Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dogs are rare worldwide, numbering around 3,000, and there are not many even in the United States (between 350-500). The Karelian Bear Dogs are  rare, and unique animals, orginating in the areas of Russia, Finland, and Siberia.  They are considered a National Treasure in Russia and Finland, and were not exported to other countries until just a few years ago.

The Karelian Bear Dog was bred for hunting both large and small game.  As their name indictates they were used for hunting bear, and also elk.  In our nation, they are used in our National Parks to move the bears away from campgrounds and other people populated areas.  The dogs are serving people by protecting them in such a manner.

The Karelian Bear Dogs protect their humans from any preditors.  For people who like to hike in the woods or mountains, these dogs are especially excellent.  They are brave, courageous, obedient, and protective to their death, yet the Karelian Bear Dog is gentle and loving to their family.  The dog is friendly to anyone approaching them unless they mean harm to the master, and they seem to know the difference.

Karelian Bear Dogs are extremely intelligent and excell in obedience training and tracking.  They are deeply devoted, especially to one person, who they give their heart, but they are still loving to the whole family.  The Karelian Bear Dog craves human attention and they do not stray from the house, but stay faithfully close to home. They are a dog that takes a gentle hand in training because they are such an intelligent and sensitive breed.

Our young daugther hooks her Karelian to her sled and the dog pulls her endlessly.  She stops when commanded, but runs back to cover her young friend with doggy kisses.  Such is the Karelian Bear Dog, brave and courageous, but sweet and loving.