Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better than the Maremma Sheepdog as a Pet? Answer…

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Maremma Sheepdog.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are Working Dogs. This means both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Maremma Sheepdog
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 11 to 13 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1350 $1160
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•

    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 Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with other dogs.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog are not easy to train.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Maremma Sheepdog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog

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

    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, Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog

    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 Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

    Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    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 Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1160. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $495 – $1500. However, the price of the Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 41 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Karelian Bear Dog Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1350 $1160
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $495 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdog?

    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.

    Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Maremma Sheepdog

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Maremma Sheepdogs?

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdog vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog

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

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Water Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Border Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Beaglier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasa Apso     Karelian Bear Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus Whippet     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lancashire Heeler     Karelian Bear Dog versus Siberian Husky     Karelian Bear Dog versus Scottish Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Papipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cane Corso     Karelian Bear Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Japanese Chin     Karelian Bear Dog versus Swedish Vallhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Karelian Bear Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Silky Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Miniature Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shiba Inu     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Great Pyrenees     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akita Chow     Maremma Sheepdog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Akbash     Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Newfoundland     Maremma Sheepdog versus Mal Shi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Keeshond     Maremma Sheepdog versus Schnoodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Australian Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomsky     Maremma Sheepdog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Silky Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested     Maremma Sheepdog versus Papipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Doberman Pinscher     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kuvasz     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lakeland Terrier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier     

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