Meet Canada’s 16 most popular breeds of hunting dog

Photo: Will Thomas/Wikimedia Commons

#3  CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER

The water-loving Chesapeake Bay retriever is hands down the powerhouse of the sporting dog class, a hardy, highly driven, strong-willed hunting companion with incredible endurance. They sport a coat that’s meant to blend into the surroundings, ranging from dark brown through to a light tan resembling dead grass.

Chessies were originally bred to be robust retrievers, as well as to guard the day’s haul during the era of market hunting, making them more protective than other retriever breeds. They require focused, positive training, as well as supervision around other dogs, to bring out their best. When it comes to late-season open-water hunts for diving ducks or gathering downed Canadas in a cut cornfield on the cusp of a winter’s storm, they’re tough to beat.