Carelian Bear Dog is medium sized, robust in conformation, strong, only slightly longer in body than the height at the withers, with a dense coat and pricked ears. Eyes are rather small, slightly oval and brown (preferably dark brown). The expression is alert and fiery.

Coat colour is black, it may be dull or shaded with brown. Most individuals have clearly defined white markings on the head, neck, chest, belly and the legs. (FCI standard) 

 Carelian Bear Dog is a persistent and courageous breed. It is also very self-confident and it may be aggressive towards other dogs, but never towards people.

Carelian Bear Dog is an excellent hunter. It is very independent, yet it works co-operatively with his master, marking the game animal by intensive bark. An experienced hunter will know what animal the dog is barking at by the sound of the bark.

Carelian Bear Dog has a very keen sense of smell and a very good sense of direction.

Carelian Bear Dog searches the game animals from wide area. It can work as well in difficult terrains as under all types of weather conditions. Water and high snow do not restrain Carelian Bear Dog from hunting.

With a Carelian Bear Dog you can compete in several types of working trials and even do agility. The most common types of working trials for Carelian Bear Dog are moose hunting trials, bear hunting trials and bear instinct trials. Carelian Bear Dogs can also participate in hunting trail trials, where the trail is laid with fresh blood to mimic a trail of a wounded animal ("blood tracking").

Carelian Bear Dogs can also be trained for and compete in obedience trials, search & rescue trials and sled dog trials.

Carelian Bear Dog is a Finnish breed. The breeding was started in 1936 and the first breed standard was established in 1945. The Komi dog is considered to be the origin of the breed. The basic stock dogs originated from Ladoga´s Carelia, Olonets and Russian Carelia, where they were used for all different types of game hunting. The first Carelian Bear Dogs were registered with the Finnish Kennel Club in 1946. Today the breed is among the top 10 most common dog breeds in Finland.

Carelian Bear Dog Division of the Finnish Spitz Club recommends the following:

Carelian Bear Dogs are only exported to countries, where the breed is officially recognized by the national kennel club (ie. FCI contries and a few others) and where the purebred Carelian Bear Dog will not be cross-bred with any other breed. Preferably, there should also be a possibility to use the dogs for hunting purposes and/or organize hunting trials for them.