My Chesapeake is now a little over two years old. My best advice is that it depends on your level of patience. If you let them mature at their own pace the results are very rewarding.

The closest thing I can relate a Chesapeake to is a Grizzly Bear. His head is like a rock. Literally and figuratively. When it's 20 degrees out he likes to go for a dip in the creek that runs through our property.

Given proper time and training I'm not sure there is a a more dedicated hunting dog. It takes longer for the training to sink in. Once it does they don't forget. If you have the time and patience I say go for it.

I used him for pheasant hunting until I soured on the killing sprees at the release sight and he did quite well. Takes awhile for them to get the hang of it but definitely a fun experience.