Which is Better between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Mudi? A Very Detailed Review.

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Mudi: Introduction

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

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

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 Mudi.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Mudi: Overview

A very important difference between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Mudi is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Mudi is a small-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 Mudi belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Mudi: Comparison Table

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

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Mudi
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 14 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 14 to 20 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
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 4/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 18 to 29 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1350 No Data
Price Range $1400 – $1400 No Data
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 40.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
  • WSU VCPL
    		•

    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 Mudi. 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 Mudi is 76 out of 125.

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

    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 Mudi 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 Mudi

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Mudis are good for new dog owners.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train. However, Mudis are very easy to train.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Mudis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Mudi

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

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

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

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

    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, Mudis weigh 18 to 29 pounds when fully grown. Mudis are 14 to 20 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Mudi

    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 Mudis is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Mudis is 13.0 years.

    Mudis live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Mudi Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Mudi is 40.0 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 40.0 percent, the Mudi has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Mudi by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 5 Mudis.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Karelian Bear Dog versus Mudi

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Mudis do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Mudis?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Mudis shed moderately.

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

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

    Mudis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Mudis are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Mudis 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 Mudis?

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

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

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Mudis can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Mudi

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

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

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

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

    Mudis 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 Mudi?

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

    Mudis do not get along well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Mudis?

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

    Mudis do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Mudis are very easy to train.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Mudis do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Mudi

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

  • Alaskan Klee Kai (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Australian Kelpie (78 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (79 percent match with Mudi). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs German Pinscher.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Water Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bordoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Puli     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chihuahua     Karelian Bear Dog versus Afador     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Biewer Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Skye Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Field Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu     Karelian Bear Dog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Weimaraner     Karelian Bear Dog versus Maltipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Akbash     Karelian Bear Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Karelian Bear Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Morkie     

    Mudi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Mudi versus Black Mouth Cur     Mudi versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Mudi versus Redbone Coonhound     Mudi versus American Water Spaniel     Mudi versus Sussex Spaniel     Mudi versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Mudi versus Keeshond     Mudi versus Shiloh Shepherd     Mudi versus Welsh Terrier     Mudi versus Pointer     Mudi versus Lakeland Terrier     Mudi versus Karelian Bear Dog     Mudi versus Italian Greyhound     Mudi versus French Spaniel     Mudi versus Chow Chow     Mudi versus Bich Poo     Mudi versus Bernedoodle     Mudi versus German Pinscher     Mudi versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Mudi versus Papipoo     Mudi versus Standard Schnauzer     Mudi versus Portuguese Pointer     Mudi versus Border Collie     Mudi versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Mudi versus Irish Water Spaniel     

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