Golden Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Golden Retriever Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden 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 Golden 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Golden 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 Golden Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog.

Golden Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Golden 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.

Golden Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog

Factor Golden Retriever Karelian Bear Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 13 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
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
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 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
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 75 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.5 years
Average Price $1870 $1350
Price Range $1500 – $2200 $1400 – $1400
Temperament Score 85.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (evaluations annually for the dog`s lifetime)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Golden 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 the Golden Retriever is 73 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 Golden Retriever is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Golden 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 Golden 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 Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Golden Retrievers 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.
  • Golden Retrievers 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.
  • Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Golden Retrievers get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Golden Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Golden Retrievers 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.
  • Golden Retrievers are very easy to train. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden 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 Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Golden 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 Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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.

    Lifespan of Golden Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is 11.5 years.

    Karelian Bear Dogs live longer than Golden Retrievers.

    Temperament of the Golden Retriever Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Golden Retriever.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Golden Retriever is 85.6 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 85.6 percent, the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 813 Golden Retrievers and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Golden Retriever versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of a Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden 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 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 Golden Retriever is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Golden Retriever Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1870 $1350
    Price Range $1500 to $2200 $1400 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden 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 Golden 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 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: Golden Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Golden Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Golden 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.

    Do Golden Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Retriever vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are Golden Retrievers good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Golden 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 Golden Retrievers and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Golden Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden 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 Golden Retriever:

  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Irish Setter (72 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Irish Setter.
  • Labrador Retriever (75 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Labrador Retriever.
  • 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 Golden Retriever vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Golden Retriever versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Golden Retriever versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Golden Retriever versus Belgian Malinois     Golden Retriever versus Brittany     Golden Retriever versus Azawakh     Golden Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog     Golden Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel     Golden Retriever versus Schipperke     Golden Retriever versus Bich Poo     Golden Retriever versus Rottweiler     Golden Retriever versus Brittany     Golden Retriever versus Plott     Golden Retriever versus Schipperke     Golden Retriever versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Golden Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel     Golden Retriever versus Shiba Inu     Golden Retriever versus Kuvasz     Golden Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Retriever versus Chinese Crested     Golden Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog     Golden Retriever versus Italian Greyhound     Golden Retriever versus Bracco Italiano     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Dutch Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shiba Inu     Karelian Bear Dog versus Black Mouth Cur     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Standard Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Afghan Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boxer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shiba Inu     Karelian Bear Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Malamute     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Affenpinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus Westiepoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Karelian Bear Dog versus Border Collie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Japanese Chin     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff     Karelian Bear Dog versus Sheepadoodle     

    Conclusion: Golden 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 Golden Retriever and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.