KARELIAN BEAR DOG

It is called bear dog because of its great bear and moose hunting skills, without overlooking any animal large enough to stimulate it in its stalking. Very helpful to the hunter because of its courage, it was one of the dogs most appreciated by the hunters. It is a Finnish breed, proceeding from the native area of Karelia, to the North East of Russia, used in large game for its excellent sense of direction. The organized breeding of the Karelian Bear Dog began in the year 1936 and its first standard was established in 1945, after World War II, which led it to the verge of extinction.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the KARELIAN BEAR DOG
It is medium and solid, the male’s height it 57 cm, the females are 5 cm shorter and the weigh is 28 kg, proportionally lighter in the case of females. It has an extraordinary sense of smell which makes it unbeatable in the job it was bred for. The head is triangular, with a well defined stop, the muzzle is tall and straight and the nose is large and black. The eyes are small, brown colors, with an attentive and intense gaze; its ears are medium sized, erect and rounded in the edges. The fur is hard and dense, all black or black with reddish highlights and white spots; the undercoat is dense and smooth.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the KARELIAN BEAR DOG
Brave and bold, it is sometimes unfriendly and reserved. It has a balanced and perseverant temperament. It is aggressive to other dogs but nice and affectionate with people around him. Its instinct, in hunting as well as in combat, is very developed. The training needs to begin early and constant, although it accepts it well, it learns quickly and abides to orders, because its adaptation is good and can be a great guard and company animal.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a KARELIAN BEAR DOG
Based in the notion that it should not live in an apartment, the care it needs are minimal, obligating its cleanliness and diet. Exercise is essential to keep it in good physical shape.

The tail has a high insertion and medium length, and the dog holds it curved over the back.