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Karelian Bear Dogs Bjornehuset's Lasse (Ilo) and his daughter Runningbeardog's Kesa. KBD's have boundless energy and love to challenge each other at play.
History of the KBD
The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish Breed. The Komi dog is considered to be it's origin , with original stock dogs coming from Ladoga's Karelia, Olonet's, and Russian Karelia, where they were used for different types of game hunting.
During the Finnish/Russian war, it was used as a scout to warn the Finnish soldiers of Russian ambush. Snipers, harsh conditions and lack of food led to the decline of the breed. It's said that at one time only 40 remained. After the war, efforts were established to bring back the breed, and breeding was started in 1936, with the first breed standard recognized in that same year by the Finnish Kennel Club, although it was not recognized internationally until 1946.
General Traits
Bjornehusets Lasse (Ilo) during his first winter in Michigan-2004
The Karelian Bear Dog is a member of the Spitz family, with a distinctive black and white coat. The predominant color should be black, with distinct white markings on the head, neck, chest, abdomen and legs. It's thick double coat is straight and stiff with a soft and dense underlayer. They are considered a medium sized breed, standing 19 to 23 inches and from 44 to 60 pounds.
KBD's love the snow, and their double coat keeps them warm and relatively dry in the winter. Natural lanolin in their coat keeps it from absorbing moisture, and also helps to keep them clean as they repel both water and dirt. They shed twice a year, taking over a month to lose their heavy coats. During that time daily brushing speeds up the process a little.
A very independent and intelligent breed, it is very proud and knows it's own worth. If the owner is not the leader, the KBD definately will be. To earn respect from the KBD, it has to be raised consistently with both love and a firm hand. This is not a breed for inexperienced dog owners. Obedience training and socialization are a must.
A very robust, active, high energy dog, they need plenty of room to run and a good amount of exercise. Therefore they are not the dog for the casual dog owner, nor do they do well in apartment or city life. Because of their strong hunting instincts, and well fenced area is essential.
The Karelian Bear Dog has a good sense of humor, is intelligent and independent. They often have a favorite in the family, but will bond with all of their human companions. Very fond of children, it loves to play, but when it's had enough it will look for a quiet place, which should be respected.
Karelians are very friendly to strangers, but if any should threaten it's family, it will protect them. They are known to have very good judgment of the people they meet.
The Karelian is fearless by nature, and will not back down for any threat, defending it's master to the very end.
Hunting
The Karelian is a an excellent hunter with a keen sense of smell and a very good sense of direction. In Finland they have been used for hunting elk, moose and bear, as well as other smaller game. A very independent breed, it still works in cooperation with it's master, as it's bark will indicate what type of game it's after. Known for their fearlessness and persistence, they will nip at the backside of their prey to drive them in the hunt and hold them at bay.
Karelians can compete in several types of working trials including hunting trail trials using fresh blood to mimic a wounded animal. Their highly developed sense of smell and natural seeking abilities also make them good dogs for search and rescue.
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