Breed Comparison: Karelian Bear Dog Versus Shetland Sheepdog

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Shetland Sheepdog.

Karelian Bear Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview

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

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

Factor Karelian Bear Dog Shetland Sheepdog
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
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 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
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 Starts at 20 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1350 $1590
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $1000 – $2000
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 68.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- Recommend evaluation every year until age 5, every 2 years thereafter until age 9.
  • 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with other dogs.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shetland Sheepdogs are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shetland Sheepdogs 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, Shetland Sheepdogs do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.

    • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog are very playful.
  • Both the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.

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

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

    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, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Shetland Sheepdog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Shetland Sheepdog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shetland Sheepdog is 68.9 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 68.9 percent, the Shetland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shetland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 515 Shetland Sheepdogs.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Shetland Sheepdog

    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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy is $1590. The price of the Shetland Sheepdog typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Shetland Sheepdog can be as low as $500 and as high as $3145. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 153 Shetland Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Shetland Sheepdog is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Karelian Bear Dog Shetland Sheepdog
    Average Price $1350 $1590
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $1000 to $2000

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Shetland Sheepdogs

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?

    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.

    Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Shetland Sheepdog

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs?

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

    Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog

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

  • Collie (81 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Collie.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi (79 percent match with Shetland Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Welsh Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chow Chow     Karelian Bear Dog versus Miniature Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chorkie     Karelian Bear Dog versus Skye Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Standard Poodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Hovawart     Karelian Bear Dog versus Canaan Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Doberman Pinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chinook     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norwegian Lundehund     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Shepherd Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bich Poo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Norfolk Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Border Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cesky Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Whoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Maltipoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Golden Retriever     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Tervuren     Karelian Bear Dog versus English Setter     

    Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shetland Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Goldendoodle     Shetland Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Scottish Deerhound     Shetland Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso     Shetland Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Borzoi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Papillon     Shetland Sheepdog versus Mountain Cur     Shetland Sheepdog versus Giant Schnauzer     Shetland Sheepdog versus Afador     Shetland Sheepdog versus Borzoi     Shetland Sheepdog versus Rottweiler     Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Shetland Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Shetland Sheepdog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Shetland Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Biewer Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Shetland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher     Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Terrier     Shetland Sheepdog versus Samoyed     

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