The spotlight shines on one of the rarest breeds competing in the AKC Agility League. Koda is a Karelian Bear Dog (KBD) – a breed in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS). Koda is the first of his breed to earn an AKC agility title! He is no slouch in other areas as he is currently the number one conformation Karelian Bear Dog and a former number one KBD in Fast CAT. His owner, Brooke Sunderman, tells us more about this ancient breed and what they are like to live with and train.
Call Name: Koda
Breed: Karelian Bear Dog
Age: 5 years
Registered Name: MBIS INT/CH MBIOS Bearbond Solar Flare CM9 NA NAJ FCAT ACT2 ACT2J CGCA CGCU TKI
Owner: Brooke Sunderman
City/State: Orlando, Florida
League Team & Division: The Fast & The Furriest – Regulation Sophomore
How did you discover the Karelian Bear Dog and what attracted you to the breed? Tell us about their history.
I discovered the breed searching for a conformation dog for my stepdaughter to show. My son shows my Norwegian Elkhounds, and he and my stepdaughter are the same age so I went looking for a breed that would fit in with my Elkhounds.
Their history: Developed by Russian and Finnish peasants to hunt and guard, Karelian Bear Dogs are among the world’s oldest breeds. Karelian Bear Dogs earned their current name around 1936. Hunters needed a dog to bark at large game, including moose, lynxes, wolves, and bears.
At what age did you get Koda and did you start training right away?
We were inquiring about the breed with the breeders and discussing all the different events we do with the Elkhounds. She happened to have two puppies available that she was waiting to find the right homes for. We ended up going that weekend to pick him up; he was 15 weeks old. I started training right away, lots of socialization and foundation training.
How did you decide to pursue agility with him and what has he been like to train and compete with in this sport?
I have competed in agility with my Norwegian Elkhounds for more than 20 years, so why not try a KBD? Koda is very smart and learned quickly. Koda loves to work and is highly motivated by food! He is similar to training my Elkhounds. He has to figure it out himself. You cannot force too many repetitions, or he will tune out and lose the drive.
What are some of Koda’s top achievements in agility and other sports?
He does very well in conformation. He currently has a CM9 title and is the number one Karelian Bear Dog in AKC. We have done some traveling for that. He also has been the number one KBD in Fast CAT in 2022 and 2023. He is the first Karelian Bear Dog to achieve any AKC agility titles. We are working towards his Open titles.
What type of reaction do you get with Koda at agility trials?
He seems to draw attention everywhere we go. People have been really supportive, and he usually gets a cheering crowd by the end of the weekend. He can get distracted on course, but he is an independent working breed. He is getting better with time.
What is his favorite reward?
When Dad makes him chicken on the smoker! Plus sardines and peanut butter
What do you like best about League and how has it helped you in training and competing in agility?
The league is pushing me to practice on a consistent basis with less distractions of crowds. Being in a familiar place seems to help him focus.
Anything else you want to add?
Koda has been an amazing addition to this family, and we will definitely have another KBD! He is very outgoing and pretty vocal sometimes (part of the breed). He loves people, and I am happy to share information about him.
The post AKC Agility League Spotlight: First Karelian Bear Dog to Earn Agility Title appeared first on American Kennel Club.