A Detailed Comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Karelian Bear Dog Versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Introduction

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

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

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 Pyrenean Shepherd.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd: Overview

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

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Pyrenean Shepherd
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 15 to 17 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 15 to 21 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 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
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 25 to 30 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 16.0 years
Average Price $1350 No Data
Price Range $1400 – $1400 No Data
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Pyrenean Shepherd. 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 Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125.

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

    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 Pyrenean Shepherd 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pyrenean Shepherds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd

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

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

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

    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, Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    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 Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.

    Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Pyrenean Shepherd

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Pyrenean Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 4 Pyrenean Shepherds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Pyrenean Shepherds?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

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

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Pyrenean Shepherd

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds 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 Pyrenean Shepherd?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Pyrenean Shepherds?

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

    Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Cairn Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Cairn Terrier.
  • Lakeland Terrier (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Pomsky (73 percent match with Pyrenean Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Setter     Karelian Bear Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Affenpinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Morkie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Portuguese Water Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Valley Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bich Poo     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Hairless Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Beaglier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Karelian Bear Dog versus Great Pyrenees     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomchi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Bernard     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Buhund     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basenji     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chorkie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Italian Greyhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomeranian     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomchi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cairn Terrier     

    Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Kai Ken     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Lhasa Apso     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Scottish Deerhound     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Schipperke     Pyrenean Shepherd versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Pekingese     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mal Shi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akita     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cairn Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Saluki     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Toy Poodle     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Jack Russell Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Standard Schnauzer     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Yorkipoo     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mal Shi     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cockalier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bullmastiff     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Irish Terrier     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Cane Corso     Pyrenean Shepherd versus Norwegian Buhund     Pyrenean Shepherd versus West Highland White Terrier     

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