Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish hunting spitz bred to find and hold bear and moose, and it is now used to teach wild bears to avoid people.

History

It comes from the Karelia region on the Finnish-Russian border, where it hunted large game, and it was standardised in Finland in the 1930s. Its modern second career is unusual and well documented: wildlife agencies in North America use Karelians in bear-aversion programmes, where the dogs harry problem bears away from towns so they need not be destroyed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being fearless, independent and intensely focused on game, loyal to its handler and often sharp with other dogs. It was bred to face a bear, and it does not back down.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and real work, secure containment and an experienced owner. It is not a household pet in any ordinary sense. The thick coat sheds heavily.

Health

Generally very hardy from working selection, with hip dysplasia and eye conditions among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.