In Russia, Karelian Bear Dogs were crossed several times with the West Siberian Laika, a type bred by people of Hanty living in the Polar Urals region, which helped to stabilize their hunting qualities and the type. The Hanty type West Siberian Laika was sturdily built and with a wider head and relatively shorter muzzle. In further breeding, the progeny was selected to the Karelian Bear Dog type and eventually only black and white dogs were preferred for breeding. Gray dogs are not disqualified, but are less desirable. The Karelian Bear Dog is a middle size dog, 21-23 inches at shoulders.
Double coat is entirely black, white or black and white in any mixed proportions.
Small black spots on white parts, called ticking, are allowed. Body conformation is square. The head is relatively wide, ears are small, triangular, set high and pointed. Muzzle with tight lips, shorter than the rest of the skull and tapering. Nose is black.