The Karelian Bear Dog, like most spitz breeds, has an independent temperament. This said, he is very faithful to his owner and brave in the face of danger. Originally bred to eagerly hunt bear and other large game (as obvious by his name), he is generally silent in the hunt until he finds and stops an animal. This is a persistent hunter who is said to have a high drive and a good sense of direction when out in the wilderness. He is tough and burly – medium sized and with a very thick black and white coat.
The Bear Dog doesn’t require very much grooming but his thick coat does need to be brushed out regularly. This goes double for any dog living in a hot climate (like here in Texas). While the breed prefers cold weather, he can live just fine in a hot environment as long as that thick undercoat is kept combed out so the skin can breathe. His mostly black coats also make him more prone to feeling the heat, so make sure he has plenty of shade and water. As long as he is kept from overheating, this is actually a very healthy breed with no huge health issues. Average lifespan is from 11-12 years.
Karelian males don’t always play well with other males – they can be territorial of their homes/possessions and prone to fighting. Furthermore, even some opposite-sex pairs will fight as well. Many owners find it hard to keep two dogs in the same household, or even one Karelian along with another pet! Sometimes harmony can be accomplished with massive socialization while the puppy is still young but it’s still a case-by-case basis. If the Karelian is the only dog in the household, he is generally calm in the house. When it comes to human strangers, he is aloof although generally not aggressive as long as he has been socialized, however some poorly bred or poorly raised members of the breed have been known to show aggression to people.
Because of their social nature, some Karelian Bear Dogs suffer from separation anxiety. Although these dogs love to be outside (and do well in homes that have large fenced yards), they shouldn’t be left in the backyard all day with no human contact. They need regular exercise with their owners and enough stimulation to keep them happy and entertained. This energetic working breed also needs a job to do, and without this can become difficult to own. Problem-barking, chewing stuff up, and otherwise destroying property both inside and outside are such examples… This is not an apartment breed, nor is it a good match for someone with no dog owning experience.
Karelians tend to be affectionate to members of their own family although aren’t known for being easy to train. This has nothing to do with intelligence – as they are quite smart – but has more to do with their high prey drives and independent natures. Be aware of their quirky senses of humor during training… and it might be good for you to develop one of your own if you are to train one! Along with patience, an owner/trainer must also be prepared to set out rules and enforce them – the dog can become rather dominant without it.
Bear Dogs are alert watchdogs who tend to be quiet in the home unless an intruder comes by, at which point they can be protective if necessary. A fenced yard is a necessity for owners of this breed – their territorial nature and aptitude for wandering can be a bad combination. Although the breed can do well with older kids… they may need to be carefully introduced to any new kids that come into the home. It is important to practice responsibility when owning this breed!
