the dog is ok. he got 2 bear teeth on his body. both owner and dog are recovering. The bear is dead, of course. The 15cm knife wasn't big but it was sufficient to do the job.

One exception is Wrangell-St. Elisa NP in Alaska. We spent a week in the boonies last month, and were happily supprised to find that they not only allow firearms, they recommend them. We did not see one bear, but apparently they have been known to show up when you least want one...

Most of the aggression has been bred out of Staff's years back. Great dog. Very tollerant with kid's. Looks fierce but a complete softy underneath.

On my knives, the blade is longer than the handle. If the knife in the article is about 6". the blade would have to be 2-3" leaving only 3 or so inches for the handle. That size would be too small for my hand. Could the 15cm mean the blade length?

Isn't one of their nicknames "The Nanny Dog" in reference to their demeanor with kids?

15cm refers to the blade length.

Yes, and God help you if the dog doesn't know you/thinks your a threat to the kids.....
Which is as it should be.