Chilean Fox Terrier vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Breed Comparison

The Chilean Fox Terrier, developed in Chile, is a dog breed which comes from crossing the British Fox Terrier with some of the local Chilean dogs.

The dog is thought to have been developed in the 19th century already, some time between 1790 and 1850.

The dog is known for its skills in catching rats and mice. Known also as the Chilean Rat Terrier, Terrier Chileno or Ratonero, the Chilean Fox Terrier hasn’t achieved formal recognition with any of the leading canine organizations.

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 Chilean Fox Terrier looks almost identical to his ancestors. He stands between 30 – 40cm and weighs between 5 to 9kg.

He is squarely proportioned, he is athletic looking and well muscled with long, slender legs. Many of these dogs are born with naturally short tails, but if not, then the tail is usually docked after the first or second vertebrae. Now that docking is falling out of favor, the breed is losing that distinctive look.

The head of the Chilean Fox Terrier is triangular with the muzzle being somewhat shorter than the Smooth Fox Terrier. The ears of the Chilean Fox Terrier are smallish and high set, being partially erect. The coat of the dog is short and thick and essentially white while the face is usually tan and black.

Temperament:

The Chilean Fox Terrier is loyal with his human family and can fit in well with a family where there are children and other pets.

Training and socialization become necessary for the dog so that he becomes obedient and amicable around his family and with strangers. He isn’t an aggressive dog but he is alert and can make an excellent watch dog.

He is dominant and confident and also intelligent and easily trainable. He is an active dog so he will require exercise every day, whether he lives in the city or in the country.

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.

The Chilean Fox Terrier is a lively dog with an alert expression. He has become a popular companion dog, being less aggressive than other Terriers.

When you treat him well he becomes a loyal friend and forms a strong bond with his human owners. He gets on well with children who have been taught to respect animals, but he tends to become a bit aggressive around other dogs of the same sex.

Socialization and training however can make him much more relaxed around other dogs.

He is an attractive little dog with his short coat, giving the appearance of being well groomed. He can adapt to country- or city life too. He is such an easy dog to keep too so why not choose him as your 4-legged family member? He promises to make the perfect family companion.

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.

The Chilean Fox Terrier is a healthy breed who doesn’t appear to have any particular health issues. It doesn’t mean that your dog will be free from disease, but it is worth knowing that a quality diet, fresh water and lots of love and attention does enhance longevity in a pet.

It is to your benefit to know about one or two common diseases that your dog could get.

Bloat:

You’ll notice your pet’s stomach being swollen. Bloat is a disease which can become dangerous because the stomach can twist. Once this happens, gas can’t escape from the stomach and your pet will want to vomit, he’ll salivate and you’ll notice unusual restless kind of behavior. You need to get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Kidney Disease:

This is also a disease that any dog can develop and can be a complication of another pet disease such as Lyme disease. One of the first signs of kidney disease in dogs is drinking more often than usual and also urinating more often.

He’ll lose his appetite and be lethargic and likely lose weight. Kidney disease is a serious disease and you will need to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

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 Chilean Fox Terrier is a low maintenance breed and this means you won’t be having to part with any money on grooming sessions for him. He’ll basically require a brushing twice a week.

The Chilean Fox Terrier, as a smaller dog breed, will also require regular dental brushing, as neglecting this can result in dental problems as well as a host of diseases that are associated with gum disease and tooth decay.

Make sure to feed him a quality diet full of vitamins and minerals and ensure he always has fresh, cool water available.

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.