<Tr> <Th> Notes </Th> <Td> State dog of Maryland </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) </Td> </Tr> <P> The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large - sized breed of dog belonging to the Retriever, Gundog, and Sporting breed groups . Members of the breed may also be referred to as a Chessie, CBR, or Chesapeake . The breed was developed in the United States Chesapeake Bay area during the 19th century . Historically used by area market hunters to retrieve waterfowl, it is primarily a family pet and hunting companion . They are often known for their love of water and their ability to hunt . It is a medium to large sized dog similar in appearance to the Labrador Retriever . The Chesapeake has a wavy coat, rather than the Labrador's smooth coat . They are described as having a bright and happy disposition, courage, willingness to work, alertness, intelligence, and love of water as some of their characteristics . </P> <P> Distinctive features include eyes that are very clear, of yellowish or amber hue, hindquarters as high or a trifle higher than the shoulders, and a double - coat that tends to wave on shoulders, neck, back, and loins . The waterproof coat feels slightly oily and is often associated with a slight musky odor . Three basic colors are generally seen in the breed: brown, which includes all shades from a light to a deep dark brown; sedge, which varies from a reddish yellow through a bright red to chestnut shades; and deadgrass in all its shades, varying from a faded tan to a dull straw color . The breed standard states that white may also appear but it must be limited to the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet . The head is round and broad with a medium stop and muzzle . The lips are thin, and the ears are small and of medium leather . The forelegs should be straight with good bone . The hindquarters are especially strong and the toes webbed since excellent swimming ability is important for the Chesapeake . This breed is also known for its large and powerful chest, used to break apart ice when diving into cold water while duck hunting . </P>

Where did the chesapeake bay retriever originated from