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The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a happy, affectionate family companion and so much more! Bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl on land and water—and under the most adverse weather conditions—the Chessie is a versatile, intelligent hunting partner. He thrives on having a job to do, whether it's breaking through ice to retrieve a bird or joining you on a family hike.While other dogs will look at you like you're crazy if you ask them to fetch in rough, cold water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is in his element.

This is partly due to his double coat, which consists of a wavy, harsh outer coat and a woolly, dense undercoat, with plenty of natural oils.

 

A photo posted by @annferdy on Oct 4, 2016 at 9:29am PDT

The various coat colors are meant to blend into his surroundings — an advantage for a hunter, either human or canine.

Chessies really love the water! See how effortlessly they swim. You can also see why it's called the “doggie paddle.”

 

A video posted by Susan Ballek (@teal06371) on Oct 3, 2016 at 7:44pm PDT

With their naturals skills, they excel at dock diving.

They're equally talented on land.

 

A photo posted by Amy Wernecke (@amywern) on Oct 5, 2016 at 4:09pm PDT

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is always ready for a game of fetch, no matter how unwieldy the target.

 

A photo posted by Hazel (@hazel_the_chessie) on Oct 16, 2016 at 12:19pm PDT

And sometimes, he finds his own amusement.

Chessies are so versatile that they can be taught to do many things, even “help” around the house.

Unlike less emotionally complex gun dogs, he may have a mind of his own when it comes to training.

 

A photo posted by Emily G. (@emilyjanegoetz) on Oct 2, 2016 at 5:02pm PDT

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever isn't just active and energetic. He's also an affectionate, happy, and loyal family companion.

 

A photo posted by Heath Gatti (@hkgatti22) on Oct 9, 2016 at 4:46pm PDT

Who is very good with children.

 

A photo posted by Sean Kennedy (@camodaddy) on Oct 16, 2016 at 9:17am PDT

It would be hard to find a more attentive, intelligent companion!

 

A photo posted by Read Kerlin (@readk) on Sep 29, 2016 at 7:29pm PDT

Or a goofier playmate.

 

A photo posted by Jayde Gorling (@jaygor) on Oct 4, 2016 at 2:33pm PDT

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