[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Chessie vs Lab? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 6/3/2015 8:21:02 PM EDT
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So has had a chance to work with both?
Right now I have a coonhound and a black lab, but the hound will be 8 this year, he might have a long run ahead of him yet, but I like to plan. The hound can not be beat for protecting and patrolling our property, he will do it 24 hours a day and gives shit to any stranger that shows up. I like that because it keeps people honest when we are away. The lab helps him, but turns into a clown as soon as he reaches the person and is happy to get pets from anyone. So when the hound is gone and I start pup shopping again I want a dog that will hunt like my lab (he is great in the field) but I want him to be more aloof to people that aren't family. The lab really sucks at that part, but I have been reading that the Chessie is naturally more of a guard dog and more distanced. I would prefer that over the goofball that is the lab when he isn't hunting. So will most of them pull double duty as guard dog and hunter, or should I just invest in another property dog and get a new lab when the time comes? |
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Chessie's can be damn territorial. I've got a handful of buddies with Chessie's and they're definitely way more aloof than your typical goofy Lab.
I'm doing the same math right now and have decided to get a Ridgeback and another Lab when the current one heads to the big duck blind in the sky. |
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Chessie's can be damn territorial. I've got a handful of buddies with Chessie's and they're definitely way more aloof than your typical goofy Lab. I'm doing the same math right now and have decided to get a Ridgeback and another Lab when the current one heads to the big duck blind in the sky. My big hang up is being a year without a retriever, and possibly two years without a decent one. My lab will be turning two this fall and he was on fire last year, did awesome for his first whole season, and training is going great so far, I anticipate some really good work from him this year. Ideally when he is about 6-7 he will be training whatever the new pup is so we don't have a gap. I could solve the issue with 3 dogs in the house at once, but my wife would kick me out to make room for the extra one probably. |
| There are different strands of Chessie out there now, allegedly. From what I understand they've tried to breed some of the more obstinate and hostile streaks out of them. I don't know how true this is. My Chessie did not lack those traits as he flat despised strangers and was fairly territorial when I was around. When I was gone he turned it up to 11. He was also pretty damn stubborn, if he decided he didn't want to do something he would do the 110 lb dead baby bit, which is a pain in the ass. That's the last thing, one of the dogs (Newfoundland?) they originally used to create the breed is fucking huge, and periodically you'll get one that 20-30 lbs bigger than the run of the mill Chessie. Mine had a head the size of a small plate. Not your dessert plates, but the one smaller than a normal plate. He also took dogproof toys as a personal insult and worked on them until there was nothing left. Kongs were good for about 3 hours. He went down ill and died with no explanation or clue from the vet at 5 years old. |
Hunting without your own dog would suck after you've hunted with a good one. I've got enough friends with dogs to make it through a season or two. It won't be ideal, but yeah it's better than having three dogs at once. 
Honestly, a Chessie sounds exactly like what you're looking for. Make sure you do some research on the personality differences between Labs and Chessies when it comes to training and hunting. Pretty big difference. |
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One of my friends has a couple. So that's about as good as saying I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but here's my $0.02 anyway.
They are great dogs, but high drive and energy and can be "hard headed". IMHO, not for the timid or inexperienced, but great sporting dogs. |
| I had a female 108lb chessie that a was a duck hunters dream, i have also had labs and they would retrive ducks like nobodys business also, but the chessie would scare the pure hell out of anyone that came around that she didn't know and even some people she did know, very protective of my things and her property, god i miss that dog. She was so protective of me even my friends had to watch out if they came to close to me when sitting around a campfire, or handing me a beer, if 1 thing comes to mind about her it was pure bullheadeness and i loved it. |
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Honestly, a Chessie sounds exactly like what you're looking for. Make sure you do some research on the personality differences between Labs and Chessies when it comes to training and hunting. Pretty big difference. My lab is so weird, he isn't like the skinny headed ones, he is a monster and at 115 lbs I can still feel his ribs and he is fit. When we go to the field though he flips a switch, no nonsense and right on point the entire time. As soon as we get home he goes into clown mode, like tripping over his own feet in the living room. I have a friend with a competition bred lab and they are total opposites. I am pretty certain I can handle a Chessie, after training scent hounds it seems most other breeds are lower on the difficulty scale. I would like to find a breeder and get some field time with one though, they intrigue me based on the reading. |
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great dogs, but high drive and energy and can be "hard headed". not for the timid or inexperienced, but great sporting dogs I honestly thought I was cheating or something when I got the lab. My hound taught him basic obedience, I just worked on the hunting side of it. I couldn't believe it. I would say the hardest headed dog I have worked with was a beagle, followed directly by my bluetick. That bastard was a terror to straighten out. |
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I had a female 108lb chessie that a was a duck hunters dream, i have also had labs and they would retrive ducks like nobodys business also, but the chessie would scare the pure hell out of anyone that came around that she didn't know and even smoe people she did know, very protective of my things and her property, god i miss that dog. She was so protective of me even my friends had to watch out if they came to close to me when sitting around a campfire, or handing me a beer, if i thing comes to mind about her it was pure bullheadeness and i loved it. How was she with kids? Although your dog sounds like what I want, I do have kids and if they aren't family dogs then it might not be a good fit. My nephew loves dogs and he can climb all over the lab all day, pull his ears, ride him, whatever. He knows not to go near the hound though because he doesn't like to play, and I would rather the next one was like the lab in that respect. |
| Chessie will get between you and your family members and a stranger that doesnt look right and it will act like its going to rip throats out. Then it will let little kids pester and pull on its ears and act like it doesn't even notice them. Hands down the best dogs Ive ever owned and eveyone that has said they are stubborn is correct. I miss that dog so much, when I have time im getting another |
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This is a friendly Chesapeake Bay Retriever, smiling at you. You'll know it's not friendly if it's coming at you like it's been shot out of a gun, roaring like something straight from hell. http://www.coolwaterchesapeakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rip-Smile.jpg Quoted:
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What is a 'Chessie'... 
This is a friendly Chesapeake Bay Retriever, smiling at you. You'll know it's not friendly if it's coming at you like it's been shot out of a gun, roaring like something straight from hell. http://www.coolwaterchesapeakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rip-Smile.jpg I've seen that look....
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"You can order a lab; ask a golden; but you must negotiate with a Chesapeake." Chessies are a different breed altogether. They were used for market hunting the cold waters of Chesapeake Bay and then usually left chained to the boat over night to guard the equipment. Although protective, I've found them to be good with family and very calm whilst indoors. They can also be just as goofy and fun as Goldens or Labs. Not having the popularity of the other retrievers, they have mostly been bred selectively and still retain the sturdy working build and instincts of their ancestors. |
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Quoted: This is a friendly Chesapeake Bay Retriever, smiling at you. You'll know it's not friendly if it's coming at you like it's been shot out of a gun, roaring like something straight from hell. http://www.coolwaterchesapeakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rip-Smile.jpg Quoted: Quoted: What is a 'Chessie'... This is a friendly Chesapeake Bay Retriever, smiling at you. You'll know it's not friendly if it's coming at you like it's been shot out of a gun, roaring like something straight from hell. http://www.coolwaterchesapeakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rip-Smile.jpg Good example of why they are called Brillo Dogs.  |
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Also, Chessie's smell like cedar when they're wet. I don't know about cedar, but they do smell different. For the folks that haven't been around them, you aren't supposed to wash them often because the oiliness of their fur is part of what makes them waterproof as a duck's ass. It lends them a certain... aroma. They don't smell like wet dog. I don't know about cedar, but it's definitely different. Also their favorite spot to lay will get kinda greasy if you don't wash it periodically. |
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Good example of why they are called Brillo Dogs.
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What is a 'Chessie'...
This is a friendly Chesapeake Bay Retriever, smiling at you. You'll know it's not friendly if it's coming at you like it's been shot out of a gun, roaring like something straight from hell. http://www.coolwaterchesapeakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rip-Smile.jpg Good example of why they are called Brillo Dogs.
My wife had somebody ask why we gave our lab a perm.
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Oily cedar i might add.tough on the carpet and furniture. Quoted:
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Also, Chessie's smell like cedar when they're wet. Oily cedar i might add.tough on the carpet and furniture. Not really an issue, we already have two dogs and one is always dirty and the other always wet. No carpet in the house, and I have to sweep and vacuum almost daily to keep it clean with those two. I can't imagine the oil will bother the wood or tile floor too much. |
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I had 2 kids when i had her on the farm and she was great with them and she did not mind other kids at all either, they could get on her even, she would have more than likely tried to kill anything that came close to our kids inculding other dogs, like i said you have to kind of watch them a little when your friends are around, she never bit any of them but she sure would let them know if you got a little close and she did not know them as good as some of the others, she had a growl that would wake your ass up right now. If you have other dogs then you have to consider that too, ours was the fuckin boss of the yard and that was that, we had a lab here when we got her, it was not long and she was king of the hill with the lab giving way, which was ok they got along then but it took a fight to settle it. Quoted:
How was she with kids? Although your dog sounds like what I want, I do have kids and if they aren't family dogs then it might not be a good fit. My nephew loves dogs and he can climb all over the lab all day, pull his ears, ride him, whatever. He knows not to go near the hound though because he doesn't like to play, and I would rather the next one was like the lab in that respect. Quoted:
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I had a female 108lb chessie that a was a duck hunters dream, i have also had labs and they would retrive ducks like nobodys business also, but the chessie would scare the pure hell out of anyone that came around that she didn't know and even smoe people she did know, very protective of my things and her property, god i miss that dog. She was so protective of me even my friends had to watch out if they came to close to me when sitting around a campfire, or handing me a beer, if i thing comes to mind about her it was pure bullheadeness and i loved it. How was she with kids? Although your dog sounds like what I want, I do have kids and if they aren't family dogs then it might not be a good fit. My nephew loves dogs and he can climb all over the lab all day, pull his ears, ride him, whatever. He knows not to go near the hound though because he doesn't like to play, and I would rather the next one was like the lab in that respect. |
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The other question.
What does a Chessie usually cost from a decent breeder? The great advantage of the labs is that you can get them for under $500 all over the place and still get a good dog. Hell, I kept mine uncut just incase he turned out damn good and I wanted a copy of him. I paid $150 for him. The said for another $300 I could have the papers, I told her to keep them. |
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I'm interested in what people have to say about the Chesapeakes. But not all Labs are goofballs. Ours was a very good, very protective watchdog who didn't trust strangers unless we were there to show that they were ok. same here with our old male Lab. I've been around 3 Chessies. All were calm, protective super-athletes. they can be very hardheaded, from what the owners told me. |
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Honstley i would have another one if they were eaiser to get, pricey when you find them but there out there.
As far as someone said they got a smell, i think it is because they are always in the water like a lab will do, but the chessie it stays with her longer i think to dry off, smelly swamp water shit has a stink and they will swim around in it.the fur is like bear fur compared to a lab, but when dry i never noticed any smell. |
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Great dogs. Can show a temper that is down right scary if you mess with their family. They are extremely loyal/protective of their family and kids. Some can be a problem with other dogs. You WILL NOT keep them out of the water.
They are still goofy and a bit more destructive than a typical lab, but not much. You sound like a great candidate, but do your homework with the breeding you go with, too many morons messing with the breed that have no business breeding dogs. It's a small investment for 10-15 years of the greatest friend on earth. They're tough, tough dogs. If you earn their respect they will do anything for you. Dont confuse their toughness with being heavy handed when teaching them. They are sensitive, and if you teach thouroughly they learn well and wont show the stubborn side as much. Labs are much easier to train, as they dont hold a grudge as long. They are an awesome breed for the right owners who are patient. If you lose your temper with them, pure comedy will ensue and you will see where the "hard headed" comes from. They can be as stubborn as a mule. My friend denies this all the time, usually while we are all waiting for him to kennel his dog who refuses to get back in the truck because he got scolded. They are real characters, but in an endearing kind of way. They will make you laugh alot. And I dont care what anyone says, they stink when they're wet! But dont let that sway your opinion, they're a special breed.
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I've owned two Chessie's. The first was bought as a pup when I was stationed at KI Saywer. We paid $1200 for her in 1991. She was a great dog with my boys who were 2 and 4. She also got along great with my other dog a big black lab chow mix. Chessie's are very loyal to their pack to include down to one person We named her Freyja and even though she was my wifes dog she was my shadow. She wasn't too fond of attention and was content to be at your side or feet. To say she was protective is understatement, however she still listened and obeyed commands but only from me and my wife. She would stay in the water and would go until she drowned if you let her. I had to put her down at the age of 12 as she started to be aggressive with my boys.
The other Chessie was a rescue we picked up here in NC, he was abused and was a very nervous dog. Full of affection once he overcame his fears and also loyal, he was my wife's shadow. Like Freyja he was content to be by her side but he loved attention unlike her. He didn't have any of the aggressive territorial tendencies that she had, however he had nowhere near the prey drive that she had. He was also scared to death of guns. A Chessie is the Tier 1 Operator of retrievers, and as such requires an owner that understands the breed. There are plenty of books on Chessie's I would recommend checking a few out before you pull the trigger. I would own another one in a heartbeat. |
| Also, it doesn't get mentioned often as the pig headedness, toughness, and protectiveness but they are smart dogs. Mine loved the sprinkler in the summer. I shut it off and the dog somehow figured out that the reason the water wasn't coming out anymore involved the hose and commenced to trying to get water out of it. I made him quit at the time, but he remembered for next time he was unsupervised and it was hot he proceeded to chew the shit out of the whole thing trying to turn the sprinkler back on. If they are disappointed in something you've done they will look you in the eye and huff at you. Miss a shot on a bird, let the tennis ball slip out of your hand, not share your sandwich, they will absolutely register their disapproval of your conduct. |
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"You can order a lab; ask a golden; but you must negotiate with a Chesapeake." Chessies are a different breed altogether. They were used for market hunting the cold waters of Chesapeake Bay and then usually left chained to the boat over night to guard the equipment. Although protective, I've found them to be good with family and very calm whilst indoors. They can also be just as goofy and fun as Goldens or Labs. Not having the popularity of the other retrievers, they have mostly been bred selectively and still retain the sturdy working build and instincts of their ancestors. "You can train a lab with a rolled up newspaper, you'll need a 4x4 for a Chessie." is more commonly heard around here.
Kharn |
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"You can train a lab with a rolled up newspaper, you'll need a 4x4 for a Chessie." is more commonly heard around here.
Kharn Quoted:
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"You can order a lab; ask a golden; but you must negotiate with a Chesapeake." Chessies are a different breed altogether. They were used for market hunting the cold waters of Chesapeake Bay and then usually left chained to the boat over night to guard the equipment. Although protective, I've found them to be good with family and very calm whilst indoors. They can also be just as goofy and fun as Goldens or Labs. Not having the popularity of the other retrievers, they have mostly been bred selectively and still retain the sturdy working build and instincts of their ancestors. "You can train a lab with a rolled up newspaper, you'll need a 4x4 for a Chessie." is more commonly heard around here.
Kharn You can tell how well a Chessie is trained by the size of the knot on their head is one I heard. Mine wasn't into that, I don't know what level of violence would have been required to make him do something he didn't want to, but I suspect ISIS would flinch at it. |
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They are sensitive One of the guys I hunted with quite a bit was big into hunt tests and field trials with his Chessie. He always said that Chessies were way more sensitive than most people realized, and consequently you never wanted to "embarass" the dog. One you did, your job as a trainer got a lot harder. |
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Picking up my fourth cheesie from a breeder in October and can't wait as I have been without one for a couple years. As the guys in here said, your either a cheesie family or your not. They are awesome with the kids and their friends. At least with the three I have had they never seemed to be threatened by women but all of them despised having strange men around. Like a lot of dogs they were bulletproof behind the fence or in the house and patrolled them both faithfully. However once someone was let in the house, especially a man, they would sit there and have a staring contest the entire time with those yellow eyes and it would frighten people to death.
I would recommend waiting for the right litter to come available before just going out and grabbing a pup. They have several genetic issues that need to be watched for and if you want a hunting dog, make sure it comes from hunting lines. IMO, there is no finer dog that can pull off home duty and hunting companionship then a Chesapeake. Besides how many stories have you read of labs retrieving deer shot in open water or rescuing a drowning child? |
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My female Black Lab loves EVERYONE! Hell, if someone broke into my house she would bark until they gave her a treat, then she would help them haul my stuff to their getaway.... But she is also (as you already know) great in the field and needed no training to love the water! I'd go with another Lab.   |
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Good info.
There is an established breeder about 2 hours North of me, I might chat them up a bit. I have some time left, I anticipate this coon dog will last another 4 years, probably another 6 just because hes a stubborn fucker. By then my lab will be getting tired though, and it will be time for him to help train his replacement. |
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My female Black Lab loves EVERYONE!Hell, if someone broke into my house she would bark until they gave her a treat, then she would help them haul my stuff to their getaway.... But she is also (as you already know) great in the field and needed no training to love the water! I'd go with another Lab. http://m5.i.pbase.com/o9/72/325172/1/160020145.Sdqi0IJ1.OsaWL1r.jpg  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4Fe6cOZ2nI
I might yet, like I said above mine isn't cut. I figure if he can go 8 years or so without any major medical problems he will be worth making a copy of. Lots of hunters around here and people don't care so much about papers as they do about healthy dogs, so I could likely get a decent litter out of him with someones female. Time will tell though, what I plan and what usually happens are often different. |
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Good info. There is an established breeder about 2 hours North of me, I might chat them up a bit. I have some time left, I anticipate this coon dog will last another 4 years, probably another 6 just because hes a stubborn fucker. By then my lab will be getting tired though, and it will be time for him to help train his replacement. Good, take your time when considering a Chessie, they truly are a different breed and not for most dog owners as many don't take the time to investigate the breed. |
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My female Black Lab loves EVERYONE!Hell, if someone broke into my house she would bark until they gave her a treat, then she would help them haul my stuff to their getaway.... But she is also (as you already know) great in the field and needed no training to love the water! I'd go with another Lab. http://m5.i.pbase.com/o9/72/325172/1/160020145.Sdqi0IJ1.OsaWL1r.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4Fe6cOZ2nI
I will have to check my manual but I believe no self respecting Chesapeake is allowed to wear a bandana
Good looking lab partner! 
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Quoted: I will have to check my manual but I believe no self respecting Chesapeake is allowed to wear a bandana Good looking lab partner! Quoted: Quoted: My female Black Lab loves EVERYONE!Hell, if someone broke into my house she would bark until they gave her a treat, then she would help them haul my stuff to their getaway.... But she is also (as you already know) great in the field and needed no training to love the water! I'd go with another Lab. http://m5.i.pbase.com/o9/72/325172/1/160020145.Sdqi0IJ1.OsaWL1r.jpg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4Fe6cOZ2nII will have to check my manual but I believe no self respecting Chesapeake is allowed to wear a bandana Good looking lab partner! Those pics were taken on a hiking trail. I've found that a bandana immediately makes others on the trail think that the dog is friendly (which she is) but the bandana makes those afraid of dogs more at ease. She doesn't wear it when we are in the field....   |
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every one of the CBR's I have trained or been involved with were soft in regards to training. stay even keeled, realize they are not Labradors and I was fine. I would not try any heavy handed punishment or methods in training. they will shut down and day "FUCK IT.." "I'm DONE". I don't think they are hardheaded. they have job and they know it and just want to be left alone to do it. they will work for you in varying degrees. ( which is their breeding).
CBR's work. they will guard the hell out of their house, your boat. your garage. you don't hear of many houses being burglarized where a CBR lives. some of the CBR meat dogs I have trained have been in my opinion some of the finest hunting dogs I have finished. no fancy BS that the Trials and Tests require. just retrieve those ducks and lets go home. I am probably going to get 1-2 personal CBR's in the next couple of years and I'll probably get a male and female. I might be starting up a Kennel again and I don't even know if I will be breeding Labs this time. I will say this, one of the most terrifying moments in my 30 years of training retrievers and K9's came from a 115lb male CBR at 4:30 in the morning at a boat ramp. I don't know who it belonged too, but I'm glad it wasn't there when we got back from hunting. |