The answer for the question “are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers hypoallergenic?” is no. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs.
Often confused with the Labrador Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers might not require much grooming but are still NOT hypoallergenic dogs.
This intelligent and affectionate breed is known for being an above-average shedder!
Although known as a moderate shedder, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not have to be off-limits to allergy sufferers.
Fortunately, you can take a few steps to limit your allergy symptoms.
The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers’ Coat
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a double, medium-length coat.
The thick undercoat is exceptionally wooly and designed to keep this swimming pup warm in frigid waters.
The topcoat is wavy and short, producing natural oil that repels water and keeps the skin healthy.
As a double-coated breed, it is not surprising that the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a moderate shedder that also blows its coat twice a year in Spring and Fall.
In Spring, as temperatures slowly warm up, the “Chessie” loses the thick insulating undercoat of Winter in favor of a thinner coat in time for Summer.
In the fall, this process happens again, but in reverse.
The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not require too much grooming, but brushing once a week keeps the coat healthy and stimulates oil glands in the skin.
These natural oils nourish the skin and coat, creating a water-repellent surface on the topcoat.
Since the Chessie has a double-layered coat, you must never use grooming tools like the “Furminator,” which can damage and even destroy the undercoat.
What Are Hypoallergenic Dogs
We have already established that the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not hypoallergenic.
But what exactly makes a dog hypoallergenic, and what does hypoallergenic mean?
Hypoallergenic is a term used to describe a dog that is less likely to cause an allergic response in someone allergic to dogs.
What is it that makes a dog “hypoallergenic”?
Useful: Top 20 Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds – Facts And Considerations.It all comes down to the proteins that dogs produce.
These proteins trigger the allergic response and are present in a dog’s urine, saliva, and skin cells.
Some breeds create more of these proteins, while some dogs produce less.
Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Hypoallergenic?
No. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not hypoallergenic dogs.
What Influences How Hypoallergenic the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is?
Shedding Frequency
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds more than the average dog, shedding hair daily and seasonally.
With so much shedding, Chessie owners frequently find hairballs rolling across the floor.
Unfortunately, the more dog hair a dog sheds, the more dander is released into the environment.
The increased dispersal of anger means the presence of more allergens in your home.
Allergy-Inducing Proteins
The level of allergy-inducing proteins a dog produces is another factor influencing how hypoallergenic a breed is.
As we mentioned, some dog breeds have more proteins than others.
Unfortunately for Chessie owners, the Chessie generates more than the average amount of proteins, so allergy-sufferers are unlikely to be comfortable with a Chessie in the house.
Limiting Allergy Symptoms When You Own a Chesapeake Bay Retriever
If you are a diehard Chessie fan but suffer from allergies, you do not have to write off this pup entirely – there are things you can do to reduce allergens in your home.
Regular Brushing
As we mentioned above, regular brushing is beneficial for keeping your Chessie’s coat healthy.
Regular brushing is also helpful in removing dead hair from Chessie’s coat and brushing out dry and dead skin cells.
Check out this incredible Self-Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush for Shedding Hair, Fur…
Doing this mitigates your allergic response, and fewer allergens escape into the environment.
Healthy Diet
Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s diet also significantly affects their overall health.
For example, a diet not incorporating all the necessary nutrients can cause your Chessie to develop dry and itchy skin.
The drier your dog’s skin, the more skin cells they shed, and the worse your allergy symptoms become.
With a proper diet, however, every aspect of your Chessie’s health is nourished, which means fewer allergy symptoms.
Veterinary Care
Vet care is the third major factor in maintaining a healthy Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Every dog requires regular vet care for preventative medicine and unexpected incidents.
Without regular care, parasites and infection can cause dry, itchy skin and worsen your allergy symptoms!
Conclusion / Summary
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not a hypoallergenic dog; for most allergy sufferers, this is a poor breed choice.
Even by taking additional practices under advisement, the Chessie is best suited to a home that can tolerate heavy shedding and allow this active breed to pursue an active lifestyle.
