A Karelian Bear Dog Family

The origins of the Karelian Bear Dog lie in Finland and also Russia, where it was once regarded as a national treasure. Legendary as a bear fighter, this dog was bred by farmers in the Karelia region near the Finnish-Russian border where they hunted birds, rodents and large game. It was the ability to offer protection from bears which earned the breed its name and even today the dogs are kept by hunters in Russia, Finland, Sweden and Norway, s a companion and for protection.
 
The Karelian Bear Dog, when not engaged in the hunt, is a friendly breed, easy to train but best in the hands of people with plenty of energy and space for exercise. Still rare, it is becoming popular as a companion and has a striking coat of straight, stiff, guard hairs with a thick, soft undercoat; the color is black, white or a combination of the two. The bushy tail curls over in a tight ring. Height is around 48—58 cm (19—23 in) and the weight 20-23 kg (44-50 lb).