Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever
Compare two breeds
Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Legend traces the breed to two Newfoundland-type dogs rescued from a shipwrecked English vessel off the Maryland coast in 1807, later crossed with local hunting dogs. The result, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, was built to work the icy waters of the bay, retrieving waterfowl for hunters even in winter. That history shows in the coat, unusual among retrievers: a harsh, wavy, oily double layer that sheds water and insulates against cold better than almost any other sporting breed. A male can reach 36.5 kilograms of muscular, powerful swimming build. Temperament runs more independent and strong-willed than a Labrador or Golden, worth knowing before a first-time owner brings one home. Life expectancy runs 10 to 13 years.
Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever emerged in late 19th-century England, shaped by the sportsman S. E. Shirley into an all-around dog able to retrieve game from both water and dry land. The dense, flat, medium-length coat with feathering gives it a sleek, glossy look. Males can weigh up to 34 kilograms, with a lean, athletic build that tends to work faster than some other retrievers. Temperament stays puppyish for years past physical maturity, earning it the nickname the eternal teenager among retrievers. Life expectancy runs shorter than most other retriever breeds, often linked to an elevated cancer risk. It's gentle and patient with children. Life expectancy runs 8 to 10 years.
At a glance
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Flat-Coated Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 58.0–66.0 cm | 59.0–61.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 29.5–36.5 kg | 25.0–34.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–13 yrs | 8–10 yrs |
| Coat | short, harsh, wavy, oily double coat, waterproof | dense, flat, medium-length coat with feathering |
Temperament & Family Life
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Flat-Coated Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Flat-Coated Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Flat-Coated Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Flat-Coated Retriever | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.