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

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Leonberger: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger 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 Karelian Bear Dog and for the Leonberger. 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 Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Karelian Bear Dog or the Leonberger.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Leonberger: Overview

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

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

Karelian Bear Dog versus Leonberger: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Leonberger 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 Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Leonberger
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 120 to 170 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1350 $870
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $300 – $1150
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 96.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • CGC
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy (LPN1)
  • Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2
  • Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Karelian Bear 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 Leonberger. 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 Karelian Bear Dog is 66 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Leonberger is 63 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Karelian Bear Dog is a better pet than the Leonberger. 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 Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Leonbergers have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are not easy to train.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger 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 Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Leonberger

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs weigh 44 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Karelian Bear Dogs are 19 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Leonberger

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

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs live longer than Leonbergers.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Leonberger

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Leonberger is 96.0 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 100.0 percent, the Karelian Bear Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.0 percent, the Leonberger has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Leonberger by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 25 Leonbergers.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Leonberger

    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 reviewing the prices of 9 Karelian Bear Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Leonberger puppy is $870. The price of the Leonberger typically ranges from $300 – $1150. However, the price of the Leonberger can be as low as $300 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Leonberger puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the Leonberger.

    Karelian Bear Dog Leonberger
    Average Price $1350 $870
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $300 to $1150

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    A breakdown of the prices of Leonbergers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Karelian Bear Dog puppy or the Leonberger 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: Karelian Bear Dog versus Leonberger

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Leonbergers?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

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

    Leonbergers drool moderately.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Leonbergers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

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

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

    Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Leonberger

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

    Leonbergers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

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

    Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

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

    Leonbergers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Leonbergers?

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

    Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Leonberger?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Leonbergers are not easy to train.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Leonbergers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Leonberger vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Leonberger vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger

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

  • Bernese Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (75 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
  • Mastiff (73 percent match with Leonberger). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Mastiff.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Water Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Yorkipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Giant Schnauzer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bloodhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus French Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bloodhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pekingese     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Karelian Bear Dog versus Ibizan Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Karelian Bear Dog versus Havanese     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basenji     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bichon Frise     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bracco Italiano     

    Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Leonberger versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Cocker Spaniel     Leonberger versus Basenji     Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Leonberger versus Cavachon     Leonberger versus Australian Cattle Dog     Leonberger versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Leonberger versus Tibetan Terrier     Leonberger versus Mal Shi     Leonberger versus Kuvasz     Leonberger versus Keeshond     Leonberger versus Whoodle     Leonberger versus Saint Berdoodle     Leonberger versus Akita     Leonberger versus King Shepherd     Leonberger versus Harrier     Leonberger versus Havanese     Leonberger versus Shih Tzu     Leonberger versus Cairn Terrier     Leonberger versus Pharaoh Hound     Leonberger versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff     Leonberger versus Shiba Inu     Leonberger versus Toy Fox Terrier     

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