I've always heard don't have the Chessies around little children but can't back that up with personal experience either way. I've also hunted over a couple of them (water) and they are great.

My last lab went ballistic on a Chessie for retrieving "her duck". 70 lb lab took out a 120 lb chessie that was funny. Probably shouldn't even have typed that. That lab was a rescue dog and had some issues though it was an awesome hunter and a great family pet.

New lab chewed up my heating pad (like you use for your back) last night. Can't win really! Or is it can't lose?