The purebred retriever from the state of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of the uniquely all-American breeds. A wavy coat, "deadgrass" coloration, and a strong head give the breed a distinctive appearance; in temperament and personality, the Chessie is equally his own dog. Devoted to his master as a field companion or a family playmate, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is at once intelligent, level-headed, fun-loving, and a bit of the class clown. Author Nona Kilgore Bauer, an accomplished retriever trainer and a celebrated, award-winning dog author, has written a superb account of the history of the Chessie and eloquently outlined the breed's characteristics in a straightforward, comprehensible way that allows newcomers to the breed to determine whether the Chessie is the right dog for him or her. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.