Breed History
A fascinating and lucky history lies behind the Chesapeake Bay Retriever....
In 1807, two pups (assumed to be Newfoundlands, one red in color and the other black) were rescued from an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland. As the pups grew they gained the reputation of skilled water retrievers, particularly suited to the cold and unforgiving waters of Chesapeake Bay. Over time, the progeny of these dogs were bred with Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands and local hound crosses to create the breed we recognize today.The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers willingness to repeatedly swim through icy waters without hesitation to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl, as well as its ability to mark and remember where a hunters quarry has fallen, helped to spread the breeds renown throughout the United States. In 1885, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club, making it one of the oldest AKC-recognized breeds and one of the few breeds created in the United States.