Chesapeakes are a numerically small breed, with around 150 Chesapeake puppies born each year in the UK. The number varies as many breeders may only have an occasional litter, and very few breeders have more than one litter per year. If there is a particular line that you like, you may have to wait a while for your puppy. 

We strongly recommend that you meet some adult Chessies and chat to their owners about the breed, before you go visit a litter of puppies. Chesapeake puppies are irresistably cute, but they don’t stay puppies for long. The best way to see lots of Chesapeakes is to attend a CBRC event or two. These are listed on the Events page.

When going to visit a litter, always ask to meet the dam of the litter, and if possible, try to meet the sire too, to make sure you like them and their temperament. The dam should be at the breeder’s home. If you are intending to work your dog, most breeders will have no problem in demonstrating their dogs’ retrieving ability for you.

The CBRC recommends that you only consider buying a puppy from a litter where all the relevant health checks have been carried out on both parents. Ask the breeder to confirm that both parents of the litter have been checked for the following health problems:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• PRA
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Hereditary cataracts