What’s the Difference Between a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and a Lab?
If you’re looking to get a new dog for your family or household, you might be stuck between choosing a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and a Lab.
Although they might seem like they are very similar, they have some distinct differences you should be aware of before choosing the dog you want to get.
Knowing what you can expect with either breed is important before choosing which one you are going to get.
What’s the Difference Between a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and a Lab?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers look very similar, but they have completely different personalities. Labradors tend to be more sociable, while Chesapeake’s tend to be more protective with their dominant personalities. Labradors might also be more likely to cuddle and sit on your lap as they love company.
Finding out more knowledge about both dog breeds is also a good idea before buying one.
You might also be thinking of getting both and you want to see if they will get along.
Use this guide to see which one might suit your home and lifestyle more.
How Do The Histories of the Breeds Compare?
Some people think the Chesapeake Retrievers and the Labradors are related, but this is not true.
There is a theory that the Chesapeake is related to the Silver Labrador, but not many studies have been done to really prove this.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was one of the original nine dogs that were first registered in North America in 1878.
Their genetic makeup is many different dogs including Irish Water Spaniels, Newfoundlands, and some other unknown canines.
They are used as working dogs primarily as well as drug detection dogs and therapy dogs.
They love to work and easily get bored if they are not given jobs and tasks.
Labrador Retrievers are originally from Newfoundland in Canada starting from the 19th century.
They mainly used to work on the water to collect water mammals and fish.
However, it was the British that took them to Britain after finding them in Canada.
The British were the ones that gave them the name Labrador Retriever.
However, they are less known as working dogs nowadays.
Most owners use them for family pets as they have very affectionate and even personalities that make them great to be around small kids and families.
Do Chessies and Labradors Look the Same?
Some people think these two breeds look very similar, and in some ways they do.
However, Chesapeake’s often have longer hair that is curly.
Their hair is also oilier and can be a waterproof layer, even when they are swimming in ice-cold water.
Some people also say that their hair looks like feathers.
These can cover the top of their head or they can just be around the end of the body and the tail.
Under this thick outer coat, there is a short and wooly undercoat.
This allows them to keep their body warm even in the winter.
The Labrador coat can be similar, but they don’t have wavy hair and it’s not as oily.
Chessies also only come in brown, although some might be lighter and others will be darker.
Labradors come in many different colors including yellow, brown, and black.
Their weight is one area where they are almost identical though.
The males of both breeds usually weigh 65 to 80 pounds while the females of both breeds weigh between 55 to 70 pounds.
Chesapeake Retrievers are taller than Labradors though.
They are 21 to 26 inches while the Labrador is only 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall.
In general, the Chesapeake is bigger than the Labrador.
The Chesapeake is also different in some other areas including that they have a thicker and deeper chest.
They also have a stronger muzzle and a thicker neck.
Their ears are also longer and they usually fall below the line of their muzzle.
Their tail is also more otter-like rather than being long and skinny like the Labradors.
Both breeds tend to have cute and friendly faces though despite the Chesapeake looking tougher and stronger than the Labrador.
Do Chesapeake Retrievers and Labradors Have the Same Temperament?
Although their size is a little different, their personalities are majorly different.
Many people choose one or the other when they are trying to decide because of their personalities.
Knowing the differences can help you determine which dog will fit better into your home and the personalities of your family members.
Labradors are one of the number one dog breeds in America because they are known to be loving, gentle, and kind.
They are also very playful and love to be part of the pack.
This means they will enjoy spending time with the whole family even if you have small kids that love to climb on them.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is also affectionate but not to the same degree.
They are not as easy going through and they tend to be suspicious of guests you have in the home.
They will usually not welcome new members to the home, so having guests could be hard when you have a Chesapeake.
Training them well and teaching them manners will help when it comes to the way they act around strangers though.
If you are looking for a guard dog though, the Chesapeake is a better dog for you.
Labradors on the other hand see everyone as a playmate and they want to be friends with everyone.
Even if someone is in your house unwelcome, they will still want belly rubs from them and try to be their friend.
Chesapeake on the other hand will alert when someone is in the house, and they will want to make sure you are safe and secure.
Chesapeakes often requires more training though as they tend to want to be the master and they like to be in control.
Labradors don’t need as much training as they prefer flexible lifestyles, and they have no problem living in a home with no structure or that is easygoing.
Chessies are more serious dogs that value a schedule.
They also need to work or hunt to thrive and be in a good mood.
Without a working schedule, they might become fussy or have destructive behaviors around the house.
Their personalities are strong and your personality needs to be strong also.
If you are a more docile or relaxed person, it might be hard to train a Chessie.
It might also be hard for them to find respect for you because they need a strong leader.
Having a Chessie can be a very rewarding experience though because they love to protect the family unit.
Do Labradors and Chessies Need the Same Exercise?
Both breeds are considered to be high energy and they will need 60 minutes a day.
This might seem like a strong requirement, but they will need it, or they might start to show destructive behaviors around the house.
You need to make sure some of the exercises are also intense in nature.
This might include running or taking them for a swim. They are both excellent swimmers and they will even fetch things you throw into the water.
Can You Train a Chessie the Same as the Labrador?
They both need early socialization and obedience training, but their overall training needs differ.
Chessies tend to need continuous obedience training because they want to be the pack leader.
They might try to challenge you and you will need to keep doing challenging exercises with them.
Labradors usually don’t need continuous training.
What Are Other Differences Between Chesapeakes and Labradors?
Both breeds tend to be very healthy dogs without the need to visit the vet more often than normal.
They can both be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, so they might need to be checked by the vet for this periodically especially as they age.
They also have the same nutrition needs which will keep them healthy and make sure they have all the vitamins and minerals they need.
They will need at least 2.5 cups of food a day and maybe more if they are working and doing intense activities.
Labradors tend to be more food-obsessed though.
You will need to monitor their food intake because they are more prone to gaining weight.
They are also more prone to beg for food and to want treats more often.
Chessies often have dirt sitting on their coat and they will need to be bathed and brushed regularly.
Chessies can also have a stronger odor if you don’t brush them daily.
Labradors only need brushing 2 or 3 times a week.
Final Thoughts
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Labrador have many different characteristics, mainly their personality and their grooming needs.
The history of the breeds is also different. Their health and nutrition are the same though.
They also need the same exercise.
Labradors tend to be more friendly and Chessies are more protective and dominant when it comes to being part of the family.
