Breed Comparison: Dutch Shepherd Versus Karelian Bear Dog

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Karelian Bear Dog

Dutch Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd Karelian Bear Dog
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 19 to 24 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1590 $1350
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1400 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 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 Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Dutch Shepherds 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.
  • Dutch Shepherds get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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 Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Dutch Shepherd Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1590 $1350
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Japanese Spitz.
  • 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 Dutch Shepherd vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Westiepoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Beaglier     Dutch Shepherd versus Boxerdoodle     Dutch Shepherd versus Beagle     Dutch Shepherd versus Mountain Cur     Dutch Shepherd versus French Spaniel     Dutch Shepherd versus Afghan Hound     Dutch Shepherd versus Great Pyrenees     Dutch Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Dutch Shepherd versus Saint Bernard     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Brussels Griffon     Karelian Bear Dog versus Fila Brasileiro     Karelian Bear Dog versus Papipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bluetick Coonhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus West Highland White Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Biewer Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lancashire Heeler     Karelian Bear Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chorkie     

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