German Shorthaired Pointer vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Breed Comparison

Being a member of the Sporting Group, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a dog which was developed in the 19th century in Germany, and specifically for hunting. Hunters wanted a dog who could hunt all types of game and in all types of terrain.

There are quite a few different theories that exist regarding the origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer, but most experts believe that the breed came from a mix of old Spanish pointer and traditional continental pointers with further crossings of German Bloodhound and French Gascon to enhance scenting abilities.

The dogs popularity flourished in Europe and in 1891 the Klub Kurzhaar was founded to maintain the guidelines for this new and beautiful sporting dog.

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.

Athletic, muscular and sleek, the medium to large sized German Shorthaired Pointer is at home on land and water. He stands between 53 to 63cm in height and weighs roughly between 20 – 32kg.

The eyes are brown, the ears are fairly long, they are floppy and set high on the head. The tail is always docked to a particular length and is held straight out from the body so that it actually forms a line with the entire body and the head.

The dog has a short coat which is essentially a combination of liver and white speckles or dappling.

Temperament:

A whole lot of factors come into play when looking at the temperament of a dog. The kind of owners the dog has can have a huge affect on the way he turns out. Nonetheless every dog, including the German Shorthaired Pointer will require training and socialization to become obedient and relaxed around strangers and other pets.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, confident, bold, affectionate dog that wants to please his owners and he is easy to train. He is good with children too, just loving all interaction with his human family.

He is an energetic dog and will require plenty of exercising to avoid him becoming bored, frustrated and destructive.

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.

As an intelligent hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is also a loving family companion and he just loves spending time outdoors with his human family.

He is pretty much an all-rounder – playful, energetic, a good watchdog and a loving and devoted family friend.

For an active, outdoor kind of family, include the German Shorthaired Pointer in all your activities and you’re going to ensure that you have a most wonderful 4-legged friend.

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.

Most German Shorthaired Pointers are healthy dogs, but even so, just like with any other dog breed, they can be subject to some hereditary disorders as well as some of the other common dog illnesses there are -

Chocolate poisoning:

Dogs are such devoted family members that you just want to give in to them and pop the chocolate treats you love into their mouths. But dog’s can’t eat chocolate! Just one piece can affect a small dog. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include diarrhea,vomiting, panting and shaking and even worse, a heart attack. If your dog has got hold of some chocolate, get him to the vet immediately.

Parvo:

Your German Shorthaired Pointer, as a puppy, should have his puppy vaccines. If your dog has this terrible disease, he will be lethargic, have diarrhea and almost seem out of it. Survival isn’t always guaranteed and the best way to avoid this killer disease, is to ensure your puppies vaccinations are up to date.

Bloat:

Check your pet for Bloat or an enlarged stomach which can twist because of trapped gas. This can be deadly for your pet. Get him immediately to the vet. He’ll be restless, lethargic and trying to vomit.

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.

Grooming:

The German Shorthaired Pointer isn’t a heavy shedder. He has a short coat which requires brushing at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and keep it shiny and sleek.

Also check in- and outside the ears, clip his nails and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Only the highest grade kibble will do. Mix in some of your own home-made cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken from time to time and also ensure your pet gets in some raw meat as well. Cool, fresh water should be constantly 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.