opinions on chesapeakes?

[snibbcc]

im looking at getting a chesapeake. i know theyre hard working and loyal dogs, but how are they when friends/family come around. i have heard that they are very territorial.

[mustad]

I came very close to buying a Chessie a few months back. One of the major things that I really loved about the breed was how they behave around friends and family. They are awesome. If you have kids, a Chessie is a great great dog. I have known of chessies that have rescued kids out of pools and ponds.

I believe you may have some work with regards to territorialism, but shouldn't be insurmountable.

Good luck,

[MA Jay]

Chessie's are an awesome breed. It really depends on what you are expecting form a dog. They were bred to be more "territorial" and are not as people oriented (as a breed) as traditional labs. Think lab with more of a work focus. If you were looking for a real hunting retriever you'd have to look at them for their hardiness, trainability and focus. They can beand are great family pets to, but in my experience they are not as good around kids as a lab. Due to thier "guarding" insticts I'd be careful with kid introduction.

That is not a knock on the breed! They are awesome dogs.... but do your research.

[AlaskaMagnum]

I would not worry too much about the aggression as long as you get a properly bred dog. Any dog that is not mentally messed up should do well with kids if raised with them from puppyhood.

I have the dreaded DD, the fearsome, savage....nah, she's a *****cat with the kids, never growled, showed her teeth, nothing. Now, she has gotten upset when my son's friend came over and tackled him and started wrestling him, but a quick word from me put her at ease.

I don't know why it has become taboo to have a dog that will protect your property to some degree. Yes I do, probably insurance guys. Anyway, I do not see a problem with a dog that has problems with people walking into your house unnannounced or manhandling your children.