German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Karelian Bear Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Karelian Bear Dog.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog: Overview

Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are similar in size. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog

FactorGerman Shorthaired PointerKarelian Bear Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Height1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho19 to 24 inches
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 13 years
Good For Novice Owners2/51/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/55/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/51/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Dog Friendly4/51/5
Does NOT chew on things2/52/5
Weight45 to 70 pounds44 to 50 pounds
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Low Prey Drive1/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.5 years
Average Price$1140$1490
Price Range$800 – $1300$1400 – $1790
Temperament Score78.1 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Karelian Bear Dog. So, you should get a German Shorthaired Pointer!

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog

    Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are most different:

  • German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Karelian Bear Dogs can tolerate cold weather.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with other dogs. However, Karelian Bear Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train. However, Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog

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

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 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 German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of Karelian Bear Dog

    Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog

    German Shorthaired Pointer Colors

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    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 German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog

    The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the Karelian Bear Dog.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Karelian Bear Dog

    The Karelian Bear Dog has a better temperament than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Karelian Bear Dog is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 78.1 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 78.1 percent, the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 3 Karelian Bear Dogs.

    Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Karelian Bear Dog

    The average price of the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is $1140. The price of the German Shorthaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a German Shorthaired Pointer can be as low as $350 and as high as $2695. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 453 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 Karelian Bear Dog is more expensive than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Karelian Bear Dog
    Average Price $1140 $1490
    Price Range $800 to $1300 $1400 to $1790

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog

    Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Karelian Bear Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer named Rodney that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers like Rodney on pefinder.com.

    Also, like German Shorthaired Pointers, Karelian Bear Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, Marshall is a Male Karelian Bear Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Karelian Bear Dogs like Marshall that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Blue is the name of another German Shorthaired Pointer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more German Shorthaired Pointers and Karelian Bear Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Karelian Bear Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Karelian Bear Dogs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Karelian Bear Dogs shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Karelian Bear Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Karelian Bear Dog

    German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Karelian Bear Dogs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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.

    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 German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Karelian Bear Dogs?

    German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Karelian Bear Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Karelian Bear Dog

    German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily 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 German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Karelian Bear Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Karelian Bear Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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 German Shorthaired Pointer or the Karelian Bear Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chorkie     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Puggle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai     German Shorthaired Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Morkie     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Brussels Griffon     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pekingese     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Sloughi     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Sealyham Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Westiepoo     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Japanese Chin     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Puli     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Collie     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shiranian     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Afador     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the Karelian Bear Dog better suits you and your family.