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German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Karelsk Björnhund?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog" Compare German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. Which is better: German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Karelian Bear Dog
OriginsGermany flagGermany Finland flagFinland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank2304
Reviews211
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Karelsk Björnhund
Karjalankarhukoira
KBD
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Karelian Bear Dog. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Karelian Bear Dog. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) 44-50 pounds (20-23 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 47 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Karelian Bear Dog?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) 19-23 inches (48-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) 21 inches (53 cm)

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Karelian Bear Dog. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $1000-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Average: The Karelian Bear Dog is a commonly available dog breed.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Karelian Bear Dog. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Independent
Loyal
Territorial
Tenacious
Brave
Cautious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Karelian Bear Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Karelian Bear Dog barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Karelian Bear Dog is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Karelian Bear Dog breed in the home.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Karelian Bear Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Karelian Bear Dog bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Karelian Bear Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Karelian Bear Dog. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Karelian Bear Dogs tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Karelian Bear Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Skin Irritation
Dry Skin
Obesity
Dental Problems
Pituitary Dwarfism
Baldness

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Karelian Bear Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 2.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
White
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Karelian Bear Dog requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Karelian Bear Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Karelian Bear Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Karelian Bear Dog dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Karelian Bear Dog dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Karelian Bear Dog? Can a German Shepherd and a Karelian Bear Dog be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Karelian Bear Dog dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Karelian Bear Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Karelian Bear Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Karelian Bear Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Karelian Bear Dog? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Karelian Bear Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Karelian Bear Dog. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
No data available

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