Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix

The Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Karelian Bear Dog and the Mastiff. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Karelian Bear Dog is known for being loyal, brave, and territorial. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Karelian Bear Dog or the Mastiff? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix puppies for sale.

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Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Karelian Bear Dog History

The Karelian Bear Dog called Karjalankarhukoira in Finland is a Spitz-type very old breed. This is such an old breed that archaeological findings hint that similar dogs existed in the same regionas far back as Neolithic times. Like most dog breeds they would have been used to help their human counterparts. Primarily helping them to hunt so they could subsequently survive. They relied on them to help them hunt both large and small game. This is a tough breed of dog built to withstand the harsh climates they work in. They are still used as a hunting companion in Scandinavia today. Also like many breeds they almost went extinct after World War 2, they were thankfully revived though.

Mastiff History

It is believed that the Mastiff originated in the mountains of Asia, perhaps in Tibet or northern India from one of the most ancient types of dogs, the molosser. Due to its size and appearance, it was probably used to guard flocks from predators in the mountains.
Mastiff-type dogs appear throughout human history. They can be seen in Egyptian, Babylonian and classical Greek civilizations. Archaeologists excavating the palace of the Babylonian ruler Ashurbanipal uncovered bas-reliefs dating to the seventh century BCE — more than 2,500 years ago — of a Mastiff-type dog fighting lions.
Once humans started domesticating and selectively breeding dogs, they used them as guards, war dogs, and entertainment. Unfortunately, they were pitted against lions and other fierce animals. Sometimes just for entertainment.
Wherever they went, they were prized for their size and courage. Kublai Khan is said to have had a kennel with 5,000 Mastiffs used for hunting and war. When Hannibal crossed the Alps, he did so with trained war mastiffs. During their trek, the war dogs crossbred with local dogs, and their offspring became the foundation for the Saint Bernard, the Rottweiler, and other breeds.
In 1835, the brutal sports of bear-baiting, bull-baiting, and dog-fighting were outlawed. This almost wiped out the breed. We almost lost them again during World Wars I and II because food shortages made it impossible to feed them. However, there were a couple of known litters that brought them back.

Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix Size and Weight

Karelian Bear Dog
Height: 21 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 44 - 51 lb.
Lifespan: 11 - 13 years

Mastiff
Height: 27 - 31 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 130 - 220 lb
Lifespan: 6 - 12 years

Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix Personality

The Karelian Bear Dog and the Mastiff might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Karelian Bear Dog mixed with the Mastiff might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye issues, luxating patellas, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Karelian Bear Dog Mastiff Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Karelian Bear Dog Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in