Retrievers - an Energetic and Fun Breed for Your Family

All of these dogs tend to shed, especially twice a year when their coat changes (winter and summer coats). They have a double coat, with a soft layer underneath, and a more protective “guard” coat on top. Except for the two main periods of shedding, unless in a hot climate, they are considered moderate shedders the rest of the year. They have a medium to long coat, but are easy to brush, so grooming maintenance at home is moderate.

Retrievers, in general, were bred to bring back the hunter’s downed birds without damaging them. They have a soft, gentle mouth.

They have a larger build then the spaniel and are quite strong, but because they were bred to tolerate loud sounds (like a gunshot) and endure uncomfortable surroundings as they went in to retrieve birds downed by their hunter, they tend to be very tolerant of noisy and rambunctious kids, and make wonderful dogs to grow up with.

Since they are large and strong, they need to be trained and taught to be controlled on a lead at an early age, or they will drag you and your kids to hither and yon.

They are great fun to play with, and love to retrieve balls and Frisbees. Labs and Goldens require exercise and training, as they are active breeds. If you can’t help them keep physically active a few times a day, they tend to get frustrated and act out in the household, especially before they reach age three or four. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, even more than Goldens and Labs require a great amount of regular exercise, training (needs to be a family member who trains them), and early socialization with other dogs to prevent aggression with other canines when they meet at dog parks, etc. Chessies also seem to have trouble being boarded away from their family, so keep this in mind if you like to travel and usually board or kennel your dogs while you are away.