Karelian Bear Dog

also known as KBD, Karjalankarhukoira, Karelsk Björnhund

Pros History


The Karelian Bear Dog, also known as the Karjalankarhukoira, is a medium-sized breed of dog that has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. It is believed that the breed originated in the Karelia region of Russia, where it was used as a hunting dog and a guard dog. The Karelian Bear Dog is known for its intelligence, endurance, and bravery, and it has been used for a variety of purposes throughout its history, including as a hunting dog, a search and rescue dog, and a therapy dog.

The origins of the Karelian Bear Dog can be traced back to ancient Russia, where the breed was used as a hunting dog and a guard dog in the Karelia region. The breed was prized for its intelligence, endurance, and bravery, and it was used to hunt a variety of game, including bears, wolves, and elk. The Karelian Bear Dog was also used as a guard dog, protecting homes and farms from predators and intruders.

As the Karelian Bear Dog spread throughout Russia and other parts of Europe, it continued to be used as a hunting dog and a guard dog. The breed was also used as a search and rescue dog, assisting with rescue and recovery efforts in the event of natural disasters or other emergencies. In the modern era, the Karelian Bear Dog has gained popularity as a therapy dog, with the breed's intelligence and affectionate nature making it well-suited for therapeutic work.

Breed Information


Type

Is Karelian Bear Dog a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Karelian Bear Dogs originally used for?

Hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Karelian Bear Dogs Live? What is average life expectancy for a Karelian Bear Dog? How long can Karelian Bear Dogs live?

10-12 years

The average Karelian Bear Dog lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Karelian Bear Dog Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Karelian Bear Dog?

What is the average height of a Karelian Bear Dog? How big is a Purebred Karelian Bear Dog height? Karelian Bear Dog dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 21-24 inches (53.3 - 61 cm) 18.0 inches (45.7 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
Female 19-22 inches (48.3 - 55.9 cm) 17.0 inches (43.2 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 21.0 inches (53.3 cm)
What is the average weight of a Karelian Bear Dog? How much should Karelian Bear Dogs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 44-51 pounds (20 - 23 kg) 22.0 pounds (10 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 47.0 pounds (21 kg)
Female 44-51 pounds (20 - 23 kg) 22.0 pounds (10 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 47.0 pounds (21 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Karelian Bear Dogs get fat easily?

The Karelian Bear Dog is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Karelian Bear Dogs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Karelian Bear Dog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Karelian Bear Dog personality? What are Karelian Bear Dog dogs best known for?

Brave
Loyal
Tenacious
Cautious
Independent
Territorial

Shedding Level

Are Karelian Bear Dogs heavy shedders? How Much Does a Karelian Bear Dog Shed?

Karelian Bear Dog dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Karelian Bear Dog. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Karelian Bear Dog dog?

Karelian Bear Dogs are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Karelian Bear Dog is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Karelian Bear Dogs come from?

Finland

Ancestry

What are Karelian Bear Dogs descended from?

Spitz

Date of Birth

When were Karelian Bear Dogs first bred? How old is the Karelian Bear Dog breed?

Unknown

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Karelian Bear Dog?

Northern (UKC)

Karelian Bear Dog Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Karelian Bear Dog eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Karelian Bear Dog nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Karelian Bear Dog coat be naturally?

Black
White

Coat Length

How long is a Karelian Bear Dogs coat?

The coat of a Karelian Bear Dog dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Karelian Bear Dog Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Karelian Bear Dog?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Karelian Bear Dog have in a litter? How many puppies can a Karelian Bear Dog have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Karelian Bear Dog can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Karelian Bear Dog dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Karelian Bear Dog Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Karelian Bear Dogs have a lot of health problems?

The Karelian Bear Dog is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher incidence of health problems compared to some other breeds. These health issues may be frequent and can range from minor to serious. It is therefore essential that owners of DOG_NAMEs schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Karelian Bear Dog?

Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Periodontal Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Karelian Bear Dogs?

Pituitary Dwarfism

Occasional Diagnoses

Obesity

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Karelian Bear Dog breed?

OFA
CERF
Physical Examination

Karelian Bear Dog Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Karelian Bear Dogs have a lot of energy?

Karelian Bear Dogs are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Karelian Bear Dogs need socialization? How social are Karelian Bear Dogs?

Karelian Bear Dog have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Karelian Bear Dogs get?

The Karelian Bear Dog needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Karelian Bear Dog have? Do Karelian Bear Dogs sleep a lot?

Karelian Bear Dogs dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Karelian Bear Dog drool a lot?

The Karelian Bear Dog is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Karelian Bear Dogs tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Karelian Bear Dogs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Karelian Bear Dogs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Karelian Bear Dog running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Karelian Bear Dogs enjoy doing? How do I keep my Karelian Bear Dog busy?

Fetch, Walk, Run

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Karelian Bear Dog? How much energy does a Karelian Bear Dog have?

High

Karelian Bear Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Karelian Bear Dog walk each week? How many miles should a Karelian Bear Dog walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Karelian Bear Dog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Karelian Bear Dog should exercise a day? How much activity does a Karelian Bear Dog need?

60 minutes

In general most Karelian Bear Dogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Karelian Bear Dog?

The Karelian Bear Dog is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Karelian Bear Dog?

Weekly

Karelian Bear Dog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Karelian Bear Dogs?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Karelian Bear Dog eat?

2.5 cups

For an average 44-51 pound (20 - 23 kg) Karelian Bear Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Karelian Bear Dog Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Karelian Bear Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Karelian Bear Dog Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Karelian Bear Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Karelian Bear Dog Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Karelian Bear Dog?

Karelian Bear Dogs has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Karelian Bear Dog is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Karelian Bear Dog dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Karelian Bear Dog dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Karelian Bear Dog do well in apartments? Are Karelian Bear Dogs good indoor dogs?

It's not recommended to keep the Karelian Bear Dog in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Karelian Bear Dogs living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Are Karelian Bear Dogs good with kids? Are Karelian Bear Dogs good around children?

Karelian Bear Dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Karelian Bear Dogs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Karelian Bear Dogs good with cats? How friendly Karelian Bear Dogs are toward cats?

Karelian Bear Dogs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Karelian Bear Dog dogs get along with other dogs? Are Karelian Bear Dogs OK with other dogs?

Karelian Bear Dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Karelian Bear Dog dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Karelian Bear Dogs friendly with strangers?

Karelian Bear Dogs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Karelian Bear Dogs like to play? Are Karelian Bear Dogs playful?

The Karelian Bear Dog is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Karelian Bear Dog is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Karelian Bear Dog easily trained?

Karelian Bear Dog dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.