighty Ike***. Linebreeding, with frequent outcrossing to other lines has given us breeding stock that have a bit different background to most of the popular dogs available today.

Chesapeakes can do it all.

Beartown Chesapeakes hunt, sometimes go to dog shows, obedience trials, working certificate and hunt tests. They cheerfully pull the dogsled in the winter. They are best friends all year round.

Health is important.

All of our breeding stock is cleared for hip dysplasia and hereditary eye disease. Pups are graded for conformation and temperament. We do our best to match puppy and new family to ensure a long-lasting, satisfying partnership. All of our pups are sold with a replacement guarantee which covers all major hereditary and congenital defects. These defects must be confirmed by a veterinarian, of course. You do not have to return your original dog or have it euthanized. Proof of neutering or spaying is all we ask.

Help is available.

Included in the price of our pups, for those close enough to take advantage of the offer, is help with field or obedience training. Clients can come for free lessons with their dog at mutually convenient times. Help by letter or telephone is always available

Not just puppies.

We occasionally have older, started or trained dogs for sale. These dogs are sold on individually written contracts, depending on the age, clearances, amount of training, etc.