Differences and Similarities between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog.

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Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Flat-Coated Retriever 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.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever Karelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
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
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1350 $1350
Price Range $1150 – $1800 $1400 – $1400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Flat-Coated Retriever!

    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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog

    Below is a list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are most different:

  • Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Flat-Coated Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.

    • The Similarities Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall 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.

    Price of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Flat-Coated Retriever puppy is $1350. The price of the Flat-Coated Retriever typically ranges from $1150 – $1800. However, the price of a Flat-Coated Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 8 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 and the Flat-Coated Retriever are sold for about the same price.

    Flat-Coated Retriever Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1350 $1350
    Price Range $1150 to $1800 $1400 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Flat-Coated Retrievers. 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Flat-Coated Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Which one drools more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Does the Flat-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Flat-Coated Retriever vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • 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 Flat-Coated Retriever vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Pekingese     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Afador     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Pyredoodle     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Puli     Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Brussels Griffon     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Australian Cattle Dog     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shiranian     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus English Setter     Karelian Bear Dog versus Mudi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Schnoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Miniature Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Kishu Ken     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Peek A Poo     

    Conclusion: Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.