Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Bull Terrier |  Chesapeake Bay Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in mid-nineteenth-century England by James Hinks, who crossed the Bulldog and terrier stock of the fighting pits with the now-extinct White English Terrier and possibly Dalmatian, producing the all-white 'gentleman's companion'. The coloured variety was recognised later, and the Miniature Bull Terrier followed as a separate standard. | United States |
| Group | Terrier | Gundog |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Coat | Short, flat, harsh coat in pure white, or coloured: brindle, black, red, fawn and tricolour | Short, wavy, oily double coat |
| Weight | 20 to 36 kg | 25 to 36 kg |
| Height | 45 to 55 cm | 53 to 66 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 to 14 yrs | 10 to 13 yrs |
| Exercise need | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Grooming needs | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Barking | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with children | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Trainability | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Prey drive | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Drool | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Shedding | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Flat fit | 6/10 | 3/10 |
| Running cost | €152 / month | €109 / month |
Bull Terrier verdict
The egg-headed clown with a terrier heart and a medical footnote.
Get one if
- · Experienced owners who understand terrier stubbornness and strength
- · Households wanting a devoted, physical, playful companion
- · Families with calm, respectful older children
Think again if
- · Multi-dog households unprepared for possible dog aggression
- · Homes with cats or small pets the dog has not been raised with
- · First-time owners wanting an obedient, biddable breed
Chesapeake Bay Retriever verdict
The serious retriever: tough, loyal and very much not a brown Labrador.
Get one if
- · Experienced owners who want a working partner
- · Active households near water
- · Gundog, dock-diving and retrieving enthusiasts
Think again if
- · First-time owners
- · People wanting a dog that loves every stranger
- · Households with frequent visitors and no management plan