The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that was developped in the USA, along the Chesapeake Bay in the Maryland State. Records on the origin of this breed state that its ancestry were two Newfoundlands that were saved from a wrecked English ship off the coast of Maryland in 1807. These Newfoundlands were crossed with local retrievers and other breeds like the English Otter Hound, and the English or Irish Water Spaniel. The new breed was named after its birthplace. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, referred to as Chessie by its fanciers, is an outstanding working dog,  known for its prowess in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Sometimes, Chessies have to break ice during the retrieves but their waterproof coats will retain only a few drops of water that are promptly eliminated with a prodigious shake. This breed is very versatile and is successfully used in tracking, schutzhund, guarding, watchdogging, competitive obedienceand field trial. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a very energetic dog that is happiest in a country household.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerful well-proportioned and muscular dog, giving the impression of agility and stamina. The body, with much subcutaneous fat, is of medium length and deep, neither clummsy nor coarse, with the flanks well tucked up and powerfull hindquarters. The Chest is strong, deep and broad. The Back is short and powerful. The forelegs are straight with good bone. The head has a broad, round skull, covered with short hair and with a medium stop. The muzzle is pointed, tapering towards the nose but without being sharp. The lips are thin and not pendulous..The Eyes are medium large, wid-set, yellowish or amber in colour and with an enquiring expression. The small ears are set well up on the head, hanging down. The medium length tail is straight or slightly curved (never curled over the back). The outer coat is rather short, slightly wavy and the undercoat is wooly and dense. Both the outercoat and the undercoat are oily and completely water-repellent. Chessies come in all shades of three basic colours: brown, sedge and deadgrass.