Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Shed?

Are you looking for the right dog to fill your home with love and laughter?

Contents show

A Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be an excellent choice.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have traits that anyone who loves dogs would appreciate: loyalty, intelligence, and gentleness.

They also have a long life expectancy (12-15 years).

However, check whether they shed before you sign up to bring one home.

So, do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed?

Yes, they do.

While Chessies aren’t the worst shedders around, they still rank high on the list.

However, they shed less than dogs involved in sports, such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

Chessies shed an average of one pound of hair annually.

This can be reduced with regular brushing and grooming.

In this article, you will learn whether the Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds, when and how much so that you can make an informed decision.

It’ll also provide some tips on how to control their shedding.

How Much Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Shed?

Due to its thick coat, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever might seem difficult to care for.

Yet, you’d be wrong.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a thick coat for protection against cold and heat.

It also sheds year-round.

However, its shedding’s not as bad as some other breeds.

It’s more apparent when they “blow coat” during spring and fall.

The fur just comes off naturally.

However, don’t worry: It’s not like there will be fur everywhere suddenly.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed less than other breeds because they have a heavy undercoat protecting them from the elements.

Moreover, you’ll probably only notice a few hairs on your floor instead of an entire couch cushion full of fur.

Their shedding schedule depends on many factors, including:

Genetics (for example, if you get your Chesapeake from parents who shed heavily)
Environment (for example, if they live somewhere with high humidity or damp weather)
Diet (for instance, if you feed them dry food versus wet food)
Age (for example, puppies tend to shed more than adult dogs)
Breed type (for example, Poodles shed less than German Shepherds)

Why Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Shed?

There is a common misconception that dogs shed because of illness or health issues.

However, it’s normal for healthy dogs to shed some hair.

The amount may be substantial. Shedding allows for new hair to grow.

All that differs is the amount of molting and how often it occurs for each dog.

As the summer months approach, it’s common for your Chessie to shed more, as they no longer require a thick undercoat.

It’s also common for dogs to shed their summer coats during the fall because they are preparing for winter.

Chessies are known for their long, luxurious double coat, but this feature can make them seem like they’re shedding more than other breeds.

Contact your vet immediately if you see your Chessie’s coat thinning out or excessive hair falling out in clumps.

Excessive shedding can signify something more serious, such as a skin condition or allergies.

In some cases, it can indicate poor health and diet or stress.

You can expect to have a lot of fur lying around your house if you adopt a Chessie.

That’s a given.

It will spread on your clothes, upholstery, carpets, and furniture.

However, this is relatively minimal as far as shedding breeds go.

Moreover, it should not cause too much distress when cleaning up after your dog.

The grooming you’ll do is limited to a few minutes a day and won’t be too disruptive in your home.

The short, coarse Chesapeake Bay Retrievers’ coats don’t hold on to dirt easily.

Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dogs are not prone to allergic reactions, and they’re the best choice for people with allergies.

These dogs are characterized by their fine coat and skin, which means they shed very little fur.

Thus, they’re less likely to trigger allergies in people allergic to dog dander, which causes a reaction when it comes into contact with their body.

However, do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers fall into this category?

They don’t.

These dogs are considered to be non-hypoallergenic.

They are a wonderful breed, but their double coat sheds.

Thus, Chesapeakes are not suitable for people with allergies or sensitive skin.

Their fur can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.

So if you’re allergic to dogs, but want a cute and cuddly companion anyway, look into a different breed.

How to Reduce Shedding in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

Chesapeake Bay retrievers are known for their thick fur and how much they shed.

However, they don’t require a lot of grooming.

Here’s how to reduce their shedding:

Brush them at least once every week or two to remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming. Use a slicker brush or wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles or knots. If you have a long-haired Chesapeake Bay Retriever, you’ll need to brush more often. You can also use a slicker brush or curry comb to reduce the amount of dog hair on your clothing, furniture and other surfaces.
Wash their coat with shampoo once every month or so. Use warm water and a mild shampoo. Its skin will stay clean, reducing shedding and the likelihood of skin infections.

Trim your dog’s nails every two weeks to prevent him from scratching himself excessively.

Excessive scratching could lead to nail infections or tumors under his feet (especially if your dog spends most of his time outside).

Get regular haircuts for your long-haired Chesapeake Bay Retriever if it has problems with mattes forming on its coat.

It’ll keep their fur looking healthy and shiny without being weighed down by excess hair.

Final Word

If you’re looking for a low-shedding breed, you won’t find it in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.

Since these dogs have fluffy fur-coating with an undercoat, they shed more.

However, they’re not considered to be high shedders by any means.

The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are also not hypoallergenic.

As a result, they can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

If this is not a problem for anyone in your family, you can bring home a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

For reduced shedding, you just need to groom them regularly.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a playful, friendly dog that will ultimately become their best friend.

Author
Recent Posts

Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.