'nother dog question

[Cruiserdrew]

Anyone on the board have a Chesapeake Bay Retriever? I'm looking into getting a dog for me. Currently the family has a very nice and good natured Springer Spaniel. Hoever, it's really my wife's dog. I want a dog to go running with me and that would like all the camping and hiking trips we do around Northern California. The Chesapeake sounds perfect. I'm curious about disposition, bad/good behaviors, and appropriateness as a member of the family, including our Springer. Even though it's a hunting breed, I go bird hunting only once or twice per year so that isn't a huge priority. I do live right next to the American River, so getting the dog in the water will not be an issue.

 

[wob]

Chesapeakes are lot like labs. You have to bath them more frequently because their coats are more oily and they will stink. Generally a good dog, but the males are usually more aggressive than Labs towards other animals. Good outdoorsy manly dog, though. That may be my next dog.

 

[Degnol]

I have found Chessies to be very unpredictable in temperament, unlike labs.
I would have a lab any day over a Chessie, but that is my limited experience. I've only known three Chessies and they all had weird personalities, and not the kind you would want around kids.

Sorry.



Ed

 

[wob]

I have found Chessies to be very unpredictable in temperament, unlike labs.
I would have a lab any day over a Chessie, but that is my limited experience. I've only known three Chessies and they all had weird personalities, and not the kind you would want around kids.

Sorry.



Ed

Yes, I was sugarcoating it a little.

Here is a breakdown.

 

[flintknapper]

I think woody has a Chessie. I have never owned one...but I've been around a few. The link Wob provided is spot on.

Maybe what you really want is a Chocolate Lab (of course they have their quirks too), in fact...much of what was written for the Chessie applies to some Labs as well.

Choose carefully, train diligently, and enjoy your new friend.

 

[cruiserdan]

Get a Britt Andy. Better attitude and it will run yer arse off...



Besides, I have connections...


D-

 

[Mace]

I have a chessie and a lab. Out of the two the Chessie is a LOT smarter and incredibly devoted to the family.

She also smiles

Unfortunately, she hates guns.

 

[cruiserdan]

Unfortunately, she hates guns.

A bit inconvienent for a hunting dog, no?......

 

[nyk438]

Family I work for has 2 of them. They prefer those dogs over labs. I'm around them 3 or 4 hours every week while I work and they're very friendly and playful animals. One of them is a little skittish but they had it rescued from an abusive owner. Never have any of them been aggressive towards me, both are females. I think they're nice animals.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I have a chessie and a lab. Out of the two the Chessie is a LOT smarter and incredibly devoted to the family.

She also smiles

Unfortunately, she hates guns.

Interesting-those were the qualities I was looking for. How does the Chessie socialize with the other dog?

Funny about our Springer and guns. She has never been hunting, but has been with my son and I several times when we were shooting. She has no fear of the guns, no problems with the noise and knew to stay out of the line of fire. She knew just what to do in a way that was almost weird. Genetic? She was happy to hang with us all day the last time were were out in the hills with .22s. I am going to try her pheasant hunting this winter and see how she does.

 

[mooker82]

I have had a chessie and they can be extremely hard headed. The male I had was more stubborn than the Weimerainer that I have now. I agree with Dan get a Brittany. My Brittany is the best dog I have ever had. He is a great gun dog and is just at home in my house.