Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Chihuahua Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction
- Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview
- Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog
- The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Karelian Bear Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog
- Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog
- Temperament of the Karelian Bear Dog Versus the Chihuahua
- Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog
- Do Chihuahuas shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?
- Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Karelian Bear Dog
- How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Karelian Bear Dogs?
- Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?
- Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Karelian Bear Dog
- Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Karelian Bear Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
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
| Factor | Chihuahua | Karelian Bear Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 18 years | 10 to 13 years |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 3 to 6 pounds | 44 to 50 pounds |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 19 to 24 inches |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 11.5 years |
| Average Price | $1820 | $1490 |
| Price Range | $850 – $2500 | $1400 – $1790 |
| Temperament Score | 69.6 percent | 100.0 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | 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:
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:
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.
`| 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 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.