Differences and Similarities between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Pointer.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Karelian Bear Dog Versus Pointer: Introduction

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

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

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 Pointer.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Pointer: Overview

Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Pointer are similar in size. The Karelian Bear Dog and the Pointer 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 Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Pointer: Comparison Table

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

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Pointer
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
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 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 45 to 75 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1350 $1080
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $800 – $1300
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 90.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer is 75 out of 125.

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

    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 Pointer 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 Pointer

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Pointers get along well with other dogs.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Pointers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train. However, Pointers are very easy to train.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather. However, Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Pointer

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

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

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

    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, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Pointer

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

    Pointers live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Pointer Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 20 Pointers.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Pointer

    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 Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of the Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the Pointer.

    Karelian Bear Dog Pointer
    Average Price $1350 $1080
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $800 to $1300

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pointers

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Pointers?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Pointers shed moderately.

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

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

    Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pointers 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 Pointers?

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

    Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Pointer

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

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

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

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

    Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Pointers?

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

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

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (81 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Field Spaniel (77 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Springer Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Yorkipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Finnish Spitz     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chihuahua     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Foxhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Gordon Setter     Karelian Bear Dog versus Labrador Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Dachshund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cocker Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Great Pyrenees     Karelian Bear Dog versus Shihpoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus French Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Puggle     

    Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pointer versus Sloughi     Pointer versus Vizsla     Pointer versus Dogo Argentino     Pointer versus Stabyhoun     Pointer versus Standard Schnauzer     Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pointer versus Samoyed     Pointer versus Schnoodle     Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound     Pointer versus Catahoula Bulldog     Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Pointer versus Bullmastiff     Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher     Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pointer versus Toy Poodle     Pointer versus Lancashire Heeler     Pointer versus Siberian Husky     Pointer versus Skye Terrier     Pointer versus Peek A Poo     Pointer versus Affenhuahua     Pointer versus Bernedoodle     Pointer versus Irish Terrier     Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Pointer versus German Pinscher     

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