Aloof means removed or distant either physically or emotionally.
People ask me all the time whether a Chessie’s temperament is similar to other retrievers. They assume that a Chessie will have bubbly outgoing temperament like a Golden or a Labrador. But Chessies are different. They are more aloof.
The Aloof Chesapeake
While some Chesapeake Bay Retrievers will greet a stranger as their long lost friend, most are a bit more cautious.
The breed standard states that a Chesapeake “is valued for its bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature.” The Standard further describes temperament in this way: “The Chesapeake Bay Retriever should show a bright and happy disposition with an intelligent expression. Courage, willingness to work, alertness, nose, intelligence, love of water, general quality and, most of all, disposition should be given primary consideration in the selection and breeding of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.” AKC Breed Standard
True the Standard does not use the word aloof, but I think it fits. Let me explain.
Recently Thunder and I went on a little shopping trip to a dog friendly mall. Thunder attracted a lot of attention and many people, young and old, wanted to pet him.
He was extremely patient and allowed people to pet him for as long as they wanted. If you didn’t know him, he appeared as a perfectly happy well behaved and relaxed dog letting strangers pet him.
But I know him and I was a bit puzzled. To me he seemed detached. Of course I kept a good eye on him in case he was getting annoyed with the attention, but that was not what was going on. He did not seem worried or upset. I have been thinking about this since our outing.
Finally it occurred to me what was going on. He was being aloof. The people at the mall meant nothing to him. Whether they petted him or not did not really matter because they were not his people.
Chessies live to be with and work for their people. To a Chessie there are two kinds of people: “their people” and everybody else. That is not to say that you have to live with a Chessie day-to-day to become one of “their people”. “Their people” can include people they see from time to time say house guests, family members and friends, or hunting buddies. There is no set requirements to become one of “their people”. The Chessie decides whether or not you make the list.
Have you met any Chessies? Did they treat you as a long lost friend or were they more aloof?
I like the chessie-way… “my” people and efurry people, yep, that’s brilliant. I have to admit that we NEVER saw a brown dawg in the furs. My mom ran around more than an hour to see the only one chessie who was at a show once, but we sadly couldn’t find him. I think you should to visit me…. so we can see a brown dawg for real :o)
This is the perfect word for them. I remember years ago I was like everyone else, I saw “retriever” so I assumed they were like all others. When I met my first Chessie I was a bit surprised to learn they are not like all others. And he was exactly as you described, aloof. He didn’t mind being petted by me or the attention I was giving him but you could tell he really didn’t care one way or the other.
This has me wondering if Toby could have a little Chessie in him. He’s the first aloof dog we’ve had, and it’s an adjustment. I’ve learned to accept that for him, sitting in the same room is the emotional equivalent of another dog lying on your lap. And when he actually snuggles up oh! wow! you really feel loved. As for strangers, ho hum. Exactly the reaction you describe with Thunder. Thanks so much for this post. Since we’ve had Toby since he was 8 weeks old, I’ve sometimes wondered if we did something wrong with socializing him…but I’ve also accepted that he just has a different personality from the other golden mixes we’ve owned. It’s still reassuring to know there are other great dogs who are aloof like him.
People often call me aloof too. I love people and getting petted, but when we are out on a walk, I want to walk and sniff and have no time for all the social stuff. Nothing wrong with a bit of aloof now and then.
Many Shelties (including mine) are exactly the same. Some people don’t like Shelties (including mine) because he is more aloof. I happen to love that he is that way. When he KNOWS you, IF he likes you, he will be as affectionate as any dog, but if he doesn’t know you or doesn’t like you, he will be more cautious and reticent. I feel it is a sign of extreme intellect not to just blindly accept anyone with a flapping tongue and jumping feet.
DakotasDen
The truth, the whole troth and nothing but the truth. Our first Chessie, Coco, was dignified, expected good manners and quickly sized up humans she liked or could live without. Aunt Toni was a favorite, two tiny beings at the head and foot of the bed, at 80 years! On guarde! We used to say Cullen was a Golden in Chessie clothing, that was his meet and greet personality, otherwise the circle narrowed. He too, adored
Aunt Toni, 20 miles out from Cincy, he knew we were getting close to her home. Macha is our most aloof,
there could be 15 dogs and she is the loner. Humans, imperceptibly vetted, her choice to approve or ignore. Erynn is still a pup, but she does expect certain folks to acknowledge her presence, otherwise she has her own agenda. Quite the insight! Aloof but very aware.
Yes, I would absolutely agree that Chessies are aloof. We raised 2 Chesapeake’s from puppies until our oldest was nearly 16 and 2nd pup lived to be 14. They were the joy of our lives! If you were not in our “pack” you definitely had to earn their trust. Love this breed♡
The only Chessies I know are your dogs and I don’t really “know” them. I would love to meet one, because I want to check out their personality and feel the coat. I love learning about your dogs. I don’t think it’s the breed for me, because we’re not very outdoorsy, but they’re so amazing and intelligent that I’m fascinated and want to learn more.
Actually, the only Chessies I’ve ever “met” that I know of are online doggies – your crew and JoAnn’s crew. And, of course, the “Glorious Thunder” puppies. But they are all beautiful/handsome and I would love to make their lists of “their people”! ❤️
I don’t think I’ve ever met one IRL but I do try and be respectful of dogs I’m first meeting. Of course, following them online I so often feel I already ‘know’ them and tend to be sort of excited. 🙂
I think Jack has a bit of the “Chessie” in him.
that sums up chessies great! your posts are not getting emailed to me, wth?
Did you check your spam folder? I have 2 accounts signed up just to follow the email and they are both getting posts. Maybe try subscribing again. I will go see if you are on the list if I figure out where to check…lol.
You just made me realize I’ve never met a Chessie in real life! I feel lilke I know the breed now from your blog and Sand Spring Chessies, but I just realized I’ve never actually met one! I like a dog that’s not giving their love away too easily. 😉
I have never met one in real life, but I have met other dogs that seem to be aloof. I think that is fine…they should be allowed to pick and choose who they want to love just like people do!
Our Labs approach everyone like a best friend, but our Spinone boys much the same as Thunder. People need to greet them properly otherwise they will often ignore them and even turn their backs to the person.