How to Identify a Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish breed of spitz assigned to the working group. [1] Initially bred as a watchdog and hunter, they were further developed to bark when they locate large game, though in their native land, they are also occasionally used as sled dogs, for search and rescue, and for other tasks. [2] As one of many spitz breeds, they share many traits with other dogs, but they have several characteristics that are unique. This wikiHow will help you identify a Karelian Bear Dog by discovering what makes them distinct.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Structure

  1. Karelian Bear Dogs are medium in size. They weigh between 44 and 49 pounds (20 and 22 kg) and have a height of 19–23.5 inches (48–60 cm). [3]
  2. A Karelian Bear Dog's head is not of a very long length despite being broad, especially in the area in between the dog's ears. Though it is a bit convexly-shaped, it still resembles a triangle overall. It has a somewhat long yet barely defined stop that forms an arch, a furrow that is hardly able to be noticed, and superciliary ridges that are present a small amount. [4]
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  3. The ears of a Karelian Bear Dog are medium in size. They stand erect from their fairly high-set spot on the head, and their tips round a bit. [5]
  4. Karelian Bear Dogs have brown-colored eyes that may range in shade. Their fairly small size and somewhat oval shape help give the dog an expression of fiery alertness. [6]
  5. A Karelian Bear Dog's muzzle tapers a little as it approaches the dog's large-sized nose that is pigmented black. The muzzle seems to be set deeply. The thin lips fit tightly around a scissors bite held within strong jaws. The bridge of the nose is also entirely straight. [7]
  6. The paws of a Karelian Bear Dog are held tightly together and face the forward direction. They are well-coated on the sides. While the front paws are a bit round, form an arch, and have pads of good spring, the back paws are elastically padded and appear somewhat of a longer length and do not form as much of an arch. [8]
  7. Coming either in a naturally long length or in the form of a natural bobtail, a Karelian Bear Dog's tail is usually medium in length. It starts at a high-set position and curves to reach over the dog's back so that its tip rests on the back or side. [9]
  8. Karelian Bear Dogs are strong, proportionate, robust in build, and slightly longer than they are tall. They have a neck in the shape of an arch, shoulders of good muscle that are set on at a fairly oblique angle, a long chest that is not broad but full of space, ribs of a small spring, parallel and straight legs, a bit of a tuckup, and a level back. Their gait is ground-covering, parallel, and light-footed, and the dog moves without effort in the form of a trot or gallop, a gallop being highly natural. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noting the Coat

  1. Karelian Bear Dogs have double coats that cover the dog's wrinkle-free, thick skin. The outer coat appears straight-lying against the skin and feels harsh to the touch, while the undercoat is of a high density and has a texture of softness. Typically, the coat on the backs of the thighs and on the neck and back are of a longer length than the other spots of the coat. [11]
  2. A Karelian Bear Dog almost always has a base coat color of solid black. However, it is possible for the coat to appear slightly brownish or even a bit dull-colored. [12]

    Did you know? Karelian Bear Dogs were once seen with red-grey or red coats in addition to the black and white variety maintained today. However, it was eventually decided to breed the black and white variety, so the red and red-grey dogs are no longer seen. [13]

  3. White markings appear on the coats of most Karelian Bear Dogs. Common places for these to occur include on the legs, stomach, chest, neck, and head. They should appear to be of clear pronunciation and definition if they are present. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Considering Temperament

  1. Karelian Bear Dogs are eager to please and social dogs if they are socialized and trained well. However, they are more outgoing toward their owners than unfamiliar people or animals. [15]
  2. As a working breed, Karelian Bear Dogs are full of energy, particularly when they are young. They are active, spirited, and need a good amount of exercise to stay entertained. [16]
  3. Capable of being good guard dogs, Karelian Bear Dogs are brave and willing to bark if a potential threat makes itself known. They are territorial and eager to protect their homes. [17]
  4. Due to their hunting heritage, Karelian Bear Dogs tend to be aggressive toward other animals, including dogs and cats, and do not have a pack mentality. Although they would hardly attack people, their possible aggression towards them means that they typically do not do well in a family setting. [18]
  5. Having independent minds, Karelian Bear Dogs may act with stubbornness during training and need consistent training to prevent this. They retain their independent minds from their past as independent hunters. [19]
  6. Karelian Bear Dogs are devoted and loyal companions to their owners. Because of this, they can be prone to experiencing separation anxiety if left alone for too long. [20]
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      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if the dog in question is your own. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Karelian Bear Dog.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/karelian-bear-dog/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/karelian-bear-dog/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/karelian-bear-dog/
      4. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      5. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      6. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      7. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      8. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      9. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      2. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      3. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/karelian-bear-dog/
      5. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/048g05-en.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/karelian-bear-dog-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/karelian-bear-dog-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/karelian-bear-dog-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/karelian-bear-dog-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/karelian-bear-dog-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/karelian-bear-dog-temperament/

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