Dogs That Look Like Bears

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Dog breeds with bear-like expressions and movements are a result of a common ancestor called the miacid, dating back 45 million years. These cuddly, cute, and fluffy dog breeds are not only fun to look at but also make great family companions and guard dogs due to their individual characteristics.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian shepherd, also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka or Russian bear dog, is a powerful breed bred to guard flocks in the Caucasus Mountains. With a strong guardian instinct, they are aggressive, highly protective, and suspicious of unfamiliar people and animals.

Eurasier

The Eurasier, a German breed combining Spitz-type and Chow-Chows, has a fluffy, bear-like appearance and a gentle demeanor. Known for its European and Asian descent, this confident, well-balanced dog is confident and loves spending time with their families. With thick fur, particularly around their heads, they make excellent guard dogs and are not the largest bear-like breeds.

Maremma Sheepdog

The Maremma Sheepdog is an Italian breed of livestock guardian dog, native to Central Italy, particularly the Maremma region of Tuscany and Lazio, and northern areas of Southern Italy. Its dense white coat and intense black eyes resemble those of polar bears, giving it a stately, noble appearance. The breed was developed by livestock owners to guard their herds in the Abruzzo and Maremma regions. The Maremma is muscular, intelligent, and has been bred for centuries to protect herds and flocks from wolves.

Keeshond

The Keeshond is a friendly, energetic, intelligent, and easy-to-train Northern-type dog that can reach up to 18 inches tall and weigh up to 45 pounds. With a long, straight outer coat and a thick, downy undercoat, they provide insulation from cold and damp. Their hair is often a mixture of gray and black. The Keeshond combines traits of the best house dogs: being energetic, playful, attentive, loving, and ready for adventure. They are sensitive, learn easily, and make great companions, making them an alert watchdog.

Leonberger

The Leonberger, a German breed resembling lions, is known for its gentle yet watchful nature. Known for its shaggy coat, friendly face, and massive paws, the “Leo dog” is renowned for its lion-like mane and large size. To maintain their appearance, they require ample playtime and attention to their coat.

Poodle

Poodles are medium-sized dogs with soft, fluffy, curly coats and a teddy bear-like appearance. They are highly intelligent, highly trainable, and well-suited for various tasks. However, they can become destructive if not stimulated physically and mentally. Active owners can find a loving, smart, trainable, and loyal family companion for their poodle who can easily bond with their owners.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog, a large, friendly breed from Switzerland, may appear to be a St. Bernard due to their striking resemblance. Known for their sweet, loving nature and calm demeanor, they are a working breed that can be mistaken for bears due to their size and long coat. They make great companions for adults and children.

Bichon Frisé

The Bichon Frise dog breed, originating in France, is known for its white “powder puff” coat and curious expression. Originating from a cross between the poodle and water spaniel, this intelligent and friendly breed is known for its playful yet gentle nature. It is known for its adaptability and can easily hide in a sea of stuffed animals. Despite its adaptability, the Bichon Frise enjoys cuddling with its owners on the couch.

Cavapoo

Cavapoos are mixed-breed dogs with curly or wavy coats, captivating eyes, and moon-shaped faces resembling teddy bears. They are crossbred between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, resulting in a tiny teddy bear-like face due to their unique combination.

Akita

The Akita is a beloved large dog breed known for its sweet and loyal nature. For over 1000 years, it has served as a protector and companion, helping humans hunt large game like bears and boars. Japanese Samurai chose Akitas to guard their homes and the Emperor’s palace in the Middle Ages. They are independent, protective, and may be intolerant of other animals. Proper training, grooming, and exercise are essential for their success. Akitas have a thick coat, broad head, and round face, resembling bears.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees are renowned for their majestic, fluffy appearance and powerful muscles. Their soft, white coat is so soft that you can stroke your fingers through it for hours. These striking canines have a calm disposition and are happy to watch over your house, provided you give them daily walks and brushing.

Chow-Chow

Chows, known for their black tongues and luxurious coats, are known for their strong independence. They make excellent pets for those who prefer minimal interaction but require frequent brushing, making them ideal for those who prefer a more independent dog.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog known for its calm nature, loyalty, and fearlessness. Originating from the Himalayas, they have large, rounded bodies, broad muzzles, and thick fur. They weigh around 100 pounds and grow up to 26 inches at the shoulder. Despite their bulky appearance, they are agile and don’t shed. They lose their coat once a year. Despite their intimidating appearance, Tibetan mastiffs are loyal, affectionate, and great cuddlers, making them a beloved family member.

Newfoundland Dog

The Newfoundland dog is a large, fluffy, and gentle teddy bear, often black, brown, or gray. They are known for their patience and trainability and are often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their protective nature. Bred for Canadian fishermen, they are known for their large heads, short snout, and thick fur, giving them a bear-like appearance.

Bouvier Des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres, also known as Flanders Cattle Dogs, Belgian Cattle Dogs, and Vlaamse Koehonds, are large, agile, and intelligent dogs with a long, shaggy coat. These gentle giants are bred to work on farms and are known for their agility, intelligence, and cuteness. They are known for their thick, waterproof fur and stubbed tail, making them ideal watchdogs. They have worked in law enforcement and service dogs over the years.

Akita

The Akita, originating from ancient Japan, is a loyal and intelligent dog known for its loyalty and courage. Despite facing threats of extinction, the breed has maintained its independence and intelligence. The Akita has a dense coat, a broad head, and a full, curled-over tail. Their tongue, typically pink, can have blue or black patches or spots.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a miniature version of Arctic sled dogs, named after Pomerania, northeastern Europe now part of Poland and western Germany. These popular toy breeds have an abundant double coat, extending over the chest and shoulders, and come in nearly two dozen colors. They are most commonly seen in orange or red, with some having blue-toned tongues or blue spots, while most have a pink tongue.

Sarplaninac

The Sarplaninac, a Yugoslavian shepherd dog, is known for its cuddly bear-dog appearance and fearless guardian capabilities. Originating in Macedonia, breeders aimed to create a dog with these traits. Sarplaninac owners share stories of these brave dogs fighting off predators like wolves, bears, and lynxes. Socialization is crucial for their companionship. The Sarplaninac is independent and can work herds without human guidance. Adult males can weigh up to 99 pounds, but they take time to warm up to strangers due to their protective instincts.

Saint Bernard

St. Bernards, a gentle giant breed, are known for their “nanny” instincts and love for their families. They have a long history of being steadfast and capable rescue dogs, with their massive heads, wrinkled brows, short muzzles, and alert eyes resembling their long-lost cousin, the bear. They may accidentally knock down a toddler during playtime, but families appreciate their nanny instincts.

Final Thoughts

If your dog resembles a bear, they could be one of the big, fluffy breeds or a mix of them. If you own any of these super-cuddly breeds, let us know below!