The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club was formed in 1982.
The objectives of the Club are:
- To encourage the breeding of the type of Chesapeake as laid down in the breed standard.
- To encourage the training and working of the breed, particularly in water.
- To encourage breeders to reduce the incidence of hereditary and deleterious faults within the breed.
- To run working tests, shows and training days.
Breeders are encouraged to have their dogs X-rayed under the BVA/KC hip scoring scheme, and to have their dogs' eyes tested under the BVA/KC eye scheme for hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Some breeders are also using the DNA test for the PRCD form of PRA found in the breed, developed by OptiGen in the USA.
The Chesapeake is primarily a hunting dog, born and bred to retrieve ducks and geese, although they are equally at home on upland game on driven shoots.
The Club holds gundog training days throughout the country during the year to encourage owners of Chesapeakes to come along and train their dog in field work, and once having trained them to come and participate in the gundog working tests that are arranged in the spring and autumn of each year.
The Club also holds an open show in the summer for those who enjoy entering dog shows.