15 Cuddly Dog Breeds that Look Just Like Bears
There's a lot to consider when you're thinking about adopting a four-legged friend. You probably want a smart dog, so he can be easily trained. Maybe you'd like a good guard dog to keep watch over the family, or even a dog that doesn't shed. Or, you just might be looking for a new best friend that looks like a bear. Hey, we get it. Bear dogs have a lot going for them: They're cute, cuddly, and often nearly as big as bears, so there's more to love! Whether you're searching for beautiful all-white dogs that resemble polar bears (like great Pyrenees and Maremma sheepdogs), or maybe a darker-hued doggie that could be a carbon copy of a black bear (check out that Swedish lapphund), we've found the 15 breeds most certain to remind you of your favorite woodland creature.
We've even tossed in a couple of little lap dogs that favor a certain stuffed animal, just in case you'd prefer your new Fido fun-sized. (Hello, shih tzu!) But no matter which of these bear dog breeds you fall head over heels for, make sure you adopt rather than shop. Breed rescues are filled with wonderful dogs waiting for homes. So read on, find the bear dog breed you can't live without, and then head over to our roundup of Cute and Funny Dog Instagram Captions for the Best Posts of Your Pup. Because you just know you're going to be all over the 'gram once you bring Rover home!
More for Dog Lovers:
Chow Chow
Of all the poochies that look like bears, chow chows are probably the most bear-like thanks to their deep-set, almost hooded eyes; short, rounded, erect ears; super dense coat; and fluffy ruff on their neck and shoulders. Known to be stately and even aloof doggos—though usually deeply devoted to their families—chow chows hail from ancient China, where they were the companions of nobles. Both clean and quiet, they are great pets for city dwellers and make excellent watchdogs.
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Personality: Dignified, reserved, serene
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Brush at least twice weekly
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Pomeranian
Trim these bold and bright little double-coated dogs down to emphasize their rounded ears and floof and you've got yourself a living Teddy bear! And just like your favorite stuffed animal, Pomeranians are the ultimate snugglers, renowned for their friendly natures. Believe it or not, Poms are descendants of big, rough-and-tumble sled-pulling Arctic dogs, though they're named for the European region where they began to be bred down to their current stature.
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Personality: Bright, bubbly, bold
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing and professional grooming monthly
Expectancy: 12-16 years
Akita
With those short, rounded ears and thick coats, there is no denying that akitas resemble bears—although the brave breed was actually used to hunt the animal in its native Japan. Famously loyal and protective of their people, akitas are reserved with strangers, do not get along with other dogs and may become aggressive if not properly trained. But they are so beloved in Japan, where they represent health and happiness, figurines of akitas are often given as gifts to new parents.
Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
Personality: Loyal, valiant, stately
Energy Level: High
Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Great Pyrenees
Glance at a massive, white-coated great Pyrenees standing in a winter landscape, and you might do a double-take, thinking you've just spotted a polar bear loping around in the snow. But this mild-mannered and mellow mushball has little in common otherwise with the biggest land predator on Earth. Developed centuries ago to guard sheep in the European mountain range they're named for, this majestic breed makes a remarkably affectionate family dog.
Height: 27-32 inches
Weight: 100 pounds and up
Personality: Calm, kindly, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Brush with a pin brush weekly
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Leonberger
Weighing as much as 170 pounds, these gentle giants are about the size of a female black bear! Their heavy coat and expressive brown eyes add to the resemblance, but the similarities end there. Leos are kindly cuddlebugs that love to play and especially adore children. Developed in 18th-century Germany to be a companion to kings, Leonbergers were also employed as working dogs on European farms and waterfronts. They are notoriously heavy shedders and should be brushed daily.
Height: 28-31.5 inches
Weight: 110-170 pounds
Personality: Elegant, doting, considerate
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Brushing daily
Life Expectancy: 7 years
Schipperke
Want a perky pup that's a dead ringer for a black bear cub? Get yourself a schipperke! The breed, whose name means "little captain" in Flemish, can be traced back to medieval Belgium, where it got its start as a ratcatcher and watchdog on barges and in dockyards. Faithful and fearless, this rascal is a surprisingly tough, stalwart little dog with the face and black fur of a baby bear. Awww!
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 10-16 pounds
Personality: Playful, active, mischievous
Energy Level: High
Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Samoyed
This gorgeous, all-white bundle of fur has a face that could almost be mistaken for a polar bear's—if the fearsome Arctic animal smiled, that is. Beloved for their wide grins, the Samoyed takes its name from the ancient people who bred them to hunt, herd and haul sleds in the Siberian Arctic. Nowadays, the industrious breed is an ideal dog for families with children: they're intelligent, incredibly affectionate and love the littles.
Height: 21-23.5 inches
Weight: 45-65 pounds
Personality: Cheerful, big-hearted, energetic
Energy Level: High
Grooming Needs: Daily brushing
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Tibetan Mastiff
Owing to their transparent size, broad head and often brown, tan and/or black coloring, Tibetan mastiffs look like they'd be at home hanging out at Jellystone with Boo-Boo. But these ancient animals, believed by some Tibetans to harbor the reincarnated souls of monks, were the longtime guardians of the Himalayan mountains. Intelligent, independent and imposing, they are faithful family pets but wary with those they don't know.
Height: minimum 26 inches
Weight: 90-150 pounds
Personality: Noble, intelligent, protective
Energy Level: Low
Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Related: 12 Mastiff Breeds to Consider Adding to Your Family
Newfoundland
Another massive breed, Newfies came of age on the Canadian island they're named after, hauling nets, carting fish and even saving their fishermen masters from drowning. Still utilized in maritime rescues, this dog is so even-tempered and sweet he's been dubbed a "nanny dog" for his skill with kids. On land, his gigantic noggin, short muzzle, and usually black or brown hue give him a notably ursine look. Should you choose to adopt one of these wonderful doggos, be prepared for lots of drool.
Height: 28 inches
Weight: 130-150 pounds
Personality: Sweet, gentle, dependable
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Once a week to weekly brushing
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Shih Tzu
Another pupper with a distinct Teddy bear appearance (at least when he's clipped short), this charming little guy is the ultimate lap dog. He comes by it naturally—the breed was developed a thousand years ago specifically to snuggle up to Chinese emperors and their families. The shih tzu (which means "lion dog" in Mandarin), is still incredibly devoted to his people, enjoying the company of children, other dogs and just about everyone else he meets. He doesn't require much exercise and tends to be long-lived.
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Personality: Lively, extroverted, loving
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Daily brushing for long-coated dogs
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Maremma Sheepdog
With a lineage dating back to the Romans, the Maremma sheepdog remains popular in his homeland, including the Italian coastal region for which he's named. While this large, ivory-colored doggo appears as if he'd be at home hunting seals in the Arctic, he was actually born and bred to guard livestock. To this day, the good-natured and confident breed still needs plenty of room to roam. Owing to his independent spirit, the Maremma sheepdog can be a challenge to train and socialize.
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 75-100 pounds
Personality: Assertive, independent, alert
Energy Level: High
Grooming Needs: Brush at least weekly
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Caucasian Shepherd
Believed to be related to Balkan sheepdogs and Asian mastiffs, the Caucasian shepherd originated in the Caucasian mountains of Eastern Europe many centuries ago. As a guardian of livestock, property and his family, he is as fearless and fierce as the bear he physically resembles. But this powerful and self-assured breed is surprisingly soft-hearted when it comes to those he is charged with protecting, including other pets. Prospective owners should note that this canine may be a challenge to train and does not take kindly to strangers entering the home.
Height: 23-30 inches
Weight: 99-170 pounds
Personality: Brave, bold, protective
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Long-coated dogs need to be brushed daily
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Eurasier
An intriguing mix of chow chow, wolf spitz and Samoyed genes, this bear-faced, medium-sized pooch's name reflects his worldly heritage. As laid-back as he is loving and loyal, the Eurasier bonds deeply with his family, although he typically is much more reserved with those he doesn't know. These are intelligent dogs and respond well to training, but their sensitive, social spirit means they can't be left alone for long periods.
Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Personality: Relaxed, sensitive, confident
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Twice weekly grooming
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Swedish Lapphund
A rare breed, the Swedish lapphund was developed thousands of years ago by the Sami people to hunt, guard and herd in the Lapland region of Northern Europe and Russia. There are only about 1.000 in existence today, which is a shame. This lively fellow makes for a terrific companion that's as sweet as he is smart, plenty playful and eager to please. The national breed of Sweden, the Lappi has a thick, often ebony-colored coat, short, erect ears, and a smooth, narrow snout that make him almost a diminutive double for the American black bear.
Height: 16-20 inches
Weight: 30-45 pounds
Personality: Spirited, smart, versatile
Energy Level: Medium/High Energy
Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Estrela Mountain Dog
This heroic beastie's courageous and loyal nature has led Portugeuse police and military to use him on land and in water, but his origins lie as a livestock guardian in the country's Estrela Mountains. Extremely affectionate and equally gentle with children, the breed's black mask, shaggy, often fawn-colored fur and little brown button eyes give off serious bear vibes. Estrela mountain dogs can be cranky as a bear awakening from hibernation, too—at least when they feel their family is threatened. Proper training is crucial to keep their strong-willed, protective tendancies in check.
Height: 24.5-29 inches
Weight: 77-132 pounds
Personality: Courageous, affectionate, strong-willed
Energy Level: Medium
Grooming Needs: Weekly grooming
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
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