A Detailed Comparison of the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Havanese Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese 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 Havanese or the Karelian Bear Dog.

Havanese versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Havanese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Havanese versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog

Factor Havanese Karelian Bear Dog
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 13 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 7 to 13 pounds 44 to 50 pounds
Height 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 24 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.5 years
Average Price $2180 $1350
Price Range $1700 – $2750 $1400 – $1400
Temperament Score 81.8 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Havanese 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 Havanese is 91 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 Havanese is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Havanese!

    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 Havanese 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 Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Havaneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.
  • Havaneses 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.
  • Havaneses 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.
  • Havaneses adapt well to apartment living. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Havaneses are good for new dog owners. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Havaneses get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Havaneses are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Havaneses are very easy to train. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Havanese 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 Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Havanese versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 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 Havanese versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses is 13.5 years.

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

    Havaneses live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Havanese Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Havanese.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 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 81.8 percent, the Havanese has a below-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 Havanese and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 11 Havaneses and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Havanese versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. However, the price of a Havanese can be as low as $600 and as high as $4550. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese 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 Havanese is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Havanese Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $2180 $1350
    Price Range $1700 to $2750 $1400 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Havaneses. 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 Havanese 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: Havanese versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Havaneses do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Havaneses shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Havanese or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Havaneses 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 Havanese or the Karelian Bear Dog?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Havaneses are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Havanese vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are Havaneses good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Havaneses 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 Havaneses and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Havaneses 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 Havanese Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Havaneses are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Havanese Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Havanese

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

  • Bichon Frise (86 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (84 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Cavachon.
  • Bich Poo (85 percent match with Havanese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Bich Poo.
  • 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 Havanese vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Havanese vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Havanese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Havanese versus Boykin Spaniel     Havanese versus Chinook     Havanese versus Leonberger     Havanese versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Havanese versus Yorkshire Terrier     Havanese versus English Springer Spaniel     Havanese versus Shih Tzu     Havanese versus Lhasa Apso     Havanese versus Tibetan Terrier     Havanese versus Schnoodle     Havanese versus Bernedoodle     Havanese versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Havanese versus Shiloh Shepherd     Havanese versus Sloughi     Havanese versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Havanese versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Havanese versus Silky Terrier     Havanese versus Maltese     Havanese versus Akita Chow     Havanese versus Puggle     Havanese versus Boston Terrier     Havanese versus Aussiedoodle     Havanese versus Goldador     Havanese versus Brittany     Havanese versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Akita     Karelian Bear Dog versus Akbash     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cane Corso     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Morkie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Maltese     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boerboel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomsky     Karelian Bear Dog versus Papillon     Karelian Bear Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Karelian Bear Dog versus Giant Schnauzer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Harrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Siberian Husky     Karelian Bear Dog versus Borzoi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     

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