Afghan Hound versus Karelian Bear Dog. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Afghan Hound Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Afghan Hound and for the Karelian Bear Dog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Afghan Hound or the Karelian Bear Dog

Afghan Hound versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Afghan Hound is a large-sized dog while the Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Afghan Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Karelian Bear Dog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Afghan Hound versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Afghan Hound to the Karelian Bear Dog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Afghan Hound Karelian Bear Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 60 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2390 $1350
Price Range $2250 – $2500 $1400 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Afghan Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Karelian Bear Dog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Afghan Hound is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Karelian Bear Dog is 66 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Afghan Hound is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Afghan Hound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog

    Below is a list of where the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are most different:

  • Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.
  • Afghan Hounds do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Afghan Hounds get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Afghan Hounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Afghan Hound versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Afghan Hounds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Karelian Bear Dogs weigh 44 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Karelian Bear Dogs are 19 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Afghan Hound versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Afghan Hound puppy is $2390. The price of the Afghan Hound typically ranges from $2250 – $2500. However, the price of a Afghan Hound can be as low as $1800 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 21 Afghan Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Karelian Bear Dog puppy is $1350. The price of the Karelian Bear Dog typically ranges from $1400 – $1400. However, the price of a Karelian Bear Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $1400. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 9 Karelian Bear Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Afghan Hound is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Afghan Hound Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $2390 $1350
    Price Range $2250 to $2500 $1400 to $1400

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Afghan Hound and Karelian Bear Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Afghan Hound puppies or how many Karelian Bear Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Afghan Hound puppy or the Karelian Bear Dog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Which one drools more, the Afghan Hound or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Afghan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Afghan Hound or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Is the Afghan Hound Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Afghan Hounds are not easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Afghan Hound versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Afghan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Afghan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Afghan Hound or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Afghan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Afghan Hound or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Afghan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Afghan Hounds shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Is the Afghan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Afghan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Afghan Hounds and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Afghan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Karelian Bear Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Does the Afghan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Wanderlust Potential: Afghan Hound vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Afghan Hound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Karelian Bear Dog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Karelian Bear Dog:

  • Mountain Cur (77 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Afghan Hound vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Afghan Hound vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Karelian Bear Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Afghan Hound that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Afghan Hound:

  • Bedlington Terrier (69 percent match with Afghan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Bedlington Terrier.
  • Standard Schnauzer (72 percent match with Afghan Hound). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Standard Schnauzer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Afghan Hound and how the Karelian Bear Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Afghan Hound and of the Karelian Bear Dog to other breeds:

    Afghan Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Afghan Hound versus Japanese Spitz     Afghan Hound versus Kishu Ken     Afghan Hound versus Golden Retriever     Afghan Hound versus Yorkipoo     Afghan Hound versus Japanese Chin     Afghan Hound versus Berger Picard     Afghan Hound versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Afghan Hound versus Papillon     Afghan Hound versus Papillon     Afghan Hound versus English Springer Spaniel     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Brittany     Karelian Bear Dog versus Peek A Poo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basenji     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pekingese     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Karelian Bear Dog versus Afghan Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Portuguese Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Azawakh     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Water Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Afghan Hound versus Karelian Bear Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Afghan Hound and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.