Karelian Bear Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

20-23 kg

Height

48-58 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Karelian Bear Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Karelian bear dogs are a Finnish breed bred with a very particular task in mind. Over the years they have been bred into bold hunters courageous enough to scare bears away from their homes.

Across the world, this dog has been recognized for its unique ability to protect whatever animal it’s been tasked to watch over, whether human or livestock. This dog is deeply protective over its tribe and is not overly sociable with other animals, showing signs of being a naturally aggressive dog, so will require socialization and a firm hand from an early age.

While this doesn’t make them ideal for a first-time owner, if you can put the work in and handle their temperament you’ll have a loyal, loving companion for life.

What is the history & origin of the Karelian Bear Dog?

In past times, the Karelian Bear dog was used by Russian and Finnish families to protect their farms from bears and other predators, as well as for hunting large game such as elk, wild boars, and deer. To this day there are many parts of Scandinavia where the Karelian is used for hunting.

They are descended from the Finnish Spitz-type breed and are also said to share a genealogy with the Komi dog from North-East Russia. Around ten years from its inception, the first dogs of the breed were registered with the Finnish Kennel Club.

Incredibly, after World War II, the Karelian was nearly wiped out. Fortunately, though, 40 dogs were saved by the breed club, so every Karelian you see today is descended from those few lucky survivors.

While they are still not recognized by the American Kennel Club, Karelian Bear dogs are a beloved national treasure in the breed’s native Finland. There, they are one of the top 10 common dog breeds, just missing out on a first place to the Finnish Spitz.

What is a Karelian Bear Dog breed?

They have robust, athletic bodies which are longer than they are tall. Their heads are wedge-shaped and they sport two small pointed ears.

They have a stiff outer coat made up of straight hair with a soft thick undercoat to protect them from the icy Nordic climate. They shed both coats throughout the year with a heavier shed in spring and autumn.

Karelian Bear Dogs are only ever black and white after their other colours were bred out of them in the early 19th Century. They are now predominantly black with white markings on their head, chest, neck, abdomen, and legs.

Who is a Karelian Bear Dog best for?

Karelians are best suited to a home with older children and parents who have dealt with raising a puppy before. The bold nature of this breed’s lineage that makes them so suited for big game hunting will also make them tricky students to teach.

Early socialisation, obedience training as a puppy, and regular mental stimulation are required to show this dog that they don’t need to be on the defensive as much as they think.

They are relatively large animals and would be best around older children who are less likely to bump or knock over during playtime. Besides that, they are loyal, loving dogs who will protect every member of the family the same.

They don’t get on well with other dogs or animals and are best raised with other pets if done so from when they are puppies. Otherwise, their natural tendency to chase and subdue will get the better of them.

Karelian Bear Dog Grooming & Shedding

The Karelian Bear dog sheds throughout the year with two heavier seasonal spells in spring and autumn.

They will need to be brushed once a week and twice or more weekly during their heavier sheds to loosen dead hairs. Using grooming rakes, metal combs or bristle brushes are the best tools for maintaining their dense coat.

They aren’t smelly dogs and will only need an occasional bath; 2-3 times a year should maintain a good sheen.

With a strong-willed dog like the Karelian Bear, grooming is a great opportunity to form a close physical bond with your dog. Grooming Karelian Bear dog puppies will bring you both closer to each other and help establish you as a caring authority in their eyes.

Their nails grow quickly and will need to be filed every fortnight so they don’t split. Also, be sure to keep tabs on their ear canals as they will collect debris that should be cleaned. Curing a painful ear infection is always more complicated than preventing it.

Do Karelian Bear Dogs bark a lot?

Due to their history of hunting aggressive game and bear control, the Karelian Bear Dog is a hard-wired guard dog that will alert you the instant they detect something new or strange in their territory such as a stranger or other animals.

They were not used as a silent hunter but instead, they would bark loudly to alert hunters to prey. This behaviour can carry over to the present day when they see other dogs or animals that they think shouldn’t be there.

This instinct makes them excellent guard dogs of course, but you will want to train this instinct out of them to an extent or they’ll be on alert mode all the time unnecessarily.

What is the average weight & height of a Karelian Bear Dog?

A Karelian Bear dog can weigh between 20-23kg when fully grown with an average weight of 21kg.

They will grow to between 48-58cm at the shoulder with an average height of 53cm.

Are Karelian Bear Dogs easy to train?

This high-energy dog demands a firm, experienced hand when being trained. They are bred to handle the big, powerful games and will need you to exhibit the right authority to bring this strong dog to heel.

They will need ample mental stimulation and enough exercise to deplete their considerable energy stores. They will need a minimum of 30 minutes of consistent exercise and 60 minutes of quality outdoor time daily to prevent them from getting bored and exhibiting anxious, undesirable behaviour.

Training must begin from an early age to condition them out of their die-hard habits. This might be difficult considering the cuteness of the Karelian Bear Dog puppy but don’t let them lure you in. A solid discipline practice means a happier relationship for both you and your pooch. Dog sports are great for keeping this pup entertained.

How do Karelian Bear Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The qualities that make these dogs great big game hunters, while making them difficult, also make the Karelian Bear Dog a loyal and loving companion. At heart they are not aggressive animals – all they want is to protect you and your family.

They are energetic dogs that make great working companions, however, this excess of energy can leave them prone to separation anxiety. They are best off in homes where someone is home frequently enough that they don’t become alarmed. And even better if there is a garden that can mess around in to expel this surplus of spirit.

Does the Karelian Bear Dog have any common health issues?

The Karelian is a generally healthy dog with no remarkable hereditary health problems. However, as with any dog, it’s worth looking out for hip dysplasia, cataracts, and obesity.

Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition affects joint fit and can lead to arthritis, making regular screening important.
Cataracts: This eye condition can develop with age, potentially affecting vision, so early detection is beneficial.
Obesity: Like many breeds, Karelian Bear Dogs can become overweight if not properly exercised and fed, leading to additional health issues.

What is the lifespan of a Karelian Bear Dog?

If treated and cared for properly with the correct nutrition a Karelian Bear dog can have a life expectancy of between 10-12 years. Some owners report their dog’s age reaching up to 4 years longer than the average expectancy.

How much does a Karelian Bear Dog need to be fed?

A Karelian Bear dog will tend to eat less than other medium-sized dogs but you should be looking to feed a full-grown dog between 2-2.5 cups of high-quality nutrition a day, half at breakfast and then again at dinner.

How much can you expect to pay for a Karelian Bear Dog in Australia?

The Karelian Bear Dog is a rare breed, so you’ll need to put a little effort in when seeking a breeder. Once you find one you can expect to pay between $1400-$1700.

Karelian Bear Dog FAQs

Is the Karelian Bear Dog good for a first-time owner?

Raising a Karelian is a high-maintenance task that demands patience and consistency in their training. Their combination of high intelligence and a capacity for aggressive behaviour does not make them an ideal choice for inexperienced owners, but if you are committed you can shape them into loyal, loving dogs.

Does the Karelian Bear Dog suffer from separation anxiety?

The Karelian is a deeply social animal who craves being around their family. They can therefore quickly become stressed and anxious if left alone for an extended period.

Is the Karelian Bear Dog hypoallergenic?

No, this dog doesn’t go well with people who suffer from allergies as they shed year-round.

Does the Karelian Bear Dog require professional grooming?

It isn’t 100% necessary for a professional to groom your Karelian but their hair does require a lot of maintenance so it could save you a lot of time if you feel you don’t have the skill.