The Polish Hunting Spaniel is an all-terrain flushing dog that also excels at tracking and retrieving. Back in the 1800’s, much was written in Poland about various spaniel breed being imported and bred together on purpose, primarily by the wealthy. The main breeds being crossed were English Springers, Cockers, Field and Sussex. When war erupted, many of these dogs died or were taken to Russia and the population in Poland was substantially reduced. However, this once-ancient breed was recreated somewhat recently by a man named Dr Andrzej Krzywiński – a genetic scientist. In the 1980’s he reestablished the breeding program, primarily basing his goal on old pictures of this breed and knowledge of the original blending of breeds. Today this spaniel is recognized in over 20 countries and well over 2,000 dogs have been born since 2017 (as of this writing). This said, they are still considered very rare and have yet to be recognized in the United States.

Breeders of Hunting Spaniels take their job very seriously, and it is important to the club that the breed stays healthy as the population grows. There is a breeding committee that oversees the program made up of experienced vets and judges, and the club is also working with researchers on the genetics of the breed. A large database is available to help breeders make informed decisions about pedigrees and the health of the dogs in those pedigrees. Along with health test results, the database also includes a COI to calculate the inbreeding coefficient, a kinship ratio, and an ancestor loss ratio. At this time, the studbook for the breed is not closed which means that careful outcrossing with other breeds is still allowed to take place to grow the gene pool. So far the hard work is paying off as there are currently no health issues that are associated with this spaniel!

The PSM (abbreviated from his Polish name – Polski Spaniel Mysliwski) is a hunting dog through and through and has many temperament traits that reflect the ability to do this job. Intelligence is required to work fluidly with the hunter, willpower to work through the often-difficult obstacles of a hunt, and bravery to face whatever might come charging through the brush. This breed can make quick decisions when needed and has a strong prey drive, compelling him to take chase at the drop of a hat. Add in an amazing sense of smell and one can see this dog was built to do his job. As with most hunting spaniels he needs opportunities to… well, hunt! His owner should enjoy the outdoors just as much as him and should be prepared to offer him a lot of exercise, regardless of bad weather. This is an active dog with a ton of stamina that won’t be happy sitting on the couch all day.

When given enough physical and mental stimulation the Polish Hunting Spaniel is an amazing and loyal pet. He is very affectionate with his family and social to strangers once he gets to know them a bit. He does well with kids although is a bit too active for the toddler-age. When raised correctly he should have a balanced and easy temperament to deal with, and is usually quite biddable and agreeable. The PSM does like to bark and in fact can make an excellent watch dog because of this ability, but is not a guard dog. Finally, he will develop a deep bond with his owner throughout his life and often is a “velcro” dog – a shadow that follows his owner from room to room. He lives for attention and affection so he would be a poor choice for someone who spends most of the day at work.

Hunting Spaniels tend to be fantastic prospects for dog sports as they are usually game for anything! Scent work, conformation and agility are just a couple of sports that members of this breed already compete in but they have the potential to do just about any task. And unlike some of the more active “sport breeds”, they are calmer and generally easier to live with at home while maintaining a lively, happy nature. They have enthusiasm but it’s not a frantic energy that won’t settle down until it’s focused in a certain direction. Instead, they are ready and willing to work but do have an off-switch. They mostly just want to work in order to spend more time with their favorite human, which makes them excellent candidates for obedience. Take note – this intelligent breed DOES need training and plenty of mental stimulation so isn’t a good match for a person who isn’t interested in regular training sessions.

The Polish Hunting Spaniel is not a good breed for a first-time dog owner because of his high exercise requirements – a minimum of an hour a day is required. In addition he keeps an elevated energy level throughout most of his life which is hard for most inexperienced owners. Like most active breeds that aren’t given enough physical exercise, if he isn’t given enough he can become bored, destructive and loud! Owners should plan on providing him with a variety of physical tasks such as jogs, swimming sessions, very long walks, and challenging hikes. Along with this he also needs daily mental stimulation in the form of training sessions or games which can also engage his mind.

Photo By Nancy PSM

The Russian Spaniel is a small gun dog which is popular in his own country of Russia but virtually unheard of everywhere else. The breed was mostly developed from English Cockers and English Springers, and the first standard was published in 1951. Aside from being recognized in Russia he is extremely rare in almost every other country. He is well-suited to hunting and tracking with a natural instinct that requires very little training to get him onto the field. His mainly specializes in hunting birds, rabbit and waterfowl, in which he’ll flush them out and retrieve them after the hunter gets the shot. His talented nose has also even been put to good use in search and rescue missions!

Russian Spaniels tend to be very healthy dogs, rarely suffering from health issues although allergies – particularly food allergies, do crop up from time to time. Their long ears are prone to infection without regular cleaning. They also can be predisposed to obesity but this isn’t as much a health problem as it is an owner-maintenance problem. Some dogs do better with measured-out meals rather than free feeding, and this breed more typically falls into the former category. Overall, the average lifespan of this spaniel is 13-15 years.

The Russian Spaniel does resemble an English Cocker Spaniel, although has a longer, stockier body and a shorter, tighter coat. The coat needed to keep the dog warm in the often frigid temperatures of their home country, so while the coat isn’t draping like his cousin it is tight and protective, albeit soft. Color is black, brown or tan – either as a solid color or combined with white. These spaniels can also be tricolor as well. Overall not a high maintenance breed, they don’t even require too much grooming, especially compared to their close spaniel relatives. There is no special trimming or stripping required.

Russian Spaniels are playful, gentle, and are very tolerant of children – making them perfect family pets. They get along with other dogs of all breeds and share their sociable nature even with dogs whom they have just met. With a devoted personality, they don’t like to be away from their owners for too long and are often to be found in the same room as their favorite person when at all possible. Some are said to be decent watch dogs as many will bark to announce a visitor at the door, however this is overall a very social animal that is never inclined to hurt anyone. Their love of everyone can even lead to a fulfilling career as a therapy dog.

The Russian Spaniel is easy to train and usually wants to “do the right thing”. This is a people-pleaser that enjoys being praised for a job well done! Many enjoy participating in dog sports such as rally or tracking – which are best undertaken after a brief stint in formal obedience training. As with all training, consistency is still necessary to help teach the dog what it is that you are asking of him. Also, some young dogs with energy to spare (read: hyperactive) can benefit from a firm (yet still fair) hand. Because this is a hunting breed, the Russian Spaniel isn’t always safe to keep around small pocket pets or birds. He may also be inclined to chase after prey, which means he does need extensive off-leash training before being allowed any supervised off-lead outings.

Although in Russia they are praised for their ability to live comfortably in an apartment, Russian Spaniels do need regular exercise. While they may not have the same extreme energy level of some related breeds, they still have enough energy and stamina to benefit from one or two daily jogs or long solid walks. As lovers of water, a trip to the beach would be most appreciated! Although fairly active, with enough exercise they can live in most home settings regardless of size. Providing them with training and puzzles will also help to keep their minds active, which further leads to a fulfilled and calm(er) dog in the house.

The Wetterhoun was originally developed in the Netherlands as an otter hunter, and later used as a gun dog and water retriever – which explains the distinctively curly, waterproof coat. With his cheerful attitude, high intelligence and faithful demeanor, he makes both a great companion animal as well as an enthusiastic performance dog. He enjoys spending time with his owner and tends to stick around as close as possible, as long as possible.

Wetterhouns don’t require a lot of grooming however they do require regular exercise. At least an hour a day is recommended. Because they stick so close to their owners they are easier to exercise off-leash in areas where this is allowed. They are also not prone to chasing animals and don’t have the high-prey drive of some other breeds. This said, they are in the retriever family and can be trained to retrieve on both land and water – which is also a great form of exercise!

The Wetterhoun can have a stubborn and hard-headed attitude when it comes to certain types of training. He can also be sensitive to overly harsh corrections. A bit of patience will go a long way! He is said to always finish a job… but in his own time. This said, when taught by someone who understands the breed he has the potential to become a great working dog who takes his job very seriously…. even if it takes him a while to get it done. Because of his independent and hard-headed nature, it is recommended to start obedience training early.

Because of the Wetterhoun’s small gene pool, the Netherlands parent club for the breed is temporarily allowing outcrosses with other breeds to take place. The hopes are that this will widen the genetic variety of this rare breed and make it healthier in general. While many individual dogs are healthy, the concern is an eventual genetic bottleneck. Occasional cryptochidism, entropian (eye issues), elbow deformities and heart problems are currently seen in the breed. Ideally many issues can eventually be bred out, or at least reduced even further. Currently, the average age for a Wetterhoun is 13 years.

Wetterhouns are affectionate with their families and tolerant/gentle with children. In fact, it’s important to make sure kids are being fair to the Wetterhoun because he is unlikely to react if teased. While he may not always be the most dignified of dogs, he will win over hearts with his clownish senses of humor! He enjoys it when everyone is happy and can become morose if the people around him are gloomy. Overall, he is a very stable and level-headed dog with a spark of good-natured mischief. While more aloof with strangers, he will warm up in time and he also gets along with other dogs/pets quite nicely.

Wetterhouns can make good watchdogs, although don’t tend to be needlessly loud and will usually only bark if there is a reason. If someone were to break in, they would take this quite seriously. This is not a breed that will go on the offensive if they can help it but they will react defensively if a threat arises. As such, this is not a typical guard dog although will protect the family if the situation warranted it.

The Wetterhoun is not the best choice for a first-time dog owner as it is a rough-and-tumble, exuberant breed. Although only medium-sized, he is solid, sturdy and plays in a haphazard way, easily knocking over small people in his excitement. He can be a lot of dog to handle for many, at least until trained! He is not recommended for apartments either as he needs plenty of space and exercise. Make sure to research before deciding that this is the breed for you! When placed in the right home, however, he excels and can become a loyal friend and companion.

Photo By Pleple2000

The multi-talented German Spaniel (also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog) is serious and strong-minded when it comes to hunting, but friendly and social when he’s just hanging out. This medium-sized breed has one of the best noses in the canine world and is able to track wounded game even on very old tracks. He is also talented at hunting both on land as well as water. Despite his skills, the breed is not well known even in his home country of Germany. Instead, he is a secret known mostly by serious German hunters.

The German Spaniel is an affectionate companion dog for families, but he is first and foremost a retriever, flusher and hunter of both furred and feathered game. As almost all German Spaniels that are used for breeding must first pass hunting requirements, the hunting instinct is very intact. In Germany, dogs must also pass strict health clearances before being bred so there are very few health issues in the breed. As it is impossible to eliminate all health issues, elbow disease is sometime seen in certain lines, however.

Most German Spaniels get along well with other dogs as well as older children (they’re too boisterous for younger ones). These retrievers are a social bunch and welcoming of new people. They are also adaptable to many different situations, although they were never meant to live in apartments or sit around doing nothing. They need active, physical jobs in which they can utilize their noses and hunting instincts. As they have an excess of bravery and courage, they are even comfortable hunting large prey (in Canada, they are used to locate and flush out bears!).

German Spaniels learn very quickly and as such can be great obedience dogs when their owners are firm, yet fair. Their happy natures mean that they can be a pleasure to train! Do make sure to train a solid recall, however – as they can get easily distracted by strong scents and wander. When not being supervised, it is strongly advisable to keep them in a fenced yard. Their hunt drive may also kick in around small animals, which makes a fence doubly important. Don’t misunderstand… this dog is very trainable, however unsupervised he may get caught up in the excitement of the hunt – his first passion.

German Spaniels come in two main colors – brown schimmel or solid brown. Both patterns can range from dark chocolate to a red color. Dogs falling outside of this color scheme are not allowed to be bred in Germany. The medium-length double coat can be wavy or even curly, but it should always be very thick in order to protect the dog from heavy brush while hunting. This coat should be brushed and/or combed on a weekly basis. Take note, the breed does shed seasonally! Other grooming considerations are ear cleaning (long hanging ears are more likely to get dirt trapped inside), regular dental care and routine nail trimming.

The Barbet, also known as the French Water Dog, is a happy-go-lucky gun dog originally used for hunting game in water. While rare, this breed is actually behind many modern breeds that have become more well known than their originator (for example, the Poodle). For those people whom have discovered this “secret”, they are fortunate to share their lives with this intelligent, loyal and affectionate dog. Owners are happy to show off their Barbet’s many abilities and talents – for these water dogs are actually incredibly versatile!

The Barbet has a soft mouth and is an excellent retriever. He can also point, flush, and (of course) work in water. This means that while he specializes in water retrieval he is actually a multipurpose hunting dog. Furthermore his medium size makes him big enough to work while not being too cumbersome to travel with. As with all active sporting dogs, the Barbet must be given regular exercise every day. If he is a companion rather than a hunting dog, he appreciates long walks, vigorous jogs and swimming field trips! When given enough exercise he should be fairly calm indoors and easy to live with.

The name Barbet actually translates to “beard” and obviously references the shaggy mop of hair that these dogs carry under their chins. Potential owners must be prepared not only for the soggy mess that will constantly drip from these beards, but also the long heavy coat over the whole dog that will carry in mud, leaves and other bits of nature constantly. These thick, curly coats were designed to protect the dog from water but are not the cleanest or easiest upkeep. While the breed is actually non-shedding (and hypoallergenic), that translates to more grooming because any dead hair must be brushed out regularly. Not only does he require lots of brushing and combing, but his coat must also be trimmed regularly since it grows continuously. 

Because he is so friendly and fun-loving, the Barbet gets along well with others, including children, the elderly, other dogs as well as cats (when raised with them). He makes a great family dog and his clownish sense of humor affords him many friends. He enjoys activities with his owners, especially when those activities allow him to meet new friends (this is a great dog to bring hiking and other outdoor excursions where people tend to gather). Being so social also means that he is prone to separation anxiety when left alone, as his natural inclination is to be right next to his owner at all times.

The Barbet tends to learn quickly when taught obedience and is overall an intelligent breed. That said, they can also become bored more easily than other dogs and some have massive stubborn streaks that they will pull out when they tire of the same training routine. These sensitive dogs also must be trained without unnecessary force or they may shut down. This means that training the Barbet can be a mixed bag and an owner or trainer should put thought into their actions when it comes to teaching. Not training is not an option – the breed can and will subtly start to take over the household if not given guidance in the form of obedience training. When taught in an appropriate way, however, these dogs can compete and excel in many dog sports including obedience, rally, agility and dock diving.

The Barbet can make a good watchdog as he will bark to alert when someone comes to the door. That said, these friendly dogs will quickly accept strangers into the home, especially if the owner approves. No need to worry about this breed becoming unnecessarily noisy as they normally only bark when there is a reason to do so (such as alerting to the presence of people). Keep in mind that visiting children may be bowled over by this excitable dog, so toddler-age and below will require extra supervision.

The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland but is one of the most popular dogs in the United States, thanks to their easy-going temperaments and biddable natures. This said, no single breed is perfect for everybody and anyone interested in acquiring this retrieving breed should be aware of their downsides as well – most notably their energy level, but also their propensity to shed. Goldens must be brushed regularly to keep the shedding down and the dog comfortable. Regular baths and employment of a good forced air dryer (dog dryer) will also help to blow out dead hair.

Like most sporting dogs, the Golden has a lot of energy to burn and requires a substantial amount of exercise, and just throwing the dog outside by himself will not cut it. Many bored Goldens have resorted to escape artist tactics – chewing through or jumping over their fence to find something more entertaining. Most “hyperactive” or destructive Goldens simply haven’t been given enough exercise. This is particularly true for younger dogs under the age of 2. Once most Goldens begin to mature they will start to calm down (although they still definitely require exercise). Swimming is a great way to channel their energy, as well as play dates with other dogs, dog sport activities, jogging and (of course) games of retrieve with a ball or frisbee.

While some Golden Retrievers will bark when someone comes to the door, many others are quiet and apt to just wag their tail furiously. This makes them poor watchdogs in general, and horrible guard dogs. A break-in will probably result in the dog just wanting to say hello to the robber! These gold dogs are lovers and not fighters. In keeping with their playful natures, Goldens are always up to play – which means they might shove a slobbery ball in your (or your friend’s) lap at the most inopportune times. When not asking to play, their affectionate nature means they probably want to be petted or at least be by your side at every waking moment. These are not independent dogs by any means!

Golden Retrievers are often touted as one of the best family dogs as they get along well with children. This said, owners with very young kids should evaluate their schedules and circumstances to determine if they have enough time to take care of both a toddler as well as a puppy! Unfortunately many people obtain a Golden because of the breed’s kid-friendly reputation but quickly find out that they don’t have enough time to take care of both properly. Busier individuals may want to opt for a slightly older dog, or wait until their child grows up a little and/or their schedule eases up. 

Goldens are extremely social dogs and generally want to be around their owners as much as possible. This means they must live inside with the family and should never be relegated to “outside dog status”. Dogs which are left alone all day or outside all of the time are prone to becoming problem chewers, constant barkers and/or destructive diggers. Some dogs will be ok if they live with a housemate, however double the number of dogs also means double the amount of time one must dedicate to training and care! While Goldens tend to get along well with other dogs, without any training or rules an owner may find themselves in over their head!

Goldens are intelligent and tend to be easy to train. Most work very well for food, although because they are so people-oriented, many love praise just as much! This versatile breed is willing and able to compete in almost any type of dog sport, if an owner is so-inclined. Goldens do need to be mentally stimulated by way of training and/or a regular job to do, so do not get one unless you are able to put in consistent work! Once they have completed the basics of obedience training, most turn into well-behaved, trustworthy companions.

Because they were bred to retrieve, Golden Retrievers are very orally fixated and are always trying to put their mouths on something. Most of the time they will stick to their toys, however younger Goldens are apt to also grab your clothing, the remote control, etc, etc. Training will help this frustrating trait, as will providing them with enough of their own “stuff” to grab. Fortunately they are known for having a “soft mouth” which means they aren’t likely to damage your stuff – they just want to carry it around!

Goldens do have a variety of health problems that they are prone to including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease and heart disease. A prospective buyer can mitigate these risks by steering clear of pet shops and only buying a dog from a reputable breeder who does extensive health tests. As with all popular breeds, there are more backyard breeders who don’t know what they are doing and so a buyer must be extra careful. A note about the “rare English Cream” variety – these dogs are no more healthy than any other Golden (and some are much less so). A healthy Golden should live between 10 and 12 years.

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a relatively new breed to the AKC although the breed itself goes back to the 16th century. This red and white spaniel-type dog was bred in the Netherlands to lure ducks into traps, although he makes an excellent ratter around the house as well. The breed is happy and attentive to his master and a great working/companion dog. Kooikerjondjes are gentle yet athletic, and are quite adaptable to many different living situations although they do best when not in a constantly chaotic environment.

The Kooikerhondje, when well exercised, is quiet and peaceful in the house but always ready for fun! Despite his small size he makes a great jogging companion as he has enough energy and endurance to keep up. Remember that this sporting dog was bred to work outdoors and has the grit, agility and stamina to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, including swimming. This said, he is not a super high energy breed and can adapt to live in an apartment. This breed can take a lot of exercise, or very little. He is very adaptable. Just don’t keep him crated all day, every day with little human contact. Such a situation simply wouldn’t be fair.

Many Kooikers are shy and reserved when meeting new people or other dogs but will warm up with time. Rude children or dogs may elicit a reactive response. Early socialization is highly recommended to keep them from becoming overly fearful. As the breed is often alert, they make good watchdogs. When it comes to their own family, Kooikers are friendly, loyal and overall easy-going. They tend to get along well with other animals whom they live with, cats and other dogs alike (although pocket pets should be kept safely in cages). They can also get along with polite, older children.

Nederlandse Kooikerjondjes do tend to shed quite a bit and benefit from being brushed weekly. An occasional bath when they get dirty will not only help to keep the coat clean but also to pull out the dead hair and allow new coat to grow in. The coat is actually waterproof and so it may take just a bit longer to ensure the water penetrates all the way to the skin! As with all dogs, nails must be trimmed regularly and teeth must be kept clean. The ears should be cleaned weekly. There is no special trimming that needs to be done and, all-in-all, these dogs are fairly easy to groom.

Kooikerhondjes are intelligent little dogs. When it comes to training, watch out that you don’t feed too many treats as they have a tendency to put on weight easily! They are also very sensitive to tone of voice so there’s no need to shout or scream at them. Just treat them fairly and don’t let them walk all over you. The breed is eager to please but has the potential to take on the leadership role if no rules or boundaries are put into place, making them a poor choice for a first-time dog owner. Although the breed is fairly well-behaved naturally, all dogs benefit from obedience training and the Kooiker is no exception. Trained Kooikers are great at dog sports such as obedience, flyball and agility!

Kooikers are affectionate yet they do have an independent side. They don’t need their owner to be by their side, helping them out all of the time. Many will find ways to entertain themselves! However these retrieving spaniels prefer to play games and enjoy fun activities with their owners, particularly fetch. Bonus points if it’s a good game of retrieve in the water! Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are exceptionally healthy dogs that aren’t known for having too many health issues – which means they can romp and play well into their senior years.

Photo By Burner83

The Boykin Spaniel was developed here in the United States, and is in fact the state dog of South Carolina. This retrieving and flushing spaniel is not only prized for his enthusiasm in the field, but also his devoted nature and loyalty. These friendly dogs are small, yet athletic. They are quite capable of putting in long hours while out hunting or doing other work. They were bred to be compact enough to fit on a boat, if needed, and in fact they are built to retrieve both in the water and on land. Because of their past history, most Boykins love the water! Boykin Spaniels are adaptable to many different living situations, but most have a hard time adapting to apartment life without a ton of exercise.

Boykins love spending time with the family and are happiest when they are able to do so. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, they do not become better hunting dogs if they are kept in kennels with minimal human contact. When left alone by themselves day-in and day-out, some can get frustrated or bored and may be more prone to chew or other destructive tendencies. The same is true when they aren’t given enough exercise. The Boykin Spaniel is a high-level dog when it comes to energy. He is not a couch potato breed and needs an owner or a family that is just as athletic as he is! Ideally he will go on frequent hikes, jogs and water activities with his owner several times a week.

Boykin Spaniels are generally easy to train as long as the owner puts in the time to do so. They are both intelligent and curious – traits that lend themselves well to training. They also love attention, and obedience can definitely fulfill this need! If using food to train, keep in mind that these little brown dogs are prone to packing on the pounds with ease. It may be helpful to use the dog’s own food for training treats, or substitute fatty treats with something healthy and low-calorie. Once the dog is trained in basic obedience, their boundless energy lends well to competitions in other arenas such as flyball, hunt tests, agility or rally.

While most Boykins are healthy dogs, it is important to only buy from a reputable breeder who health-test their dog before breeding. Health issues that come up more frequently in this breed include Exercise-Induced Collapse, Cataracts, Degenerative Myelopathy and Hip Dysplasia. One is much more likely to end up with a healthy dog if a person avoids pet shops and backyard breeders, and instead goes to a knowledgeable responsible breeder. When healthy, Boykins are quite hardy and will likely live from 10-15 years of age.

Most Boykins get along well with other dogs as long as they were socialized early. They love to play! In fact, many owners have multiple Boykin Spaniels that all live together harmoniously. They also tend to get along well with children, although supervision is recommended with very young children. Some Boykins get fed up easily when/if they are treated roughly, so they might not be best in a house with a toddler. With well-behaved children or adults, however, they are infinitely pleasant and social. Most are friendly even to strangers, as well as to cats!

Boykin Spaniels will bark when someone comes to the door although they are not generally considered to be nuisance barkers. If someone were to break in, they might say hello but aren’t likely to defend the house. They are not known for their protective abilities, but instead are beloved for their hunting and athletic abilities (which they demonstrate often with enthusiasm and wild abandon).

The wavy coat of the Boykin tends to shed quite a bit so they do need to be brushed on a weekly basis (if not 2-3 times a week). If the dog is used for hunting, they should also be checked for ticks after each hunting expedition – the dark coat can hide these pesky critters! Furthermore, the ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Pendulous ears that have a lot of hair (like most spaniels have) are more likely to get infected if not checked and cleaned on schedule. Bathe when needed and keep the nails clipped, and that all will serve to keep the Boykin clean and happy.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of 6 retriever breeds – one which was developed right here in the United States. They are not related to Labs or Goldens and have very different temperaments than what most people are used to when they think of a retriever. These large dogs love swimming more than anything else in life and will not hesitate to jump into even a freezing-temperature pond. These are loyal, loving and sensitive companions that make just as great of a pet as they do a hunting companion, as long as their unique needs are met.

Chessies are quite expressive, known to smile when they are happy (which is quite often). Many will talk and grunt when excited. Most love to be in the middle of the action, whether it be a family game outside or a quiet evening in front of the tv. This breed does well with either single people or in large families, provided they have been socialized. When small kids are involved, it is important to teach the children how to respect the dog. They don’t do well when left home alone every day and therefore don’t make great pets for those who are always at work. Although most are polite to strangers, they are usually fairly indifferent to other people (as well as other dogs).

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. In fact, too much brushing or bathing can wreck their normally oily, waterproof coat. A once-weekly brushing and occasional bath should be enough to keep the coat in good condition. Keeping nails short and ears cleaned are two of the most important grooming tasks for these retrievers. Keep in mind that the wavy coat does shed, and twice a year it is common to have brown tumbleweeds blowing across the house!

The majority of care for a Chessie comes not from grooming sessions, but from exercise. Chessies are not lazy couch potatoes and do require a moderate to high amount of daily exertion. While some may do just fine exercising themselves in a fenced yard, more active individuals benefit from long walks or jogs with their owner. Fit adults love to run alongside a bike, although this should only be reserved for mature dogs and not growing puppies.

Chessies are usually very willing to please and therefore are a delight to train. They love learning new things and working alongside their owners, and are usually quite intelligent although they do have a stubborn side! Despite their generally amiable nature, these big strong dogs need obedience training to keep from becoming too much to handle. Furthermore, many Chessies tend toward being more dominant than other breeds of dog and will take advantage of a lax household. The breed needs a job to do and obedience is one such job, which can be combined with duties such as tracking, hunting or agility. Chesapeakes are happiest when being given a task. Just letting them “be” in a household without any rules runs counterintuitive to the way that their brains are wired.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to be more protective than the other retriever breeds. Naturally territorial, he will not only protect his owner but also his home and even car. It is important that owners socialize early and train throughout the dog’s life to keep this from getting out of control, but most of the time these dogs don’t have aggression problems. Normally, the breed has a good sense about who is friend or foe, and there have been many stories of devoted Chessies protecting their owners from dangerous threats. A well-bred Chessie should be confident without being aggressive or shy, but it does take work to make sure they reach their full potential.

Although they love their people, Chessies are not overly demonstrative dogs. Unlike some of their retriever cousins, they are not prone to extreme excitement behaviors such as jumping up or licking their owners to death. They prefer to stay near their “person” quietly and politely. Furthermore, their sensitive nature means that they will pick up on the emotions of their owner and respond accordingly. Living with a Chesapeake has been compared to living with a loyal, yet reserved friend.

Photo By Nevilley

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a delightful companion and hunting dog, perfect for the owner who wants a retrieving-obsessed working pet. Like most retriever breeds, the Flat-Coat tends to be very orally fixated and will find things to pick up and carry around – including shoes or other non-dog items. He will need to be trained to play only with his own things, as well as given plenty of fetch-type games to satisfy this impulse.

The Flat-Coat is a dog for an owner who doesn’t mind shedding, as he does tend to shed quite a bit. Regular brushing will be required at couple times a week – and keep in mind that even though their tail might never stop wagging, it still needs a good combing out! Some members of the breed don’t care much about being clean and will gladly roll in mud puddles or even manure. Others have a cleaner sensibility, but most can’t resist a dip in the pool or ocean. Depending on the dog and the owner’s living situation, they usually require a moderate amount of grooming care.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are great at obedience, but also tend to have a sense of humor. They are well-known for behaving perfectly at obedience practices, and then acting as though they’ve never been trained once they get to a competition! This is partially because they stay playful and even puppy-ish well into middle age. It is for this reason that obedience is definitely a necessity. Even though they take a long time to mature, it is much easier to live with a Flat-Coat who has been taught basic rules than one who has not. Those who have never been taught any rules tend to chew things up, become problem barkers and hole-diggers, among exhibiting other problem behaviors. They can be more destructive than other retriever breeds and therefore must be given more mental and physical outlets.

Flat-Coats are, first and foremost, hunting dogs. As such, they are keenly interested in finding game and may try to jump over a short fence in order to go after it. A tall, secure fence is therefore recommended. It has been said that a Flat-Coat will only hunt for someone whom he respects. If he doesn’t value his owner or trainer, than he will hunt for himself. He needs an owner that loves and respects him as well, and provides him with plenty of attention. Flat-Coats left to fend for themselves all day can develop separation anxiety. On the other hand, a well-taken care of Flat-Coat will be supremely loyal and faithful to his owner for his entire life.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an active dog who requires plenty of daily exercise. He can adapt to city life but does need more attention to his physical needs than many other breeds. He enjoys his daily outings because he loves spending time with his owners and meeting new people – this is quite a social breed. Flat-Coats are easier to live with in the home as long as they are given these frequent outings. Without enough exercise they tend to jump on guests and small children, and have too much pent-up energy in general. A well-exercised Flat-Coat, on the other hand, is an active but happy member of the family – good with older children and friendly with guests (after a quick bark to alert). This is a very affectionate and cheerful breed who requires an active owner.

Most Flat-Coats get along very well with other pets as they are optimistic and happy in general – lovers and not fighters. They make great companions for other breeds both larger and smaller than they are! This said, an old frail dog that is tiny in size may accidentally be hurt by a bouncing Flat-Coat – so keep this in mind before adding this breed to your household.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are almost always exuberant, and their tails are usually in a perpetual wag! For this reason, they may not be the best choice for someone who keeps lots of delicate items on display. Flat-Coat tails are well-known for clearing coffee tables. The breed is also known for “counter-surfing” AKA stealing food or items atop the stove or countertops. This latter behavior can be managed through training, but their tails cannot be trained to stop wagging. Therefore, they don’t make the best matches for cluttered or small living spaces.