Finnish native dog breeds face decline as hunting traditions shift

Several of Finland’s native dog breeds are at risk of disappearing, with the Finnish hound and Karelian bear dog in the most precarious positions, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The Karelian bear dog, once one of Finland’s most popular hunting breeds, has seen its registered puppy numbers collapse in recent years. During its peak in the 1960s, over 1,000 puppies were registered annually, but by 2023, that number had fallen to just over 400—despite targeted breeding campaigns. The decline has raised alarms due to the breed’s already narrow genetic base, which cannot sustain further reductions.

Breeder Johannes Lehtomäki, who has raised Karelian bear dogs for two decades, warned that the breed’s survival is now a national concern. “Everyone who understands the situation is deeply worried,” he said. The breed, developed from dogs rescued from ceded Karelia after World War II, is considered a Finnish cultural heritage—one that cannot be replenished from abroad if lost.

The Finnish hound faces an even steeper decline. Once the most registered breed in 1984 with over 5,000 puppies, its numbers dropped to just over 600 last year.

Experts attribute the decline to shifting hunting practices. Reduced moose populations have lowered demand for hunting dogs, while stalled bear hunts and a growing wolf population—which preys on dogs—have further diminished their use. Competition from other breeds has also intensified.

To revive the Karelian bear dog, breeders are now encouraging more litters, even from dogs with fewer merits, to widen the genetic pool. The breed’s loyalty and versatility in hunting—from large game like moose and wild boar to smaller prey such as raccoon dogs—remain its defining traits, though recent rule changes have emphasized better cooperation between dog and hunter.