Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog.

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Collie Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Collie versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Collie versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

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

Factor Collie Karelian Bear Dog
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1480 $1350
Price Range $1000 – $1800 $1400 – $1400
Temperament Score 80.8 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

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

    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 Collie 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 Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Collies 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.
  • Collies 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.
  • Collies are good for new dog owners. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Collies get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Collie 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 Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Collies are 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Collies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Collies is 12.0 years.

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

    Collies live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Collie

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 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 80.8 percent, the Collie 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 Collie and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Collie versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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 Collie is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Collie Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1480 $1350
    Price Range $1000 to $1800 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Collies. 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 Collie 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: Collie versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Collies shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Collies 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 Collie or the Karelian Bear Dog?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Collies 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 Collie or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

    Collies 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 Collies and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Collies 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 Collie Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

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

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Collies 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 Collie

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

  • Keeshond (84 percent match with Collie). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Keeshond.
  • 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 Collie vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Collie versus Korean Jindo Dog     Collie versus Keeshond     Collie versus Sealyham Terrier     Collie versus Komondor     Collie versus Shihpoo     Collie versus Shetland Sheepdog     Collie versus Leonberger     Collie versus Japanese Chin     Collie versus Canaan Dog     Collie versus Bearded Collie     Collie versus Barbet     Collie versus Canaan Dog     Collie versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Collie versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Collie versus Pug     Collie versus Pomeranian     Collie versus Portuguese Pointer     Collie versus Lhasa Apso     Collie versus Bloodhound     Collie versus Sheepadoodle     Collie versus Lhasa Apso     Collie versus Finnish Spitz     Collie versus West Highland White Terrier     Collie versus Labradoodle     Collie versus Field Spaniel     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus American Foxhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Black Russian Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomsky     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chihuahua     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cavachon     Karelian Bear Dog versus Border Collie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Coton de Tulear     Karelian Bear Dog versus Toy Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Mal Shi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Karelian Bear Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Border Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Karelian Bear Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     

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