Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Energetic, loyal, and intelligent, this breed thrives on outdoor adventures and strong bonds with family. Renowned for its water-retrieving skills and weather-resistant coat.

Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Large
29–36 kg
Double coat, water-resistant
10–13 years
25–32 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Generally friendly but can be reserved with strangers
Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
Very energetic, needs regular physical activity
Enjoys games and interactive play sessions
Adapts moderately well to new environments
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced owners for training and management
Not recommended
Requires more space and exercise than most apartments provide
Excellent match
Thrives with active owners who provide regular physical and mental activities
Good companion
Tolerant and playful, but supervision is needed with small children
Can be selective
May not get along with unfamiliar dogs without socialization
Not suitable
Dislikes being left alone and may develop anxiety or destructive habits
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Excellent water retrieving instincts
- Strong loyalty to family members
- High intelligence and trainability
- Protective without excessive aggression
- Resilient in harsh weather conditions
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Prone to stubborn or independent behavior
- Needs substantial daily physical activity
- Can be wary of strangers
- May be territorial with other dogs
- Thick coat requires regular grooming
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience