My Adventures With My Karelian Bear Dog

in Hive Pets3 years ago (edited)

I began my adventure with Karelian Bear Dog, Kintla, over a year ago, and I want to explain the unique characteristics of a Karelian, and why this primitive breed may or may not be for you.
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Karelians originate from Russia and Finland, both extremely cold climates, so it's no surprise they thrive in cold weather. Waking up to snow on the ground is the best gift for my Karelian—other than a freshly butchered deer bone. Recently, a potential buyer from Tennessee reached out to Kintla's breeder, seeking information. When her breeder told me this potential buyer was from Tennessee, we both shuddered at the thought of a Karelian living in such a warm, humid place. The Karelian breed needs COLD; it's built into their bones, like calcium.
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The first question my breeder asked me during my initial puppy interview was:

“Can you handle a prolific barker? Nothing you do will make them bark less. It's part of their nature.” She followed it up with:

“Do you have a yard for your puppy to roam in? If so, are you OK with holes? Karelians like to dig—A LOT.”

I have learned, after living with Kintla for almost a year, that YES, she barks and digs, a lot! Having a yard is also a requirement for the breeder to hand away any of their puppies. Karelians MUST roam! On top of that, I had to prove I was an avid outdoors person. The breeder said it would make their heart sad if any of their puppies "only saw the fence and never what was over it." The Karelian spirit is intertwined with the wildness of nature – the brooding treetops, cold rivers, and vast mountainsides. Karelians need more than a simple backyard can offer.

Karelians are not apartment dogs. Kintla is constantly asking to go outside, into the yard. Once there, she secures the perimeter and then constantly saunters about to and fro, never sitting idly, ever. Prowling is a natural instinct for Karelians, as they are by nature hunting dogs. This means Karelians are serious working dogs, bred to work hard while hunting big game. Vigorous exercise is required daily to meet their physical needs. I take Kintla on walks or hikes every single day, sometimes twice a day!
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Here's a quick list to reference if you are considering a Karelian Bear Dog for a pet. Make sure you are comfortable with these points before moving forward on your puppy journey.

  1. Karelians are prolific barkers. They wake up the neighborhood and no amount of yelling, training, or shocking will change that instinct.
  2. Karelians are profuse diggers. Your yard will look like a scene from the movie “Holes.”
  3. Karelians are hunting and working dogs. They need training and require extensive exercise daily to meet their physical needs or they become restless and destructive!
  4. Karelians need a yard and wilderness adventures, like hikes. Nature is their home; their instincts call for it. An apartment with limited outdoor access will lead to a destructive, unhappy Karelian.
  5. Karelians thrive in cold weather. Don’t deprive this breed of something dear to their spirit. Instead, acquire a breed that thrives in a warm climate if that's where you reside!

Educate yourself on the particular needs of the dog breed you plan to acquire. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from my breeder, and another friend who has trained Karelians for over twenty years. This breed is majestic, but wild. Knowing beforehand if a breed is a proper fit for you and your family keeps animal shelters free of animals that did not fit a home. Research, educate, and choose wisely!

Happy wagging!

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What wonderful information about your dog you got a great place for her to be and she's great for you or he I don't remember sorry love you love your story it very much

Thank you appreciate that!

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