Differences and Similarities between the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

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Great Dane Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Karelian Bear Dog.

Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog

Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog 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.

Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog

FactorGreat DaneKarelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/52/5
Good For Novice Owners1/51/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds44 to 50 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Height26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder19 to 24 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/51/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Dog Friendly5/51/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/52/5
Does NOT Shed1/53/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Life Span7 to 10 years10 to 13 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years11.5 years
Average Price$1560$1490
Price Range$1000 – $2000$1400 – $1790
Temperament Score81.5 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 Great Dane is 73 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 Great Dane is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get a Great Dane!

    Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Great Danes are very friendly towards strangers. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Great Danes are very easy to train. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    The Great Dane weighs 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Great Dane is 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Karelian Bear Dog weighs 44 to 50 pounds when fully grown. The Karelian Bear Dog is 19 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Great Dane versus Size of Karelian Bear Dog

    Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog

    Great Dane Colors

    The Great Dane comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • Harlequin
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • White / Cream
    • Brindle
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Merle (Red)
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver

    The Great Dane comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Golden
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Harlequin
    • Brindle

    Karelian Bear Dog Colors

    The Karelian Bear Dog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • Bicolor

    The Karelian Bear Dog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of the Great Dane is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is 8.5 years.

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

    The Karelian Bear Dog live longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Temperament of the Great Dane Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Great Dane.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 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 81.5 percent, the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Great Dane Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1560 $1490
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1400 to $1790

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. 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 Great Dane 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.

    Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Karelian Bear Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes and many Karelian Bear Dogs are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Great Dane named Marmaduke that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Marmaduke on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Great Danes, Karelian Bear Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, Wreck It Ralph is a Male Karelian Bear Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Karelian Bear Dogs like Wreck It Ralph that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Titan is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Marshall is an adorable Male Karelian Bear Dog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Great Danes and Karelian Bear Dogs are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Great Danes and Karelian Bear Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Great Danes 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 Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Great Dane compares to other breeds aside from the Karelian Bear Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Great Dane versus Harrier     Great Dane versus Whoodle     Great Dane versus Fila Brasileiro     Great Dane versus Bich Poo     Great Dane versus Pomeranian     Great Dane versus Boxer     Great Dane versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Great Dane versus Coton de Tulear     Great Dane versus American Eskimo Dog     Great Dane versus Biewer Terrier     Great Dane versus Manchester Terrier     Great Dane versus Pomsky     Great Dane versus Frenchton     Great Dane versus Portuguese Water Dog     Great Dane versus Lowchen     Great Dane versus Pekingese     Great Dane versus Akbash     Great Dane versus Italian Greyhound     Great Dane versus Belgian Malinois     

    Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.