Description. The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium dog standing 19-23 inches in height and weighing between 44 and 50 pounds. The small ears point out a little, are triangular in shape, and stand up. Their double coat is highly resistant to cold, consisting of a dense downy undercoat and a stiff short top coat. This is a member of the northern spitz varieties and has the unusual feature of a black and white coloration, which can have a tint of copper to it.

The primary color of the breed is black with the white markings showing on their legs, lower torso, chest, neck, and head. They have a powerful mouth and small intense eyes. They have an intelligent, inquisitive look. Their tail arches over the back which is typical of a spitz type dog.

The Karelian Bear Dog has a slightly longer body than its height. They are well muscled with a robust appearance, with well developed muscular legs.

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History. In northern Europe the area of Karelia has always been known for its large game and the hunting dogs used. The original dogs used were similar to the Karelian Bear Dog, and are believed to have followed the original settlers to the region, about 1000 years ago. The tribes of the time needed to hunt to survive and the dogs became very useful in this endeavor. The dogs were bred for strength courage and fearlessness. The dogs were used to hunt such game as lynx, bear and wolves, so it was important to have dogs up to the task. There is a close resemblance between this breed and the Russo Laika. This breed is quite common in Norway, Sweden, and Finland where it is used to hunt Elk. The first time this breed was shown was in 1936 in Helsinki. As with so many dogs the Second World War had a dramatic impact on the numbers of this breed, pushing them to the edge of extinction. By the end of the war there were only 40 dogs left to save the breed. The breed is now quite popular and you can find breeders in several European countries and America.

Temperament. This is a tough, independent, intelligent dog that has sensitivity and a sense of humor. The Karelian Bear Dog is persistent, energetic, powerful and robust. As this is a hunting dog it is vital you assert yourself over the dog, they need to know their place in the family. Training should always be firm, fair and consistent. This is not a dog for a first time owner you need to have experience to handle their independent intelligence. When properly socialized and trained they make a superb family pet and are extreme in their loyalty, they would fight to the death to protect the family. They are aloof with strangers but if they know a visitor they will give an exuberant welcome. If properly socialized they will get on well with other pets, but do not trust them unattended with smaller animals, they are hunters after all.

Health issues. With a life expectancy of 10-12 years the Karelian Bear Dog is a healthy breed.

Grooming. The Karelian Bear Dog is an average shedder and will require a simple brush or comb on a regular basis. They do not have much of an odor.

Living conditions. This is a breed that needs lots of land; they are not at all suited to apartment life and do best in rural areas. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation and would best suit a farm or an active family with young to teenage children.

If you can't find a local breeder in your area don't worry, many breeders are using the major airlines like American, Delta, Continental and Northwest airlines for shipping their puppies.

At this time the airlines will ship puppies to the following States: Alabama AL - Alaska AK - Arizona AZ - Arkansas AR - California CA - Colorado CO - Connecticut CT - Delaware DE - Florida FL - Georgia GA - Hawaii HI - Idaho ID - Illinois IL - Indiana IN - Iowa IA - Kansas KS - Kentucky KY - Louisiana LA - Maine ME - Maryland MD - Massachusetts MA - Michigan MI - Minnesota MN - Mississippi MS - Missouri MO - Montana MT - Nebraska NE - Nevada NV - New Hampshire NH - New Jersey NJ - New Mexico NM - New York NY - North Carolina NC - North Dakota ND - Ohio OH - Oklahoma OK - Oregon OR - Pennsylvania PA - Rhode Island RI - South Carolina SC - South Dakota SD - Tennessee TN - Texas TX - Utah UT - Vermont VT - Virginia VA - Washington WA - Washington, D.C. - West Virginia WV - Wisconsin WI - Wyoming WY - Hawaii HI.