• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Comparison - Dog breed selector: Canis Islandicus or Karelsk Björnhund or Hungarian Kuvasz? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz" Compare Icelandic Sheepdog and Karelian Bear Dog. Which is better: Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz?
 
 
 
Name Icelandic Sheepdog Karelian Bear Dog Kuvasz
OriginsIceland flagIceland Finland flagFinland Hungary flagHungary
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank144304157
Reviews313
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz breeds.
Canis Islandicus
Friaar Dog
Iceland Dog
Islandsk Farehond
Islenskur Fjarhundur
Icelandic Spitz
Karelsk Björnhund
Karjalankarhukoira
KBD
Hungarian Kuvasz
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz? Compare adult weight ranges.
20-30 pounds (9-14 kg) 44-50 pounds (20-23 kg) Male: 106-137 pounds (48-62 kg), Female: 82-110 pounds (37-50 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 pounds (11.5 kg) 47 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 121 pounds (40 kg), Female: 96 pounds (48,5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz height comparison:
12-16 inches (31-41 cm) 19-23 inches (48-58 cm) Male: 28-30 inches (71-76 cm), Female: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
14 inches (36 cm) 21 inches (53 cm) Male: 29 inches (73.5 cm), Female: 27 inches (68.5 cm)

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1000-$1200 $500-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz?
Frequent: The Icelandic Sheepdog is easier than average to get.
Average: The Karelian Bear Dog is a commonly available dog breed.
Frequent: The Kuvasz is easier than average to get.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is easiest to train?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are easy to train.
See more.
A slightly harder to train than average.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed is most alert?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Kuvasz dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed is most protective?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average defenders.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Kuvasz dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz? Compare temperaments.
Agile
Energetic
Alert
Inquisitive
Cheerful
Independent
Loyal
Territorial
Tenacious
Brave
Cautious
Independent
Clownish
Protective
Intelligent
Patient
Loyal
Fearless
Faithful
Brave
Dependable
Self-Confident
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Kuvasz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz?
High: Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Karelian Bear Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Average: Kuvasz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
See more.
Social Needs
Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz social needs comparison:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Kuvasz dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Icelandic Sheepdog is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Kuvasz dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Their prey drive is low.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Icelandic Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Karelian Bear Dog barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Kuvasz barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed is most playful?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Karelian Bear Dog is a playful breed.
See more.
Average: Kuvaszs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Icelandic Sheepdog breed in the home.
It is not recommended to keep the Karelian Bear Dog breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Kuvasz breed.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed is most flexible?
Icelandic Sheepdog 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.
Average: Kuvasz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Karelian Bear Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Kuvasz has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which uses mouth most during play?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Kuvasz dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Icelandic Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Karelian Bear Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Kuvasz bite force: The Strongest.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Karelian Bear Dog: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Kuvasz: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Icelandic Sheepdog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Karelian Bear Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has fewer health issues?
Icelandic Sheepdogs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Karelian Bear Dogs tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
Kuvaszs are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Icelandic Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Frequent
The Karelian Bear Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Kuvasz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Skin Irritation
Dry Skin
Obesity
Dental Problems
Pituitary Dwarfism
Baldness
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Eye Diseases
Thyroid Disorder
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Osteochondrosis

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The Karelian Bear Dog has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Kuvasz's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 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. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Red
Cream
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Gold
Black
White
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Icelandic Sheepdog requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Advanced: The Karelian Bear Dog requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Kuvasz requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which drools least?
The Icelandic Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Karelian Bear Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Kuvasz is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Icelandic Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Karelian Bear Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Kuvasz has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Soft
Wavy
Thick
Straight
Dense Dense
Wavy
Double
Coarser Topcoat
Moderately Harsh
Slightly Stiff
Finer Downy Undercoat
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz? Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or {name3 shedding:
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Kuvasz dogs shed above average.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is best with kids?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kuvasz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are generally with other pets.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Kuvasz dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz? Which dog is more friendly?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Kuvasz dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Kuvasz dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Icelandic Sheepdog or Karelian Bear Dog or Kuvasz?
Icelandic Sheepdog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Karelian Bear Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Kuvasz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz?
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog 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.
No
Kuvasz dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Icelandic Sheepdog is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Karelian Bear Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Kuvasz is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Karelian Bear Dogs are commonly okay with elderly people.
Kuvaszs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Icelandic Sheepdog 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.

Not really

Kuvasz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which is best for draft work?

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.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has most military use?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 8-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Watchdogs and Herders section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Icelandic Sheepdog, Karelian Bear Dog, and Kuvasz. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
No data available No data available

Rate This Comparsion - Icelandic Sheepdog vs Karelian Bear Dog vs Kuvasz

Reviews