Bear dog. Karelian Bear Dog. Coat and acceptable colors

Characteristics:

Description:

The Karelian bear dog has been used in Karelia for hunting large game since ancient times. Most likely, these dogs were brought to Finland by the first settlers, who needed hardy and strong dogs, distinguished by courage and malice towards the beast, capable of coping with large predators. In its appearance, the Karelian bear dog is similar to. The breed is very common not only in its homeland, but throughout the world. During World War II, the breed was practically destroyed. After the war, only 40 dogs were found and saved, which became the basis for the revival of this amazing beautiful breed. Since the 60s of the 20th century, the number of the breed has constantly increased. The Karelian Bear Dog is an excellent, almost universal hunter. It can be used equally effectively in hunting hare or rabbit, and can work on large animals, such as lynx or wild boar. Dogs are fearless and vicious towards the beast. In a family, a dog reveals completely different character traits. These dogs are very affectionate and kind with their owner and family members. Dogs are great companions. These dogs have an independent character, can go for a walk on their own, and do not like restrictions. It is very important to accustom them to obedience and unquestioning execution of commands.

Video:

FCI breed standard No. 48:

Characteristics of the breed. Very well adapted to life in nature, a hardy dog, courageous and energetic. Despite her emotional stability, she is independent and a little shy of people. Although she is affectionate with her owner’s family, her character differs from other domestic dogs. A good watchdog, but cannot be a herding or sled dog. Considering the potential aggressive nature, it is not worth training to attack. Perseverance is required when training.

Usage. Hunting dog (for large game).

Head. When viewed from the front, it appears as a blunt cone. The skull is wide, the crown is slightly convex. The transition from forehead to muzzle is clearly visible. The muzzle tapers towards the end, but is not pointed and deep. The nose is black. The lips are thin and tightly fitting.

Eyes. Small ones. Brown color.

Ears. Small, triangular shape, with slightly blunted apexes. Standing.

Frame. Sturdy, slightly longer than square format. The neck is strong and convex. The withers are pronounced. The chest is voluminous. The back is straight and flexible. The croup is wide, slightly sloping.

Limbs. Strong, muscular. The paws are compact, almost round.

Tail. Medium length, set high. The dog carries it curved over its back.

Hairline. The coat is harsh and coarse, longer on the neck, back and back surface hips Soft, dense undercoat.

Color. Black with a slight brownish tint due to the fact that the undercoat is usually chestnut in color. White markings or spots on the head, neck, chest, belly and limbs.

Height at withers. Males: 57 cm (ideal height).
Females: 52 cm (ideal height).

The Karelian Bear Dog (Karjalankarhukoira, Karelian Bear Dog, KMS) is a breed of large Spitz-shaped dogs. It is distinguished by its efficiency, developed indicative instinct, and aggressiveness towards prey.

In the Karelian-Finnish epic “Kalevala” one can find repeated mention of a tireless four-legged hunter - half dog, half bear. Cynologists who do not believe in the mythical origin of bear cubs consider them to be the direct ancestors of aboriginal local dogs and Russian northern (Arkhangelsk) huskies.

At the end of the 19th century, breeding work began in Finland with dogs capable of searching for and driving down large ungulates and bears. For selection, local individuals with pronounced working qualities, orientation abilities, endurance, persistence in pursuing the animal, and good physical characteristics were selected.

By 1936, a breed group with the necessary skills had been formed. The dogs were presented at a national exhibition and received the official name - Karjalankarhukoira. With the beginning Soviet-Finnish War work on breed selection was suspended. And only in 1945-46 the standard was developed and registered. The Karelian Bear Dog received breed status.

In Russia, work was carried out in parallel to develop a domestic breed, similar in appearance. It was called Russian european husky. Dogs that are similar in appearance, however, differ significantly in their working qualities.

Bear cubs are popular among hunters in Scandinavian countries, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, and the USA. The population of the Karelian Bear Dog in the world is quite large and many experts consider it the best among Spitz dogs, but in Russia it is still an exotic rarity.

Breed standard, appearance, photographs

Karelian Bear Dog FCI classification belongs to the section of northern hunting dogs included in the group of Spitz and primitive dogs, No. 48.

At exhibitions and working tests, Karelian bear dogs are subject to strict requirements for exterior and working qualities. A dog that does not demonstrate working hunting skills is discarded.

Photo. Karelian Bear Dog

Karelian Bear Dog in the photo

The description of the breed classifies bear cubs as medium-sized dogs. Height at the withers is 54-60 cm for males, 49-52 cm for females. Weight for males is 25-28 kg, for females 17-20 kg.

Here are the main characteristics of these dogs:

• Bones and muscles well developed. Athletic build, strong build.
• Head wedge-shaped, characteristic of all huskies, widens towards the moderately convex forehead.
• Muzzle deep, tapering, but not pointed. The nose is black and wide. The nostrils are open. Thin lips that fit tightly to the teeth do not sag.
• Ears oval in shape with rounded tips, oriented forward, set high.
• Eyes small in size in different shades of brown. The eyelids are black and dense. The look is lively, wary, attentive.
• Jaws strong with a full set of large teeth. Scissor bite.
• The neck is of medium length with well-developed muscles and slightly arched. The withers are moderately defined.
• Frame powerful, moderately elongated format. The back is slightly sloping, with well-developed muscles. The stomach is taut.
• Limbs strong, with developed muscles, parallel. Paws are arched, rounded, dense. The fifth finger is removed. The movements are energetic and sweeping.
• Tail fluffy, rolled into a ring, laid on the back or pressed to the thigh. A distinctive feature of a bear dog is that it is quite a large number of puppies with short tails up to 5 cm long. Bobtail is allowed by the standard, but is not encouraged.

Coat and acceptable colors

The coat is dense and thick. The undercoat is soft and abundant. The guard hair is coarse and adjacent. The hair on the body is shorter than on the legs, neck, and spine.

The color is black, with a brown or bronze tint, matte, without pronounced shine. Ideally, there should be white markings on the head, neck, belly, bib on the chest, spots on the paws and the end of the tail.

Acceptable are dominant white with black spots, wolf (gray with black, fawn with black), and speckled. However, most show judges consider such colors to be a serious fault.

The Karelian bear husky is innately sanguine (easily excitable with strong process inhibition) or choleric (highly excitable with weak inhibition) type of nervous system.

Dogs with this temperament are courageous, energetic, and easily adapt to unfavorable conditions. They develop quickly and are well established conditioned reflexes, but often they lack endurance. Distinctive character traits of dogs include stubbornness and a tendency to self-will.

A genetically inherent quality is viciousness towards prey, which often manifests itself towards other dogs and pets.

The dog tries to distance itself from strangers, but does not show aggression. Guard qualities shows weakly. At the same time, bear huskies are devoted to their owner, ready to protect him from an animal or other danger, selfless and fearless.

Important. Bear dogs striving for dominance require the establishment of unquestioning leadership from the owner.

Training and education

When purchasing a bear husky, you should take into account that during the formation of the breed, preference was given to working hunting qualities, therefore keeping them as a family dog ​​or a guard is not acceptable for them. The course of protective guard duty is contraindicated for bear cubs, as this provokes manifestations of malice.

The owner is required to have experience in training, developing genetically endowed hunting abilities, and regularly taking the dog “to work.” When teaching, rigor, even rigidity, is required. Application physical impact possible only in the most extreme cases manifestations of aggression and disobedience.

Raising a puppy begins with strengthening the natural inclinations necessary for fishing activities.

Bear cubs need socialization. For villagers, this is, first of all, developing tolerance towards domestic animals. When keeping a dog in an urban environment, you should:

Training of bear cubs is possible only by the owner or under his constant supervision. Boarding training is not effective.

To develop hunting qualities important It has:

• clear interaction with the owner;
• strict reinforcement of actions after the command;
• fixation of basic commands: “Come to me!”, “Forward!”, “Back!”, “You can’t!”;
• reaction to the owner’s intonation;
• accustoming to the sound of a gunshot, irritating and distracting factors;
• development of search skills;
• training of the orienting instinct;
• learning to differentiate a trace;
• clear reinforcement of the “No!” command, especially with the prospect of using a dog in hunting fur-bearing animals;

It is optimal to start grooming and baiting a bear husky at the age of 7 months to a year. During this period, it is worth deciding on the dog’s specialization: large ungulates, bear, fur-bearing animals, upland or swamp game.

There are known precedents for the participation of bear cubs. But the main purpose of the Karelian bear dog is hunting.

Important: In the USA and Canada, Karelian dogs are often used for highly specialized service purposes. They keep bears away from trash cans in national parks.

The purpose of the breed is hunting

Hunting with a Karelian bear dog is somewhat different from hunting with other huskies. The breed is considered universal, the dog works on elk, wild boar, bison, roe deer, bear, wolf, lynx, fur-bearing animal, bird.

It is believed that due to the excessive aggressiveness of bear cubs, they do not hunt in pairs or in packs. However, numerous reviews from hunters indicate that CCMs are able to work successfully in pairs with representatives of their own breed or with other huskies.

Bear dogs are hardy, follow the scent and drive the animal in any weather conditions. They selflessly hold the beast until the shot is fired.

They are less careful than other representatives of huskies and come close to the animal, so the mortality rate of bear cubs during hunting is high.

Karelian Bear Dogs are not intended for apartment living. What suits them best is a spacious enclosure with an insulated booth.

Important. In this case State Duma For several years, the draft law “On the Responsible Treatment of Animals” has included the Karelian bear dog as a potential dangerous breeds dogs.

Caring for a bear dog is not difficult:

Active, energetic bear cubs require a well-balanced, quickly digestible, high-calorie diet. However, for their size, the diet of bear dogs is quite economical.

Dogs have a strong digestive tract and there is no predisposition to food allergies, therefore, their diet may include both natural and industrial dry food or canned food. Dogs can, if necessary, switch from one type of food to another without harm to their health.

The most acceptable dry foods are:

• complex food for hunting dogs EMINENT Hubert 23/12;

• Prohibited:

  • pork, fatty lamb;
  • grapes, raisins;
  • potato;
  • soups;
  • sweets.
  
  Bear dogs have a strong digestive tract and are not predisposed to food allergies; they can be fed both dry food and natural food.

  For puppies good growth, strengthening the musculoskeletal system is additionally introduced into the diet vitamin complexes, calcium, fish oil. As you get older, the amount of meat in servings is reduced.

  Health and life expectancy

  If kept freely and regularly goes hunting, the Karelian bear dog lives 11-15 years.

  A sedentary dog, deprived of the opportunity to realize hunting instincts, quickly gains excess weight, develops physical inactivity, and metabolic processes are disrupted, which leads to early aging and death of the pet.

  Important: Bear cubs are practically not affected hereditary diseases. From genetic diseases they occasionally develop a Rathke's pouch cyst, which results in compression optic nerves and pituitary gland. The disease is detected in puppies under six months of age.

  How to choose a puppy

  When choosing a Karelian Bear Dog puppy, they are interested in the working qualities of the parents and their specialization.

  

  

  
  

  Photo. Small bear Karelian dog puppies

  Bear Karelian dog puppies with a female in the photo

  
  

  You should definitely find out if your parents have passed work tests, have diplomas, check their pedigree, find out if they have a certificate of necessary vaccinations, look physical fitness, health status, exterior.

  It is difficult to purchase a Karelian Bear Dog in Russia. Hunters usually buy puppies secondhand. The price of a puppy from a private owner starts at $700.

  The most famous nursery is “Ridge of Yakutia”, located at: Leningrad region, Luga district, Shiltsevo village, website: www.lajki.ru. average cost puppy in the kennel - $1300.

  So, despite the undeniable advantages of all these breeds, the laurels of the best belong to an unremarkable in appearance, black and white dog with a fluffy tail curled into a ring. The ideal hunter bears the proud name of the Karelian bear dog and from time immemorial has been used by Finnish trappers to hunt large animals - bears or seasoned moose.

  History of the breed

  Despite the fact that the breed was officially recognized only in 1946, in Karelia, starting from the 12th century, strong fluffy dogs were known, capable of pulling sleds with luggage or taking part in tracking forest game. The hero of Finnish folk tales is often accompanied by a faithful four-legged friend, capable of performing dizzying feats along with the owner.

  One of the legends says that the ancestor of the Karelian Bear Dog was the ancient bear god, the totem animal of Finnish mythology. It is from him that modern huskies have retained their black coat color with a brownish tint and a white shirtfront on their chest. Another confirmation that representatives of this breed are only half dogs is the birth of unusual, bob-tailed puppies in litters. The stump of such babies perfectly resembles a bear's tail and is a sign of belonging to the divine animal family.

  If we leave mythology aside, it will be clear that the origin of the Karelian bear dogs is nothing mystical. Their ancestors were local aboriginal dogs, to whom the blood of Arkhangelsk huskies came here from the Russian North. By the way, such dogs are also in the pedigree of the Russian-European Laika, which the Karelian is so similar to.

  In 1934, the first breed club was formed in Finland, and documents for recognition were submitted to the FSI. Everything was prevented by the war, which treated representatives of this breed quite cruelly. Suffice it to say that in 1945 there were only 40 Karelian bear dogs left alive.

  However, enthusiasts got down to business again, and hunters from many countries finally saw the outstanding working qualities of animals. Already in 1946, the breed was officially included in the register of the international canine organization and today remains the most popular and widespread among huskies.

  Character and working qualities

  Do you think the Karelian bear dog is considered the best hunter's assistant in vain? According to experts, no other breed has such anger and rage towards the beast, allowing it to be held for a long time before the person arrives. Hunters say that these dogs would rather die than let a bear or wolf go and therefore, alas, the mortality rate of representatives of this breed during hunting is quite high.

  Another distinctive quality of the Karelian dog is high excitability. Instantly involved in the process of baiting and pursuing the animal, such a dog is ideal for hunting - security and guard service is, as a rule, beyond their capabilities.

  The best pastime for such a pet is hunting in the forest together with its beloved owner. Unlike other breeds of huskies, which prefer to take on a bear in a pack, the Karelian dog does not tolerate other tribesmen near it and gets into constant fights with other members of the hunting pack.

  In everyday life, these huskies require a strict, but fair and equal attitude. Despite its independent character, the bear dog selflessly loves its owner and treats the rest of the family with tenderness. When raising a pet of this breed, it is strictly forbidden to use physical punishment, unless, of course, we are talking about a serious offense. Communication with the husky should be firm, but without excessive cruelty. It is necessary to engage in training and socialization of the Karelian bear. Otherwise, by the year you will get an uncontrollable choleric person, ready to tear all living things to shreds.

  An active character and excess vital energy require a special lifestyle for these dogs. If a pet of this breed is not involved in hunting, it needs to be provided with a long walk with the opportunity to run without a leash somewhere in the fields, away from civilization. Even unharmed Karelian dogs cannot live without the endless expanses and smells of the forest.

  When releasing a Karelian bear dog to frolic in the wild, do not forget to hang an address tag with the owner’s contact information on its collar. Insufficiently trained animals of this breed are often carried away by the pursuit of a forest animal or a domestic cat.

  In addition to outstanding working qualities, the main advantage of representatives of this breed is considered to be truly good health. According to veterinarians and breed specialists, Karelian bear dogs do not have any, and even ordinary canine diseases They get sick extremely rarely.

  The main problem with these huskies is considered to be and, which are extremely difficult to find in thick fur.

  The total life expectancy of a Karelian dog is 12-15 years, but only under the condition of active and, preferably, regular hunting trips. Greenhouse conditions and physical inactivity have a detrimental effect on them, causing dogs to get sick and grow old early.

  Created for a free forest life, these amazing animals prefer to spend time in enclosures rather than on a soft sofa, so it is advisable to keep Karelian bear dogs outside or on an unheated veranda. And, of course, a real mockery would be an attempt to force an animal to live in a small apartment, taking it out only for short walks.

  The dog's thick coat with a dense, as if stuffed, undercoat requires careful care. It is better to do this with a long-toothed iron comb, carefully combing the hair in the direction of growth.

  Despite the fact that the dog's guard hair is not too long, the period causes a lot of problems for owners. Karelian dogs shed the bulk of their fur in early spring, forcing their owners to remove whole mountains of warm fluff. Fortunately, the rest of the time, fur does not cause people much concern.

  There is another pleasant bonus that awaits the owners of the Karelian Bear Dog: these huskies have virtually no odor, even if they are quite rare.

  The breeders of this amazing breed claim that those who have interacted with Karelian bear dogs at least once do not remain indifferent to the piercing gaze of the bright ones. smart eyes and the amazing charisma of these mystical animals. Leaving a mark in the hearts of those with whom fate brings them together, Karelian huskies carry within themselves a trace of the powerful ancient force that nature has endowed them with.

  The Karelian Bear Dog is a breed of hunting huskies most common in Finland. The dogs were bred at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Although it is believed that their ancestors appeared in Karelia and Finland long before the mass settlement of humans in these places. During the Second World War, the breed almost disappeared, only in the second half of the 40s they began to restore it. Today the dog is recognized as one of the best husky hunters; it is valued not only in its homeland, but also in Sweden, Norway, England, and Switzerland.

  

  Description of the breed

  The Karelian Bear Dog is of medium size, compact body structure, and has a hard coat. She has a highly developed sense of smell, she is strong and fearless, capable of fighting any large animal. Here is the standard and short description breeds:

  • The height of a male is 54-60 cm, that of a female is 48-50 cm.
  • Weight – 23 kg.
  • The head is wedge-shaped (blunt wedge), widened in the area of ​​the cheekbones, tapering towards the nose, with a convex ridge and poorly developed brow ridges.
  • The transition from forehead to muzzle is well defined.
  • The eyes are small brown shade, a lively look.
  • The ears are medium-sized, erect, slightly turned outward and blunt at the tips.
  • The neck is medium-sized, curved, covered with hard hair.
  • The body is powerful, the back is sloping, has no depressions or protrusions.
  • The chest is deep, voluminous, the tummy is beautifully tucked.
  • The shoulder blades are sloping, the front legs are straight, with strong bones and well-developed muscles, elbows directed strictly back.
  • Hips are well developed and muscular. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front ones, the corners of the joints are not clearly defined, the knees are directed strictly forward, and the hock joint is directed back.
  • The paws are rounded, medium-sized, the toes have a pronounced arch.
  • The tail is medium-sized, curled into a ring or pressed against the thigh. Approximately 10-15% of puppies are born bob-tailed (tail length 4-5 cm), or without a tail at all. This phenomenon is still allowed by the standard, but is undesirable.
  • Coat with thick, hard and straight topcoat, which is elongated on the neck and back. The undercoat is thin and dense.
  • The color is black and matte, a copper tint is desirable. There are beautiful white markings on the head, throat and chest.

  You can get a better look at the Karelian Bear Dog in photos and videos. All traits that do not fit into the standard are considered flaws. Such dogs are not allowed for exhibitions or breeding. If the shortcomings are not too pronounced, the dog is simply underestimated during the show.

  Dog character

  The character of the Karelian bear dog is specific. This pet is a born hunter with a developed sense of smell and anger towards prey. In the excitement of the hunt, the dog is able to forget about everything, which is why these huskies often get lost, carried away by the pursuit. The dog is wary of strangers, but is endlessly devoted to its owner and his family. The dog does not get along with other animals, including cats, and perceives them exclusively as prey. They often fight with their brothers, so they hunt alone with this breed.

  The Karelian Bear Dog can work in any conditions. Thanks to its thick coat and undercoat, it is not sensitive to frost and dampness. It perfectly follows the scent of an animal and is capable of hiding while waiting for its owner. When attacked, it does not give the prey a chance to escape from its teeth. The dog has no equal in endurance and patience, which is why it is considered one of the best hunters.

  Dog training and education

  The Karelian Bear Dog has the character of a leader. Only an experienced dog breeder can cope with it. From the first days of being in the house, the puppy must understand who is the master of the situation. The owner must always have the final say. The slightest connivance will result in big problems. Personal contact with the puppy is very important and adult dog, otherwise training will not give any results.

  Basic commands can be learned in a more or less standard way. The dog must clearly know its rights and limitations, what it can and cannot do in the house or yard. It is important to teach her to respond to her nickname quickly and to obey the command “Come to me” well. But even these clearly learned lessons do not provide a complete guarantee that, carried away by the pursuit of prey, the dog will not run away and get lost, therefore it is recommended to walk the Karelian bear dog only on a leash with a carabiner.

  Puppies begin to be trained to hunt at 7-12 months. It is best if a professional trainer or dog breeder with extensive experience does this. You cannot develop aggression in a dog towards a person. Anger should be directed exclusively at the prey. Puppies that are too aggressive are not allowed to hunt.

  Caring for the Karelian Bear Dog is not difficult. It is most suitable for keeping in the yard, in a spacious enclosure. A city apartment is not the best place for a dog to live. She is unlikely to become a family companion, and problems with walking in the city may arise. After all, these huskies often show aggression towards people and get into fights with other dogs. In addition, they need active walks 2-3 times a day, for at least an hour. Only city hunters keep Karelian bear dogs in their apartments.

  If the dog lives in the yard, he should have a spacious enclosure. Every day you need to take him for long walks and, if possible, let him run around the entire yard. If other animals (rabbits, chickens) live there, they must be carefully protected from the encroachments of the Karelian Bear Dog. Laika will not be able to control her instincts; she will try to catch “game” and present it to her owner.

  Dog food

  For its size, the Karelian Bear Dog eats little. The diet must be balanced, because the dog spends a lot of energy. You can feed your husky both natural food and dry granules. Natural diet 50% consists of animal proteins. They give you lean meat, sea ​​fish, offal. The menu also includes various cereals, vegetables (except for potatoes, legumes). In general, the dog is unpretentious in food, has a strong gastrointestinal tract, and is not prone to allergies.

  Dry food is chosen at least premium class, but it is better to take super premium or holistic. They are looking for a manufacturer that has food for active dogs average or large breeds. These granules are well balanced and have all the necessary ingredients to meet your needs. energetic dog. If your husky eats dry food or canned food, you do not need to give it vitamins. When feeding them naturally, it is advisable to add them to the diet, but you should first consult with a veterinarian.

  Dog health

  The Karelian Bear Dog is an energetic, hardy and healthy breed. When breeding, attention is paid primarily to its working qualities. This means that sick puppies that are not too active and energetic are immediately discarded.

  One of the few hereditary diseases in dogs is Rathke's pouch pathology. It manifests itself as a deficiency in the production of pituitary hormones. The disease is detected in puppies 6-8 months old. Sometimes it happens that the disease manifests itself after a head injury.

  Improper care and maintenance, excessive or lack of activity, lead to early aging and decline of the dog. At average duration The life of the breed is 11-13 years, dogs can lose their qualities already at 7-8.

  Infections are dangerous for the Karelian Bear Dog, so at 2-3 months all puppies are vaccinated. Revaccination is carried out after 4 weeks, then repeated annually. First of all, the dog must be protected from canine distemper, rabies, piroplasmosis, etc.

  Selection and cost of a puppy

  Buying a Karelian Bear Dog requires experienced dog breeders who know how to deal with wayward, stubborn and dominant dogs. It is best if she engages in her direct purpose: hunting. Families with small children are not advised to own this breed: puppies and adult dogs can be aggressive. It is best to keep your husky in the yard, not in the apartment.

  How much do Karelian Bear Dog puppies cost? This breed is not very common in our country, so its price is quite high. A good working show class puppy can be bought for 50-60 thousand rubles. The price of an ordinary dog, with a pedigree and normal characteristics, is 35-40 thousand rubles. You can order puppies in the homeland of the breed, in Finland. Foreign clubs offer dogs for 1000-1200 US dollars.

  The Karelian Bear Dog, or Karelian Bear Laika, is a breed of fearless hunters that are used by northern peoples to hunt deer, bear, wolves and hares. In their homeland, these animals are considered a treasure, but what features should those who are just planning to get this pet know?

  Breed characteristics and photos

  The Karelian Bear Dog is a born brave hunter

  The Karelian bear husky is one of the oldest hunting dogs in its region. Thanks to their exceptional sense of smell, speed of reactions and dedication, representatives of this breed to this day remain indispensable companions when catching large animals, especially bears. They have a well-expressed orientation instinct, they are hardy and aggressive. These are working dogs that need a special approach. So, what do you need to know before you decide to have this animal on your property?

  Historical reference

  

  The Karelian Bear Dog has been accompanying humans on hunts for several centuries.

  According to official reports, the breed was bred in Finland at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. However, references to these dogs were found in ancient Karelian folklore. And yet, the Finns began to complete the breeding pool in 1934, creating the main base for breeding the breed. Thanks to this, dog handlers were able to save the ancient species in its original form.

  It is believed that the ancestors of the modern Karelian bear husky appeared in the cold expanses of Finland in ancient times. At that time, there were no other dogs living on the territory and the residents felt the need for helpers with sufficient fearlessness and strength to attack a large animal.

  However, it was only in 1934 that the first breeding nursery was opened in Finland, which began actively breeding pets, and in 1935 the breed received official recognition and was established in the standard. Swipe according to the gene pool was applied during the Second World War. At the end of 1944, only 40 individuals remained on the planet, saved by the efforts of dog handlers.

  The official name of the Karelian Bear Dog was given in 1945 by the British Kennel Club. In 1946, the breed was officially registered with the Federal Canine Association, which had a positive impact on its distribution in other countries. Thus, Karelian bear huskies began to be exported to Norway, Great Britain, and Sweden.

  Today, the number of individuals of these dogs reaches 700–900 per year in the world, as well as 18,000 in their historical homeland - in Finland, where they are honorably among the most popular breeds.

  FCI standard

  

  The Karelian Bear Laika is a compact, but quite strong and hardy dog.

  The Karelian Bear Dog does not outwardly create the impression of a frightening, massive beast. These pets are of medium size: males reach 54–60 cm at the withers, females - 48–50 cm. The body is strong, but compact.

  The head of the Karelian dog has the shape of a large wedge, distinguished by wide frontal lobes and prominent cheekbones. The brow ridges are poorly developed, the muzzle tapers towards the nose. The neck is of medium length, muscular and slightly arched. The lips are tightly drawn and expressionless. Pet ears average size, have a standing shape and are slightly turned outward. The tips are slightly blunted. The eyes are only brown.

  The chest is lowered to the elbows, wide. The back is massive, sloping, and has no depressions or protrusions. The stomach is tucked.

  The limbs have strong bones, muscular and strong. The elbows are laid straight back, the shoulder blades are slightly oblique, the forearms are straight. The front feet are round, strongly arched with strong pads. The angle of the wrist joint is weak. The knees point forward and the hocks point straight back. Hind legs slightly longer than the front ones.

  The tail has average length, in a free state, twisted or pressed against the thigh. This breed has an interesting feature - there are dogs with bobtails or no tails at all.. The number of puppies with this defect is considerable - about 10–15%. This feature is still allowed by the standard, but is considered undesirable.

  The color of the Karelian Bear Dog is black, matte with bright white spots in the belly area, chest, head, paws and neck. There is a thick but loose undercoat. The outer hair itself is very hard, abundant, and straight.

  Important! An undesirable but acceptable color for a dog is white with black spots, wolf or spotted.

  According to the FCI standard, this breed cannot have such characteristic features, How:

  • light eye color;
  • large or too wide-set ears;
  • weak limbs;
  • too deep sternum and convex forehead;
  • flat paws;
  • atypical coat color;
  • wavy topcoat hair;
  • narrow muzzle.

  Character and working qualities of the pet

  

  The Karelian Bear Dog is a fearless hunter with a unique sense of smell.

  The main difficulty in keeping a Karelian bear husky lies precisely in its character. Undoubtedly, these pets are very attached to their owner, they are loyal and courageous regarding the safety of the family in which they live. Distrust of strangers, perfect hearing and instincts make an animal reliable defender. However, Karelian bear huskies are temperamental, aggressive and difficult to train.

  These dogs are suitable only for experienced dog breeders who know how to form and establish their leadership in the eyes of the four-legged dog. You need to understand that the “last word” in the relationship with such a pet should always remain with the person. This is the only way to teach Karelian dog to discipline. Consistent training helps to cope with hunting instincts animal. It is very important not to use aggressive measures of punishment and not to raise your voice, so as not to provoke an attack.

  According to experts, no other breed shows such pronounced rage towards the beast as the Karelian bear husky. She is capable of holding the enemy for a long time until a person arrives and would rather die herself than let the bear go. For this reason, unfortunately, there is a fairly high mortality rate among representatives of the breed.

  

  Karelian bear dogs are smart and hardy

  An important feature of these four-legged animals is increased excitability. They instantly connect to the process of pursuing a predator, making them ideal for hunting. Watchdog or security service is not for them.

  Important! Karelian bear huskies tend to show aggression towards other dogs, which is why they often provoke fights.

  When purchasing such a pet, it is important to be aware that you are not taking a companion or a watchman, but a born hunter. She is determined, persistent, strong and brave dog with healthy psyche. She is unpretentious to living conditions and can work in any weather. The Karelian Bear Dog is a leader, often openly demonstrating defiant behavior. She is smart, persistent, analytical and energetic.

  

  The Karelian Bear Dog recognizes one leader and respects family members

  However, such pets are usually good with children and people with whom they grew up in the same home. The animal will instantly come to the defense of its owner. However, many do not risk bringing this husky into a family with a small child.

  Important! According to dog breeders, the Karelian Bear Dog demonstrates an independent disposition and does not like to be limited.

  Video: review of the Karelian bear husky

  How to choose a puppy?

  

  It is advisable to choose a puppy from a professional nursery

  A Karelian Bear Dog puppy is adopted at two months of age so that the pet can begin to adapt to new family. The average price for such a husky varies between $800–1200, so choose responsibly. It is not recommended to purchase a dog secondhand; give preference to breeding kennels with good reviews.

  A healthy puppy should be active, sociable and not angry. Indicators of mental and physical health are clear eyes without discharge, dense and shiny coat without bald spots, a strong physique and the manifestation of curiosity. Externally, small Karelian bear huskies are a copy of an adult animal. They immediately have brown pupils, black wool on the body with white areas on the sternum, muzzle, neck and paws.

  Carefully inspect the place where the baby’s parents are kept, and also evaluate them appearance and compliance with breed standards. The breeder is obliged to provide documents: pedigrees and parental vaccination cards, a veterinary passport of the puppy, which indicates age-appropriate deworming and vaccinations, a puppy card and care recommendations.

  Video: puppy behavior

  Pet care

  Usually Karelian bear huskies are easy to care for and completely unpretentious to living conditions. However, some points should still be studied before you bring such a pet into your home.

  Features of living in an apartment

  

  The Karelian Bear Dog is not suitable for keeping in a city apartment

  This breed is absolutely not suitable for apartment living as it requires mental stimulation and physical activity. In a confined space, energy will not be able to find a way out and the dog’s behavior can become dangerous for the environment.

  A house with a spacious yard (necessarily surrounded by a fence) or a farm where the animal can realize its potential as a hunter is suitable for the Karelian Bear Dog. Build an enclosure for your pet, insulate it from the inside and organize sleeping area in the corner. And remember that every walk in public place must be carried out exclusively with a muzzle and a secure leash.

  Video: example of keeping a dog

  Pet hygiene

  

  The main task in care is to comb the pet in a timely manner with a slicker brush.

  Caring for the fur of a Karelian Bear Dog is not difficult, but it requires regularity. The dense undercoat requires careful care, which consists of combing it with a slicker brush (a special brush with metal teeth). The optimal frequency of the procedure is once every 2–3 days.

  Important! The molting period occurs at the beginning of spring and causes owners a lot of trouble. During this time, try to brush your dog daily.

  The rest of caring for your pet comes down to the following actions:

  1. The Karelian Bear Dog does not have the characteristic dog smell, so bathing is optional. Wash your pet as needed.
  2. The dense coat easily collects ticks, splinters, twigs, thorns and other debris. Therefore, after each walk you should inspect the four-legged body for the presence of foreign objects.
  3. The eyes and ears are wiped with a damp cotton pad as accumulations form.
  4. Claws need to be trimmed if you cannot provide your pet with long active runs. The optimal frequency of the procedure is once every 3 months. Use a special guillotine nail clipper. To avoid touching the pulp ( inner part claw), step back from its edge by 2 mm and cut at an angle of 45°.
  5. Once every 3 months, treatment for worms should be carried out. It is recommended that you consult a veterinarian regarding the drug and its dosage for your pet.
  6. Karelian Bear Dogs are not susceptible to tooth decay or plaque, so brushing their teeth is not necessary.

  Principles of proper nutrition

  

  The Karelian Bear Dog learns well how to natural food, and dry food

  The active temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog requires a balanced and quickly digestible diet with a predominance of high-calorie foods. A strong digestive tract, excellent health and lack of allergies allows you to keep your four-legged ready-made food, and on natural products.

  It is important that 50% of the diet consists of meat (veal, poultry, rabbit), the rest is vegetables, fruits and cereals. This way you will be able to saturate your diet with proteins, vitamins and essential microelements. Also, offal (liver, ventricles, tripe, heart) and cottage cheese are very useful for the Karelian bear dog.

  You should not give your pet:

  • sweets;
  • chocolate;
  • pork;
  • flour and yeast products;
  • canned food;
  • pickled products;
  • smoked meats, sausages and tubular bones.

  If you are a follower ready-made feed, give preference to super-premium products, since these dogs need a reliable source of energy and vitamins. Cheap mixtures can only harm your pet, so saving is inappropriate here. Select food according to the weight and age of the four-legged animal. Today, such manufacturers as ROYAL CANIN, Hills, ACANA enjoy a good reputation.

  Up to 4 months, puppies are fed 3 times a day, then the frequency is reduced to 2 times. Also remember that the dog must have access to clean drinking water.

  The course of pregnancy and childbirth

  

  The birth of puppies is a crucial period when the owner must help the pet

  The gestation period of the Karelian bear husky is 60–71 days, and there are 4–8 puppies in a litter. At this time, the bitch needs special care, which consists of the following:

  1. The dog's food should be fractional, i.e. food should be given 3-4 times, but in smaller portions. Starting from week 3, you need to increase the amount of foods containing calcium, proteins, phosphorus and magnesium by 10%. These components are found in poultry, soft bones, milk, cottage cheese, meal and vegetables.
  2. The intake of carbohydrates into the body of a pregnant bitch should be reduced, i.e. exclude from her diet pasta, bread, potatoes, etc. Such food leads to weight gain, which complicates the whelping process.
  3. It is recommended to add B vitamins to the diet, as well as A, D, E (consultation with a veterinarian will help you correctly determine the source and dosage of the components).
  4. The dog needs to move. Experts consider it permissible to take her hunting in the first half of pregnancy. Then you should provide long walks in the air, but reduce their intensity.

  External signs of pregnancy in a pet appear in the second half of the term (about 5 weeks). The owner will notice swollen mammary glands, enlarged peritoneum, increased sensitivity nipples In the last week of pregnancy, it is necessary to arrange a place where the bitch will be after whelping. This could be an old playpen or a spacious box (about 100x120 cm). If the dog lives in an enclosure, be sure to build a place inside the home where you will keep the pet for the first time after giving birth.

  Cover the bottom of the box with clean rags or natural fabric in several layers so that it is not cold. Puppies should not be overcooled. You also need to think about heating. An infrared lamp, an oil heater or a simple electric heating pad are suitable for this. If you choose the latter, be sure to place it in the nest itself, but not under the branch. After giving birth, she may start to have uterine bleeding. Maintain the temperature at 27–28°C for the first 2 weeks, then gradually reduce it to 20°C.

  Important! Avoid drafts in the area provided for the dog.

  An approaching birth is indicated by a decrease in the bitch's body temperature to 37°C, as well as restless behavior. She may whine, follow you, scratch the floor, or lie on her side. This period lasts on average 16–24 hours, at the end of which contractions occur and the puppies are born.

  Stock up on the following essentials: green stuff for treating the umbilical cord, clean linen or cotton diapers (it is advisable to sterilize them with an iron), a bowl for placenta, a terry towel, scissors, and thread.

  The owner must be close to the animal, calm it down and be ready to provide assistance. next help pet:

  1. Walk your dog at the very first stage of contractions, because for normal birth process she needs to empty bladder and intestines.
  2. When the pushing begins (the intervals between contractions are reduced to 10-15 minutes) and the puppies begin to appear, you should help the dog. Take the first baby, tear it up membrane and wipe the body with a diaper.
  3. At a distance of 2–3 cm from the tummy, tie the umbilical cord with a thread and cut it with scissors. Gently coat the edge with green paint.
  4. If the emerging baby is not breathing, rub it with a towel.
  5. After all the manipulations, immediately place the puppy next to the bitch so that he begins to suck colostrum, thereby stimulating labor dogs.
  6. Babies may appear at intervals of 30–60 minutes. However, be vigilant, if this time exceeds 2 hours, immediately take the dog to the veterinarian to avoid death.
  7. Carry out similar manipulations with each newborn puppy. Finally, count the number of afterbirths released and compare with the number of cubs. If the numbers do not match, contact your doctor immediately, as there may be a frozen fetus inside.

  Training a Karelian Bear Dog

  

  The Karelian Bear Dog needs strict but democratic training

  Training is an obligatory stage in the education of dogs of this breed. The natural tendency towards aggression, willfulness and activity must be controlled by the owner from puppyhood. Since it is a pack dog, it needs a leader whose strict commands cannot be ignored.

  The owner of a Karelian bear husky needs to show toughness and authority, but at the same time not punish over trifles and not raise his voice. The pet needs to instill its authority without physical measures of aggression. Under no circumstances should one arouse malice in this breed - the dog is already prone to it from birth.

  Important! Remember that education begins at an early age, when the animal still has an unstable nervous system. Physical punishment creates distrust, fearfulness and stupidity, which will be fixed in his understanding for the rest of his life.

  Socialization and training begins at an early age - 3–4 months, training - from 5–7 months, and in one year old the pet is allowed to take the first tests. Be patient with this dog's temperament. Even puppies show anger at the sight of potential prey, so the training process should be perceived as a full-fledged, comprehensive job.

  Important! Training and practicing commands should be carried out by only one person - the owner, with whom the pet forms a strong relationship.

  Before training a Karelian bear dog begins, it is accustomed to irritating factors - the flickering of objects, loud sounds etc. The animal must recognize potential danger and immediately respond to it. In a real hunt, a dog that does not obey commands risks its own life and endangers a person.

  The first stage is learning to call. Call the dog by name and say “Come to me!” Encourage your pet to run up with treats and petting.

  Command "No!" should be next and practiced flawlessly from a very early age. Don't forget to reward your dog when completing tasks correctly. The optimal lever of pressure on a pet is strict intonation. The following commands general course- this is “Sit!”, “Lie down!”, “Next!”, as well as training to wear a muzzle. They are necessary for the formation of discipline in a human-dog pair.

  For orientation and development of pursuit skills, use a training dummy. He is thrown over a distance, accompanied by the command “Search!”, and the four-legged animal must bring it back. Keep in mind that young dogs can often get distracted along the way, so you need to be patient and remember that repetition is the key to success in this matter.

  Important! It is not advisable to train this breed for protective guard duty. The dog will already guard the territory, but excessive provocation of aggression is not recommended.

  After completing a general training course, a hunting dog needs special training. It is better to entrust this task to dog handlers if you are unsure of your abilities or do not have the relevant experience. Such training includes the development of hunting abilities, tests for baiting game, training in the field and in the forest.

  The main principle of training the Karelian Bear Dog is consistency. Acquired skills should be consolidated and gradually increased. Get ready for multiple repetitions and remember that aggression breeds cruelty. Use tough but democratic leverage with motivation, intonation, but in no case with physical pain.

  Pet health

  

  The Karelian Bear Dog is famous for its excellent health

  The average life expectancy of the Karelian bear husky is 12–16 years if the animal is kept in good conditions, actively walks and goes hunting. The main advantage of this breed is truly good health. Experts say that these pets do not have genetic diseases at all, and are exposed to standard ailments in isolated cases.

  Also to maintain good condition health, owners should not overfeed the animal. Kit excess weight leads to early extinction, especially if your pet lives in a small area and is limited in walking.

  Despite the low susceptibility to diseases, it is highly advisable to vaccinate your pet. Extra vigilance won't hurt. The dog is given vaccines against rabies, leptospirosis, parvovirus enteritis, canine plague and parainfluenza. The first time the procedure is performed at two months of age with repeated revaccination after 2 weeks. Then the vaccinations are repeated once a year.