The Karelian Bear Dog was developed primarily in Eastern Finland and Western Russia specifically to hunt bear. They're interesting in that they hunt alone and silently only barking when the find the bear. They're related to the Spitz and somewhat resemble a spitz mixed with a border collie (similare black and white markings). I think they were approved by the UKC in the 1990's but I'm not sure of that. There are a few breeders in the US and Canada. But it's not like a new "doodle" invention, they're a pretty old breed.
They have been used in the States for bear control. Essentially, they are used to harass problem bears until the bear decides to leave the area. The intent is to put the fear of man back into the grizzlies.
We're putting together procedures to suggest ways of limiting legal liability of campground owners. Obviously, one of the biggest concerns are bears.
I was recently invited to spend three weeks in Montana observing the training of this breed. I had never heard of them, and I wasn't sure it was worth a trip. I did some limited reading, posted questions on a few forums (this is the ONLY forum where I received any real feedback.. thanks to Ed for this forum!!) and spoke to the organization currently breeding the dogs for "bear shepherding" in Montana.
So, I'm heading out there next Friday to watch these dogs in action. I'm wondering if there are other breeds that could also be used in this capacity.
I've sen them on discovery channel, National Geographic channel and There was an article some time ago in the Smithonian mag. The ones i've see on TV work on line. I didn't see anything special about what they were doing. All it seemed to be was a dog on a leash doing a lot of barking, while the people shot at the bear with rubber bullits. Of course, a 1/2 hr segment on TV isn't going to show much. IMHO, many breeds are capable of this work. I've got a few terriers that would be quite willing to harrass a bear and have the quickness to avoid getting hurt. Enough attitude to chase/harrass the bear, with enough brains to avoid getting the $#!+ knocked out of them. I doubt if size is a real factor because NO dog will win in a fight with a bear.
So, I'm heading out there next Friday to watch these dogs in action. I'm wondering if there are other breeds that could also be used in this capacity.
Seems that a trip to a houndsman that has been hunting with and breeding hounds since dirt would be worthwhile.
The difference being that instead of hunting the bear it would have a goal of scaring the crap out of the bear. A few flashbangs and some rubber bullets from a 40mm would most likely work.
But, the need to import a bear dog from Europe when hunting in North America has involved bears and dogs for decades and has produced specialty dogs right here seems a bit more about romance and the American idea that everything foreign is better than home grown. But, I also suppose that most of the houndsmen would liek to stay under the radar given the anti-hunting push that has evolved around them.
Laura Waddell Webboard User Reg: 04-17-2003
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But, the need to import a "bear" dog from Europe when hunting in North America has involved bears and dogs for decades and has produced specialty dogs right here seems a bit more about romance and the American idea that everything foreign is better than home grown.
Actually, you're right on about that Kevin, there's a breed called the Blackmouthed Cur that's been around for a long time, and are currently being used in the NY/NJ area to keep bear out of the mountain resort areas. And they've been bred in this country since colonial days, no need to import them from Europe <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .
Any number of the Cur "breeds" in the SE USA would be great at it. As Richard said, the working hounds would do well. Working Airedales, lots of great dogs right here in the States.
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