FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE
SECRETARIAT GENERAL: 13 Place - B THUIN (Belg.)

KARELIAN BEAR DOG

GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Karelian Bear-dog is medium sized (height at withers: dogs 54-60 cms, bitches 49-55 cms), robust, strong, slightly longer than high, thick coated, prick eared dog of a reserved character, brave and persevering; the senses, particularly the scent is sharp, therefore the dog can used for big game hunting.

HEAD
Blunt wedge shaped, rather broad at the forehead and cheeks. Forehead slightly arched, stop gently sloping, protuberances above the eyes only slightly developed. The foreface is high and preferably straight and slightly tapering towards the nose. Nose black and well developed. Lips thin and tight. Ears pricked, pointing slightly small, brown. Look alert, often fiery.

NECK
Muscular, medium sized, curving, covered with thick coat.

BODY
Compact, back with well developed muscles nicely sloping. Chest spacious, extending approximately to the level of the elbow. Belly slightly drawn up.

FOREQUARTERS
Straight, shoulders relatively, sloping and muscular.

Elbows
Pointing straight backwards. Forearm straight, wrist only slightly bent. Feet thick, high and roundish.

HINDQUARTERS
The knee pointing straight forward, hock straight backward. Thighs look very broad due to the profuse coat, particularly on their upper parts. Front line of hindquarter curving without sudden bends. Hock comparatively straight. Hind-feet slightly longer and lower than fore-feet.

TAIL
Of medium length, usually curled, a full curl is most desirable.

COAT
Overcoat straight and stiff, undercoat soft and dense. Overcoat on the neck, back and rear parts of the thighs longer than elsewhere. Color black, preferably slightly brownish or dull, mostly with distinct white markings or spots on the head, neck, chest, abdomen and legs.

 FOR THE MOVEMENT ALLOWED BUT NOT DESIRABLE ARE
Bob-tail, spurs, white color with black markings, wolf-gray color or wolf-gray spots.

FAULTS
Weak skeleton, snipy foreface, curly or wavy coat, bat-like ears, domed forehead, light or wall-eyes, loose dewlap skin, too deep chest, berrylike chest, straight shoulders and straight hocks, flat feet, straight and whip-like tail, incorrect colors and savage disposition towards humans.