A Detailed Comparison of the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022

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Chihuahua Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Karelian Bear Dog.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Chihuahua 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.

On the other hand, 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.

Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Karelian Bear Dog 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 Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog

FactorChihuahuaKarelian Bear Dog
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/55/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/52/5
Life Span10 to 18 years10 to 13 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/51/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
General Health2/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/51/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/54/5
Does NOT chew on things3/52/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds44 to 50 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Easy To Train4/52/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder19 to 24 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years11.5 years
Average Price$1820$1490
Price Range$850 – $2500$1400 – $1790
Temperament Score69.6 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua 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 Karelian Bear Dog. 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 Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 66 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Chihuahuas have low exercise needs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Karelian Bear Dogs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Chihuahuas do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Chihuahuas are good for new dog owners. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Chihuahuas adapt well to apartment living. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog 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 Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Karelian Bear Dogs weigh 44 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Karelian Bear Dogs are 19 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dogs is 11.5 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Chihuahua

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Chihuahua.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chihuahua is 69.6 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 69.6 percent, the Chihuahua has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Karelian Bear Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 46 Chihuahuas and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Karelian Bear Dog puppy is $1490. The price of the Karelian Bear Dog typically ranges from $1400 – $1790. However, the price of the Karelian Bear Dog can be as low as $900 and as high as $1790. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 13 Karelian Bear Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Chihuahua is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

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    Chihuahua Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1820 $1490
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $1400 to $1790

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Karelian Bear Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Karelian Bear Dog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Karelian Bear Dogs

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

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

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

    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.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Karelian Bear Dog

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

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog. 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 Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.