Which is Better between the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

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Airedale Terrier Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog

Airedale Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Airedale Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier Karelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 10 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1360 $1350
Price Range $950 – $1800 $1400 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier is 70 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 Airedale Terrier is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Airedale Terrier!

    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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are most different:

  • Airedale Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 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 Airedale Terrier versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Airedale Terrier puppy is $1360. The price of the Airedale Terrier typically ranges from $950 – $1800. However, the price of a Airedale Terrier can be as low as $250 and as high as $3135. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 282 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Airedale Terrier Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1360 $1350
    Price Range $950 to $1800 $1400 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Airedale Terriers. 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 Airedale Terrier 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.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Airedale Terriers 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 Airedale Terriers and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Airedale Terriers 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

    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 Airedale Terrier vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier:

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Boston Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Airedale Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Airedale Terrier versus Beagle     Airedale Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Airedale Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Airedale Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     Airedale Terrier versus Standard Poodle     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Canaan Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bloodhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Vizsla     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Setter     Karelian Bear Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Carolina Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier 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 Airedale Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.