Karelian Bear Dog
Other names: Komi Dog, Dog of Zyrians

The Karelian Bear Dog is revered as a national treasure in its native Finland. Its quick reflexes and fearless nature made it a popular hunting dog. They were used to track the biggest and most fearsome land animals, including the brown bear. They’re still used by National Park gamekeepers to keep wild populations within sustainable levels. The Karelian has a bright, intelligent expression, and appears to be very approachable. However, it’s important to note that they’re naturally aggressive towards other animals and as such, should be handled with care and a lot of respect.
Key facts about the Karelian Bear Dog
Origins and history
The Karelian Bear Dog was developed by the Vikings of Scandinavia. Given the warrior culture of the ancient vikings, it’s easy to see why they prized this brave, strong, and extremely confident dog. Excavations of ancient sites showed that many Karelians were buried alongside their masters. The Norse culture believed the dogs would guide their masters through the underworld until they reached Valhalla, the Viking version of heaven. As well as being highly-revered in its native Finland, the Karelian has been exported to Canada, the USA, and even Japan. They provide vital assistance to hunters and gamekeepers who are tasked with maintaining the delicate balance of local ecosystems.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section
Section 2 : Nordic Hunting Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Karelian Bear Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 22 in
Male : Between 21 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 37 and 44 lb
Male : Between 55 and 62 lb
Coat colour
Black and white.
Type of coat
Harsh, straight topcoat. Soft and dense undercoat.
Eye colour
Chestnut brown.
Description
Medium sized spitz breed. Black fur covering the back and legs. Large white blaize on the chest. Small, compact head, pricked ears. Fluffy tail that curls upward.
Good to know
The Karelian Bear Dog is a fearless and formidable hunter.They should never be handled by inexperienced dog owners. Keeping them as just a pet is not the best idea. These dogs need to be put to work to be truly happy.