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

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Lowchen: Introduction

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

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

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 Lowchen.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Lowchen: Overview

A very important difference between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Lowchen
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 13 to 15 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
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 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 9 to 18 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1350 $2870
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $1642 – $4500
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Lowchens are good for new dog owners.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Lowchens get along well with other dogs.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Lowchens adapt well to apartment living.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train. However, Lowchens are very easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen 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 Lowchen are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen 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 Lowchen are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Lowchen

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

    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, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Lowchen

    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 Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Lowchen

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 12 Lowchens.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Lowchen

    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 Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Karelian Bear Dog Lowchen
    Average Price $1350 $2870
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $1642 to $4500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Lowchens?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Lowchens shed moderately.

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

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

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Lowchens 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 Lowchens?

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

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

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Lowchen

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

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

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

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

    Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Lowchens?

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

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

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Karelian Bear Dog versus Black Russian Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Coton de Tulear     Karelian Bear Dog versus Spanish Mastiff     Karelian Bear Dog versus Puggle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Whoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Briard     Karelian Bear Dog versus Aussiedoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Patterdale Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Finnish Lapphund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomeranian     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Borzoi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pharaoh Hound     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Toy Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus French Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Sheepadoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Leonberger     Karelian Bear Dog versus Mal Shi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Borzoi     

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus English Toy Spaniel     Lowchen versus King Shepherd     Lowchen versus Pomeranian     Lowchen versus Pomeranian     Lowchen versus Tibetan Mastiff     Lowchen versus Pomapoo     Lowchen versus Karelian Bear Dog     Lowchen versus Boykin Spaniel     Lowchen versus Cairn Terrier     Lowchen versus Skye Terrier     Lowchen versus Papillon     Lowchen versus Briard     Lowchen versus Bernedoodle     Lowchen versus Brussels Griffon     Lowchen versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Lowchen versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Lowchen versus Shichon     Lowchen versus Norfolk Terrier     Lowchen versus Akita     Lowchen versus Cockalier     Lowchen versus Shihpoo     Lowchen versus Cockapoo     Lowchen versus Dachshund     Lowchen versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Lowchen versus Bloodhound     

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