Breed Comparison: Karelian Bear Dog Versus Lhasa Apso

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Lhasa Apso: Introduction

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

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

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 Lhasa Apso.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasa Apso: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Lhasa Apso 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.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasa Apso: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Lhasa Apso
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 12 to 15 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1350 $1780
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $1500 – $1996
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 70.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

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 Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso is 79 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lhasa Apso is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Lhasa Apso!

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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lhasa Apsos are good for new dog owners.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Lhasa Apsos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are not easy to train.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasa Apso

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

    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, Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Lhasa Apsos are 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Lhasa Apso

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Lhasa Apso.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Lhasa Apso is 70.4 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 70.4 percent, the Lhasa Apso has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lhasa Apso by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 27 Lhasa Apsos.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Lhasa Apso

    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 Lhasa Apso puppy is $1780. The price of the Lhasa Apso typically ranges from $1500 – $1996. However, the price of the Lhasa Apso can be as low as $200 and as high as $3499. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 104 Lhasa Apso puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lhasa Apso is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Karelian Bear Dog Lhasa Apso
    Average Price $1350 $1780
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $1500 to $1996

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Karelian Bear Dog and Lhasa Apso. For different price points, the charts show how many Karelian Bear Dog puppies or how many Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apsos

    A breakdown of the prices of Lhasa Apsos

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Lhasa Apsos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Lhasa Apsos?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Lhasa Apsos shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

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

    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.

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lhasa Apsos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Lhasa Apso

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

    Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lhasa Apsos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Lhasa Apsos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Lhasa Apsos?

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

    Lhasa Apsos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Lhasa Apso?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Lhasa Apsos are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Lhasa Apso?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lhasa Apsos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Lhasa Apsos are very good 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 Lhasa Apso vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Lhasa Apso vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lhasa Apso

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

  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (77 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Peek A Poo (79 percent match with Lhasa Apso). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Peek A Poo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Japanese Spitz     Karelian Bear Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boxer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bearded Collie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pug     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bichon Frise     Karelian Bear Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Beagle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Mudi     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Karelian Bear Dog versus Beagle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Greyhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bordoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Frenchton     Karelian Bear Dog versus Sussex Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shiba Inu     Karelian Bear Dog versus Fila Brasileiro     

    Lhasa Apso Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lhasa Apso versus Norwich Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Doberman Pinscher     Lhasa Apso versus German Pinscher     Lhasa Apso versus Puggle     Lhasa Apso versus Whoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Kishu Ken     Lhasa Apso versus Lhasapoo     Lhasa Apso versus Fila Brasileiro     Lhasa Apso versus Chinese Crested     Lhasa Apso versus Black Russian Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Lowchen     Lhasa Apso versus Bull Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Great Dane     Lhasa Apso versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Lhasa Apso versus Miniature Pinscher     Lhasa Apso versus Dutch Shepherd     Lhasa Apso versus Whoodle     Lhasa Apso versus Dalmatian     Lhasa Apso versus Pointer     Lhasa Apso versus Pomchi     Lhasa Apso versus Cesky Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus West Highland White Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Lhasa Apso versus Yorkshire Terrier     Lhasa Apso versus Siberian Husky     

    Conclusion: Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasa Apso. 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 Lhasa Apso better suits you and your family.