| Height | 23-26 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–13+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Bright / Affectionate / Sensitive [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | United States [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 56 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
This is an intelligent, high-energy breed. They really need a job and plenty of exercise. Hiking, running, hunting, and swimming are what they love to do. [1]
Grooming
This is a shorthaired breed with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. They do shed, and a good brushing about once a week will keep the dead hair on your floor to a minimum. Basically, Chessies don't require much grooming or bathing. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Hip dysplasia is a concern in most dogs, Chesapeakes included. There are some other hereditary diseases that can affect the breed, but fortunately there are tests that responsible breeders use to assess these and screen breeding stock. It is important for breeders to supply the health information about the sire and dam to anyone interested in obtaining a puppy. As with all breeds, a Chesapeake's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test, Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Chesapeake Bay Retriever in 1878. [1]
- It ranked No. 56 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 42 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Chessie.” [1]
- The AKC lists United States as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 6 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-13 years.
How big does a Chesapeake Bay Retriever get?
AKC breed information lists height 23-26 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female) and weight 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.