Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better than the Karelian Bear Dog as a Pet? Answer…

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull 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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Karelian Bear Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 13 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1140 $1350
Price Range $400 – $1200 $1400 – $1400
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull 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 the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 66 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 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.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is 11.5 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Karelian Bear Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull 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 the 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 Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1140 $1350
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $1400 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    American Pit Bull 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.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Karelian Bear Dog

    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 American Pit Bull Terrier vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Schipperke     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Leonberger     American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Eskimo Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Peek A Poo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Brittany     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Akita Chow     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Carolina Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Beagle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Goldendoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Skye Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Komondor     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Dogo Argentino     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Setter     Karelian Bear Dog versus Toy Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Karelian Bear Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Karelian Bear Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Karelian Bear Dog versus West Highland White Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Water Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Bernard     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dogo Argentino     Karelian Bear Dog versus Akita     Karelian Bear Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomchi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pug     Karelian Bear Dog versus Morkie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Great Pyrenees     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.