Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Karelian Bear Dog as a Pet? Answer…

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Karelian Bear Dog

Fila Brasileiro versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

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

Fila Brasileiro versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Karelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 19 to 24 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1270 $1350
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Karelian Bear Dog is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. So, you should get the Karelian Bear Dog!

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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1270 $1350
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

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

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Fila Brasileiros 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 Fila Brasileiro

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

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Affenpinscher     Fila Brasileiro versus Affenhuahua     Fila Brasileiro versus Schipperke     Fila Brasileiro versus Standard Schnauzer     Fila Brasileiro versus Giant Schnauzer     Fila Brasileiro versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Cane Corso     Fila Brasileiro versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Biewer Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Chow Chow     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Beaglier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Field Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

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