KARELIAN BEAR DOG FACTS


A rare and ancient breed, probably dating back to the time of Vikings, the Karelian Bear Dog is an extremely attractive middle size dog. The males are 21 to 23 and a half inches, and the females 19-21 inches at the withers. The Karelian Bear Dog looks like a typical Nordic Spitz, with prick ears and a tail that curls over the back. The head is wedge-shaped with a broad backskull. It has a wide chest and is moderately angular in the rear. The Karelian bear dog has a short double coat on its neck, upper thighs and back, which give it an angled look. The nose is always black, and the eyes small and dark. The dogs are generally black with white markings found on the chest, head, belly, legs, and neck.

The Karelian Bear Dog is originally from the Finnish province of Karelia, part of which became Soviet Territory as the result of a peace treaty in 1941. The now Russian area was until recently known as the Karelo-Finnish Soviet Socialist Republic and is now again named Karelia. Part of the area retained by Finland is known as North Karelia in Finland. As a result, there are two different types of Karelian Bear Dogs. The first, which remained with the Finnish People, and the second, which was crossed with the Utchak Sheep dog by the Russians to create a "super bear dog" that exhibits even greater courage and stamina than the original. The Karelian Bear Dogs registered with the Universal Kennel Club in New York are the second type, the Russian breed.

Karelian Bear Dogs are very territorial. They are very agile, and exceedingly quick in their movements. They make excellent hunting companions. They may prefer to hunt a specific animal but can be trained to hunt any type of game. They are used to hunt moose, lynx, deer, birds, cougars and specifically bears.

The Bear Dogs are also used to protect their masters from predatory animals, such as the cougar or the bear. They are very devoted to the people they love, and will fight until death to protect them. They tend to want to be a one person dog, but will bond with an entire family. Carrie Hunt, a biologist from Utah, uses her Karelian Bear Dogs to "train" the bears in national parks to stay away from humans. The Karelian will not back down, and eventually the bear will get frustrated and leave.



These dogs are registered with the Universal Kennel Club in New York

If you are interested in a Karelian Bear Dog
contact:

Sharon or Jim Potter at 250-790-2351
Fax 250-790-2359
e-mail: sjpotter@wlake.com



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References

Flamholtz, Cathy. A Celebration of Rare Breeds. Vol. 1

Rogers, Roxanne. Kaszmir Stud & Racing Stables.
World Wide Web. Dewinton, Alta. Canada. (1998).

Yatchak, Janet. Bear Paw Kennels.
World Wide Web. St. Ignatius, MT. (1997).