Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed Magazine - Showsight

CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER Q&A

How does the breed’s silhouette differ from that of its Retriever cousins? The silhouette can be slightly higher in the rear, but not a soft or weak topline, and could have a bit more of a tuck-up. Can I describe the Chessie’s ideal expression and coat? A Chessie should have a kind eye with no hint of fear. Coat should have a down-like undercoat and a relatively harsh wavy top coat. Do judges ever betray a preference for color? Yes. I think some do, but you see very little of it in the ring. Any words about this Retriever’s temperament? The Chesa- peake is strong and bold in both mind and body. You rarely see an aggressive Chesapeake nowadays, but, unfortunately, they have a bad reputation. As with any breed, a lot has to do with how they are raised. They are inherently protective; this trait does not need to be encouraged. The AKC standard has seven disqualifications. Care to elabo- rate? The only disqualification that I see overlooked is coat. I feel the coat is something that judges need to understand better. The wave is not supposed to cover the whole body and more is not better. Are there any well-kept secrets about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever? The Chesapeake itself is a well-kept secret. Are there any current “trends” in breeding that should be con- tinued or should be stopped? I think most Chesapeake breeders are pretty much on point. I don’t see any specific trends. BETSY HORN HUMER My husband, Rupe, and I have

stronger than an oversized dog. They have plenty of substance with- out being overdone. How does the breed’s silhouette differ from that of its Retriever cousins? It’s common knowledge that the silhouette of the Chesa- peake differs in the rise of the hips, so they do not have a level topline. I also think they are shown for the most part in bet- ter field weight than other breeds and can carry it off because of their substance. Can I describe the Chessie’s ideal expression and coat? Direct, happy, a little devilish, hearts on their shoulders. The standard describes their coat very well, but words don’t do it justice. The waves/curl down their backs spilling on their sides etc is, again, in my opinion, beautiful. Heavy undercoating beneath the courser top coat gives the breed an edge in the extreme winter hunting condi- tions and adds to their overall great appearance. Do judges ever betray a preference for color? Of course they do. It’s human nature to like certain things, but the good breed- ers look for the dog that best fits their ideal, and color should be considered only if two dogs are identical in meeting the more important criteria. Judges, on the other hand, are accused of liking only certain col- ors, but I’ve only witnessed this once in all these years. I’m comfort- able showing under anyone. Besides, if the animal is the closest to the standard on a given day one hopes it will be awarded the points. Any words about this Retriever’s temperament? Overall the breed is very much improved through generations of better, more intuitive breeding. They are powerful both mentally and physically, so they generally don’t fit with someone wanting a placid house pet. They are active and need both physical and mental stimulation. However, as a person having been in the pet industry as both a trainer and a caretaker, any dog that is not trained and treated fairly can be a problem animal—it is not breed-specific in any way. The AKC standard has seven disqualifications. Care to elabo- rate? I think they are clear. Are there any well-kept secrets about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever? Yes, and I want it to stay that way so they do not become the next “best thing.” Too much popularity has destroyed too many fine breeds in this country. Are there any current “trends” in breeding that should be con- tinued or should be stopped? Again, overall, there are many good breeders doing the breed justice. Those who are in it for the money (and all breeds have this type) use much less discriminating criteria for their breeding decisions. I do not like the increase in size and some of the overdone heads, and I think this trend would be eliminated if judges paid attention to the word “moderate.” I’d also like to share that this is a fascinating breed and are sub- ject to a lot of “wives tales” but, again, I like them the way they are. So, if you love the breed, great, and if you want a different breed, that’s great too. POLLY HENSHAW I live in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. I am a retired toy store owner and I been in dogs for 50+ years and have owned Chesa- peakes for 44 years. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? Yes, gardening and horses. What’s it like living/working with a Chesapeake Bay Retriever? There’s never a dull moment. It’s challenging and very satisfying. Can I speak to the breed’s size and substance? They are a medi- um size dog of good substance and bone. They should give the impression of fitness and confidence.

a house on 21 acres on the water in Virginia on the Eastern Shore between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. We moved from New Jersey in 1999 and like to say that we brought our dogs “back to their roots.” I am a retired elementary school media special- ist. Eastern Waters’ Kennels was established by my parents, Janet and Dan Horn. I am second gen-

eration “dog person” and have lived with Chesapeakes most of my life. I judge Sporting and Herding Groups, Obedience and Rally. I still breed occasionally, and participate in obedience, rally, hunt tests, tracking, agility and conformation. We have had National Specialty Winners, Group-placing dogs and produced those that have earned a MACH, OTCH and MH titles. Our dogs have titles at both ends. Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? In addition to showing, breeding and judging dogs, I am an avid gardener with a huge Victory Garden this year, play a little tennis, and spend time with seven grandchildren when we can. What’s it like living/working with a Chesapeake Bay Retriever? Chesapeakes enjoy being busy and having a job to do. Chesapeakes are extremely devoted. They want to be with you and will follow you from room to room. They are very intelligent and once they learn something, don’t repeat it again and again. If you do, they will think they are doing something wrong and will create another way to do the exercise or task. Can I speak to the breed’s size and substance? Height specifica- tions for males are 23"-26" and females are 21"-24". There is the possibility of a five inch difference between dogs in the ring. Sizes may vary in different parts of the country. Don’t dismiss a 26" dog from competition when the other males are 24" and he looks out of place. There is no height preference and no DQ for height. The breed should be in fit condition, athletic and also agile. Although powerfully built, it should not be excessive.

202 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JULY 2020

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