Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Karelian Bear Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Karelian Bear Dog
- Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu
- Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Karelian Bear Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Karelian Bear Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Karelian Bear Dog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Karelian Bear Dog Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Karelian Bear Dog | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 13 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 19 to 24 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 44 to 50 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $1350 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1400 – $1400 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu
The Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.
Temperament of the Shih Tzu Versus the Karelian Bear Dog
The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Shih Tzu.
This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Shih Tzu is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.
| Karelian Bear Dog | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1350 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1400 to $1400 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Karelian Bear Dog and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Karelian Bear Dog puppies or how many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Karelian Bear Dog puppy or the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than Shih Tzus?
Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shih Tzu
Karelian Bear Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Karelian Bear Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. Shih Tzu
Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Karelian Bear Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and Shih Tzus?
Karelian Bear Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Karelian Bear Dog or the Shih Tzu?
Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Karelian Bear Dog and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Karelian Bear Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd Karelian Bear Dog versus Lhasapoo Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Tervuren Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomapoo Karelian Bear Dog versus Bordoodle Karelian Bear Dog versus Kishu Ken Karelian Bear Dog versus Borzoi Karelian Bear Dog versus Harrier Karelian Bear Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo Karelian Bear Dog versus Samoyed Karelian Bear Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres Karelian Bear Dog versus Canaan Dog Karelian Bear Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Karelian Bear Dog versus Saluki Karelian Bear Dog versus Akita Karelian Bear Dog versus Kerry Blue Terrier Karelian Bear Dog versus Giant Schnauzer Karelian Bear Dog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Karelian Bear Dog versus Alaskan Malamute Karelian Bear Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Karelian Bear Dog versus Cane Corso Karelian Bear Dog versus Puli Karelian Bear Dog versus Pyredoodle Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Bernard Karelian Bear Dog versus Shiranian
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus English Setter Shih Tzu versus Akita Shih Tzu versus Carolina Dog Shih Tzu versus Toy Fox Terrier Shih Tzu versus Neapolitan Mastiff Shih Tzu versus Curly-Coated Retriever Shih Tzu versus American Bulldog Shih Tzu versus Pomeranian Shih Tzu versus Portuguese Water Dog Shih Tzu versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shih Tzu versus Newfoundland Shih Tzu versus Miniature Poodle Shih Tzu versus Whippet Shih Tzu versus Chow Chow Shih Tzu versus Chinese Shar-Pei Shih Tzu versus Belgian Tervuren Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Gordon Setter Shih Tzu versus Japanese Chin Shih Tzu versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Shih Tzu versus German Shorthaired Pointer Shih Tzu versus Sussex Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Shichon Shih Tzu versus Shetland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Conclusion: Karelian Bear Dog versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.