Unfortunately, the Karelian Bear Dog is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Norteses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Brave
Loyal
Tenacious
Cautious
Independent
Territorial

Active
Playful
Energetic
Sensitive
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing

Karelian Bear Dogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Norteses shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Karelian Bear Dogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Avoid Norteses as watchdogs - they're not effective.

Spitz

Norwich Terrier and Maltese x

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Black
White

White
Cream
Fawn
Red
Isabella

Karelian Bear Dogs have coats that can be either short or medium in length.

Norteses have medium-length coats.

A Karelian Bear Dog can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Nortese can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Karelian Bear Dogs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Norteses are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

The Karelian Bear Dog is prone to health issues and requires regular check-ups with a vet to identify and treat any problems early.

While the Nortese breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Periodontal Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Cataracts
Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
Dental Problems

Pituitary Dwarfism

Patellar Luxation
Portacaval Shunt
Deafness
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Portosystemic Shunt
Shaker Dog Syndrome
Atopy

OFA
CERF
Physical Examination

Eye Examinations
BAER Testing
Blood Sugar and Thyroid Tests
Skin Biopsy or Intradermal Tests for specific allergies
Dental and Oral Examinations
X-rays or other radiographic imaging

Karelian Bear Dog has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Nortese has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Karelian Bear Dogs need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Norteses need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Karelian Bear Dogs bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Nortese dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Karelian Bear Dogs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Norteses are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Nortese dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Karelian Bear Dog, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Nortese, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Karelian Bear Dogs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Norteses usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Karelian Bear Dogs require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The Nortese requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Karelian Bear Dog should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Nortese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

For an average 44-51 pound (20 - 23 kg) Karelian Bear Dog feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 7-12 pound (3 - 5 kg) Nortese feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Karelian Bear Dog is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Nortese is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Karelian Bear Dog is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Nortese is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Karelian Bear Dogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Norteses make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Karelian Bear Dogs have an average level of friendliness towards children.

Norteses are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Karelian Bear Dogs are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Norteses are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Karelian Bear Dogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Norteses are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Karelian Bear Dogs are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Norteses are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.