Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: What’s the Difference?

While they may look extremely similar upon first glance, there are a number of differences between the Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever. But what might some of those differences be, and what makes both of these dog breeds special? 

In this article, we will compare and contrast all of the similarities and differences between the Labrador Retriever and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever so that you can have a full understanding of both breeds. We will address their ancestries, behaviors, and life spans in case you are interested in adopting either of these two dogs. Let’s get started now! 

Comparing Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever

Key Differences Between Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever

There are many key differences between the Labrador Retriever and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. While they both weigh roughly the same amount on average, the Labrador Retriever is slightly shorter compared to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Additionally, the Labrador Retriever has a slightly longer lifespan compared to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Let’s take a closer look at all of these differences and more now. 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: Size

Looking at a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and a Labrador Retriever, you likely can’t tell that they weigh exactly the same amount on average. However, you may be able to notice the slight differences between these two dogs. The Labrador Retriever is shorter than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever on average, but by how much? Let’s take a look.

Depending on gender, the Labrador Retriever reaches heights of 23 to 24 inches tall, while the Chesapeake Bay Retriever frequently reaches 21 to 26 inches tall. As you can see, the overlap between these two breeds is extreme, and it makes sense if you don’t happen to notice their differences upon first glance! 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: Appearance

It can be extremely difficult to tell a Labrador Retriever apart from a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, given the fact that they are built similarly and have very similar facial features. If you happen to pet both of these dogs, you will notice that the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a much more oily and textured coat compared to the smooth coat of the Labrador Retriever. 

Speaking of coats, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever comes in fewer colors compared to the Labrador Retriever. Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a waterproof double coat, while the Labrador Retriever has a coat that isn’t quite as thick. Otherwise, these dogs are strikingly similar to one another, despite not necessarily being related. 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: Ancestry and Breeding

The primary differences between a Labrador Retriever and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever lie in their ancestry and breeding purposes. While both of these dogs are highly capable gun and hunting dogs, the Labrador Retriever is a much older breed compared to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Additionally, these dogs originated in different locations. Let’s talk more about that now. 

For example, the Labrador Retriever was originally bred in the United Kingdom and Newfoundland, sometime during the 1500s, while the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated in the 1800s in the Chesapeake Bay Area. While this doesn’t necessarily change the behaviors of either of these dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was bred for retrieving waterfowl in the frigid temperatures of the Chesapeake Bay, while the Labrador Retriever was not bred with this in mind.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: Behavior

Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train, especially for hunting and game retrieval. However, there are some personality differences between the two breeds. For example, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is much more alert and focused compared to the easygoing Labrador Retriever. 

Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever exhibits more stubbornness while training compared to the eager-to-please Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever also welcomes small children and just about anyone with its happy nature, while the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a bit more reserved toward strangers by comparison. 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador Retriever: Lifespan

A final difference between the Labrador Retriever and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has to do with their life spans. Overall, the Labrador Retriever lives a longer life compared to the average Chesapeake Bay Retriever. This is likely due to the breeding of both of these dogs, considering they are the same size and weight for the most part. Let’s take a closer look at the figures now.

Depending on health, the Labrador Retriever lives an average of 12 to 15 years, while the Chesapeake Bay Retriever lives 10 to 13 years total. This is a subtle difference and distinction between the two breeds, but it is something to keep in mind if you plan on adopting either one. However, with a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise, both of these breeds are capable of living long and happy lives!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © TM creations/Shutterstock.com