Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Gordon Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Sporting Group
Gordon Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Overview
Powerful and distinctive, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever boasts a thick, wavy coat in earthy tones perfectly suited for water work. Their strong, well-proportioned frame supports tireless swimming and retrieving, while their broad head features amber-colored eyes that convey intelligence and warmth. Known for their determined yet gentle nature, these retrievers combine rugged capability with family-oriented devotion.
Gordon Setter Overview
Gordon Setters are elegant sporting dogs with distinctive black and tan coats. Their strong, muscular build combines with graceful movement and noble bearing. Standing 24-27 inches at the shoulder, these dogs feature a silky coat, deep chest, and intelligent expression. Their temperament balances confidence with affection, making them both capable hunting companions and devoted family dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are less energetic than Gordon Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require more grooming attention compared to Gordon Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Gordon Setters.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Gordon Setters adapt better to apartment living, while Chesapeake Bay Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Gordon Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-26 inches 53-66 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive | Affectionate, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is known for being affectionate, bright, sensitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is characterized by being affectionate, confident, bold, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Gordon Setter, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 4/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 1/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Rating: 4/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Gordon Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Gordon Setters need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Gordon Setters require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand's
- Epilepsy
Gordon Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Pros
- Excellent water retriever
- Loyal family companion
- Weather-resistant coat
- Strong work ethic
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Needs extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
Gordon Setter
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not apartment-friendly
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Gordon Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.