Differences and Similarities between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog.

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

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Yorkshire Terrier Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

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

Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier 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.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

FactorYorkshire TerrierKarelian Bear Dog
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/54/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Low Prey Drive4/51/5
Dog Friendly3/51/5
Easy To Train3/52/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Affectionate With Family4/54/5
General Health4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/52/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds44 to 50 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/52/5
Easygoing1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder19 to 24 inches
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.5 years
Average Price$2420$1490
Price Range$1600 – $2950$1400 – $1790
Temperament Score83.7 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is 76 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 Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get a Yorkshire Terrier!

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Yorkshire Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Karelian Bear Dogs have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Yorkshire Terriers are good for new dog owners. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Yorkshire Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

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

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 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 Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Karelian Bear Dog

    Appearance (Colors) of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog

    Yorkshire Terrier Colors

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Bicolor
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Golden
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • White / Cream
    • Sable

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Golden
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Sable
    • Bicolor

    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 Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 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 Yorkshire Terrier live longer than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Temperament of the Yorkshire Terrier Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the Yorkshire Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 83.7 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 83.7 percent, the Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 43 Yorkshire Terriers and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of Yorkshire Terrier versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the Yorkshire Terrier puppy is $2420. The price of the Yorkshire Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2950. However, the price of a Yorkshire Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 957 Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier is more expensive than the Karelian Bear Dog.

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    Yorkshire Terrier Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $2420 $1490
    Price Range $1600 to $2950 $1400 to $1790

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Yorkshire Terriers. 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 Yorkshire Terrier 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.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

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

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

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

    Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Karelian Bear Dog

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Yorkshire Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other 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 Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Yorkshire Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Westiepoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Mal Shi     Yorkshire Terrier versus Afador     Yorkshire Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     Yorkshire Terrier versus Pomeranian     Yorkshire Terrier versus Basset Hound     Yorkshire Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Saint Berdoodle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Akbash     Yorkshire Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Yorkshire Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Yorkshire Terrier versus Maltese     Yorkshire Terrier versus Chi-Poo     

    Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier 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 Yorkshire Terrier and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.