A Detailed Comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund.

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

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

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

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 Norwegian Buhund.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund are similar in size. The Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund are both medium-sized dogs.

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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Norwegian Buhund
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
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 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
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 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
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 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1350 No Data
Price Range $1400 – $1400 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • 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 Norwegian Buhund. 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 Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund 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 Norwegian Buhund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Norwegian Buhund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund

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

    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, Norwegian Buhunds weigh 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Buhunds are 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund

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

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Norwegian Buhund

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

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhund?

    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.

    Norwegian Buhunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds?

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

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

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Norwegian Buhund

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

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

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Norwegian Buhunds?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus English Cocker Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Karelian Bear Dog versus Borzoi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Setter     Karelian Bear Dog versus Scottish Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Coton de Tulear     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockalier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bearded Collie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dalmatian     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Tibetan Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chi-Poo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Barbet     Karelian Bear Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Frenchton     Karelian Bear Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomsky     

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Miniature Poodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Puggle     Norwegian Buhund versus Puli     Norwegian Buhund versus Carolina Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Belgian Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Shichon     Norwegian Buhund versus Cavachon     Norwegian Buhund versus Dogo Argentino     Norwegian Buhund versus Siberian Husky     Norwegian Buhund versus Carolina Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Afador     Norwegian Buhund versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Mudi     Norwegian Buhund versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Norwegian Buhund versus Border Collie     Norwegian Buhund versus Bolognese     Norwegian Buhund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Affenpinscher     Norwegian Buhund versus Samoyed     Norwegian Buhund versus French Bulldog     Norwegian Buhund versus American Foxhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Chow     Norwegian Buhund versus American Eskimo Dog     

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