Karelian Bear Dog
Mountain West Dog Fanciers
A Guide to all things "DOG" in the Western Mountain States
           
Basic Description: The Karelian Bear Dog originated in northwestern Europe, and was originally the dog of Russian and Finnish peasants. The
breed was mainly used for hunting and as a watch dog. Only the toughest survived fighting, and hunting under very hard conditions.
The Karelian is a Finnish breed. Early dogs had red, red-gray and black & white coats. The Komi dog is considered to be the origin of the breed
and basic stock dogs originated from Ladoga's Carelia, Olonets & Russian Carelia. In further breeding, the progeny was selected to the Karelian
Bear Dog type and only black & white dogs were preferred for breeding. The first breed standard was established in 1945. The first Karelian Bear
Dogs were registered in the Finnish Kennel Club in 1946. Today the breed is one of the top10 most common breeds in Finland.
           
Note: Any Club that wishes to provide a better quality description of this breed is invited to contact the web master.
Your assistance in making this a useful site is greatly appreciated. Also, if corrections or additions are found, please let me know at once.
           
American Kennel Club Link
www.akc.org/breeds/karelian_bear_dog/index.cfm
 
 
United Kennel Club Link
www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/WebPages/LrnBreedInfo  
 
 
Canadian Kennel Club Link
www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=KBD
 
 
Parent Club Link(s)
www.akbda.com/
 
 
National Rescue Group Link(s)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Arizona Club Link(s)
 
Arizona Rescue
 
Colorado Club Link(s)
 
Colorado Rescue
 
Idaho Club Link(s)
 
Idaho Rescue
 
Montana Club Link(s)
 
Montana Rescue
 
Nevada Club Link(s)
 
Nevada Rescue
 
New Mexico Club Link(s)
 
New Mexico Rescue
 
Utah Club Link(s)
 
Utah Rescue
 
Wyoming Club Link(s)
 
Wyoming Rescue
 
Local Club contacts below if listed here
 
 
 
           
Additional Information on local Clubs (Obedience, Agility etc.) and Rescue groups can be found under their respective heading in the Content section.
           
Breed Fanciers that have agreed to share their knowledge of this breed.
           
Would you like to be listed here – go to Invitation and if you agree with the simple requirements – WE WANT YOU
then go to
Fancier Questionnaire and fill out the form. The form is sent directly to the webmaster.
           
Kennel
 
 
Bonnie Oakley
 
 
 
BonnieYogi@gmail.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dogs Owned
1
 
 
Dogs Co-Owned
 
 
 
Champions in Pedigree
 
 
 
 
Litters per year
0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Health Test
Yes
 
 
 
Exhibit routinely in shows
Yes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Breed Club(s)
Black Hills Dog Training Club in Rapid City, SD.
Breed Specific Club(s)
 
Experience
Comments: Currently member of Black Hills Dog Training Club in Rapid City, SD.  No
longer own Siberian Huskies although I did for 35 years - shown in conformation,
obedience, raced, and bred 4 - 5 generations.  Past member of Rocky Mountain
Siberian Husky Club in 1970s and 1980s.  Also did SH rescue until the puppy mills in
the area realized they could dump their un-sellable and I would do legwork, advertising,
screening, etc. for them.  Limit to ones finances, though.  Ex-husband was professional
field trial retriever trainer, we also competed in hunt tests with most sporting breeds.  
Daughter wanted Border Collie so we got her the best we could afford, then trained it for
herding.  At 50, my health went south - could not manage or afford the Siberian sled
team/show dogs on my own so we all grew older together. Couldn’t be without a dog
but discovered the Karelian Bear Dogs in 2004. Yogi currently has more AKC
performance titles than any other KBD in the US.  Breed cannot yet be shown in
conformation in USA.  His eyes hips are certified although he is neutered.  We have
done Meet the Breeds, showcases at dog shows in Colorado, weather permitting travel,
Wyoming, and South Dakota.  I have developed breed informational literature for those
interested.  Brenda Solomon with Norwegian Buhunds in Ft Collins, CO area will vouch
for my character and ethics as can Janis Church, Of The Midnight Sun Siberians and
Shibas in Nathrop, CO and Helen Phillips, obedience instructor, judge, and Border
Collie breeder.  I consider myself a trainer.  Although I am a private person and cautious
about social contacts, I am willing to help with sharing information on Karelians,
Siberians, and training questions.
Breeder
  Conformation
Yes
Handler
Yes
Agility
 
Trainer
Yes
Obedience
Yes
Groomer
  Rally
Yes
AKC / UKC Judge
  Field Trial
Yes
Ring Steward
  Hunt Test
 
CGC Evaluator
Yes
Herding
Yes
TDI Evaluator
  Rescue
 
Occasional Availability
Puppies
  Adult Dogs
 
Stud Services
  Rescued Dogs
 
Information
Yes
   
       
Photos were provided by Breed Fanciers in the Mountain West unless otherwise specified
Click on image to see full sized
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AKC Photo
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foundation Stock
Service
Clubs that Represent this Breed
by State
 
 
 
Logo here
Parent
AKC
American Karelian Bear Dog Alliance
West - Dawne Deeley, karelian@pacificcoast.net, 250-6551405
East - Maureen Griffin, nywind@comcast.net, 860-434-9198
Central - Doug Belter, Dougbelter@gmail.com, 269-795-7650
www.akbda.com/
 
 
 
Logo here