Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction
- German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview
- German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog
- The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog
- Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog
- Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the German Shepherd Dog
- Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog
- Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Karelian Bear Dog
- Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shepherd Dogs and Karelian Bear Dogs?
- Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Karelian Bear Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shepherd Dog Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog.
German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview
A very important difference between the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shepherd Dog is a large-sized dog while the Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Shepherd Dog 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.
German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shepherd Dog 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog
| Factor | German Shepherd Dog | Karelian Bear Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall | 19 to 24 inches |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 10 to 13 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 75 to 95 pounds | 44 to 50 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 11.5 years |
| Average Price | $1280 | $1350 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1400 – $1400 |
| Temperament Score | 85.3 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shepherd Dog 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 the German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 66 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shepherd Dog is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog
Below is a list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog
The German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog.
German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall 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.
Lifespan of German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
The lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is 11.5 years.
German Shepherd Dogs live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.
Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the German Shepherd Dog
The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the German Shepherd Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the German Shepherd Dog is 85.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 85.3 percent, the German Shepherd Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Karelian Bear Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 3383 German Shepherd Dogs and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.
Price of German Shepherd Dog versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog
The average price of the German Shepherd Dog puppy is $1280. The price of the German Shepherd Dog typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a German Shepherd Dog can be as low as $195 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1776 German Shepherd Dog 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 the 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 German Shepherd Dog.
| German Shepherd Dog | Karelian Bear Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1280 | $1350 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1400 to $1400 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shepherd Dog and Karelian Bear Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shepherd Dog puppies or how many Karelian Bear Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of German Shepherd Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.
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 German Shepherd Dog 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills 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: German Shepherd Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Karelian Bear Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.
Does the German Shepherd Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd 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.
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.
Do German Shepherd Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shepherd Dog vs. Karelian Bear Dog
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Shepherd Dogs good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?
German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs and Karelian Bear Dogs?
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Karelian Bear Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
Is the German Shepherd Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shepherd Dog or the Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd Dog:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Shepherd Dog and how the Karelian Bear Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and of the Karelian Bear Dog to other breeds:
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Boston Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Goldador German Shepherd Dog versus Giant Schnauzer German Shepherd Dog versus Neapolitan Mastiff German Shepherd Dog versus Shiranian German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus Cane Corso German Shepherd Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog German Shepherd Dog versus Toy Poodle German Shepherd Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Canaan Dog German Shepherd Dog versus Whippet German Shepherd Dog versus Havanese German Shepherd Dog versus Brussels Griffon German Shepherd Dog versus Chorkie German Shepherd Dog versus Brussels Griffon German Shepherd Dog versus American Bulldog German Shepherd Dog versus Cockalier German Shepherd Dog versus Irish Setter German Shepherd Dog versus Brittany German Shepherd Dog versus Yorkipoo German Shepherd Dog versus Chow Chow German Shepherd Dog versus Afador
Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyredoodle Karelian Bear Dog versus Havanese Karelian Bear Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Karelian Bear Dog versus Cavapoo Karelian Bear Dog versus Beaglier Karelian Bear Dog versus Japanese Chin Karelian Bear Dog versus Newfoundland Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockalier Karelian Bear Dog versus Schnoodle Karelian Bear Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Karelian Bear Dog versus Havanese Karelian Bear Dog versus Portuguese Pointer Karelian Bear Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais Karelian Bear Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Malinois Karelian Bear Dog versus Schnoodle Karelian Bear Dog versus Peek A Poo Karelian Bear Dog versus Chinook Karelian Bear Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Karelian Bear Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Karelian Bear Dog versus Bracco Italiano Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Berdoodle Karelian Bear Dog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Karelian Bear Dog versus Sussex Spaniel Karelian Bear Dog versus Greyhound
Conclusion: German Shepherd Dog 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 German Shepherd Dog and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.