EH: Loyal, versatile and determined. NH: Intelligent, hearty companion. BHH: Intelligent, devoted and protective.
DB: I do not see as many “good ones” as in the late 80s to early 2000s. There certainly are some very correct ones but far too many are just average dogs often without the proportions, structure and substance the breed should have. Since the numbers for points are low, it is not dif- ficult to finish a Chesapeake. EH: Yes, the overall quality is better. When I first started they were mostly straight in the rear and high in the rear. The standard says they can be a trifle higher in the rear, not 2 or 3 inches! Also when I started good coats were hard to find, at least on the west coast. NH: Not really. There always seem to be a few stars across the country, many nice dogs in general and then some that are lacking. The breed type has changed very little. BHH: Yes, coats have greatly improved with required harsh- ness and correct undercoat. Rears are much stronger now. Heads have improved with correct proportions (not as many with short muzzles) and as a result bites are much better. However, some ears are much larger than desired. No, fronts and rears should have more angula- tion and better balance. 5. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? DB: This dog must be judged as a Working dog, which means correct structure and sound gait. A lovely profuse coat without the proper body conformation underneath alone does not give the dog what it requires for its work. Judges need to stop looking for and rewarding dogs with a prominent fore-chest bone. It is not required in the standard. We do want the front legs of the dog under- neath the body showing a well laid back shoulder blade and length of upper arm vital for swimming. The chest has depth at least to the elbow, too. The breed is also just off square in proportion. Topline shows the rear as high as the shoulders (yes, level) or the rear a trifle (a little bit) higher than shoulders. The higher than shoulders rear should be a steady line rising slightly to the hindquar- ters—no dip in the back or loin! There are variety of cor- rect coat styles with all sharing a thick undercoat with a somewhat coarse outer. Coats that are shorter and dense with some waving are just as correct as longer coats with profuse waving.
2. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? DB: The dog must have the correct proportion of slightly longer than tall and equal in length from shoulder to elbow and elbow to ground. Far too many are too long in body proportions. A Chesapeake needs depth of chest at least to the elbow (below is better to me) as well. He or she has to have a well laid back shoulder and well bent stifles. However, the standard does not require or even mention a prominent fore-chest bone and judges need to stop making their choices based on a trait that is not in the standard! The dog needs a thick dense coat with a tendency to wave but no one waving pattern is preferred. Well boned with substance and big hare feet. EH: A Chesapeake is defined by a proper outline and proper coat and proper size. NH: Good coat, correct outline, pleasing and correct head, elegance without being slight, strength and substance without being overdone and balanced movement with reach and drive of an Olympic swimmer. BHH: Type and balance with good coats, sound movement and pleasing to look at. 3. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? DB: Too much rear angulation. Our standard does not call for a well let down hock. The breed is to have a medium length from hock joint to the ground with broad second thighs. The rear feet should not stand far out behind the dog’s buttocks. This breed’s rear is for power. EH: I have seen what I consider improper coat. Wavy with undercoat is proper, bordering on kinky is not. Of course curly is a DQ. NH: Overdone heads that don’t conform to the standard. BHH: Lack of balance and incorrect proportions: length of body too long. Excessive bone. 4. Do you think the dogs you see in this breed are better now than they were when you first started judging? Why or why not?
“ a chesapeake is defined By A PROPER OUTLINE AND PROPER COAT AND PROPER SIZE.”
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