• Chessies require a great deal of exercise, including swimming if possible. If they don't receive adequate exercise, they can become frustrated and destructive.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not recommended for inexperienced or first-time dog owners.
• They can be prone to dominance problems if not properly trained and socialized. You must provide strong leadership without being harsh.
• Chessies can be more aggressive, willful, and reserved with strangers than other retrievers.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may be combative toward other dogs.
• Chessies are strong dogs, slow to mature, with a tendency to be territorial. They need firm training and management.
• To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from a backyard breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.

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