We have a soft spot for the Chessie. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was born on these shores, and Maryland made it the state dog.

Quick answer: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a working dog bred to bring back ducks for hunters on the Bay. Maryland named it the state dog in 1964. The American Kennel Club registered the first one in 1878. Its oily double coat keeps out icy water, and it comes in brown, sedge or deadgrass.

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Maryland’s State Dog

Maryland made the Chesapeake Bay Retriever its official dog in 1964.[1] It is one of only a few dog breeds developed in the United States.[1]

The Shipwreck Legend

No one knows its history for sure. The story goes that an English ship wrecked off Maryland in the early 1800s. Two young Newfoundland dogs survived. They were bred to local coonhounds, and the Chessie was born.[1]

Built for Icy Water

The breed has a double coat. The outer coat is coarse and wavy. The undercoat is fine and woolly, with lots of natural oil. Together they keep out icy water. The colors are brown, sedge and deadgrass, which blend in with the marsh.[1]

What Chessies Do

They shine in field and obedience trials. Some work with drug agents or visit hospitals. Others do search and rescue.[1] Since 1966 the breed has been the mascot of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.[1]

Frequently asked questions

When did the Chesapeake Bay Retriever become Maryland’s state dog? In 1964.

What colors does a Chesapeake Bay Retriever come in? Brown, sedge or deadgrass.

When did the AKC register the first Chesapeake Bay Retriever? In 1878.

References

Explore the Chessie’s home waters on our map.