Chesapeake Coat
A Chesapeake has an oily double coat; a dense wooly undercoat and a coarse outercoat (topcoat).
Do Chesapeakes shed. . .why yes, yes they do! Some shed very little while others shed all the time so if you are an immaculate fastidious person looking for a non shedding breed then a Chessie is not right for you.
Although they do not shed as much as some breeds they do what we call “blowing coat” typically twice a year but this varies from one dog to another. Some shed evenly all over, some shed in patches and some may have bald spots or all over bald.
To help in the shedding process you can. . .
Do Chesapeakes shed. . .why yes, yes they do! Some shed very little while others shed all the time so if you are an immaculate fastidious person looking for a non shedding breed then a Chessie is not right for you.
Although they do not shed as much as some breeds they do what we call “blowing coat” typically twice a year but this varies from one dog to another. Some shed evenly all over, some shed in patches and some may have bald spots or all over bald.
To help in the shedding process you can. . .
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Bathe your dog to loosen all the dead undercoat. |
The texture of the Chesapeake’s coat is very important, as the Chesapeake is used for hunting under all sorts of adverse weather conditions, often working in ice and snow. The oils found in the coat help protect from water penetrating to the skin and aids in quick drying. When a Chessie leaves the water and shakes they should be nearly dry and the coat should not retain water, they should merely be slightly damp.
Chessies are wash and wear dogs! The most grooming I ever do for my dogs is an occasional bath once a year or so and combing out the dead undercoat when they are blowing coat. Chessies should never be shaved down in the summer or at all unless it is a medical necessity. Their coats are designed to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Adequate shade and shelter should always be provided if your dog is outside no matter what the weather.
Chessies are wash and wear dogs! The most grooming I ever do for my dogs is an occasional bath once a year or so and combing out the dead undercoat when they are blowing coat. Chessies should never be shaved down in the summer or at all unless it is a medical necessity. Their coats are designed to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Adequate shade and shelter should always be provided if your dog is outside no matter what the weather.
Chesapeake Color
From the Official Chesapeake Bay Retriever Standard...
"The color of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever must be nearly that of its working surroundings as possible. Any color of brown, sedge, or deadgrass is acceptable, selfcolored Chesapeakes being preferred. One color is not to be preferred over another. A white spot on the breast, belly, toes or back of feet (immediately above the large pad) is permissible, but the smaller the spot the better, solid colored preferred. The color of the coat and its texture must be given every consideration when judging on the bench or in the ring. Honorable scars are not to be penalized.
Disqualifications: Black colored; white on any part of the body except breast, belly, toes or back of feet must be disqualified."
From the three acceptable colors there are many varying shades of each color as well as masking, brindle and tan points.
Correct coat and function are more important than color. Color is usually just a preference and makes no difference in the ability of the dog."
