Chessie vs. Lab and breeder referrals

[Julie R.]

I've had Chesapeakes since 1981 and when someone asks me if they should get a Lab or a Ches., I usually suggest they go with the Lab, because people that get Chesapeakes, almost always know without asking, that's what they want. If there's any question in your mind, go with the Lab--there is a reason they're so universally popular. Chesapeakes aren't right for everyone.

quote=Pete;948181]Can you explain the difference for me?
Thanks

Pete[/quote]

What I tell people who ask about aggression in Chesapeakes might answer your question. Chesapeakes never attained any great popularity as pets, and were never bred to be easy, one-size-fits-all love everyone dogs, unlike Labs and Goldens. So they tend to be more primitive and instinctual--and they are far more territorial than other retrievers. Territoriality is not the same as aggression, though if not addressed early and often with plenty of socialization, structure and training it can easily beget aggressive behavior. This is not a breed that does well loose in a fenced backyard in suburbia.

Rather than repeating the good stuff that's already been mentioned, re-read Bryan's post #24 (of course I think it's great since I'm the breeder of his Chesapeake ) and BHB's #45. If you really enjoy working with your dog on a daily basis, and you like an intelligent, problem-solving kind of dog, you might really enjoy a Chesapeake. But as already mentioned, the socialization is key--early and often. And again, if there is any question in your mind about which breed is right for you, then go with the Lab.

[whiskeycreek]

Thanks to Chuck and Bob for the nice referrals to my kennel- Whiskey Creek Chesapeakes.

Someone mentioned that there were several 'show breeders' here in NC and I guess they are referring to me (there are only two or maybe three 'Chessie breeders' in the state who *I* would consider 'responsible') as ALL of my own personal breeding dogs are Champions, but all of them also have other titles in various venues INCLUDING hunt tests. So I guess if you were to just look at my website it would appear that I am a 'show breeder,' but what you don't see is that I currently have two dogs running in Master with Master passes (both TOTALLY owner trained and handled) one who just finished his Senior title (congrats again Chuck!) who will be starting Master this fall (this dog was also totally owner trained- first time Chessie owner), several dogs with Junior titles (again all dogs completely owner trained) and several young dogs about to hit the tests come this fall (none of these dogs have been 'pro' trained and all are owned by first time Chessie owners who have full time jobs and 'lives' outside of their dogs!)

Personally I think Chessies are a great breed to start with- that is the only breed I have ever owned! I think researching who you get a pup from (visiting the kennels, meeting the dogs) will make a big difference in the success you can have with a dog.

I do have two nice breedings coming up...
The first is from my girl 'Reid'. U-SHR, U-NJ, U-RO3, U-MBPISS, U-CH**, Am CH Whiskey Creek's Reidwalker RE, NJ-N
She has been bred to
CH Shallcross Lakes Chaamp RA, MH
I will have confirmation of pregnancy next week. I currently have a waiting list on this litter.
Side and dam have EXTENSIVE health clearances.

My second litter is with my girl 'Twiggy.'
U-NJ, U-RO3, U-CH**, Am CH Whiskey Creek's Naughty Pine RE, CD, NJ-N
Will be bred to
CH Port Side's Great Xpectations SH (needs one more MH pass for his MH title)
Again, both sire and dam have EXTENSIVE health clearances.

I do have a REALLY nice 13 week old bitch pup (sire is my boy 'Trout' U-HRCH, U-UH, U-UJCH, U-RBIS, U-CH** Whiskey Creek's On The Fly GN, CDX, TD, RA, SH and the dam is a JH out of a MH sire and MH dam.). Both sure and dam of this pup have extensive health clearances. She is ready for her new home and would be a great hunting dog as well as family companion.

Temperaments of both my girls are wonderful as the sites temperaments. I was given the wonderful opportunity to handle both these dogs to their CH titles and I can say that both boys are VERY well behaved and were a joy to have at my house.

So yes, I might have 'show dogs,' but those 'show dogs' can and DO hunt!!! Why have an ugly dog, when you can have a good looking dog that can also do the work?

[scully]

Protective- serving to protect or supply protection
Aggressive- tending to attack or be hostile

A protective dog would act to protect owner if owner was approached in a threatening manner. An aggressive dog would bite without being provoked.

[Beamer81]

Can you explain the difference for me?
Thanks

Pete

Like scully said...


Protective- serving to protect or supply protection
Aggressive- tending to attack or be hostile

A protective dog would act to protect owner if owner was approached in a threatening manner. An aggressive dog would bite without being provoked.

Chessie's were bred to guard the boats back in the day. One thing I really like about my Chessie is he is an excellent judge of character.

Good people = good response
questionable people = on guard (does not mean attacking just alerting something isn't right)

He is almost always right