Maryland State Dog - Chesapeake Bay Retriever

[color photograph of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever]
Photo courtesy of American Chesapeake Club, Inc.

In 1964, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, named after the famous bay region of the breed's origin, was declared the official dog of Maryland (Chapter 156, Acts of 1964; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-303). A working dog bred to recover waterfowl for hunters, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of only a few breeds actually developed in the United States.

Retrievers excel in field and obedience trials. These dogs are characterized by their versatility, strength, endurance, and loyal devotion.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are found working with drug enforcement agencies, as service dogs, and visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Some are trained for search and rescue work, even as avalanche or sled dogs.

Maryland Manual On-Line