Karelian Bear Dog versus West Highland White Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Karelian Bear Dog Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Karelian Bear Dog and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier.

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 West Highland White Terrier.

Karelian Bear Dog versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Karelian Bear Dog and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Karelian Bear Dog versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Karelian Bear Dog to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

Factor Karelian Bear Dog West Highland White Terrier
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 16 years
Height 19 to 24 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
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 13 to 22 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1350 $2220
Price Range $1400 – $1400 $1600 – $2700
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 89.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

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

    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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Karelian Bear Dog and the West Highland White Terrier are most different:

  • Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, West Highland White Terriers are good for new dog owners.
  • Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs. However, West Highland White Terriers get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the Karelian Bear Dog and the West Highland White Terrier

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Karelian Bear Dog and the West Highland White Terrier.

    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, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog versus West Highland White Terrier

    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 West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    West Highland White Terriers live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the West Highland White Terrier

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the West Highland White Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the West Highland White Terrier is 89.7 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 89.7 percent, the West Highland White Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Karelian Bear Dog and the West Highland White Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 3 Karelian Bear Dogs and 68 West Highland White Terriers.

    Price of Karelian Bear Dog versus Price of West Highland White Terrier

    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 West Highland White Terrier puppy is $2220. The price of the West Highland White Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2700. However, the price of the West Highland White Terrier can be as low as $600 and as high as $3999. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 103 West Highland White Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The West Highland White Terrier is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Karelian Bear Dog West Highland White Terrier
    Average Price $1350 $2220
    Price Range $1400 to $1400 $1600 to $2700

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Karelian Bear Dog and West Highland White Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Karelian Bear Dog puppies or how many West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of West Highland White Terriers

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Karelian Bear Dogs shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Karelian Bear Dog or the West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Karelian Bear Dog or the West Highland White Terrier?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Karelian Bear Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?

    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.

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Karelian Bear Dog vs. West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Karelian Bear Dogs good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Karelian Bear Dogs and West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Karelian Bear Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Karelian Bear Dog or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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:

  • Mountain Cur (77 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Mountain Cur.
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound (76 percent match with Karelian Bear Dog). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Treeing Walker Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Karelian Bear Dog vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Karelian Bear Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Karelian Bear Dog versus French Bulldog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Australian Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saluki     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Pinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus Belgian Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Carolina Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Karelian Bear Dog versus King Shepherd     Karelian Bear Dog versus Pomchi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Mudi     Karelian Bear Dog versus Papillon     Karelian Bear Dog versus Saint Bernard     Karelian Bear Dog versus Airedale Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Affenhuahua     Karelian Bear Dog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Maremma Sheepdog     Karelian Bear Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Karelian Bear Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cairn Terrier     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cavapoo     Karelian Bear Dog versus Bernedoodle     Karelian Bear Dog versus Goldador     Karelian Bear Dog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Karelian Bear Dog versus Cockalier     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Goldador     West Highland White Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     West Highland White Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Stabyhoun     West Highland White Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     West Highland White Terrier versus Whippet     West Highland White Terrier versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Affenhuahua     West Highland White Terrier versus Kishu Ken     West Highland White Terrier versus Akita Chow     West Highland White Terrier versus Puli     West Highland White Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     West Highland White Terrier versus Goldador     West Highland White Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Samoyed     West Highland White Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     West Highland White Terrier versus Beaglier     West Highland White Terrier versus Gordon Setter     West Highland White Terrier versus Saluki     West Highland White Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus Collie     West Highland White Terrier versus Maltese     West Highland White Terrier versus Cockalier     

    Conclusion: Karelian Bear Dog versus West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.