About our Breeds | Desert Oasis Kennels

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

So you're considering taking on a Chessie, huh? Think you can outsmart a dog that's not afraid to talk back? Can you assert dominance like a pack leader? Chessies are no walk in the park for first-time dog owners! Sure, they might seem like big, lovable oafs, often compared to Labs, but they're a whole different ball game. It's like this: "You can order a Lab, ask a Golden, but you've got to negotiate with a Chesapeake."

Chessies are as stubborn as they come, always testing their pack standing with you. They're thinkers, always a couple of steps ahead, keeping you on your toes. But let me tell you, the loyalty, trust, and joy they bring make it all worthwhile. Whether you're hunting, showing, or just looking for a family pet, you can't ask for a better companion. They're incredibly versatile—ready to hit the field, strut their stuff in the ring, or snuggle up on the couch. They'll stick to you like glue and treat your kids like their own. They're great with most other animals, though they might not give a hoot about other dogs most of the time—they're just indifferent.

And here's the kicker: they're a true American breed, developed right here in the USA. Oh, and one more thing—you'd better get used to dog hair! If your new buddy is going to be an indoor-outdoor pal, invest in a top-notch vacuum because you're going to need it. And whatever you do, don't mess with their coat. Chessies have a double coat that shouldn't be brushed, or bathed too often. NEVER SHAVE A CHESAPEAKES COAT! Trust me, you don't want to mess with a Chessie's coat!

History of the Chessie.

"Chesapeake Bay Retrievers trace their history to two pups who were rescued from a foundering ship in Maryland in 1807. The male "Sailor" and female "Canton" were described as Newfoundland dogs, but were more accurately Lesser Newfoundland or St. John's water dogs. These two lived in different parts of the bay area and there is no record of a litter being produced together. They were bred with area dogs, with more consideration given to ability than to breed, to create the beginnings of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed. There are few records of the breeds of these early dogs, but spaniels and hounds were included. Dogs from both Chesapeake Bay shores were recognized as one of three types of Chesapeake Bay Ducking Dog in 1877. In 1918 a single type, called the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, was recognized by the American Kennel Club, and there have been few changes to the breed standard since then.

In 1964, it was declared the official dog of Maryland.[20]

It is the mascot of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Members of the breed were owned by General George Armstrong Custer, President Theodore Roosevelt, and actors Paul Walker and Tom Felton.[21]"

Read the rest of this article on WIKIPEDIA.

Tempermant

The quintessential Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and an affectionate protective nature. Some can be quite vocal when happy, and some will 'smile' by baring their front teeth in a peculiar grin - this is not a threat but a sign of joy or submissiveness.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can make excellent family dogs when socialized properly. Some Chesapeakes are assertive and willful and may be reserved with strangers, but others are passive and outgoing with people.

Alright, confession time! I never thought I'd want a Chessie! It might sound surprising, but I'd heard enough "rumors" and had some personal experiences that made me try to talk Nathan out of getting one. (Fun fact: Max originally belonged to my brother-in-law!) My dad had a not-so-great experience with his Chessie lashing out at my pregnant mother, and I'd encountered a Chessie at work who had a tendency to snap at his owner for no apparent reason. With a dozen nieces and nephews running around, I couldn't see how a Chessie would fit into our family. But eventually, I stopped resisting and found a breeder just to have a puppy around. Boy, was I wrong! A Chesapeake raised in the right environment is an amazing family dog. They truly have a unique attitude. However, it's important to note that Chessies are not for first-time or inexperienced dog owners! They also aren't well-suited to be left alone on a farm as guard dogs—they need socialization! Chessies adore their people and want to be with them. I've grown to love this breed and I'm eager to share their talents and loyalty!

The health and well-being of our dogs and their puppies are our top priorities!

So, you're considering bringing a Dane into your life. It's an important decision, and one worth pondering. Is it for the sheer grandeur, the bragging rights of owning the biggest dog on the block? Let me tell you, our program doesn't aim for those 200-pound world record weights. Danes aren't meant to be, nor should they be, that large. We firmly believe that a smaller Dane is a healthier Dane. We do not breed for loose jowls or that "melting face" look. Sure, there might be some European lineage in our lines, but if you're after sag, you're better off looking at a Neapolitan Mastiff.

Get ready for the comments—"You got a saddle for that thing?" "What breed is that?" "Is that a dog or a pony?" Brush them off and move on. Sadly, people might instinctively think your dog will devour theirs—it comes with the territory. They'll blame your dog, scoop up their precious little pups, and make you feel like the bad guy. But with proper training and socialization, you can maintain control and shrug it off.

And don't even get me started on the elitists and know-it-alls, or the animal rights activists if you decide to crop your Dane's ears. You'll need to toughen up and do your research. These dogs are incredible, but they require training, socialization, and above all, love. With all these elements in place, you'll have the legendary Gentle Giant by your side.

Great Dane

History of the Great Dane

"Large boarhounds resembling the Great Dane appear in ancient Greece, in frescoes from Tiryns dating back to the 14th–13th centuries BC.[11]

These large boarhounds continue to appear throughout ancient Greece in subsequent centuries up to the Hellenistic era.[12][13][14][15] The Molossian hound, Suliot dog, and specific imports from Greece were used in the 18th century to increase the stature of the boarhounds in Austria and Germany and the wolfhounds in Ireland.[16][17][18][19][20][21][22]

Bigger dogs are depicted on numerous runestones in Scandinavia, on coinage in Denmark from the fifth century AD, and in the collection of Old Norse poems, known in English as Poetic Edda. The University of Copenhagen Zoological Museum holds at least seven skeletons of very large hunting dogs, dating from the fifth century BC to 1000 AD.

Hunting dog

A "chamber dog" with a gilded collar, Brandenburg (Germany), 1705

"Boar hounds" imported into Great Britain from the German Electorate of Hesse, 1807

In the middle of the 16th century, the nobility in many countries of Europe imported strong, long-legged dogs from England, which were descended from crossbreeds between English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds. They were dog hybrids in different sizes and phenotypes with no formal breed.[23] These dogs were called Englische Docke or Englische Tocke – later written and spelled: Dogge – or Englischer Hund in Germany. The name simply meant "English dog". After time, the English word "dog" came to be the term for a molossoid dog in Germany[24] and in France.[25] Since the beginning of the 17th century, these dogs were bred in the courts of German nobility, independently of England.[26][27]

The dogs were used for hunting bear, boar, and deer at princely courts, with the favorites staying at night in the bedchambers of their lords. These Kammerhunde (chamber dogs) were outfitted with gilded collars, and helped protect the sleeping princes from assassins.[28][29]

While hunting boar or bears, the Englische Dogge was a catch dog used after the other hunting dogs to seize the bear or boar and hold it in place until the huntsman was able to kill it. When the hunting customs changed, particularly because of the use of firearms, many of the involved dog types disappeared. The Englische Dogge became rare, and was kept only as a dog of hobby or luxury."

Read the rest of this article on WIKIPEDIA.

Temperament

The Great Dane is often described as a gentle giant, but he is naturally protective when the situation calls for it. He is affectionate and loves people, and those qualities should never be perverted by encouraging aggressive behavior. Keep in mind they are still puppies until about 2yo and we call them. "infants in a toddler's body".

Great Danes love children, but they must learn how to be gentle around them. And one swipe of that wagging tail will knock a toddler over, so it’s important to supervise their interactions. These big dogs can also learn to get along with other pets, especially when they are raised with them.

Kai- The Blue Dane

In Loving Memory of our Beloved Blue Great Dane, Kai

With heavy hearts, we remember the passing of our cherished Blue Great Dane, Kai. She wasn't just a pet; she was our heart dog—the best companion we've ever had.

Kai was a gentle giant, her kind spirit radiating love and warmth to all who crossed her path.

She adored her "kids," both two and four-legged, showering them with affection and companionship. Kai's goofy nature brought endless joy to our lives. She had a knack for finding the most peculiar spots to snooze, whether it was perched atop the back of the couch or sprawled out in front of the fire—regardless of whether it was blazing or not.

I almost sent her back to her breed twice. Yet, each time, her unwavering loyalty and love for her family reminded me of the bond we shared. She was more than just a dog; she was family.

Kai left us suddenly, leaving an irreplaceable void in our hearts. Though she may no longer be by our side, her memory will forever live on in our hearts.

Rest in peace, dear Kai. You will never be forgotten, and your love will continue to guide us through our darkest days.