Chesapeake Bay retriever, breed of large sporting dog developed in the United States. It stands about 24 in. (61 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs about 65 lb (29.5 kg). Its thick, short double coat ranges in color from a very dark brown to the faded tan called deadgrass. Webbed feet, powerful shoulders and hindquarters, and an oily outercoat that tends to shed water, combine to make the Chesapeake a very efficient retriever in the iciest water. Although bred to retrieve ducks, it is also widely used to hunt on land and has been trained as a guide dog. See dog.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.