Chesapeake Bay Retriever
CHESS-uh-peek BAY rih-TREE-vur
Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive, Protective. Originally bred for retrieving waterfowl from icy chesapeake bay waters.
An adult Chesapeake Bay Retriever weighs 65-80 lbs (male) or 55-70 lbs (female), needs 1,090-2,070 calories daily, and lives 10-13 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs 1,090 to 2,070 calories per day. An average male (72 lbs / 32.9 kg) needs around 1,630 kcal; a female (62 lbs / 28.4 kg) roughly 1,460 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Chesapeake Bay Retriever. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever typically lives 10-13 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Born to swim; cold water doesn't faze them. Also enjoys hiking and field work. As a sporting breed, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a thick, short, oily, waterproof double coat coat. Origin: United States (Chesapeake Bay).
The toughest of the retriever breeds, bred to work in freezing Chesapeake Bay waters. More protective and territorial than Labs or Goldens. Their oily coat has a distinct 'doggy' smell. Maryland's state dog.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Tools for Chesapeake Bay Retriever owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 1090 to 2070 calories per day for an adult Chesapeake Bay Retriever. A 72-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Avoid high-calorie puppy foods designed for small breeds. Large breed puppies need moderate calorie density with controlled calcium and phosphorus. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 65-80 lbs (29.5–36.3 kg). Females run lighter at 55-70 lbs (24.9–31.8 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
If you own a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, hip dysplasia is the condition your vet will likely screen for first. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, degenerative myelopathy. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever thrives on 60 to 90 minutes of daily physical activity. Good activities for this breed include retrieving games, swimming, field work. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised Chesapeake Bay Retriever will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026