15 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears and Are Adorable
If you’ve ever wished you could have a pet that looks like a real-life teddy bear, you’re not alone. Many dog lovers are drawn to breeds that have a big, fluffy appearance and a gentle personality to match. These adorable dogs bring both a sense of protection and cuddly charm into any home.
Whether you’re looking for a large, protective companion or a smaller, more playful friend, there are plenty of options that fit the bill. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular dog breeds that look like bears.
1. Chow Chow: The Lion-Bear Hybrid
The Chow Chow is one of the most iconic dog breeds that resemble bears. Originally from China, this ancient breed has a distinctive, fluffy double coat and a mane of fur around its neck, making it look like a lion-bear mix. Its broad face, small eyes, and deep-set wrinkles add to its bear-like charm.
Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, Chow Chows are known for being independent and somewhat aloof, often forming a close bond with one person. They’re loyal and protective, making them a great companion for those who want both a guard dog and a fluffy friend.
2. Tibetan Mastiff: The Majestic Bear-Like Guardian
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The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant breed that looks like a bear, especially with its massive frame and thick, luxurious coat. Originally bred to protect livestock in the Himalayan mountains, these dogs are as protective as they are impressive in size.
Standing up to 26 inches tall and weighing over 100 pounds, their imposing size and bear-like features make them a stunning breed. They are known for their independent nature and strong guarding instincts, often being quite reserved with strangers but deeply loyal to their families.
3. Keeshond: The Smaller Yet Fluffier Bear
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If you’re looking for a smaller dog with bear-like qualities, the Keeshond is a great option. This Dutch breed is covered in thick, plush fur, with a rounded face and expressive eyes that give it a bear-like appearance. Despite their fluffiness, Keeshonds are relatively small, weighing between 35-45 pounds.
They’re known for being friendly, lively, and affectionate, making them ideal family pets. Their charming “smiling” expression and dense coat make them look like a miniature bear, but their personality is pure joy.
4. Eurasier: A Rare Bear-Looking Companion
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The Eurasier is a relatively new breed, created by crossing the Chow Chow, Samoyed, and Wolfspitz, resulting in a dog that looks remarkably like a bear. Their thick fur, rounded ears, and compact body give them a fluffy, bear-like appearance that is both striking and endearing.
Eurasiers are calm, gentle dogs that thrive in family environments. They’re known for being friendly but not overly energetic, making them a perfect balance for those who want a relaxed, bear-like companion at home.
5. Caucasian Shepherd Dog: The Ultimate Bear-Lookalike
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The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka, is one of the largest dog breeds that resemble bears. Originating from the Caucasus Mountains, these dogs were bred to guard livestock from predators like wolves and bears, and they look like they could be one themselves.
Their massive size, thick fur, and broad head give them a striking resemblance to a bear. Weighing over 150 pounds and standing up to 30 inches tall, they are powerful and dominant. Despite their intimidating appearance, Caucasian Shepherds are fiercely loyal to their families and make excellent guard dogs for those who have the space and experience to handle them.
6. Akita: The Wolf-Bear Hybrid
The Akita is a large, powerful dog breed from Japan, often compared to both wolves and bears due to its robust build, dense fur, and striking facial features. The Akita has a thick double coat that adds to its bear-like appearance, especially during colder months when its fur becomes extra fluffy.
Known for their loyalty and courage, Akitas were originally bred for hunting large game, such as boar and bears. They have a dignified, serious expression, and their rounded, broad face with small, pointed ears gives them a distinct bear-like look. Despite their sometimes aloof nature, Akitas are deeply devoted to their families and known for being quiet, calm, and protective.
7. Samoyed: The Fluffy Bear with a Smile
Samoyeds are often referred to as “smiling Sammies” because of their happy expressions, but their fluffy white coats make them look strikingly similar to polar bears. Originally bred by the nomadic Samoyedic people of Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds, Samoyeds are tough working dogs wrapped in a cloud of soft fur.
Their rounded faces, fluffy bodies, and black noses make them resemble polar bear cubs, especially when they’re puppies. Samoyeds are known for their friendly, playful nature and love to be around people, making them excellent companions for families. However, their thick coats require regular grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog: The Gentle Giant Bear
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, fluffy breed that hails from the Swiss Alps, where it was originally used to herd cattle and pull carts. With its long, thick, tri-colored coat, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a soft, bear-like appearance that’s both striking and comforting.
Their large frame, fluffy fur, and broad face give them a cuddly, bear-like look, and their calm, easygoing nature makes them gentle giants. Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their affectionate, loyal personalities and are particularly good with children. They’re ideal for families who want a large, fluffy, bear-like companion that’s also gentle and loving.
9. Alaskan Malamute: The Arctic Bear
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful dogs with a thick, fluffy coat that was bred for hauling heavy loads across the frozen tundra. They closely resemble wolves, but their large, strong bodies and broad heads give them a bear-like look, particularly when their fur is thick and fluffy during the winter months.
Alaskan Malamutes are incredibly strong, weighing up to 85 pounds, and they have a thick double coat that makes them look like miniature bears when they’re all fluffed up. Known for being friendly, playful, and energetic, they’re a great choice for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
However, their high energy levels and need for exercise make them better suited for owners who can keep up with their active lifestyle.
10. Newfoundland: The Water-Loving Bear
The Newfoundland is a massive breed with a thick, waterproof coat, giving them a bear-like appearance, particularly when their fur is fluffed up after a swim. Newfoundlands were originally bred in Canada as working dogs for fishermen, and they are known for their incredible strength, gentle temperament, and natural swimming abilities.
Their large, rounded heads, broad chests, and thick coats make them look like a cross between a bear and a dog. Newfoundlands are famous for their friendly, patient nature, making them ideal companions for families, especially those with children. Despite their size—some can weigh up to 150 pounds—Newfoundlands are gentle giants, always ready to lend a helping paw or a big, fluffy cuddle.
11. Leonberger: The Gentle Bear
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The Leonberger is an impressive breed that resembles a majestic lion and a bear at the same time. Known for their large size and thick, flowing coats, Leonbergers were originally bred in Germany as working dogs. With males often reaching up to 170 pounds, they are among the largest dog breeds.
Their bear-like appearance comes from their broad head, deep-set eyes, and luxurious mane of fur around their neck and chest. Despite their enormous size, Leonbergers are known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
They are wonderful family dogs, highly intelligent, and often form strong bonds with children. Their calm demeanor and playful energy make them excellent companions for those who have the space to accommodate such a large, bear-like dog.
12. Great Pyrenees: The White Mountain Bear
The Great Pyrenees, or Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a large and fluffy breed that has a strong resemblance to a polar bear. Bred in the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain to guard livestock, these dogs are known for their thick, white coats and imposing size. Weighing up to 100 pounds or more, their fluffy fur and massive build give them a bear-like appearance.
The Great Pyrenees is known for its calm, patient, and protective temperament, especially when it comes to guarding its family. They’re independent thinkers and make excellent guardians for homes with large outdoor spaces. Despite their protective instincts, they are gentle and affectionate with their families, making them great companions for those who enjoy the outdoors and need a loyal, bear-like guardian.
13. Shiloh Shepherd: The Fluffy Giant Bear
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The Shiloh Shepherd is a newer breed, developed to resemble a larger, more gentle version of the German Shepherd. With its thick, fluffy coat and large, bear-like frame, this dog is a true giant. Shiloh Shepherds have a soft, plush coat and a rounded head that gives them a distinctly bear-like appearance, especially when their fur is fully grown out.
These dogs are known for their calm and balanced nature, making them great companions for families. Unlike their German Shepherd cousins, Shiloh Shepherds are bred to be less intense and more easygoing. Their gentle temperament, combined with their bear-like looks, makes them ideal for owners seeking a large, fluffy companion without the high-energy drive typical of working breeds.
14. Finnish Lapphund: The Small Bear-Like Herding Dog
The Finnish Lapphund may be smaller than some of the other breeds on this list, but it has all the characteristics of a bear-like dog. Originally bred to herd reindeer in the cold climates of Finland, the Finnish Lapphund has a thick, fluffy coat and a round, expressive face that makes it resemble a small bear.
These dogs are medium-sized, usually weighing between 30-50 pounds, but their dense fur and sturdy build give them a larger-than-life appearance. Finnish Lapphunds are known for being friendly, calm, and good with children, making them ideal family pets.
Their bear-like look is complemented by their playful and affectionate personality, making them a great choice for those who want a smaller, fluffy companion with a unique appearance.
15. Cane Corso: The Bear-Looking Guardian
While the Cane Corso doesn’t have the fluffy fur of other bear-like breeds, its massive, muscular build and broad head give it a strong resemblance to a bear. Bred in Italy as a guard dog and protector, the Cane Corso is a powerful and impressive breed that often weighs over 100 pounds. Its short, dense coat and large, square-shaped head contribute to its bear-like appearance.
Despite its intimidating look, the Cane Corso is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are often excellent guardians for homes. While their bear-like appearance may seem imposing, Cane Corsos are known for being gentle and affectionate with those they trust.
