Is the Bolognese Better than the Karelian Bear Dog as a Pet? Answer…

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Bolognese Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Bolognese versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bolognese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Bolognese versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

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

Factor Bolognese Karelian Bear Dog
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 8 to 14 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Height 9 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1970 $1350
Price Range $1688 – $2300 $1400 – $1400
Temperament Score 100.0 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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese is 85 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 Bolognese is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Bolognese!

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 Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Bologneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.
  • Bologneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Bologneses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Bologneses adapt well to apartment living. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Bologneses get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Bologneses are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Bologneses are very easy to train. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Bolognese versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Bologneses weigh 8 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Bologneses are 9 to 12 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 Bolognese versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Bologneses is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Bologneses is 13.0 years.

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

    Bologneses live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Bolognese Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Bolognese has the same temperament score as the Karelian Bear Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bolognese is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Bolognese 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 Bolognese and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 1 Bologneses and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Bolognese versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Bolognese puppy is $1970. The price of the Bolognese typically ranges from $1688 – $2300. However, the price of a Bolognese can be as low as $1500 and as high as $2300. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4 Bolognese 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 Bolognese is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Bolognese Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1970 $1350
    Price Range $1688 to $2300 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bologneses. 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 Bolognese 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: Bolognese versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Bologneses do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bologneses shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese or the Karelian Bear Dog?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Bologneses 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.

    Can Bologneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bolognese vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Bologneses do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

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

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Bologneses get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

    Bologneses 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 Bologneses and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Bologneses 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 Bolognese Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Bologneses are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

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

    Bologneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bologneses are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bolognese

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Bolognese 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 Bolognese:

  • Bichon Frise (73 percent match with Bolognese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (77 percent match with Bolognese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Cavachon.
  • Chinese Crested (75 percent match with Bolognese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Chinese Crested.
  • Havanese (73 percent match with Bolognese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Havanese.
  • 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 Bolognese vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Bolognese vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Bolognese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Bolognese versus Leonberger     Bolognese versus Skye Terrier     Bolognese versus Sloughi     Bolognese versus Afador     Bolognese versus Shiloh Shepherd     Bolognese versus Australian Shepherd     Bolognese versus Pomsky     Bolognese versus Jack Russell Terrier     Bolognese versus Chi-Poo     Bolognese versus Akita     Bolognese versus Pomapoo     Bolognese versus Mal Shi     Bolognese versus Pomsky     Bolognese versus English Toy Spaniel     Bolognese versus Afador     Bolognese versus Peek A Poo     Bolognese versus Irish Terrier     Bolognese versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Bolognese versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Bolognese versus Morkie     Bolognese versus Great Dane     Bolognese versus Scottish Deerhound     Bolognese versus Afador     Bolognese versus Chow Chow     Bolognese versus Chi-Poo     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dogo Argentino     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Spinone Italiano     Karelian Bear Dog versus Great Dane     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saluki     Karelian Bear Dog versus Morkie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chow Chow     Karelian Bear Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Karelian Bear Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Akita     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Welsh Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Schnoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shiba Inu     Karelian Bear Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Yorkipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bolognese     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     

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