There are these big, fluffy dog breeds, who carry a striking resemblance to bears from teddy bears to grizzlies. Prepare to fall in love with the most famous dogs that look bears, along with a few lesser-known breeds.
1. Eurasier
Named for its European and Asian heritage, the Eurasier was the result of crossing a chow chow, “wolfspitz,” and Samoyed. German dog enthusiast Julius Wipfel was inspired by his intelligent, independent spitz dog to create this new bear-like breed.
2. Samoyed
Samoyeds are an ancient spitz breed that hails from frigid northern Russia. Traditionally, these all-white dogs were used to herd reindeer and pull sleds for the nomadic indigenous peoples of the region. They’re striking dogs that look like polar bears as puppies.
3. Chow Chow
Standing up to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 70 pounds, chows are dignified and serious by nature, true to their aristocratic heritage. Although they are aloof toward strangers, chows are loyal and loving to their families and fastidiously clean by nature. They can be stubborn and require good early socialization and training.
4. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Named after the Kavkaz (Caucasus) mountains of Eastern Europe, these enormous dogs that look like bears really ARE close to the size of a small bear! They were guardians of herds and homes in even the harshest of conditions.
5. Pomeranian
Unlike many of the other dogs on this list, Pomeranians are pint-sized at just seven inches tall and weighing in at only three to seven pounds. With their rounded ears and an impressive ruff of fur, Pomeranians resemble teddy bears more than traditional bears.
6. Keeshond
Like the Pomeranian, the keeshond resembles a teddy bear more than an actual bear at up to 18 inches tall and up to 45 pounds in weight. They’re friendly, energetic, intelligent, and easy to train. One of their most noticeable characteristics is the unique “spectacles” marking around the eyes.
7. Great Pyrenees
Although these dogs might look like mighty polar bears at first glance, Great Pyrenees are gentle giants. They can weigh over 100 pounds and stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder, but despite their size, these dogs are family-friendly, clever, and calm.
8. Newfoundland
Of all the dogs that look like bears, Newfoundlands may be the sweetest! At up to 150 pounds and 28 inches tall at the shoulder, Newfies are as gentle as they are massive. They’re so patient and kind that they’ve earned the nickname “nanny dogs” for the way they watch over children.
9. Akita
Made famous by Hachiko, the dog that waited at the Shibuya train station for nine years for his deceased owner, Akitas are incredibly loyal. These dignified dogs symbolize happiness and long life in Japanese culture and were bred by nobles to hunt boar, deer, and even bears.
10. Leonberger
Leonbergers may weigh up to 170 pounds and stand up to nearly 32 inches tall at the shoulders, but they are gentle, friendly, and serene by nature. Despite their gentle disposition, Leonbergers do make excellent watchdogs thanks to their careful judgment and keen intelligence.
