Karelian Bear

The Karelian Bear is a tenacious hunter with fearless nature and quick reflexes. They have an instinct for moving and handling bears safely, and are sometimes used for non lethal bear control. 


The breed is also called Karelsk Björnhund, or its Finnish name Kerjalankarhukoira. In its homeland, the Karelian Bear is primarily used as a hunting dog, but it is also a good breed for search and rescue, and many excel in obedience trials.

The breed is also called Karelsk Björnhund, or its Finnish name Kerjalankarhukoira. In its homeland, the Karelian Bear is primarily used as a hunting dog, but it is also a good breed for search and rescue, and many excel in obedience trials. 

 The average Karelian Bear loves people and children to the point where they’re prone to separation anxiety. They are social and want to be with their family to the point where they can be anxious if left alone.

The breed isn’t common in the USA, but the Washington department of fish and wildlife employs a few, utilizing their instinctive abilities for handling bears in a safe manner.