not be restricted in the water or forced into
a stooped position on the ground.
In examining components of the head,
the skull is approximately 5"-6" wide from
root to root of the ears. Overly wide skulls
should be avoided. Skull and muzzle are
approximately the same length (each is
about 4¾"-5" long). The muzzle is strong
and gradually tapers to a pointed look at
the tip without being extreme or to give the
appearance of a sharp cutting affect. The
muzzle should not be blunt, short or snipey.
The medium stop implies that the Chesa-
peake should not be down, dish face or have
an abrupt appearance, but rather a clean
look. The above describes a head capable of
grasping and carrying large game.
The lips should be thin, not pendu-
lous. Thick heavy or f leshy lips, poised
without visible support and heavy jowls,
all have a tendency to retain feathers –
thus, are not desirable.
The ears are to be small, approximately
4½"-5"
in length. They are to be set high
on a rounded skull, above the eye level but
not so high up like a terrier and not high
on an undesirable flat skull. Naturally the
ears appear a little lower than the skull and
the skull appears rounded. When baited
and the ears are raised, the appearance is
higher. Ear leather should not be too thin
or too thick. The ears should hang loosely.
The eyes are medium large and very
clear. An oval/oblong eye is implied. Eyes
are wide apart in accordance with a 2½"-
2¾"
width. Wider could cause eyes to
project, thus exposing them to brush and
brambles and possible injury.
A tight lid, open lid, round eyes
and/or protruding eyes are undesirable.
The color of the eye is specified as yel-
lowish or amber. Amber allows darker
shades of yellow that include orange,
gold, and light brownish shades of yel-
low. It is desirable that eye color blends
somewhat with the color of the dog to
enhance the camouf lage desired within
the working environment.
The Chesapeake should have a pleasing
head that projects a bright and happy dispo-
sition and an intelligent expression. Good
disposition, a willing to work attitude, and
devotion to companion are essential.
Structural Points
Heights are dogs 23"-26" and bitches
21"-24".
Note that the Chesapeake has a
two-inch difference in the ranges. Most
sporting breeds have one. Thus there can
be a 5" difference or a 24" bitch can be one-
inch taller than a 23" male.
“
This is a wondeRful BReed
with good attitude and working ability.”
264 •
S
how
S
ight
M
agazine
,
N
ovember
2012