---
title: "Karelian Bear Dog - temperament, price, health | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Karelian Bear Dog (Finland): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 10-12 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog"
meta:
"og:description": "Everything to know about the Karelian Bear Dog (Finland): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 10-12 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7267/chien-d-ours-de-carelie-karelski-pies-na-nied-c5-bawiedzie-s.jpg"
"og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
"og:image:height": "630"
"og:image:width": "1200"
"og:title": "Karelian Bear Dog - temperament, price, health"
"twitter:description": "Everything to know about the Karelian Bear Dog (Finland): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 10-12 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7267/chien-d-ours-de-carelie-karelski-pies-na-nied-c5-bawiedzie-s.jpg"
"twitter:title": "Karelian Bear Dog - temperament, price, health"
---
> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+10
Dogs
# The Karelian Bear Dog: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Finland
A courageous, enduring and solidly built Finnish hunting spitz.
Size MediumLife expectancy 10–12 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €1,100 – €1,400
[Find a breeder 1](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-karelian-bear-dog) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=karelian-bear-dog)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Limited
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Very good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Robustness: Its solid build and double coat protect it well in harsh climatic conditions.
- Hunting qualities: Its sense of smell, sense of direction and perseverance are particularly well developed.
- Courage: It shows determination when facing big game and knows how to signal it with energy.
- Strong independence: Its training requires firmness, consistency and very early socialization.
- Need for space: Apartment living does not meet its needs for activity and movement well.
- Compatibility between males: Conflicts may arise with male dogs of the same sex.
- Marked shedding: Hair loss becomes significant and requires daily brushing during shedding periods.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owners: He enjoys long outings, regular exercise and activities in the great outdoors.
- Experienced hunters: His natural abilities are particularly suited to working on big game.
- Households with a large fenced garden: A secure space usefully complements his daily outings.
Not recommended for
- Exclusively apartment living: His need for space and daily activity is difficult to satisfy in this setting.
- Novice owners: His independence and territorial temperament require experienced handling.
- Very hot regions: His thick, double coat makes him uncomfortable in a hot climate.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
54 cmKarelian Bear Dog
- Height at the withers
- 48–60 cm
- Weight
- 17–28 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, thick and double
- FCI group
- 5
- Origin
- Finland
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Karelian Bear Dog in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Karelian Bear Dog is said to descend from the Komi and to have its origins in the regions of Karelia-Ladoga, Olonetz and Russian Karelia, straddling present-day Finland and Russia. The first structured breeding programs were set up during the 1930s, the period during which the breed’s current name was adopted. Its first standard was drawn up at the end of the Second World War.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized spitz, strongly and solidly built, with a body slightly longer than tall. Its back is straight and muscular, its loin short and strong, its chest broad and deep. Its triangular head carries erect ears with slightly rounded tips and small brown oval-shaped eyes. Its dull black or brownish coat has well-defined white markings on the head, neck, forechest, belly and legs. Its thick, smooth and harsh topcoat is combined with a dense and soft undercoat.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Karelian Bear Dog has a balanced, courageous and determined temperament. Independent and endowed with a strong territorial sense, it is not aggressive towards humans, but males may come into conflict with dogs of the same sex. Its keen sense of smell, its sense of direction and its perseverance make it a dog particularly appreciated for hunting.
Playful Intelligent Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
Developed above all for hunting and work, it needs activity, space, long walks and regular exercise. In action, it notably searches for bear and moose, then barks energetically to signal their presence and hold them at bay. It can adapt to family life if its daily needs are fully met, preferably in a house with a large fenced garden.
Training
## Training and socialization
Obedience and socialization must be worked on as early as possible with this independent and territorial dog. Its training requires firmness, consistency and steadiness, without establishing a power struggle.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Karelian Bear Dog
The purchase price varies depending on the breeder, the origins and the characteristics of the dog.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Karelian Bear Dog is reputed to be robust. Its thick, double coat provides it with good protection against cold and harsh weather conditions. Orthopedic, ocular, oral-dental and general monitoring nevertheless remains recommended.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Karelian Bear Dog needs a quality, balanced diet adapted to its size, age and level of physical activity.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Finnish name of the breed is Karjalankarhukoira. The Karelian Bear Dog is historically used to locate and hold at bay big game, in particular the bear and the moose, thanks to its barking, its sense of smell and its remarkable sense of orientation.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Karelian Bear Dog
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Karelian Bear Dog live in an apartment?
It is not well suited to apartment living. This active hunting dog needs space, long daily outings and regular exercise, ideally in the great outdoors.
### Is the Karelian Bear Dog suitable for a first-time owner?
Its independence, territorial instinct and need for firm, early training make it better suited to an experienced owner.
### What grooming does its coat require?
Brushing twice a week is recommended, then daily during shedding periods, when hair loss becomes significant. An occasional bath can be given.
## Find a Karelian Bear Dog breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Karelian Bear Dog breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Karelian Bear Dog breeders by country
[2 breeders of Karelian Bear Dog in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-karelian-bear-dog/italy) [1 breeder of Karelian Bear Dog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-karelian-bear-dog)
[All breeders of Karelian Bear Dog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-karelian-bear-dog)
## Ready to welcome a Karelian Bear Dog?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-karelian-bear-dog)
## Discover other breeds
[West Siberian Laika
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/west-siberian-laika)
[East Siberian Laika
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/east-siberian-laika)
[Russian-European Laika
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/russo-european-laika)
[Finnish Lapphund
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/finnish-lapphund)
[Finnish Spitz
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/finnish-spitz)
```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. France's leading breeder directory, with an interactive map, breed information, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#webpage","description":"Everything to know about the Karelian Bear Dog (Finland): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 10-12 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Karelian Bear Dog - temperament, price, health","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#/schema/question/3"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7267/chien-d-ours-de-carelie-karelski-pies-na-nied-c5-bawiedzie-s.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/7267/chien-d-ours-de-carelie-karelski-pies-na-nied-c5-bawiedzie-s.jpg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dogs","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Karelian Bear Dog","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Can the Karelian Bear Dog live in an apartment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It is not well suited to apartment living. This active hunting dog needs space, long daily outings and regular exercise, ideally in the great outdoors."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Karelian Bear Dog suitable for a first-time owner?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Its independence, territorial instinct and need for firm, early training make it better suited to an experienced owner."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/karelian-bear-dog#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"What grooming does its coat require?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Brushing twice a week is recommended, then daily during shedding periods, when hair loss becomes significant. An occasional bath can be given."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```