CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVERS

Hunting, that is what the breed is all about.

Chesapeakes are known as waterfowl specialists. They will hunt other birds and some are very accomplished at upland hunting. Beartown dogs are working with waterfowl guides and grouse guides. One Chesapeake owner and his dogs do guided hunts at a pheasant preserve. I'm sure there are Chessies out there retrieving rabbits and squirrels. I know that one of ours retrieved a woodchuck- a live woodchuck. Convincing her that I didn't want it was not easy.

Willow lives in Northern Ontario. The picture shows one of her first retrieves of a grouse. Many dogs don't like grouse and woodcock because the feathers come out easily in their mouths. Willow doesn't seem to care.

Of course, Chessies are much better known as duck and goose dogs. Small ponds, rivers, big water, sloughs- they love them all. Anywhere the birds are, that is where your Chesapeake wants to be. Early season or late, it is all the same to them.

Scotch is a multi talented retriever. He is a big boy, but still does very well at upland work as well as traditional waterfowl hunting. His owner and hunting partner, Henry is very proud of his work.

Big, tough Chesapeakes come to mind when you hear the phrase goose dog. As experienced hunters know, it doesn't take a huge dog to be good at goose hunting. Desire and determination are the main attributes needed in a goose dog.

This picture brings back memories to all hunters. The decoys are set, the blind is ready. The sky gets lighter. Will they come today? Widgeon is sure they will.

According to experts, most dogs are farsighted. They also have much keener hearing than we do. Is it any wonder that your experienced Chesapeake knows that birds are coming before you hear or see them?

The hunt is over. The pictures are being set up. Look at the camera, Stephen and Hobbes. Hobbes is having none of that. He hears another flock coming from behind. Dogs don't know about limits. They just want more birds.

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