While the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated in the USA, he came from stock destined to sail from England. There is no complete and authentic record of his development; at the same time, his breed origin as here described is probably correct and at the present time is the one generally accepted.

In the year 1807 an English brig was wrecked off the coast of Maryland and crew and cargo were rescrued by the American ship "Canton". Also rescued were two Newfoundland puppies, a dingy red dog named "Sailor" and a black bitch called "Canton" after the rescuing boat.

Presented to the gentlemen who gave hospitality to the sailors of the wrecked brig, the two dogs were found to possess wonderful qualities as retrievers. Many of the nondescript dogs then usesd for retrieving were bred to them, although we do not know whether Sailor and Canton themselves were ever mated together. Eventually other outcrosses were used, and of these the English Otter Hound has been claimed as one of the most influential. However, such a cross would probably have produced different results, since the Chesapeake shows no trace whatsoever of hound. It is more likely the Flat Coated and Curly Coated Retrievers constituted the most important outcrosses, if any were ever purposely made.

By 1885, a definite type of dog was developed. The breed soon became known for its prowess in the rough, icy water of Chesapeake Bay, where the dogs were often called upon to retrieve 200 - 300 ducks in a day.