Chessie

[danield33]

Haven't done much research yet but was wondering about the size, shedding, and temperment of the Chessies. I've always hunted over labs but always liked the way the chessies looked.

Just doing some research and I trust the guys on this site over the reviews of Yahoo and Google.

Thanks for any info.

DD

[WetDawg]

As a former member of the American Chesapeake Club, I owned and hunted with top notch Chessie for 6 years. He came from the finest stock and was professionally trained. He was the absolute best dog I have had the privilege to own and hunt over as well and compete with in hunt tests.

Sadly, he was also the biggest pain in my *** ever.

You need to know what your getting into up front. First, Chessies are not for the faint at heart or new hunting dog owners. These dogs are neurotic if not a psychotic about retrieving. They are fearless and never tire or get cold. HOWEVER, they do not idle very well either. Much like modern day NFL players they work hard and play hard. My trainer once said if your dog were a person he would be in prison. In short they are NOT labs. I would NEVER walk up to a Chessie in the back of some strangers truck and try to pet it, you would likely get your hand bitten off.

If you decide to go the Chessie route RESEARCH the breeder and talk to other puppy owners. Be sure that the stock has a good temperament, because even Chessies with "good" temperaments are a handful. Ask the breeder what their return policy is and how often they have gotten pups back and WHY (i.e. did they growl at their kid or dig up the lawn?).

Even the mildest Chessie will CONSTANTLY challenge you to see if you are still in charge, and they will constantly want to go, go, go. If you live in an apartment forget it. If you have small children forget it, if you have other dogs, forget it. If you have a busy job and travel a lot, forget it.

If you have a big back yard and PLENTY of free time to devote to training AND working with the dog DAILY from DAY 1, then go for it. If you have a lot of patience, go for it. If you have the money for a professional trainer who has EXPERIENCE with Chessies, then go for it.

If not, save yourself a lot of time, money, aggravation, and stiches and just get a lab.


Feel free to PM me for more details.

Wes

[Capt HiC]

I'd only Bite your hand if you tryed to take Hiram's STuff.from the truck.
Check out Northern Flight Kernnels. And Butch's Book" Retrievers from the inside out"

[danield33]

Thanks guys for the info. This is the starting point of a long process. I have my third child due in early spring so I figure I'm at least a year and a half out before I purchase or get a dog but I figure I need to start my info search early.

Any other comments would be appreciated.

P.S.

I look at that dog's face and I want to go to breeder right now.

DD

[Capt HiC]

And to think Tank was on Death Row..I recued him from North Carolina.
He was the Homelyist looking dog I ever saw when they sent me the pictures.
I was contacted by the Chesapeak Recue Group to help.
I drove up 18 hrs and 22 back to Ft.Lauderdale. Just to save him and foster him.
This is his second season and a work in progress and mine till the end.
Do your research Chessies aren't for everyone.
but the natural hunting instincts are alive and well in most of them.As they haven't been bred for the general public like Labs. Don't get me wrong there are some great labs out there.
There's a lady in Davie that used to show Chessies. She loved Tank. SO he's a chick magnet also:occasion14

Good Luck and remember whatever breed you get it's alot of work and enjoyment.

HiC

[standby]

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh220/OldGobbler1/Picture117.jpg

[Baydog]

WetDawg:

To generalize all chesapeakes by one experience is like classifying all people of a certain racial or ethnic background by an experience with one person!

In general, chesapeakes are one person or one family dogs. Yes, they are protective and need a strong master to make their decisions for them. You let your chessie get the upper hand at an early age and you've just ruined what could be the best dog you might ever own! A good chessie comes from proper training and socialization that starts when they are puppies.

My wife and I have been ACC members for close to 20 years. I have been around the breed for as long as I can remember. We have owned 10 chessies during that time and rescued several. (we now have 5 at home). The responsible breeders (and there are many) have come a long way with chessie temperament. The breeders who breed almost exclusively for field work have entirely different objectives. Performance in the field is their main focus, and to h##l with form, structure, and temperament. I have seen many driven to hunt, borderline psychotic retrievers in all breeds. I recently overheard a prominent labrador field breeder tell a person "If you want a house pet you don't want one of my dogs!!

So, if a chessie is what you are thinking of, talk to a cross-section of owners and breeders. Spend some time around their dogs. Pick a breeder who does both show and field work, as this will ensure a balanced dog you can hunt with a couple of months out of the year, and most important, live with for the other nine or ten.

[Torrentduck]

I second Baydog's comments. The situation Wetdawg described exists, but painting the breed with such a wide brush based on one dog is not fair. We are on are third. I'll never own another retriever breed (might make an exception for a Boykin). It is not b/c I dislike labs, goldens, flatcoats, curlys, etc., but is due to the fact that I love Chessies. Current one lives with 5 beagles, trains in a field with two goats and 2 horses. Other two lived with 2 beagles and 4 cats. Best friends, best companions. All have loved kids and attention. You should only be worrried about them if I am worried about you and they are standing next to me. They are not for everyone. If you want a push button rocket that runs on auto-pilot, pick another breed.

Don

[Torrentduck]

I really need to start looking at when these threads start (or log on more frequently). Sorry for stirring a one year old pot. Danield33-- did you ever get your pup?

[Capt HiC]

NO worries they are some Brown dog lover here..

[Kimi012]

chesapeakes are one being or one ancestors dogs. Yes, they are careful and charge a able adept to accomplish their decisions for them. You let your chessie get the high duke at an aboriginal age and you've just broke what could be the best dog you ability anytime own! A acceptable chessie comes from able training and socialization that starts if they are puppies.

[Randy Clark]

heck dan chessies are a pushover if you want a dog that will retrieve and tenderize your game at the same time think about griz:evil6:
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p208/lakejessup/DSCN0586.jpg

[danield33]

I really need to start looking at when these threads start (or log on more frequently). Sorry for stirring a one year old pot. Danield33-- did you ever get your pup?

No... Still far away but I still follow this thread and you can see others do too.

My third child just had her 1st birthday and with work, family, and the like I don't think getting a dog is going to be in the cards for me.

I'm hoping in about 3-4 years my 4 year old will start asking for a dog and then I can revisit this issue. I'll tell the kids I'm getting them a dog but really I'll use that opportunity to get "MY" Dog.

With 3 daughters, my wife, and my sister-in-law, (who currently lives with us), the only criteria that the dog will need to have by then is a twig and berries.

TOO MUCH UNOPPOSED ESTROGEN AROUND THIS HOUSE!:help:

DD

[danield33]

I'd only Bite your hand if you tryed to take Hiram's STuff.from the truck.
Check out Northern Flight Kernnels. And Butch's Book" Retrievers from the inside out"

I really want to hunt over your dog some time Hiram. Is there a chance we can make that happen during the 2011-12 season?

P.S. You can come too.:tongue1:

[duckbone]

Dan I will be getting a dog after I get moved. Not a chessie though I want a social dog. Maybe a lab from where Garett and Eddie got theirs. They seem to be two really good pups.

[Baydog]

Hey Torrentduck, Diesel got his HRC started title yesterday, did it in four tries, not bad for a show dog. Judges were incredibly helpful I had a great time! See you around sometime. Rich.

[Fun n' Gun]

I dont know a whole lot about dogs but from what I understand chesapeakes are not the nicest dogs particularly around kids and other dogs.

[Torrentduck]

Hey Torrentduck, Diesel got his HRC started title yesterday, did it in four tries, not bad for a show dog. Judges were incredibly helpful I had a great time! See you around sometime. Rich.

Hey Baydog. That's great!!! Congratulations. Go team brown dog!!!

Don

[Torrentduck]

I dont know a whole lot about dogs but from what I understand chesapeakes are not the nicest dogs particularly around kids and other dogs.

That about says it.

Here is a picture of our third chessie minutes before she ate 4 beagles. A few minutes earlier she had consumed two of my nieces who were posing for the picture.
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff479/torrentduck/Dogsxmas09.jpg


Here a picture of our second chessie tasting the beagle she has just killed for looking at her funny.

http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff479/torrentduck/Picture037.jpg

If you want, I have a video of our third chessie chasing down other beagles....if you listen close, you can hear them scream. Go to retriever training forum and type in Chessie Pics for lots of photos of the breed eating children. Don't paint with such a broad brush. I know goldens, labs, and tollers that will take your face off. Lines, genetics, socialization, and owner abilitiy/knowledge shapes the dog.

[backcast]

People that own pits say they're sweethearts too.

[Fun n' Gun]

Like I said I don't claim to know a whole lot about dogs, thanks for pointing that out again you are pretty sharp (or maybe you are just sensitive). Looks like yours is a sweetheart, I'm sure there are good ones from every breed but what I said above is a common theme regarding Chesapeakes. The only times I've been at the boat ramp and had a dog owner ask me to put my dog in the truck is when their dog is a Chessie. Not all Chessies (obviously not yours) but I've had that mentioned to me a few times.

Carry on.

[backcast]

I'm down to a shortlist of dogs to get. I like the idea of a Chessie, GWP, or a Boykin. The meanest dog on earth lives in my house and he's 8lbs...my wife's chihuahua. Been living with that *******o for 4 years and he's pizzed to see me every day.

[Torrentduck]

I'm down to a shortlist of dogs to get. I like the idea of a Chessie, GWP, or a Boykin. The meanest dog on earth lives in my house and he's 8lbs...my wife's chihuahua. Been living with that *******o for 4 years and he's pizzed to see me every day.

We are always looking for pond testers at retriever training days. Bring the the taco bell mascot and we can put him to use:)

[Torrentduck]

Like I said I don't claim to know a whole lot about dogs, thanks for pointing that out again you are pretty sharp (or maybe you are just sensitive). Looks like yours is a sweetheart, I'm sure there are good ones from every breed but what I said above is a common theme regarding Chesapeakes. The only times I've been at the boat ramp and had a dog owner ask me to put my dog in the truck is when their dog is a Chessie. Not all Chessies (obviously not yours) but I've had that mentioned to me a few times.

Carry on.

OK--not sensitive, but maybe I was having a bad day. Sorry to be a d..khead. Does get old hearing the comments about Chessies. They have their history and stereotypes come from somewhere. Being a vet, I have seen lots of owner described "nice" dogs of many purportedly good tempered breeds be real sh*theads (and not just because I had my finger up their arse). This likely fuels my annoyance. One guy at retreiver club has said 3-4 times in earshot "watch out for that one" to novice handler/dog owners without really even knowing me or the dog. And yeah... I called him on it.

As for the comment about people thinking their pits are sweeties....now that's just crazy talk. Comparing retriever to baiter/holder breed is like comparing a extreme democrat to an extreme republican...both dogs, but way different agenda :toothy5:

Comment about Boykins-- think they are a great breed. If I were to own another breed for retrieving, that would be it...they have a lot of heart from what I see. Doesn't hurt that they have some Chessie in their ancestry.

[Capt HiC]

Tank is Very Protective Of My Stuff. That and Ducks is what they were bred for.
MY buddies in Struttgard were very impressed w him.
I couldn't ask for a better dog.
He road on the back of my friends ATV to get to the boat. Hunted with ten or twelve different people and three different dogs. Never a problem. But I was always his boss. WE all had a great time.
If you havn't seen the Video on the Public Side check it out.:director2
Capt HiC

[Randy Clark]

[QUOTE=Torrentduck;178077]As for the comment about people thinking their pits are sweeties....now that's just crazy talk. Comparing retriever to baiter/holder breed is like comparing a extreme democrat to an extreme republican...both dogs, but way different agenda :toothy5:

QUOTE]

hey dont go hating on pits now
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p208/lakejessup/DSCN0586.jpg

[Torrentduck]

Nah! Not a hater, just talk'n trash. Classmate had two pits that were absolute sweethearts. His wife had a baby while we were in school and those two dogs basically adopted the rug rat. Many just get a bad start with a bad owner--especially was the case in West Philadelphia.

[Torrentduck]

QUOTE]

hey dont go hating on pits now
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p208/lakejessup/DSCN0586.jpg[/QUOTE]

Does seem like that mouth may be more suited for retrieving swans over ducks :icon_wink

[Suspect XX]

Hey Torrentduck, Diesel got his HRC started title yesterday, did it in four tries, not bad for a show dog. Judges were incredibly helpful I had a great time! See you around sometime. Rich.

Congrats Baydog and Diesel. Now you got to start working on that HR title.

[Baydog]

Hi Mike: Had a great time at the treasure coast test. Just hard to beat the show the NEFHRC puts on. Im going to go to the next one even if I dont run Diesel! Rich

[Randy Clark]

torent he did get to retrieve jim's ross goose this year. but it would be nice to see him with a swan or a big canada.:occasion14:occasion14:occasion14

[Maysport]

Comment about Boykins-- think they are a great breed. If I were to own another breed for retrieving, that would be it...they have a lot of heart from what I see. Doesn't hurt that they have some Chessie in their ancestry.

Boykins DO have a lot of heart! They have a lot of versatility hunting upland as well, and make a great dog to have in the house that won't tear it up. They aren't the ones to take to New England to break ice all day, but you'll really enjoy a Boykin from good hunting stock.

Boykins truly are an American original dog, developed out of South Carolina:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc47/Maysport/gundog_2092_1397805147.jpg

Here's some pics of Cooper:


http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc47/Maysport/Coopers%20Teal/DSC05493.jpg


http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc47/Maysport/South%20Dakota%20Pheasant%20Hunt%202010/DSC04815.jpg

[WetDawg]

Wow! Been a while since I visited this thread and I must say I missed a great deal.

First off, I didn’t hate on all Chessies. I happen to love the breed as others here do. You HAVE to LOVE them to own one.

Second, my dog was obedience trained right from the beginning and then professionally trained for retrieving, however I handled him myself at events. He never “got out of control” nor got the upper hand at all. My statement was that he was a pain in the ***. Which was a fact. He would constantly TRY to challenge anyone or anything around him.

On a positive note, the dog was a fearless and relentless retriever. We hunted in 6 states and he picked up just about every game bird on the continent from geese, ducks, pheasants, woodcock, chukar, quail and everything in between. He have also picked up rabbits, squirrels, crows, you name it. In the 6 years we had together he never refused to make a retrieve.

However, he was not perfect, he would not tolerate the presence of another dog when he was retrieving. He just could not stand the sight of another dog with a bird (one of HIS birds) in its mouth. I could never let him off lead around other dogs nor have another dog in the boat / blind. He did work well with a friend’s female English Pointer on a weeklong pheasant trip to Iowa one year, however she only pointed and never attempted to retrieve birds.

All that being said, I have small children now and will eventually get another dog, still on the fence as to whether it will another Chessie or not.

[Capt HiC]

Just Remember if you get a Chessie . Your kids are his Kids..

You know the Breed.