Dog breed comparison
Labrador Retriever vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Labrador Retriever | Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder | 21 inches to 26 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 55 to 80 pounds | 55 to 80 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with other dogs
The Labrador Retriever gets on better with other dogs than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Friendly with strangers
The Labrador Retriever is friendlier with strangers than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Easy to train
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Good with children
The Labrador Retriever is better with children than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
First-time owners
The Labrador Retriever suits first-time owners better than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Intelligence
The Labrador Retriever is quicker to learn than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Which to choose
Labrador Retriever or Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
Choose the Labrador Retriever if…
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is better with children
Choose the Chesapeake Bay Retriever if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Labrador Retriever or the Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Labrador Retriever or the Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
