AKC REGISTERED SINCE 1968 • ALASKA'S PREMIER CHESSIE BREEDER • ELITE HUNTING & FAMILY COMPANIONS • A TRUE AMERICAN HERITAGE BREED
Wildwood Kennels
Selective Bloodlines,
Field Proven
Forged in the biting surf of the Atlantic, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever stands as the only truly American breed, defined by its legendary perseverance and spirit. Wildwood Kennels has honorably upheld this local heritage since 1968, transplanting that original American grit to the Alaskan wilderness. Our second-generation program ensures these elite companions thrive in Alaska's demanding conditions.
An American Original: The First Breed Developed In The United States
Steadfast Family Guardians
The Chesapeake's soul is defined by an intuitive love for family. They are natural guardians who provide a calm, protective presence in the home—steadfast playmates for children and loyal shadows to their owners.
Elite Hunting Heritage
Our bloodlines are engineered for the extreme, carrying the relentless work ethic of the original Chesapeake dogs. From ice-choked lakes and rivers, to dense Alaskan brush, these elite hunters handle the toughest northern conditions with ease.
The breed began in 1807 when two St. John's pups, Sailor and Canton, were rescued from a Maryland shipwreck and gifted to local watermen. Unlike other retrievers that were bred for the polite and manicured estate shoots of the aristocracy in the United Kingdom, the Chessie was forged by gritty American market hunters who required a dog capable of retrieving hundreds of birds from ice-choked tides. While European breeds were refined for style, early American businessmen and hunt club founders fixed the 'type' for pure utility and endurance. This blue-collar heritage created a purposeful, waterproof athlete—an American original that Wildwood Kennels now breeds for the rugged Alaskan frontier.
The Northern Homestead Spirit
Thriving in the self-sufficient lifestyle of the North, our dogs are versatile partners for the farm and homestead. They maintain the grit required for rugged wilderness living while remaining fiercely dedicated to their territory.
Fifty Years of Alaskan Excellence
Since 1968, we have selectively bred for the breed’s legendary 'one-family' devotion. As second-generation breeders in Alaska, we ensure every Wildwood dog carries the unbreakable bond and steadfast spirit of our heritage.
