Is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Curly-Coated Retriever better for families with children?

Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Curly-Coated Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Curly-Coated Retriever shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever bigger?

Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Curly-Coated Retriever are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever?

Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Curly-Coated Retriever is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever?

For apartment or apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Curly-Coated Retriever: Quieter?

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Curly-Coated Retriever: full comparison

Trait	Chesapeake Bay Retriever	Curly-Coated Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Curly-Coated Retriever needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Curly-Coated Retriever needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Curly-Coated Retriever trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Chesapeake Bay Retriever is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Curly-Coated Retriever will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Chesapeake Bay Retriever if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Curly-Coated Retriever if you prefer a quieter dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Curly-Coated Retriever better for families with children?: Both the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the Curly-Coated Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Curly-Coated Retriever?: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Curly-Coated Retriever shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever or the Curly-Coated Retriever?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever bigger?: Chesapeake Bay Retriever and Curly-Coated Retriever are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever?: Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Curly-Coated Retriever is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever?: For apartment or apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Curly-Coated Retriever