Once known as the Chesapeake Bay Ducking Dog and the Gunpowder River Dog, today’s Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a strong, powerfully built hunting dog, capable of retrieving waterfowl under the most adverse water and weather conditions. Developed in the State of Maryland, the Chessie, as his many fans call him, delights owners with his non-stop work ethic, which is only matched by his dynamic personality and desire to please his owner. Whether a family is seeking a hunting dog, home companion or watchdog, the Chessie proves to be a fabulous, even "ducky," choice. Written by well-respected American retriever authority and breeder, Nona Kilgore Bauer, this book provides the much needed, up-to-date information about the breed, from its origins on the Maryland shores, to its breed characteristics, both positive and negative, and breed standard, as well as discussion of puppy selection, feeding, health care and behavior. New owners will welcome the author’s advice about housebreaking and obedience training the brilliant, if somewhat stubborn, Chessie.