Chesador Dog Breed

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Lab mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group--but since their Chessie and Lab parents are both members of the Sporting group in the AKC and other clubs, these hybrids would fit nicely in that category. No info exists about the Chesador's specific origin; though a Chesapeake Bay Retriever mix with Lab has probably existed for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. These energetic, athletic dogs make fantastic waterfowl hunting companions--but they're best suited for experienced owners, preferably those living in rural areas with lots of space.

A few Chesapeake Bay-Lab mix facts: they're large-sized, averaging 23 inches at the shoulders in height and 70 pounds in weight; they have thick, double-layered, often waterproof coats that shed a lot; and they're highly energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Chesapeake Bay-Labrador mix:

Some Chesador breed information: these hybrids are the offspring of two highly active, highly intelligent breeds--and both are on the large side, so the Chesapeake Bay-Labrador Retriever mix will be pretty big (about 70 pounds) too. Chesapeake-Labs need lots of room to run and roam, so they do poorly in apartments; they also shed a good bit, so they're not a good match for allergy sufferers.

In regards to temperament: Chesadors are smart, task-oriented, and personable. They usually get along well with other family members (whether human or animal), although they may instinctively try to challenge other dogs in the household. Your Chesador might inherit its Chessie parent's tendency for stubbornness, so the dog may need some extra training in order to learn tasks, tricks, and commands--but hopefully it'll also inherit the Lab's willingness to please, which will make for a more well-balanced pooch! Regardless: your Chesador will likely be super-high-energy too, so it's recommended that these dogs are taught to be calm when needed, starting during puppyhood if possible.

The best way to channel your Chesador's energy, of course: exercise, exercise, and more exercise. These hybrids need a lot of it on a daily basis--and whether it's fetch, Frisbee, walks, jogs, bike rides, or agility sports, your Chesador will have no problem keeping up!

The Chesador, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids may inherit ailments common to the parents including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, various eye issues (the most serious of which is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA), and gastric torsion (or bloat).

Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Chesador is 10-12 years.