Some individuals, when asked to name a dog breed that resembles a bear, would think of the small, cuddly dogs we all had as kids and tucked in our teddy bear blankets. On the other side, some people see huge, furry canines that look like bears and could easily be mistaken for one if they were wandering down the street.
Here is our definitive list of 15 dogs that resemble bears, from the tiniest teddy bear dogs to the largest dogs that can be mistaken for genuine bears.
Some of the dogs mentioned are perhaps the well-known types you’re familiar with, while others are possibly newer to you.
The one thing that can’t be denied is that they’re all positively adorable!
SMALL DOGS
POMERANIAN
Starting with the tiniest of the canine pack, the Pomeranian, we move on to the larger breeds. A soft and lovable teddy bear in the flesh.
The smallest of the Spitz breed, the Pomeranian takes its name from the ancient area of Pomerania, now divided between Poland and Germany. Spitz is a German word that means “pointed,” and it describes the characteristic snouts and ears of the Spitz dog breed.
Pomeranians are easily recognisable by their unusual appearance; they have a striking and charming fluffy coat.
Poms are small dogs with big characters. Pampered dogs have a reputation for being cocky, inquisitive, and charming because of the stereotype that they thrive on the good life. However, we can forgive them because this coddling is required to maintain their beautiful coat, which is one of the things that sets them apart most prominently.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Size range: 18-30cm
Lifespan: 12-16 years Weight: 1.2-3.2kg
Individuality traits: naughty, self-assured, and bright
BICHON FRISE
The Bichon Frise, a small, fluffy dog that is closely related to the Maltese and the Havanese, is often called “the little comedian” because of its playful personality. Their upbeat nature and cute teddy bear appearance are guaranteed to make you grin.
The Bichon Frise’s goofy, rambunctious, and occasionally devilish nature is meant in good spirit. Your Bichon will love you unconditionally and enjoy life and good times with you.
The Bichon Frise is like a little, cuddly teddy bear, with its white, fluffy hair styled in a circular manner around its head.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Stature between 20 and 30 centimetres
Age at death: 12-15 years, 3-5kg
Characteristics: upbeat, jovial, and loving
MEDIUM DOGS
KEESHOND
This pup really just wants to become friends with you. The Keeshond, sometimes known as the “people’s dog,” is a friendly breed that was originally developed to keep an eye out for trouble and keep fisherman company on the open water. The ‘Dutch Barge Dog’ moniker originated in this region.
Remember that even though they were bred to be guard dogs, they aren’t exactly the most reliable ones! Even though they may bark at a stranger at first, most dogs quickly warm up to and become best friends with everyone that visits their home.
Keeshonds are highly bright and sociable, and their presence will immediately make you realise that you can never again enjoy the company of just one person. They’ll cling to you like superglue. However, they aren’t good at handling isolation.
Keeshond puppies resemble bear cubs nearly exactly, a resemblance which fades as the dogs mature. They remain just as endearing, though. It will take some effort to keep their thick coat looking good, but that is nothing to worry about if you brush it often.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
12- 14 years old, 40-48 inches tall, 15-20 pounds
Characteristics: Warm, charismatic, and bright
EURASIER
The Eurasier is a very special dog that evolved from the Chow Chow, the Wolfspitz, and the Samoyed, all of which resemble bears. Given their background, it’s no surprise they resemble bears so closely in appearance.
This breed, once known as the “Wolf Chow,” was renamed the “Eurasier” to honour its unique combination of European and Asian ancestry.
The aristocratic aspect of the Eurasier is a result of their genealogy; they look like a cross between a teddy bear and a genuine bear. This dog’s good looks are guaranteed to stop passers-by in their tracks.
According to their reputation, Eurasiers are a well-rounded breed that is easy to train thanks to their docility and self-assurance. Although they are technically considered dogs, Eurasiers rapidly become more like children than pets thanks to the deep bonds they make with their human families.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
The height range is between 48 and 60 centimetres.
Age at death: 12-15 years, 20-30 kg
Personality: level-headed, devoted to family, intellectual
SAMOYED
The Samoyed is a type of Spitz dog native to the colder regions of Russia. Originally used for pulling sledges, this breed looks like a little polar bear and sports a beautiful white coat that is ideal for the conditions.
“Sammies,” as they are affectionately known by their owners, are a friendly breed, but they are still working dogs at heart and need plenty of physical and mental activity to avoid becoming bored.
Both the temperament and the physical appearance of a Samoyed reflect this trait. Because its mouth is always pointing upward, Sammies always seem to be smiling at you. The Samoyed smile is remarkable in that it serves a functional purpose in addition to its aesthetic value. A fantastic evolutionary adaptation for working in freezing settings is an upturned mouth, which stops drooling and prevents icicles from collecting on their face.
The Sammie is easily recognised by its distinctive white coat. However, it requires a lot of maintenance, as enormous white fur balls will be shed all over your home. No, seriously, it will spread like wildfire.
Despite the fact that they shed, at least there’s no drool involved! In addition, remember that your Samoyed puppy will require training because of his or her tendency to pull on the lead. They were born and raised to haul sleds, so who can blame them?
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
In the range of 50-60cm in height
Life expectancy: 11-14 years at 20-30 kg
Characteristics: upbeat, bright, and active
CHOW CHOW
This is a breed that stands out from the crowd. The Chow Chow, originating in China and often considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds, manages to look both regal and adorable.
The Chow Chow looks like a real bear thanks to its thick fur and cute wrinkled face. The breed may look cute, but its members are notoriously independent and prefer their own company to that of humans. This doesn’t seem fair, considering how cute they are.
When it comes to their loved ones, they are faithful and protective but not particularly affectionate. It’s no secret that Chows are also top-notch working dogs; this versatile breed excels in tasks like hauling, hunting, and guarding. Before Queen Victoria introduced the breed in the late 1800s, the breed was mostly unknown in the Western world, but its popularity quickly grew.
The Chow Chow’s unusual blue tongue is just one more way in which the breed stands out. According to an old Chinese myth, these canines were given permission to lick up the pieces of blue sky that fell after the stars were put in their proper places, which explains their distinctive colouring. In reality, it’s because they have a lot of pigment in their tongue, but this ancient myth makes it sound much cooler.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Measurements between 45 and 60 centimetres in height
Life expectancy: 11-15 years at 20-40kg
Individuality: Reserved, Loyal, and Respectful
LARGE DOGS
AKITA INU
The Akita Inu is a noble-looking breed of dog that originated in Japan and is a member of the Spitz family.
This breed has a reputation for being fiercely loyal to its human family and providing unwavering protection. Akita Inus exude an air of confidence, making them ideal guard dogs, although they can be overprotective if they feel threatened.
These dogs were not just designed to be companions to the upper class; their extraordinary strength and power made them ideal for hunting a wide variety of wild creatures. Despite this, you couldn’t identify a bear pup from a bear cub at a glance since they’re both so lovely and fluffy. Even as adults, they maintain an air of dignity thanks to their thick fur and endearing facial features, which are reminiscent of bears.
Even though Akita Inus don’t shed heavily year-round, they do ‘blow’ twice a year, which causes their hair to fall out in massive amounts. The fur of an Akita Inu can be quite thick, thus its human guardians may need a powerful vacuum.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Life expectancy: 10-13 years Body mass index: 30-45
Characteristics: watchful, devoted, and sharp
MAREMMANO-ABRUZZESE SHEEPDOG
This stunning breed is largely unknown, going by the names Maremma Sheepdog, Maremmano Sheepdog, and Abruzzese Sheepdog. Some people may not be familiar with these dogs, but they are another beautiful and cute addition to our list of canines who look like polar bears.
Dogs of this breed were originally created in Italy to protect sheep from wolves; they are known for their work ethic and their ability to think on their own. The Abruzzo area of Italy is home to a large population of Maremmano Sheepdogs, and this breed is renowned for its loyalty and devotion to its guard dog duties.
These breeds are ideal for those who have a sizable yard, as the dogs tend to be quite large and have a history of hard work. These puppies would do best in a rural setting where they could continue working.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Age 11–14; height 60–75 cm; weight 35–45 kg; lifespan 11–14 years
Personality traits: Loyal, self-reliant, and mild
GIANT DOGS
GREAT PYRENEES
The Great Pyrenees is an exceptional canine. Because of its enormous size, people would mistake this breed for a real polar bear if they saw it wandering along the street.
A magnificent beast with incredible strength and power, the Great Pyrenees takes its name from the range of mountains that separate France and Spain. These dogs were created to protect sheep from being stolen on the snowy mountaintops, so they may look intimidating, but they are actually rather docile.
Although they are devoted family pets, these dogs also value their personal space. Great Pyrenees are notoriously tough to train, and they may not even bother to learn basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “heel” that their owners consider crucial.
However, this won’t be a problem for a seasoned proprietor.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Size: between 40 and 55 kg and 65 centimetres in height; age range: 10 to 13 years
Characteristics: mild, self-reliant, and self-assured
LEONBERGER
The Leonberger is descended from three other bear-like breeds—the Newfoundland, the Saint Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees. Their popularity as pets and companions is on the rise thanks to their friendly demeanour, and their name comes from the German city of Leonberg.
The Leonberger, which appears like a genuine bear, is powerful and threatening while yet being magnificent and graceful.
The Leonberger’s height and power make him an ideal cart-hauling partner and also a formidable watchdog. The Leonberger is the ideal companion for an energetic owner, as it is glad to go on walks, swims, and backpacking trips with you.
If you’re prepared to give your Leonberger the time, attention, and space it needs, you’ll be rewarded with a dog who is twice as loving and loyal.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
65-80cm in height.
Age 9-12, 40-75 kg, 9-12 years
Characteristics: devoted, playful, and loving
TIBETAN MASTIFF
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence, and it is a beast.
Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t even closely related to the true Mastiff. Mastiff was a common Western term for large dogs, thus it was likely these explorers from the Old World who gave the breed its current name. The same is true of the misclassification of Tibetan Spaniels and Tibetan Terriers.
This breed of dog was developed specifically to serve as a guard dog, and it takes its job very seriously. Given their professional upbringing, they have an innate need to protect the people and things that are most important to them, including your home. This might make them protective and territorial. However, despite this, they are loyal to their families and make remarkably laid-back pets.
Pup-ularity of Tibetan Mastiffs is on the rise, but they do require dedication.
Maintaining training and socialisation is crucial, as is accepting the inevitable shedding of their massive coat. Although, the Tibetan Mastiff’s devotion and genuine desire to bring you joy will more than compensate for any inconveniences.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
12-15 year lifespan, 60-85 cm tall, 40-75 kg.
Characteristics: Loyal, Reserved, and Watchful
NEWFOUNDLAND
When picturing a dog that resembles a bear, the Newfoundland—or “Newfie” to its many fans—may be the first to come to mind. Newfoundlands, despite their massive size and abundant fur, have the disposition of gentle giants.
- These dogs are well-suited for working with fisherman and can even save lives thanks to their waterproof coats and webbed feet. Stories abound of Newfoundlands showing extraordinary bravery by rescuing humans from water’s chill.
Among their many skills is that of natural babysitter, since members of this breed are revered for their exceptional protectiveness and sensitivity toward children. Pup-ular culture depicts a Newfoundland named Nana as a nanny to numerous kids in the classic Peter Pan tale.
As opposed to being only a pet, a Newfoundland will rapidly win your heart and become an indispensable member of the household. The occasional difficulty of caring for a large dog, such as drooling and a thick coat that attracts mud and requires frequent brushing, is more than compensated for by the endearing personality and devoted nature of the pet owner.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Those between 8 and 12 years old, with a height between 60 and 85 centimetres and a weight between 50 and 75 kg
Characteristics: mild-mannered, courageous, and sweet
CAUCASIAN SHEPHERD
These dogs, also known as Caucasian Ovcharkas, are enormous, strong, and intimidating. These massive dogs were developed to deter predators like bears and wolves from attacking livestock because of their appearance and size similarities.
Though its ancestry is shrouded in mystery, it is known that the Caucasian Shepherd has served shepherds in the Caucasus Mountains of Eastern Europe for generations and that the Russian military has recently begun employing the breed to guard captives.
Despite their intimidating and protective appearance, they are deeply dedicated to their loved ones. Even when they aren’t on watch, they love to laze around and sleep. In the face of peril, a Caucasian Shepherd will do whatever to keep you safe. They are difficult to defeat in battle, nevertheless.
Because of their massive size, powerful build, and headstrong personality, Great Danes are not the best choice for first-time dog owners. Consider also the quantity of saliva and hair they produce. However, if you can find a good dog paw-rent, a Caucasian Shepherd will become a fantastic furry buddy who only wants to protect its family.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Life expectancy: 10-13 years Body mass index: 50-80
Personality traits: vigilance, devotion, and composure
PYRENEAN MASTIFF
Among our livestock guardian dogs is the Pyrenean Mastiff, which is not to be confused with the Great Pyrenees but is no less magnificent for that. This breed has been documented as far back as the Middle Ages, but it is now extremely rare due to a decrease in demand for dogs of this type.
In spite of their intimidating size, dogs of this type make wonderful family pets since they are docile, loyal, and protective.
They are content with a loving household, moderate exercise, and time alone because of their independent attitude. Despite this, they still require lots of attention and love, as well as frequent trips to the groomer to deal with the excessive shedding and the drool. If you meet a Mastiff, you can count on a few slobbery licks.
Comparisons between breeds
65-80cm in height.
Range of Acceptable Body Mass: 60-90
Age at death: 10-13
Characteristics: Bold, Reasonable, and Cool
SAINT BERNARD
The Saint Bernard was first bred to save people from the harsh conditions of the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Western Alps, and its appearance is eerily similar to that of a genuine bear. However, there is no real bear present to cause harm.
As working dogs, they were significantly smaller than the massive breeds we know today.
Another gentle giant to add to the list, their history of rescuing others has given them a disposition that is warm and friendly. They have a way with kids and are frequently praised for their vigilance and patience around the little ones in their care.
The St. Bernard is extremely loyal to its family and may even continue to believe it is a lap dog despite its massive size. The St. Bernard’s primary motivation is owner satisfaction; they will go to great lengths to shower you with affection, kisses, and drool if necessary.
Due to its large size and clumsy nature, a St. Bernard can cause a number of mishaps and damage to your home. They are completely unaware of their enormous size and will knock over, crush, and ruin several items in your home.
You can have the best of both worlds with one of these dogs as a companion and a member of your household as long as you don’t place too much value on neatness and orderliness.
POPULATION AND BREEDING DATA
Length of life: 8-11 years Height: 70-95cm Weight: 60-90kg
Characteristics: calm, kind, and kind nature
RECAP
There are teddy-bear-looking small dogs like the Pomeranian and huge, dramatic dogs like the St. Bernard (who still wants to be a lap dog, by the way!)
Whichever breed you choose, you can rest assured that you and everyone you meet will be taken by their bearlike good looks. Keep in mind that all of these dogs have a lot of fur, so you’ll need a strong vacuum and hairbrush to keep up with it.
