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Rescue a
Karelian Bear Dog
Karelian Bear Dog Puppies for Sale
Karelian Bear Dog
(Karelsk Bjornhund) (Karjalankarhukoira) (Karelischer Barenhund)
McKinley, the Karelian Bear Dog at one year old.
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Description |
The Karelian Bear Dog has small ears
that are cocked and point outward slightly. They are lined with dense fur reducing the
risk of frost bite. The short-haired all-weather coat consists of straight, stiff hair
while the under-layer is soft and dense. The thighs are covered in thick hair. Like the
Russo-European Laika, the breed has a distinctive black & white coat, which is unusual
for northern Spitz-type dogs. A copper tint is typical. Black speckles in the white are
considered a fault. The dog should be primarily black, with white markings,
which are distinct and occur on the head, neck, chest,
abdomen and legs. The jaws are immensely powerful. The tail is long. The small eyes
show intense concentration. The tail curls over the back in a typically Spitz arch.
Robustly built, well-boned and of moderate size, the Karelian Bear Dog is slightly longer
than he is tall. The head is shaped as a blunt wedge. The body is sturdy and the back is
well developed. |
Temperament
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The Karelian Bear Dog has a good
sense of humor. It is sensitive, independent, intelligent, skillful, tough on itself, and
energetic. A robust, persistent, and powerful dog, it is willing to take on virtually
any game animal. This dog is very loyal to its owner's family and makes a good household
companion when it has owners who know how to display leadership and the dog is extensively trained. This is not a breed for the casual pet owner,
the Karelian Bear Dog is a hunter of unyielding bravery and determination. It will put a
bear to flight or attack it with great pugnacity. The true outdoors enthusiast and
dedicated hunter can look to this hard-working breed with delight and utter satisfaction.
Owners must be capable of handling this very forceful canine. An owner who understands canine behavior, how to communicate displaying authority over the dog, proper training and
socialization are absolute musts. It may try to dominate other dogs and are perfectly
willing to fight. Owners must communicate this is not an acceptable behavior. This dog needs a handler with natural authority. The training should be
very consistent with both a firm hand and affection. This is not a breed for inexperienced
dog owners. They are affectionate towards people and will announce both welcome and
unwelcome visitors. Visitors the dogs knows well will get an enthusiastic welcome while
strangers may be treated coldly. This breed is very protective. They will protect you with
their life. The Karelian Bear Dog can live with other household animals if they know where their place is in their pack (blow all others) and if the training
and socialization is properly handled. This breed has a small appetite for its size. |
Height, Weight
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Height: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm.)
Weight: 44-50 pounds (20-23 kg.) |
Health
Problems |
This is a fairly healthy breed. |
Living
Conditions |
The Karelian Bear Dog is not
recommended for apartment life. They should have acreage or a farm so they can run.
These animals do not like to be confined. They can be kept in an outdoor kennel as long as
they get plenty of chances to run. |
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Exercise |
The Karelian Bear Dog is a very
energetic dog. It should be exercised with a brisk
walk at least an hour each day. If you can keep this
dog well under control, it will enjoy exercising by running alongside a bicycle. If it
does not get enough exercise it will become bored and may be destructive inside the house.
Never let two Karelian Bear Dogs run together free - for they will go hunting. Make sure your
yard is well-fenced so your Karelian Bear Dog does not take off on a hunting adventure. |
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Life
Expectancy |
About 10-12 years. |
Grooming |
The all weather coat is easy to care
for, requiring little attention. Use a metal comb when the dog is shedding for
easy removal of the lose hair from the undercoat. Like other Arctic dogs, the Karelian
Bear Dog does not have doggie odor. This breed is an average shedder. |
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Origin |
The area once known as Karelia in
northern Europe has always been populated by tough, big-game hunting canines. For a long
time, similar dogs had been bred in Karelia for hunting large game. These dogs were known
to have followed the first settlers to Finland thousand of years ago. These early tribes
of people survived on what they could hunt, which is why dogs that were hardy, brave and
tough enough to tackle bear, wolf and lynx were so important. The Karelian Bear Dog
closely resembles the Russo-European Laika. It evolved in the part of Finland claimed by
the Soviet Union earlier this century. The Karelian Bear Dog, which is more numerous
outside its own country than any of the Russian Laikas, is used by elk hunters throughout
Finland, Sweden, and Norway. It was first exhibited at a dog show in Helsinki in 1936, but
after World War II the breed almost became extinct. All modern Karelians are traced back
to forty dogs found and saved after the war. The Karelian Bear Dog was very popular
towards the turn of the century when it could be found in vast numbers. Its numbers
declined in the 1960's, but its popularity has been on the rise and it is now being breed
in North America and many European countries. Among this avid hunter's game are the buck,
wild boar, hare, and moose. He is also fearless enough to fight the wolf and bear and
therefore functioned as a protector by hunting these large wild animals. In his homeland
of Finland, the dog is used mostly on elk and is the favored dog of native big-game
hunters. |
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Group |
Northern |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, CKC, NKC, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR |
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc. |
Zeus, the Karelian Bear Dog at 10 months old.
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"My dog Zeus at 10 months. Perfect temperament, Great movement, Stunning structure, He makes our life full of joy. Great breed very under rated but it will change."
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Kan Trace Miss Moneypenny aka Vista.
Bayka and Vista
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Rio
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Lora the Karelian Bear Dog at 1 year old.
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McKinley, the Karelian Bear Dog puppy at 3 months old. "He is playful, cuddly and very curious."
McKinley, the Karelian Bear Dog puppy at 5 months old.
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This is Mayook. Photo Courtesy of Barb Sawchuk, Kingsgate, BC - Proud owner.
Photo Courtesy of Barb Sawchuk, Kingsgate, BC - Proud owner.
Photo Courtesy of Barb Sawchuk, Kingsgate, BC - Proud owner.
Photo Courtesy of Barb Sawchuk, Kingsgate, BC - Proud owner.
Karelian Bear Dog Pictures 1
Elkhound Breeds
Hunting Dogs
Understanding Dog Behavior
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