Which is Better between the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chinook Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Chinook versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog 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.

Chinook versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

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

Factor Chinook Karelian Bear Dog
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Price Range No Data $1400 – $1400
Average Price No Data $1350
Temperament Score 77.8 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinook 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 Chinook is 87 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 Chinook is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Chinook!

    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 Chinook 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 Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Chinooks 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.
  • Chinooks 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.
  • Chinooks get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinook versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Chinooks weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chinooks are 21 to 27 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 Chinook versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Chinooks is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chinooks 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.

    Chinooks live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Chinook

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chinook is 77.8 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 77.8 percent, the Chinook 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 Chinook and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 9 Chinooks and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chinook versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Chinooks do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chinooks shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Chinooks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Chinooks 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 Chinook or the Karelian Bear Dog?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

    Chinooks can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinook vs. Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Chinooks 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 Chinook or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Chinooks get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

    Chinooks 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 Chinooks and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Chinooks 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 Chinook Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Chinooks are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

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

    Chinooks adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chinooks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinook

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

  • Keeshond (76 percent match with Chinook). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Keeshond.
  • King Shepherd (75 percent match with Chinook). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs King Shepherd.
  • 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 Chinook vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Chinook vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Chinook Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinook versus Chi-Poo     Chinook versus Finnish Lapphund     Chinook versus Dachshund     Chinook versus Kooikerhondje     Chinook versus Cockapoo     Chinook versus Samoyed     Chinook versus Swedish Vallhund     Chinook versus Maltipoo     Chinook versus Rottweiler     Chinook versus Lhasapoo     Chinook versus Harrier     Chinook versus Bernedoodle     Chinook versus Cesky Terrier     Chinook versus Kishu Ken     Chinook versus Black Russian Terrier     Chinook versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Chinook versus Pomapoo     Chinook versus Lhasa Apso     Chinook versus Rottweiler     Chinook versus Whippet     Chinook versus Vizsla     Chinook versus Beagle     Chinook versus Stabyhoun     Chinook versus Aussiedoodle     Chinook versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus French Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Barbet     Karelian Bear Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Karelian Bear Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chow Chow     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dachshund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Shepherd Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Manchester Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shihpoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Brittany     Karelian Bear Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Schipperke     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cavachon     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomapoo     

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