Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog, called Karjalankarhukoira in the breed’s native Finland, is a strong, alert, and fearless breed that is capable of hunting or treeing small-to-large game — even aggressive game such as bears, lynxes, wild boars, wolves, and moose. It makes the list of the ten most common dog breeds in Finland, where people consider them a national treasure.

Karelian Bear Dogs were bred to be naturally aggressive to other animals for hunting. For that reason, it takes a good deal of socialization and training to keep them as household pets. Also, they have high energy and exercise needs.