Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Finland

MOST SUITED AS Hunting dog for large wild game.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is 54 - 60cm (21 1/2 - 23 1/2in) for dogs and 49 - 55cm (19 1/2 - 21 1/2in) for bitches. The ideal height is 57 - 58cm (22 1/2 - 22in) for dogs and 51 - 53cm (20 - 20 1/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The short-haired coat consists of straight and stiff hairs while the under-layer is soft and dense. The Karelian Bear Dog is white with black. Black speckles in the white are a fault.

CARE REQUIRED
The coat of these dogs requires little attention. Use a special metal comb during the moult for the easy removal of loose hairs from the under­coat.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
With regard to other dogs Karelian Bear Dogs display dominant behaviour and do not go out of their way to avoid a fight. They are affec­tionate towards people making them quite un­suitable as watchdogs. Both welcome and unwelcome visitors will be announced but that is an end to it. Those who are well known will get an enthusiastic welcome, and strangers may be treated with some reserve, even perhaps non­acceptance. The Karelian Bear Dog can live with other household animals if the training is properly handled.

CHARACTER
This dog is very loyal to its own family and makes a good household companion which is dominant but also sensitive, independent, intel­ligent, cunning, tough on itself, is energetic, and has a sense of humour. They can often be rather anti-social towards other dogs.

TRAINING
This dog needs a handler who exudes natural authority. Their training should be very consis­tent, with both a firm hand and affection. This is certainly not a breed for inexperienced people.

EXERCISE
This breed can be kept in an outdoor kennel. Take account of the need for the Karelian Bear Dog to be able to stretch its legs for at least an hour per day. Provided you have them well under control and can keep them so, it is pos­sible to exercise them running alongside a cycle. If it gets too little exercise or becomes bored, there is a chance it will take this out on your furniture.
Make sure that your garden is well fenced because Karelian Bear Dogs have a tendency to go hunting.

SPECIAL REMARKS
In common with most Arctic dogs, the Karelian Bear Dog does not have the usual smell of dog hair. It also requires relatively little food to keep it in good condition.