Standing out as the strongest and most aloof of the retriever breeds, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are tough, rugged canines who make exceptional working dogs. They were originally bred in Maryland to retrieve ducks and waterfowl, giving them a powerful and muscular physique as well as a natural instinct for hunting.
While they may not be particularly friendly with strangers, Chessies reserve their softer, more playful side for their families. These pups are extremely loyal and devoted to their owners whose hearts are captured by their handsome appearance, innate athleticism, and impressive work ethic.
Caring for a Chessie means giving him the high level of physical activity he needs to thrive, which means giving him interactive toys for outdoor games and indoor playtime. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect toy for your Chessie, look no further!
We’ve put together a rundown of the 5 best dog toys for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers that will not only entertain him but also give him intense physical workouts.
1. ChuckIt! Sport Ball Launcher: Takes Fetch Games to the Next Level
Chessies can play fetch for hours on end, and it’s only natural for you to get tired of throwing his fetch toy over and over again. The Chuckit! Sport Ball Launcher is designed to give your pup hours of vigorous exercise while minimizing your effort and fatigue.
With an easy-grip launcher that improves your throwing speed, this toy allows your pup to run longer distances—up to 140 feet!—without tiring your arm out. It also comes with the popular Chuckit! Ball that bounces high and floats in the water, making it perfect for outdoor fetch games.
- Makes fetch games easier for you and more exciting for your Chessie
- Helps you throw the ball faster and further with minimal effort
- Features a ball that bounces, floats, and outlasts rough play
2. Nylabone Textured Ring Chew Toy: Perfect Chew Toy for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Like most dogs, Chessies have a tendency to chew on anything they can get their paws on. Keep your Chessie from destroying your furniture and belongings by giving him the Nylabone Textured Ring Chew Toy! It’s designed for maximum chewing enjoyment with a textured ring shape and a tempting flavor medley that entices your pup to satisfy his urge to chew.
Made with ultra-durable nylon, this toy can withstand even the most aggressive chewing. It also features ridges that clean your pup’s teeth as he chews, helping prevent plaque buildup. Whether you’re leaving your Chessie at home or taking him on a road trip, this toy will help keep him entertained and reduce his stress and anxiety.
- Satisfies your Chessie’s chewing urges and keeps him entertained for hours
- Helps keep your pup from chewing on household items
- Cleans your dog’s teeth and promotes dental health
3. KONG Classic Flyer: Makes Frisbee Games Safer & More Fun
There’s nothing like a good ol’ game of frisbee to energize and invigorate your Chessie, and the KONG Classic Flyer is the perfect toy for your next trip to the park! This frisbee is made of natural, durable rubber that ensures a softer and safer catch for your pup.
Unlike hard plastic frisbees, it won’t harm your dog’s teeth even if he plays rough or catches it mid-air. This toy is also designed to fly higher and stay in the air longer, encouraging your pup to run and chase after it with enthusiasm. Plus, several pet parents have praised this product’s durability and ability to withstand frequent outdoor use.
- Ensures safer, more enjoyable frisbee games
- Offers a softer catch for your pup and prevents damage to his teeth
- Made with flexible, durable rubber and built for outdoor use
4. Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole: Perfect for Both Training & Playing
Want to make sure your Chessie gets extra physical activity indoors? The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole is the best toy for the job! This toy redirects your dog’s natural prey drive and channels it into exercise, allowing him to chase after and attempt to catch the lure.
Designed for high-energy dogs, this toy provides both physical and mental stimulation for your Chessie: it’s ideal for training, rewarding good behavior, or simply bonding with your pup. Its unique construction also ensures safety during playtime with a bungee cord that prevents whiplash when your dog catches the lure.
- Encourages your pup to engage in more physical activity and satisfies his prey drive
- Stimulates your pup’s brain and keeps him engaged
- Ensures safety & durability for maximum enjoyment
5. STELLAIRE CHERN Snuffle Mat: Provides Mental Stimulation & Boredom Relief
Mimicking the hunt for food out in the wilderness, the STEELLAIRE CHERN Snuffle Mat is designed to enrich your Chessie’s brain, stimulate his nose, and engage his natural instincts. It allows you to hide treats and challenge your pup to get to all the goodies using his smarts and skills.
This high-quality snuffle mat helps your Chessie burn off excess energy at home while keeping him entertained and staving off boredom. It’s also perfect for fast eaters, helping prevent choking or overeating.
- Engages your Chessie’s hunting instincts and challenges his skills
- Provides entertainment, physical activity, and mental stimulation
- Made with high-quality, easy-to-clean felt fabric
How to Keep Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever Active
As hunting dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are practically tireless: they’re at their happiest when they get vigorous, intensive physical activity every day. Otherwise, your Chessie may become bored and restless, resorting to bad or destructive behaviors to sate his need for stimulation.
Here are a few ways to keep your Chesapeake Bay Retriever fit and help him expend his high levels of energy:
Exercise your Chessie for 20 to 40 minutes and walk him 1 hour every day
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need at least an hour of walking every day: you can split this between 2 to 3 walks.
However, walks are not enough to tire your Chessie out and satisfy his daily exercise requirements. It’s important to give him challenging workouts such as jogging, hiking, or playing games.
Keep in mind that Chessies were bred for hunting in the water, so they’re truly in their element when they’re swimming. Make sure to take your pup to the beach or to a dog-friendly lake or pool regularly.
Give your Chessie entertaining & stimulating toys
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers make excellent hunting companions and feel most at home in places where they can work. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a Chessie into your city apartment; it simply means you’ll have to work extra hard to keep him stimulated indoors.
What you can do is give your Chessie toys suited for vigorous physical activity whether for interactive or independent play. Chew toys, fetch toys, and food-dispensing toys are must-haves in your Chessie’s toy box.
Train your Chessie and involve him in dog sports
While Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are extremely loyal to their owners, they have a tendency to be frustratingly stubborn. As such, it’s important to start training your Chessie at an early age. Training sessions should be 10 to 15 minutes long three times a day to suit your pup’s attention span.
Chessies also excel at tracking and hunting sports as well as agility, obedience, and water sports.
In Closing
Making sure your smart, energetic Chesapeake Bay Retriever gets proper exercise every day is important to his health and happiness. Giving your Chessie entertaining, high-quality toys will help stimulate his brain and encourage healthy activity—even when he spends his time indoors. Choose any of the products we’ve listed above and get your Chessie a brand-new toy that keeps him active and allows him to play to his heart’s content!