More: According to archeological records, dogs very similar to the modern day Karelian Bear Dog (KBD) and Russo-European Laika have existed in northeastern Europe and Scandinavia since the Neolithic or New Stone Age period over 12,000 years ago. The Karelian Bear Dog is a resilient breed that has not only survived the test of time, but also revolutions, civil wars, world wars and the resultant decimation of its homeland, to become a modern day national treasure in its homeland of Finland. Typically considered to be an aggressive, fearless breed of dog, the quick reflexes and hunting prowess of the KBD have made the dog of choice for hunting many aggressive game, including bear, moose, and wild boar. It is due to the breed’s ability to both hunt and offer protection against bear in Finnish Karelia that the Karelian Bear Dog earned its name.