| In the year 1807 an English ship was wrecked off the coast of Maryland. All hands were saved including two puppies. One was a reddish male named Sailor, and the other a young, black bitch named Canton in honor of the rescuing ship. The puppies were of the St. John's Newfoundland breed, used at the time to help fishermen recover their nets. Both were given homes in the Chesapeake Bay area, and as a result of their disposition toward water, were trained and used as duck retrievers. While Sailor and Canton were never bred to each other, they are considered to be the original breeding stock of the present Chesapeakes. However there have been numerous theories concerning which crosses were used in the development, of the desirable characteristics of the breed. It is believed that the Curly and Flat-Coated Retrievers, the Irish Water Spaniel, several setter breeds, and coonhounds, along with local duck retrievers, played a part in the development of a definite, true-breeding type of dog by 1885. This breed of dog became known for their courage and prowess exhibited in the icy cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Recognition of their unique abilities led to careful developmental breeding resulting in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever we know today. The first Chesapeake Bay Retriever was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1878. The present American Chesapeake Club was recognized by the AKC in 1918, becoming the first member breed club for retrievers. |
| History of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
| Sam and Patti Cooper 17254 Cool Spring Rd. Marydel, Maryland 21649 410-482-7376 |
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