Dogs That Look Like Chewbacca

Chewbacca, also called “Chewie,” for short is one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the Star Wars films. He’s a Wookiee, a tall and powerful species with a shaggy and intimidating dog-like appearance. And just like all Wookiees, Chewbacca is loyal and typically gentle; however, he does have a short temper and can be incredibly fierce when the situation calls for it.

Chewbacca is the faithful companion of Han Solo and a member of the small group of rebels who fought against the mighty Galactic Empire and restored freedom to the galaxy. So for all the Star Wars fans who want their very own Chewie, here are the dogs that look like Chewbacca.

Alaskan Malamute

While it might not be the first breed you think of when it comes to Wookiee-looking dogs, the Alaskan Malamute definitely deserves to be on this list. That’s because it was a Malamute that inspired Star Wars creator George Lucas to come up with the character of Chewbacca. He owned one of these huge, hairy, and loyal dogs named Indiana.

One day when he was driving and Indiana was sitting in the front passenger seat as his furry friend normally did, Lucas was struck by the idea to give the character Han Solo a similar loyal canine-like companion and co-pilot for his ship the Millennium Falcon.

Of course, the final concept of Chewbacca underwent many changes which is why he doesn’t look exactly like a Malamute. It turns out that George Lucas’s beloved pet was the influence for the name “Indiana,” in the Indiana Jones films too (which Lucas created and that also starred Star Wars actor Harrison Ford).

Briard

The Briard is a sheep herding dog that originated in France. And it’s also a dog breed that looks like Chewbacca. This is not only because of its long and slightly wavy coat but its large size. Just like the famous Wookiee, Briards too bond very strongly with their human companions and are very protective of them.

This is due to the fact that traditionally in addition to herding during the day, they were also used to guard the flocks of sheep along with the shepherd at night. Like Chewbacca, the breed has experience on the battlefield as it was used by the French army to help find wounded soldiers during both the World Wars.

Brussels Griffon

While an Alaskan Malamute may have been the inspiration for Chewbacca and the Wookiee species, it was a Brussels Griffon that was used as a model to create the Ewoks. And it too was a breed that George Lucas, the Star Wars creator personally owned. However, some Brussels Griffons can be quite Chewbacca-like as well.

This is especially true when they have a reddish-brown coat and a longer beard (which can make their faces look a little less round). While this small breed with a one-of-a-kind appearance started out as a ratter, today it’s mainly used as a companion. And for those who love Ewoks, Wookies, or both, this could just be a perfect choice.

Tibetan Terrier

Those searching for a medium-sized Chewbacca-looking dog may want to consider a Tibetan Terrier. This breed’s long coat comes in every color (including Wookiee-like brown) and every combination of colors, so you have a lot of options. The Tibetan Terrier is an excellent watchdog in a manageable package; it’s not too big and not too small. Developed in the Lost Valley of Tibet, these dogs were once considered holy.

Bearded Collie

Best-suited for active owners and families, the Bearded Collie is yet another option for Star Wars fans. The breed’s long and dense protective coat is its most prominent feature and also what makes it really resemble Chewie.

However keep in mind that in order to prevent its coat from matting, it will need to be brushed on a daily basis. For this reason, many owners do keep their Bearded Collie’s coat trimmed short to reduce the amount of brushing needed.

Lhasa Apso

Like the Tibetan Terrier, the Lhasa Apso is another dog that looks like a Wookiee from the mountainous country of Tibet. The breed’s long, straight, and heavy coat allows it to withstand brutally cold temperatures in its native homeland.

The Lhasa Apso is well-known for its loyalty and its ability as an ever-alert watchdog. An ideal choice for city-dwellers who have limited space, a short daily walk is all that is needed to meet the needs of this small-sized breed.

Shih Tzu

This popular little dog is often compared to both Wookiees and also Ewoks particularly when it has an underbite allowing you to see its lower canine teeth. For more of a Wookiee look, the coat can be left long, while it tends to resemble an Ewok when it is clipped short.

The Shih Tzu is a breed that has always functioned as a companion and therefore is sure to be an excellent choice for those who are looking for a furry friend that loves nothing more than to sit on their lap or be by their side at all times.

Havanese

Originating in Cuba, where it is the national dog, this breed gets its name from the country’s capital city of Havana. Havanese make lively and devoted family pets with an attractive coat that comes in all colors, combinations, and patterns. These tiny dogs that look like Chewbacca do not shed.

And because they are a toy breed they are also well-suited for life in an apartment and require little exercise. If that’s not a tempting choice for Wookiee lovers who want a low-maintenance pet we don’t know what is.

Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!