The Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated in the 19th century in Maryland, USA, where it was famous for its endurance retrieving hundreds of ducks from icy waters. Today Chesapeakes are valued for their bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. They are usually very reserved with strangers. Coat is thick and short with a dense, fine, woolly undercoat.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or Chessie as it is often affectionately called, is probably superior to any other dog in his ability to withstand icy water thanks to his thick, oily coat that protects him "like a duck's Plumage". 
Even heavy seas do not deter him. He also has great stamina, along with a remarkable memory. He is a good hunter on land and water, and an outstanding duck retriever.
This retriever owes his name to the large inlet on the Atlantic coast of the United States, just to the south of Washington, DC. The breed was created by crossing Newfoundlands and local Maryland retrievers along with Flat-Coated and Curly-Coated retrievers as well as coonhounds.
In personality he is highly intelligent, brave, with an intense desire to please. He tends to bond closely with one member of the family, but is friendly and affectionate with the entire family. Chessies are calm, steady, loyal and trustworthy with kids. There have been several cases of these dogs saving drowning children.
Photo courtesy of baltimorechessies.com