Which is Better Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog?

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Australian Cattle Dog Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Australian Cattle Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Cattle Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog

Factor Australian Cattle Dog Karelian Bear Dog
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Height 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 50 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $840 $900
Price Range $500 – $996 $900 – $900
Temperament Score 79.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia (evaluation at two years or older)
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy RCD4
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog is 76 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 Australian Cattle Dog is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Australian Cattle Dog!

    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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog

    Below is a list of where the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are most different:

    • Australian Cattle Dogs get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Australian Cattle Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Australian Cattle Dogs weigh 30 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Australian Cattle Dogs are 17 to 20 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 Australian Cattle Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Cattle Dogs is 13.5 years.

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

    Australian Cattle Dogs live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Australian Cattle Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Australian Cattle Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Cattle Dog is 79.6 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 79.6 percent, the Australian Cattle Dog has a below-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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 201 Australian Cattle Dogs and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Australian Cattle Dog versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Australian Cattle Dog puppy is $840. The price of the Australian Cattle Dog typically ranges from $500 – $996. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 692 Australian Cattle Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Karelian Bear Dog puppy is $900. The price of the Karelian Bear Dog typically ranges from $900 – $900. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Karelian Bear Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the Australian Cattle Dog.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Cattle Dogs. 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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: Australian Cattle Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Australian Cattle Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Cattle Dogs shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs shed moderately.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Cattle Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Australian Cattle 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.

    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 Australian Cattle Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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.

    Can Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Cattle Dog vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Cattle Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are Australian Cattle Dogs good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs 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 Australian Cattle Dogs and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Australian Cattle Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Australian Cattle Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Australian Cattle Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Cattle Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Australian Cattle Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.