Karelian Bear Dog Breed

Just as the name suggests, the Karelian Bear Dog is used to hunt bears. This breed is highly specialized, and there are a number of United States government agencies that use them for bear control. They can also hunt other game, and they won't hesitate to go after most any other animal — especially if there are two or more of these dogs. They are not meant for anyone who is less than very experienced with dogs. They aren't good for apartment living, they don't get along with small, non-canine pets, and they are not good with kids.

Here are some other things about Karelian Bear Dogs that are good to know:

PROS

• Protective
• Hard worker
• Loyal to the core
• Very fast runners
• Brilliant watchdogs
• Excellent guard dogs
• Very few health problems
• Bonds strongly with master
• Not much grooming needed
• Can be trained to climb trees
• Perfect for high-energy lifestyle

CONS

• Slow to mature
• Escape artists
• Very territorial
• Difficult to train
• Highly dominant
• Moderate shedder
• Not hypoallergenic
• Expensive to adopt
• Extremely high prey drive
• Rare breed outside Finland
• Can easily get separation anxiety
• Tendency to bark endlessly in certain situations
• Extremely early socialization and training required

Despite their rarity, there is a lot of Karelian Bear Dog info available. They are Spitz-type dogs of medium size, are sturdy and are frighteningly fast. These specialized dogs work hard, can be trained for far more than the task indicated in the breed's name, and have the potential to be a particularly difficult dog. If there are two Karelian Bear Dogs together, only a very experienced trainer or master is going to be able to control them.

The intelligence of this breed is remarkable. These dogs know how to find and corner prey. They are accustomed to taking on very large game by themselves and keeping them occupied for a long time. They can also be taught to be watch or guard dogs as well as herders or for other work.

If they need to climb a tree, they'll climb a tree. If a fence appears tall enough to restrain them, these dogs may still be able to leap over it. If they tree a squirrel, they'll also bark non-stop until you arrive, so be prepared for the side effects of their otherwise great talents.

To be sure, these dogs need exercise and still more exercise. If they are not hunting, they need long daily walks, intense agility activity, and a job. If you really think you want to adopt one of these dogs, you should be prepared to learn much more than the Karelian Bear Dog 101.

The Karelian Bear Dog temperament may seem like a highly volatile one, but these dogs are easily handled by a master for whom they have respect. They are also always ready to fulfill the role of keeping prey at bay in a fashion that may seem extremely vicious. On one hand, they will accept being petted by a stranger so long as the master is present and allowing the act. If alone, however, these dogs tend to respond quickly and aggressively if they feel the least bit threatened.

Karelian Bear Dogs easily become anxious in the absence of their owners if they are not working or hunting. They can work with other people if they are trained with them. They can make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert. They are not typically good companion dogs.

Training and socialization are not just a must for these dogs; it is mandatory to start when they are very young puppies. They are natural hunters, and they are meant to track and quarry that which their name states: bear. They are used by government agencies for this specific task, one such entity being the state of Washington.

Karelian Bear Dogs are a somewhat healthy breed. While they do have problems, they don't seem to have any ailments that are too particular to the breed. They are active dogs that are big enough to be stricken with some of the same problems that are found in big dogs, however. There are also injuries caused by their behavior — such as climbing trees, jumping very high fences and, of course, keeping bears at bay. These dogs are extremely expensive, and it would behoove you to not hesitate to be sure they have all their vet certifications, health tests and other such things from the breeder, once you have the puppy and as they mature.

Here are some of the health problems that can occur in Karelian Bear Dogs:

• Obesity
• Baldness
• Cataracts
• Hip dysplasia
• Dental diseases
• Pituitary Dwarfism
• Other skin conditions
• Excessive pigmentation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Karelian Bear Dogs, despite being a relatively healthy breed represented by very strong dogs, have a slightly lower than average lifespan (for dogs this size) of 12 to 13 years.