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

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Maltese: Introduction

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

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

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 Maltese.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Maltese: Overview

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

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

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Maltese
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 8 to 10 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 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
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 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds Up to 7 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1350 $2580
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $1800 – $3000
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 82.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • 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 Maltese. 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 Maltese is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Maltese 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 Maltese

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Malteses are good for new dog owners.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Malteses get along well with other dogs.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Malteses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Malteses 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 Maltese

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese 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 Maltese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese 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 Maltese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Maltese

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

    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, Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Maltese

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

    Malteses live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Maltese Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Maltese is 82.4 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 82.4 percent, the Maltese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maltese by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 17 Malteses.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Maltese

    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 Maltese puppy is $2580. The price of the Maltese typically ranges from $1800 – $3000. However, the price of the Maltese can be as low as $500 and as high as $7995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 413 Maltese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Maltese is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Karelian Bear Dog Maltese
    Average Price $1350 $2580
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $1800 to $3000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Malteses

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Malteses do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Malteses?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

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

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

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

    Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Malteses 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 Maltese?

    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.

    Malteses 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 Malteses?

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

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

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Maltese

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

    Malteses 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 Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Malteses 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 Maltese?

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

    Malteses get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Malteses?

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

    Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Malteses are very easy to train.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Pomapoo (80 percent match with Maltese). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Pomapoo.
  • Peek A Poo (81 percent match with Maltese). 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 Maltese compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog and of the Maltese to other breeds:

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Lowchen     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomsky     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Cattle Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Karelian Bear Dog versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Sloughi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu     Karelian Bear Dog versus Kuvasz     Karelian Bear Dog versus Brittany     Karelian Bear Dog versus Papillon     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Foxhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Stabyhoun     Karelian Bear Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pug     Karelian Bear Dog versus Papipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pug     Karelian Bear Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Golden Retriever     

    Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maltese versus Dutch Shepherd     Maltese versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Maltese versus Dachshund     Maltese versus West Highland White Terrier     Maltese versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Maltese versus Australian Kelpie     Maltese versus King Shepherd     Maltese versus Norfolk Terrier     Maltese versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Maltese versus Australian Kelpie     Maltese versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Maltese versus Chorkie     Maltese versus Japanese Spitz     Maltese versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Maltese versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Maltese versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Maltese versus Barbet     Maltese versus French Bulldog     Maltese versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Maltese versus Welsh Terrier     Maltese versus Belgian Tervuren     Maltese versus Schipperke     Maltese versus Norwich Terrier     Maltese versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Maltese versus Havanese     

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