The Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed of dog is an all-American, extremely hardy water retriever. The distinctive brownish, double layer coat of this powerful medium size dog was developed to match his working surroundings. Other distinctive traits of the breed are their amber or yellowish eyes and the fact that their hindquarters are as high or higher than their shoulders. "Chessies" are equally proficient on land and in the water. The skull of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed of dog is broad and round, and his jaws long and strong enough to carry large game birds gently and easily. His thick double coat consists of a short, harsh, wavy outer coat and a dense, fine, wooly undercoat. The undercoat is naturally oily, ideally suited to repel water. The Chesapeake's body is strong, well-balanced, and powerfully built, but medium sized. His shoulders, chest and hindquarters all suggest strength and freedom of movement But his power cannot be at the expense of agility or stamina. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed of dog should have an intelligent expression. Eyes are medium large, very clear, of yellowish or amber color and wide apart. Ears are small, well up on the head, hanging loosely, and of medium leather. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever's skull is broad and round with a medium stop. Nose is medium short. Muzzle is approximately the same length as the skull, tapered, pointed but not sharp. Lips are thin. A scissors bite is preferred, but a level bite is acceptable. The neck of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed of dog should be of medium length with a strong muscular appearance, tapering to the shoulders. The topline should show the hindquarters to be as high as or a little higher than the shoulders. The back should be short and powerful, the chest strong, deep and wide, with a round and deep rib cage barrel. The medium length body should be almost hollow underneath, as the flanks should be well tucked up. The tail should be straight or slightly curved and should not curl over back or side kink. Legs should be medium in length and straight, showing good bone and muscle. Pasterns slightly bent and of medium length. The front legs should appear straight when viewed from front or rear. Well webbed hare feet should be of good size with toes well-rounded and close. The hindquarters must be especially powerful to supply the driving power needed for swimming. Legs should be medium length and straight, showing good bone and muscle. Stifles should be well angulated. The distance from hock to ground should be of medium length. The hind legs should look straight when viewed from the front or rear. Dewclaws, if any, may be removed from the front legs and must be removed from the hind legs. The coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed of dog is thick and short, nowhere over 1½ inches long, with a dense fine wooly undercoat. Hair on the face and legs should be very short and straight with a tendency to wave on the shoulders, neck, back and loins only. Moderate feathering on rear of hindquarters and tail is permissible. The texture of the Chesapeake's coat is very important, as the Chesapeake hunts in all kinds of weather, including snow and ice. The oil in the coat prevents cold water from reaching the Chesapeake's skin and facilitates quick drying. When the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed of dog leaves the water and shakes, the coat should hold no water at all. The color of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is to be as close to the color of its working surroundings as possible. Any color of brown, sedge or dead grass is acceptable, No color is preferred over another. A white spot on the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet (immediately above the large pad) is permissible, but the smaller the spot the better. "Honorable scars" are not penalized. The gait of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is smooth, free and effortless, conveying an impression of great power and strength.