Chatham Hill Retriever
Chattie, Flat-Coated Cocker Retriever, Miniature Retriever
The Chatham Hill Retriever is a thoughtfully designed hybrid breed, created through the deliberate crossing of the Flat Coated Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel. Both of these parent breeds were initially bred to assist hunters in locating, flushing, and retrieving game birds. Generally, they fall on the smaller end of the medium size spectrum, allowing them to maneuver effectively through thick underbrush to access downed birds. While these hybrids are often celebrated for their friendly and loving demeanor as family companions, they also preserve the hunting abilities of their ancestors, demonstrating proficiency in locating, flushing, and retrieving small game.
Breed Origin
The Chatham Hill Retriever is a hybrid breed that emerges from the combination of the Flat Coated Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel. This crossbreed was developed to create a smaller Spaniel that would still embody some of the physical traits and retrieving instincts characteristic of the Flat Coated Retriever. The Flat Coated Retriever itself is a relatively recent addition to the gun dog family, specifically bred for bird hunting in 19th-century England, and was often known as the gamekeeper’s dog. While the exact ancestry of the Chatham Hill Retriever is somewhat ambiguous, it is thought to have been influenced significantly by the now-extinct St. John’s Dog, a water retriever, along with its descendants, the Labrador. Other breeds, such as Newfoundland, various Spaniels, and Setters, also played a role in its development. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Chatham Hill Retriever in 1915, and these dogs are celebrated for their friendly and sociable nature. They excel not only in their designated roles but also make outstanding service dogs due to their easygoing temperament, youthful exuberance, and intelligence. Spaniels, as a group, are classified as gun dogs and have been aiding hunters long before the advent of firearms. Initially, these dogs were bred to flush game from thick underbrush for bow hunters and, in some cases, to retrieve downed birds. The earliest Spaniels were divided into two categories based on their working environments: water Spaniels and land Spaniels. In the 17th century, a distinction arose among land Spaniels, leading to the classification of two types: Springer and Cocker Spaniels, differentiated by size. The larger Springers were known for their ability to "spring" game for hunters, while the smaller Cocker Spaniels specialized in flushing woodcocks and similar birds. In 1902, the Cocker Spaniel Club was founded in England. As Cocker Spaniels adapted in America, they underwent significant changes, resulting in longer backs, rounder heads, and a marked decrease in prey drive. This transformation was so significant that in 1935, a group was established to maintain the traditional look of the English Cocker Spaniel and to prevent interbreeding with the newer American variant. By 1946, the American Cocker Spaniel was recognized as a separate breed, which has been instrumental in the development of the Chatham Hill Retriever.
Breed Appearance
The Chatham Hill Retriever is a medium-sized dog known for its gracefully elongated head, which features a rounded skull and warm amber or brown eyes that reflect a gentle nature combined with a spirited personality. Generally, these dogs have a body that is slightly longer than their height, with rounded, drooping ears that hang down from the sides of their heads, often embellished with feathering or longer fur. Their legs are relatively long and straight, and they possess a long, straight tail that is held almost horizontally when they are alert, but hangs down when they are at ease; both the tail and ears may show light feathering. Some members of this breed may also lack a dewclaw, a characteristic sometimes found in Flat Coated Retrievers. The Chatham Hill Retriever's coat features a soft, dense undercoat topped with a layer of straight or slightly wavy fur that is relatively short. This outer coat may include the tougher, waterproof hair typical of Flat Coated Retrievers or the silky texture often associated with American Cocker Spaniels. While they can be found in various colors, the most common hues are black, brown, and yellow.
Care Routine
The grooming requirements for the Chatham Hill Retriever are generally quite simple, although there can be exceptions. If your dog isn’t frequently outdoors, swimming in lakes, or getting into messy situations, a bath every two to three months should be adequate. While regular brushing is important, how often you need to do it will depend on the specific coat type your dog has inherited. For example, the Flat-Coated Retriever typically needs brushing only once or twice a week, whereas the Cocker Spaniel’s coat usually requires daily grooming to prevent tangles and matting, and may sometimes need clipping to keep it clean and free of dirt. Furthermore, it’s essential to routinely check and clean the insides of the ears, as the long, droopy ears of this breed make them more prone to ear infections.
Behavior & Temperament
This energetic and attentive breed serves not only as an excellent partner for bird hunting but also as a remarkable family pet. Renowned for their friendly and sociable disposition, they are affectionate and playful with their families and generally welcome newcomers with ease. Although the Chatham Hill Retriever will bark to notify you of someone's arrival, their gentle nature renders them unsuitable for roles as guard or protection dogs. Often dubbed the "Peter Pan" of the dog world because of their lively and playful behavior, these characteristics can be passed down to their puppies. Typically, these hybrids are very loving and playful, making them delightful companions for both adults and older children. They seldom show aggression, even towards the smallest kids, but their high energy levels might be too much for younger children, potentially resulting in accidental bumps or falls during playtime.
Play & Exercise
The Flat Coated Retriever is characterized by its high energy and requires a significant amount of exercise to channel that vitality. On the other hand, the Cocker Spaniel tends to be more relaxed, needing only a moderate level of physical activity. When these two breeds are mixed, the offspring retains an active disposition but has somewhat reduced exercise requirements. The Chatham Hill Retriever generally needs around sixty minutes of vigorous exercise daily; however, younger or more energetic individuals may thrive with up to ninety minutes. Besides regular walks, these dogs often relish activities such as tracking, flyball, frisbee, and swimming. Their energetic and spirited nature makes them less ideal for living in apartments.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
2.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
15 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
40 lbs (18 kg)Male: 40 lbs (18 kg) , Female: 40 lbs (18 kg)
Height
22 inches (56 sm)Male: 22 inches (56 sm) , Female: 22 inches (56 sm)
Eye Colors
Brown
Amber
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Black
Brown
Fawn
