We just lost our beloved golden, Hunter, and am concidering getting a 9 mo old Ches. Bay Ret. But have read they are aggressive and territorial. I also raise a rare breed of land tortoises. Am I making a mistake with this breed of dog? Will I have a difficult time getting him to adapt to his new owners and home as well as protect but leave my shelled friends alone. Your quick reply is appreciated. Thanks
Aztec
03-06-2008, 06:00 AM
http://www.cbrrescue.org/WARNING.HTM
http://www.amchessieclub.org/standard.html
mcdougie
03-26-2008, 10:00 AM
Hi, I don't think it would be a mistake. I have a chessy and she is awesome. I think if she is properly socialized she will be a great addition. My chessy, Theah is not agresive and she is very watchful , has a mind of her own sometimes , but is well behaved around her /our pets( two cats).
NNChessies
07-02-2008, 04:49 PM
I have not had a problem with Chessies. It is my breed of choice. I have had babies and young children (including my own) around them. I had one that would bring me the babies of ANY animal and expect me to take care of them. When I put them back she picked them up and brought them right back to me, even when she was sternly told NO. IMHO they are quite a unique breed, unlike any other.
Having said that, I have quite a few Chessie stories, I would add the following caution. Be very selective of what you want. My brother has had this breed for more than twenty-five years, I'm about twenty-five, and his last seven have been different from his first Chessies. They are all "hi-powered". By that I mean they seem to try and vibrate out of their skin. I've met others of the same type. They seem more aggressive and tunnel visioned. He has gotten rid of quite a few since he can't trust them around the kids. In their defense, his job had him start traveling a lot and his family never did more than minimum contact. I strongly encourage you meet the both parents and see their disposition as well as they're environment. Yes they, like all breeds, need proper socialization, attention, love and stability but you still need to look at their breeding. Sounds uppity don't it?;)
My last Chessie was people friendly, slept on top of my beehives, played with our old cat and Peek-a-poo and when a turtle adopted our backyard it was fine also, other than getting licked alot. Unfortunately due to circumstances I am unable to train anymore and I felt bad about relocating her as she was a big part of this family and a Christmas gift. But she is happier with her new surroundings.
If I could I would have another in half a heartbeat. I look for the more old style that let the world go by until they were called, needed or heard the cycling of a pump shotgun. Also read the book The New Complete Chesapeake Bay Retreiver.