Which is Better Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog?

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Boykin Spaniel Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Boykin Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Boykin Spaniel belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Boykin Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog

Factor Boykin Spaniel Karelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Height 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 40 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1110 $900
Price Range $900 – $1225 $900 – $900
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel is 71 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 Boykin Spaniel is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Boykin Spaniel!

    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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    • Boykin Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.
    • Boykin Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Boykin Spaniels get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Boykin Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Boykin Spaniels weigh 25 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Boykin Spaniels are 14 to 18 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 Boykin Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels.

    Temperament of the Boykin Spaniel Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Boykin Spaniel has the same temperament score as the Karelian Bear Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 2 Boykin Spaniels and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Boykin Spaniel versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Boykin Spaniel puppy is $1110. The price of the Boykin Spaniel typically ranges from $900 – $1225. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 44 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Boykin Spaniels. 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 Boykin Spaniel 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: Boykin Spaniel versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Boykin Spaniels can be left alone only for a short time.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Boykin Spaniels shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Boykin Spaniels shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Boykin Spaniel or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniel or the Karelian Bear Dog?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Boykin Spaniels have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Boykin Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Boykin Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boykin Spaniels can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boykin Spaniel vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniel or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Boykin Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are Boykin Spaniels good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniels and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniel Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Boykin Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Boykin Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Boykin Spaniels 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 Boykin Spaniel or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Boykin Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

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

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