Dogs That Look Like Bears

When it comes to comparing canines to other animals, most people automatically think of examples such as wolves, and foxes. However, there are actually many dogs that look like bears. From those that look similar to black bears, grizzlies, polar bears, and even teddy bears there are a number of bear-like dog breeds. So here are some of the most bear-like pooches of them all.

Chow Chow

It’s not a coincidence that this dog was known in its native homeland of China as the Xiong Gou meaning “bear dog.” This fluffy purple-tongued breed is incredibly bear-like in appearance with its broad head, small ears, and a body that is both compact and powerful. The Chow Chow also happens to be one of the cleanest dog breeds and because of this it’s also often compared to a cat.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a small fluffy dog that looks like a bear, well maybe more like a miniature bear or teddy bear. In fact, to make these little lap dogs look even more teddy bear-like many Pomeranian owners have their coats trimmed in what’s known as a “teddy cut” or “teddy bear cut.” In addition to looking extremely cute, this type of cut also helps to keep the dog cool in hot weather and reduces the amount of time required for regular brushing.

Eurasier

This is a relatively new breed that was created to be a companion, not a working animal. And for this reason, it loves and needs to be around its family at all times. The Eurasier isn’t a dog that should be kept outdoors or alone for long periods of time. It gets its name from the fact that it was created using a blend of European and Asian breeds namely the Wolfspitz, Samoyed, and Chow Chow.

Leonberger

While the Leonberger may be a huge dog that looks like a bear in appearance, it’s really a gentle giant. This breed is typically great with kids, and other pets and is often employed as a therapy dog. That’s because while most other German breeds were created to work, this big canine was created to be a companion. Keep in mind that it is a heavy-shedder and because of its size, that means massive amounts of hair.

Caucasian Ovcharka

Also known as the Caucasian Shepherd Dog this is an enormous bear-like dog breed from Russia. It was created to function as a guardian for livestock and property. Although this formidable and highly intimidating canine is also used for hunting bears and as a guard dog in prisons. Its dense coat allows the Caucasian Shepherd to feel at home even in extremely cold climates.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a very big black dog that looks like a bear.  More specifically it looks just like a black bear. Although in addition to having an all-black coat it also comes in brown, gray, and black and white as well. This breed is an instinctual water rescue dog with exceptional swimming skills (which can be partly attributed to its webbed feet). The Newfoundland is well-known for saving countless numbers of people from drowning.

Samoyed

The fluffy all-white coat of the Samoyed makes it look similar to a polar bear. Its special coat also allows this natural sled dog breed to handle the brutally cold winter temperatures of Siberia, where it originated. Another unique physical characteristic of this dog is its famous smile, known as the “Samoyed smile,” or “Sammy smile” for short.

The Samoyed appears to be smiling because the corners of its mouth are upturned. This trait is no accident, it actually prevents the dog from drooling when sled pulling or working in the extreme cold. And this in turn prevents icicles from forming around its mouth.

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a very large polar-bear-looking dog. It is powerfully built with a huge head and white coat.  This breed was created to guard flocks of sheep in the mountains of southwestern Europe. And today it is still used around the world as a livestock guardian. It is also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog.

Akita

The Akita is a big bear-looking dog that originated in Japan. Not only are adults bear-like, but Akita puppies look like bear cubs too. Their wide heads, large paws, and thick fur can easily trick you into thinking you’re looking at a baby bear instead of a canine. In its native country, this loyal breed was actually used to hunt big game including boar, deer, and yes even bears.

Keeshond

The Keeshond is a relative of both the Samoyed and the Chow Chow. It has a fabulous-looking and profuse black and gray coat that somehow always seems as if it has just been washed and groomed. This breed is easy to train and because in the past it functioned as a watchdog, it’s always alert and ready to warn its family of the presence of any trespassers.

Tibetan Mastiff

An ancient breed, the Tibetan Mastiff was used by the nomadic people in Tibet to guard and herd their livestock but also to guard the monasteries. These are giant dogs that look like bears and they are as tough as they look.

In their homeland, they needed to be able to defend their livestock against bears, wolves, and snow leopards. Because of their power, size, and natural guarding instinct, these are not dogs for novice owners.

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