Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison

Fondly referred to as the Chessie, the ‘Labrador-look-alike’ Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s history extends to St. Johns Newfoundland pups which were rescued off a ship off the coast of Maryland in 1807. The Chesapeake is an American breed.

It is believed that the Newfoundland puppies as they grew, were bred with area dogs, with there being few records of the early dogs, but it is believed that spaniels and dogs were included.

In 1918 the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club and in 1964 the dog was declared the official dog of Maryland.

The Atlas Terrier is a rare dog. He was developed in the USA and is a blend of Jack Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, Border Terriers and Patterdale Terriers. It was in 1990 that Lauren Wolfe developed a breed similar to the Jack Russell, but with a solid colour, and in fact she had two dogs that were solid red in colour. This was as a result of a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Terrier.

With the crossing of different terriers, the foundation for the Atlas Terrier was formed. Lauren Wolfe named the breed ‘Atlas Terrier’ because many terriers from various parts of the world were used to develop this specific breed. It was in 2001 that the Atlas Terrier Association was founded.

The Chesapeake is a large dog belonging to the Sporting breed group. Perhaps one of the more distinctive features of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the yellowish eyes.

This is a strong, well muscled dog that stands anywhere from 61 – 66cm and weighs between 30 – 45kg. The short, thick coat of the dog is waterproof and comes in colors ranging from brown to reddish yellow to chestnut shades.

The head of the Chesapeake is broad and roundish with medium length floppy ears. The tail is long. The toes are webbed which helps makes the dog an excellent swimmer as well.

Temperament:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a happy kind of dog with a bright, alert, intelligent expression. He loves water and is guaranteed to make a wonderful pet for any family.

With his wonderful characteristics, it is worth training him and socializing him as this training sets parameters for him so that he becomes a wonderfully obedient dog that gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

A Feisty, Fun Breed

Atlas Terrier dogs are a small to medium sized dog but with a strong personality. With their two coat varieties – smooth and wire – and coming directly from the Jack Russell Terrier, this feisty dog suits those who want a low maintenance, fun breed who will join them on their walks or jogs. These dogs are brave and loyal and will double as a watch dog and family pet.The breed is accepted for registry and it is classified under the Terrier dog category.

Different Sizes

There are 3 sizes of Atlas Terrier – toy, miniature, and standard. The toy variety is 23 to 28 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs 2.7 to 5.4 kg. All three varieties are the same except for height and weight.

The Coat - Smooth or Wavy?

The coat of this dog is thick and may come in a variety of colours such as brindle or merle. The Atlas Terrier is also found in solid colours and sometimes you will find that they have white markings on the face, feet or chest. Most times the tail of the Atlas Terrier is docked, but if not, the tail curls over the back. The ears of the Atlas Terrier are V-shaped and they fold forward.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is ready to be your best friend and companion. This dog breed is highly active and he’ll fit easily into a family that is active and can ensure he is involved in all their activities.

He loves human companionship and is protective, making him a good watchdog.

The beauty about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is that he is generally an even tempered dog, and once trained and socialized, becomes a truly splendid pet, one that will be loving and loyal with his owners.

Atlas Terriers most certainly have a bit of the Jack Russell in them and these dogs are social, outgoing, mischievous and affectionate. They’re just like your regular naughty child and having one of them in your home will mean energy and lots of fun and games.

This is a highly social breed and he won’t like to be left alone every day. Just like a human child, he will need to be stimulated to ward off boredom and to prevent him from becoming destructive.

Learning Abilities

The Atlas Terrier just loves games and if you’re ready for a game, he will be more than ready to take part. He is intelligent and will therefore responds well to training and socialization. When properly socialized, Atlas Terriers get along well with children, and because they’re not an aggressive breed, if they’re properly trained and socialized they will get along with other pets too. Atlas Terriers make excellent pets, but he is a strong willed dog and will require an owner who is firm, but fair.

By taking good care of your Chesapeake, you can ensure his teeth remain strong, his nose is wet and his coat glossy and healthy. He is a robust breed as it is, but there are always some common dog diseases to watch out for -

Obesity:

Obesity is an ailment that is afflicting many humans and their pets. Being overweight can bring on a host of unwanted diseases. Obesity is a serious disease that can contribute to digestive disorders, back pain, heart disease and joint problems.

Instead of showering him with little treats to show him how much you love him, rather stroke him or play a game with him – it’s the ultimate treat for him – your attention.

Spay or Neuter:

Remember that if you aren’t going to let your Chessie become a parent, the best thing you can do for your male or female is to have them spayed or neutered. In fact, spaying or neutering can decrease the likelihood of your pet getting certain types of cancers as well as other illnesses. Speak to your vet and discover how these procedures can be very beneficial for your pet.

The selective breeding program of Atlas Terriers has meant that this is a robust, spunky breed free of any major health concerns. While they are a low maintenance breed with longevity on their side, you still have to be a responsible pet owner and see that your Atlas Terrier puppy gets all those must have injections.

Vaccinating your Atlas Terrier Puppy

Tiny puppies are susceptible to infectious diseases and will have to be vaccinated against them from 8 weeks on and then also get an annual booster. The diseases to be vaccinated against include hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus, coronavirus, eptospirosis and parainfluenza. Vaccinations must be kept up to date and it is mandatory for your puppy to be vaccinated against rabies.

Grooming:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds fairly heavily throughout the year. The coat should be brushed at least twice a week to remove dead hair. Brushing is good for the dog too as it distributes the oils of the skin, making his coat shinier.

Because the Chesapeake has floppy ears, the ears will need to be checked on a weekly basis for signs of infection. This is of particular importance if your Chessie loves to spend time splashing around in water. The veterinarian can recommend and also advise on cleaners for your dog’s ears.

Diet and Exercise:

An excellent diet and plenty of exercise will ensure your Chessie can live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age. You want to keep his diet of kibble, rice, vegetables and meat consistent so as not to upset his stomach.

Avoid giving him foods such as chocolates. Do research on the harm you can do to your pet when you feed him some human foods that are entirely not meant for a dog’s digestive system.

Make sure to always have a constant supply of fresh, clean water for him.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has always loved to be active - hunting for- and retrieving birds from rivers and lakes. He is used to being active and will require a good supply of exercise. Take him for long walks and let him join you on your runs or your cycling.

As a medium shedder, the Atlas Terrier will require some grooming. Grooming is easy and a brush twice a week with a rubber-bristled brush will remove those loose hairs and give his coat a sheen.

Feeding the Puppy

Always make sure you’re feeding your tiny puppy the right quantities of a food type. Always feed your puppy food which is appropriate to his age. Your 8 week old puppy will require 4 meals a day. A highly active breed such as the Atlas Terrier will require more protein for energy.

Speak to your veterinarian about the perfect diet for your puppy and about wet- or dry foods. There is the choice of feeding your puppy commercial dog food or your own home-prepared meals, but then you want to be sure that your puppy is getting the right balance of minerals and vitamins.

Once your Atlas Terrier is about a year of age, he can go onto one meal a day or a lighter meal in the morning and the evening. Remember to ensure that there is always clean, cool water available for your puppy.