A Detailed Comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard.

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

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

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

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 Saint Bernard.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Bernard: Overview

A very important difference between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog.

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

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Saint Bernard
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 8 to 10 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
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 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 44 to 50 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 9.0 years
Average Price $1350 $1320
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $875 – $1525
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 84.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Saint Bernards get along well with other dogs.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Saint Bernards are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Saint Bernards 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, Saint Bernards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Saint Bernards do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard are not easy to train.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard can tolerate cold weather.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Bernard

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

    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, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Bernard

    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 Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    Karelian Bear Dogs live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Saint Bernard

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Saint Bernard is 84.9 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 84.9 percent, the Saint Bernard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 53 Saint Bernards.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Saint Bernard

    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 Saint Bernard puppy is $1320. The price of the Saint Bernard typically ranges from $875 – $1525. However, the price of the Saint Bernard can be as low as $200 and as high as $3550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 163 Saint Bernard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the Saint Bernard.

    Karelian Bear Dog Saint Bernard
    Average Price $1350 $1320
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $875 to $1525

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Saint Bernards

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Saint Bernards?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard?

    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.

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Spinone Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Toy Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cairn Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Malinois     Karelian Bear Dog versus Japanese Chin     Karelian Bear Dog versus Lowchen     Karelian Bear Dog versus Scottish Deerhound     Karelian Bear Dog versus Beaglier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Irish Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockalier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Clumber Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Fila Brasileiro     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Karelian Bear Dog versus Puggle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Field Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bull Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Berdoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Water Spaniel     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Airedale Terrier     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Afador     Saint Bernard versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Saint Bernard versus Bull Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Japanese Chin     Saint Bernard versus Carolina Dog     Saint Bernard versus Boxerdoodle     Saint Bernard versus Maltese     Saint Bernard versus Finnish Spitz     Saint Bernard versus Spinone Italiano     Saint Bernard versus Basenji     Saint Bernard versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Saint Bernard versus Alaskan Malamute     Saint Bernard versus Beaglier     Saint Bernard versus Vizsla     Saint Bernard versus Boxer     Saint Bernard versus Finnish Spitz     Saint Bernard versus Tibetan Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Saint Bernard versus French Bulldog     Saint Bernard versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Saint Bernard versus Chihuahua     Saint Bernard versus Chi-Poo     Saint Bernard versus Akita     Saint Bernard versus Maltese     Saint Bernard versus Beagle     

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