Is the English Setter Better than the Karelian Bear Dog as a Pet? Answer…

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English Setter Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Setter 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 English Setter 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 English Setter 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 English Setter or the Karelian Bear Dog

English Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the English Setter 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.

English Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Setter 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 English Setter Karelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 19 to 24 inches
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1020 $1350
Price Range $800 – $1200 $1400 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • 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 English Setter 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 English Setter is 74 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 English Setter is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the English Setter!

    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 English Setter 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 English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • English Setters 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.
  • English Setters get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • English Setters are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • English Setters gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not prone to gaining weight easily.

    • The Similarities Between the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Setter 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 English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the English Setter and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of English Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    English Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. English Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 English Setter versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the English Setter puppy is $1020. The price of the English Setter typically ranges from $800 – $1200. However, the price of a English Setter can be as low as $450 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 English Setter 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 Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the English Setter.

    English Setter Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1020 $1350
    Price Range $800 to $1200 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Setters. 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 English Setter 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 English Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus Karelian Bear Dog

    English Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the English Setter or the Karelian Bear Dog

    English Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

    English Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    English Setters 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.

    Do English Setters shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    English Setters shed moderately.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Setter or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    English Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    English Setters are fairly easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    English Setters 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.

    Are English Setters good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    English Setters 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 English Setters and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    English Setters 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 English Setter or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    English Setters get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

    English Setters 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Setter vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    English Setters 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Setter

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

  • Irish Setter (83 percent match with English Setter). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Irish Setter.

    • 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 English Setter vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Setter versus Afghan Hound     English Setter versus Swedish Vallhund     English Setter versus Chow Chow     English Setter versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     English Setter versus German Wirehaired Pointer     English Setter versus Pyredoodle     English Setter versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     English Setter versus Weimaraner     English Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     English Setter versus Giant Schnauzer     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Wolfhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Akita     Karelian Bear Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Hairless Terrier     

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