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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Dogo Argentino Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Karelian Bear Dog

Dogo Argentino versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino 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.

Dogo Argentino versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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.

Factor Dogo Argentino Karelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 19 to 24 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2510 $1350
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1400 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Karelian Bear Dog is 66 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dogo Argentino is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Dogo Argentino!

    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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 a 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Dogo Argentino Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $2510 $1350
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentino or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Karelian Bear Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

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

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

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

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Kuvasz     Dogo Argentino versus Tibetan Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus Bull Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Goldendoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Hovawart     Dogo Argentino versus Great Dane     Dogo Argentino versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Dogo Argentino versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Dogo Argentino versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Dogo Argentino versus Valley Bulldog     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Bloodhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Giant Schnauzer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Goldendoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boerboel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Beaglier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chow Chow     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     

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