Let's talk Karelian Bear Dogs
This spitz-type dog is fairly rare outside its homeland of Finland but certainly a breed worth getting to know. In black-tie attire (well, dashing black-and-white coats) and with pricked up ears, self-confident Karelian Bear Dogs may look ready for a night at the opera, but they were originally bred for harsh landscapes where they hunted large prey and stood guard over lonely farms. Karelian Bear Dogs now make loyal and affectionate members of their modern human families.
Official name: Karelian Bear Dog
Other names: Karjalankarhukoira
Origins: Finland
| Drooling tendencies: |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: | |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Physical activity needs (high, low, medium): | High | Kid-friendly? | |
| Compatibility with other pets: | |
Can stay alone? | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age: | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age: | 5 years to 8 years |
| Senior age: | From 8 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Karelian Bear Dogs
1. From hunter to ranger
In the U.S., enterprising wildlife experts have turned the Karelian Bear Dog’s ancient bear-hunting mission on its head, training these intelligent and courageous animals to protect bears. As the bears’ natural habitat diminishes, and with instances of bears getting too close to humans (dangerous for both parties) on the rise, fearless KBDs can be brought in to scare the bears away, back to the safety of the wilderness.
2. Popularity contest
The Karelian Bear Dog might not be among the best-known breeds around the world—although with their lively and loyal nature, not to mention that strikingly chic black and white coat, perhaps they should be better known. But in their native Finland, the Karelian Bear Dog was tenth most popular dog breed in 2019. One of five domestic Finnish breeds, the KBD was not quite as popular as the Labrador, which claimed the top spot, but is nonetheless regarded as something of a national treasure.
History of the breed
The hardy and active Karelian Bear Dog’s ancestry dates back many thousands of years, possibly even as far as Neolithic times. This Spitz-type breed has been present in northeastern Europe as long as humans have.
After such a long history together, it’s no surprise that there’s an enduring bond between these dependable and adventurous dogs and their human companions. Russian and Finnish peasants used them for hunting and as watch dogs—they lived a harsh lifestyle that over the centuries bred a tenacious and resistant nature into the breed. Those qualities have endured, even if life has got a whole lot easier for most Karelian Bear Dogs.
The KBD’s name comes from the Karelia region on the border of Russia and Finland. The first breed standard for the Karelian Bear Dog was published in 1945 and the Finnish Kennel Club registered the first examples of the breed a year later. Before that official recognition, the dogs had a variety of colourings including tan and grey, but the decision to use only black and white dogs for breeding has led to the modern-day Karelian Bear Dog’s smart tuxedo-like coat.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Karelian Bear Dogs
1. Ears
Alert, triangular, high-set ears with rounded tips.
2. Muzzle
Long pointed muzzle, often with white markings.
3. Body
Solid, muscular build with fairly short legs.
4. Tail
High-set, tightly curled tail with feathering.
5. Coat
Thick double layer coat in black and white.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Karelian Bear Dog
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Caring for your Karelian Bear Dog
Grooming, training and exercise tips
That short, neat, weatherproof coat largely looks after itself. Your Karelian Bear Dog just needs a weekly groom to get rid of any loose hairs and keep them looking their best and to get rid of any debris that may have got caught (particularly important for dogs living outside their homeland where the vegetation may be different). Anyway, grooming is a perfect opportunity for a cuddle. Their fast-growing nails also need regular trimming, while ear-checks and removal of any dirt will help prevent ear infections.
These lively dogs need plenty of exercise—that means walks several times a day or chances to run off the lead in an enclosed outdoor space. They can benefit from the mental and physical stimulation of games such as chasing a ball or learning tricks.
These are independent-minded and intelligent dogs so training a Karelian Bear Dog won’t be a walk in the park, but it can be done—plenty of patience and plenty of treats (taken out of daily food rations of course!) are the order of the day.
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All about Karelian Bear Dogs
These dogs were bred to hunt bear, elk and other large animals, so it’s not surprising to learn that they don’t naturally get along perfectly with other animals. But early socialisation can help—in fact it’s the key to ensuring they can be around other pets. On the plus side, they are not known to be aggressive towards humans: In fact, they’re extremely loyal to their human family.
Yes! Guarding is a vocation for these alert and fearless canines. They were born for the role—they have a loud bark and they’re not afraid to use it to alert their humans to a perceived threat such as a stranger approaching their home.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/