Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog.

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Basenji Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Basenji versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Basenji 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.

Basenji versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog

Factor Basenji Karelian Bear Dog
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 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
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1560 $900
Price Range $1450 – $1450 $900 – $900
Temperament Score 68.9 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Basenji Night Blindness / PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of Missouri
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basenji 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 Basenji is 83 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 Basenji is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Basenji!

    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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    • Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
    • Basenjis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Basenjis 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.
    • Basenjis are good for new dog owners. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Basenjis get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Basenjis are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog are not easy to train.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 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 Basenji versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 years.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs live longer than Basenjis.

    Temperament of the Basenji Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Basenji.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Basenji is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Basenji puppy is $1560. The price of the Basenji typically ranges from $1450 – $1450. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 Basenji 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 Basenji is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Basenjis. 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 Basenji 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: Basenji versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Basenjis 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 Basenji or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis 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 Basenji or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Basenjis 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 Basenjis and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Basenjis 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 Basenji Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

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

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