A Detailed Comparison of the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog.

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Cairn Terrier Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cairn 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.

Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

Factor Cairn Terrier Karelian Bear Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1600 $1350
Price Range $1475 – $1750 $1400 – $1400
Temperament Score 75.5 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 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 Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Cairn 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 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Cairn Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Cairn Terriers get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers 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.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Cairn Terrier

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Cairn Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Cairn Terrier is 75.5 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 75.5 percent, the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 53 Cairn Terriers and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Cairn Terrier versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Cairn Terrier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cairn Terrier typically ranges from $1475 – $1750. However, the price of a Cairn Terrier can be as low as $650 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 132 Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Cairn Terrier Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1600 $1350
    Price Range $1475 to $1750 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cairn 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 Cairn 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: Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

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

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • 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 Cairn Terrier vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog     Cairn Terrier versus Chorkie     Cairn Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Cairn Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Cairn Terrier versus Chi-Poo     Cairn Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Cairn Terrier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Briard     Cairn Terrier versus Lowchen     Cairn Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Akita Chow     Cairn Terrier versus Puggle     Cairn Terrier versus Azawakh     Cairn Terrier versus Brittany     Cairn Terrier versus American Foxhound     Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Cairn Terrier versus Chow Chow     Cairn Terrier versus Keeshond     Cairn Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Cairn Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Cairn Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Dachshund     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Karelian Bear Dog versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Plott     Karelian Bear Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pekingese     Karelian Bear Dog versus Schnoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Brittany     Karelian Bear Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Karelian Bear Dog versus Golden Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bloodhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Field Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Siberian Husky     Karelian Bear Dog versus Yorkipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dalmatian     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Karelian Bear Dog versus Plott     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog     

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