We are often asked, "Why Karelian Bear Dogs?" After much research, we were attracted to this breed because of their primitive nature and strong hunting instincts. They are intelligent and head strong; energetic and loving. They will challenge your patience and fearlessly protect you.

Above, Karella has very strong maternal instincts and is very protective of her puppies. Yet at three weeks of age, her puppies are strong, coordinated, and eating solid food. Below, at six weeks of age, Kandi's puppy appears ready to take on the world.

Below, even at a very young age, Kandi's Mishka keeps an eye out, watching what else is going on around her as she plays with his toy.

Karelian Bear Dogs are animals who think for themselves and yet are extremely devoted to their families. It is nothing short of remarkable to see how these faithful protection dogs approach the feline members of their family--even the tiniest of kittens--with affection.

Gaining the skills to communicate effectively with such energetic and strong minded animals has been a joyful learning opportunity.

What is a Karelian Bear Dog?

Karelian Bear Dogs (KBDs) are considered a rare primitive dog with keen hunting instincts. Unlike many modern breeds of dogs created by man to meet show standards, the KBD is, according to available evidence, still close in morphology and behavior (appearance, temperament, and hunting style) to the aboriginal dogs of 15,000 years ago.

These dogs are believed to have been introduced to Europe by the Vikings around 1000 AD. The Vikings, Scandinavian warriors and traders, raided and explored most parts of Europe, south-western Asia, northern Africa and north-eastern North America. The great popularity of dogs as pets, working animals, and as companions is evidenced by the frequency with which they are found in ancient graves, buried alongside their masters.

Modern day KBDs have their genetic roots from the hunting dogs of the taiga zone of northeastern Europe, which includes northern Russia and Siberia. A harsh climate, only the permanent ice caps and tundra (with its permanently frozen subsoil) are colder. Centuries ago, dogs helped make man's survival possible. Hunting with dogs helped men provide meat for their families, and pelts could be sold or traded to obtain other goods like guns, gun powder, lead, tobacco, tea and flour. Pelts were so valuable that Russians called them "fur-gold". Only the heartiest and most effective working dogs survived to breed and pass on their genes to the next generation of dog.

Above, Laska enthusiastically enjoyed her first snow at Mammoth Lakes. Because these dogs are intelligent and energetic, Karelians thrive on physically challenging activities with their owners and are especially well suited for people who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, or camping.

Karelia, the region in which the breed developed, is the land of the Karelian people, a region of historical significance for Finland, Russia and Sweden. While used primarily to hunt small fur-bearing animals, the KBD was also used to hunt moose, lynx, wolf, and as the name suggests, the Eurasian brown bear. This breed is a relative newcomer to the United States. They are a very energetic breed of dog, and like the Maine Coons, mature slowly.

Above, one of the ways people are putting KBDs to work is as large predator protection dogs. To be specific, they are used for protection by those who live or enjoy outdoor activities in areas known to have high concentrations of bear or other predatory animals. Police departments and other public and private organizations are also using KBDs as part of human beings' non-lethal response to bears that pose a threat to human safety.

As remarkable as the KBD's instincts for fearlessly protecting their masters is their capacity to make wonderful family companion dogs.

To learn more about these fascinating dogs, we have a web site devoted to our California Karelians.

Cats and dogs... double the fun

A web slideshow featuring our California Karelians for a glimpse of the fun they bring to our lives

Our California Karelians website for everything you wanted to know about our Karelian Bear Dogs!