
You’re lucky to be seeking a dog that reminds you of a cuddly teddy bear, several dog breeds with thick coats and hefty forms that seem bear-like.
Some of these pups are incredibly large, but they’re also some small dog breeds with a bear-like look.
They run in nature types, stain and markings, and activity levels.
Here are ten dog breeds that somewhat reach bears.
Tip
Many bear-like puppies with thick, shaggy skins need brushing nearly daily to control jams and transparent loose fur. It can even be valuable to use a detangling shampoo to keep them looking their best.
Akita
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Sandra Schmid / Getty Images
Often guided to as a “silent hunter,” the Akita is a modest yet temperamental dog that can frequently be difficult to train. It is the largest Japanese spitz species and has a fine bear-like quality with its thick coat and rounded ears. As a high-energy breed that also tends to be fiercely loyal, Akitas have long acted as guard and hunting dogs and require vigorous daily exercise.
Breed Recap
HEIGHT: 24 to 28 inches
WEIGHT: 70 to 130 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Triangular head; curled tail; thick double coat in colors including black, fawn, and red
Great Pyrenees
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Paolo Seimandi / Getty Images
Called for the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, the Great Pyrenees drives a list because it can be misunderstood for a polar bear due to its lush white coat and colossal build. These puppies are gentle giants and make for intelligent, family-friendly pets that suit loyal and defensive guardians. Bred as herding dogs, their job was to defend flocks from predators, such as wolves and actual bears.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 25 to 32 inches
WEIGHT: 85 to 100+ pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Large and robust physique; lush weatherproof coat that’s either all white or white with markings of gray, tan, reddish-brown, or badger
ThinkPet Dog Cold Weather Coats – Cozy Waterproof
back to menu ↑Chow Chow
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The chow chow is a breed calling from antique China. These noble puppies can be both serious and aloof and are understood to be incredibly clean canines.
A wide mane makes these dogs seem particularly cute and cuddly (and bear-like), and they are also athletic and deep-chested with an overall furry coat.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 16 to 219 inches
WEIGHT: 46 to 71 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Ruff about the head and shoulders; deep-set almond eyes; blue-black tongue; rigid legged gait; hides can be rough or smooth in colors including red, black, blue, cinnamon, or balm
Samoyed
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The Samoyed is a spitz breed that emanated in the Siberian zone of Russia. Their wide white skins are as fluffy as they come with an equally fluffy tail. Muscular and intelligent, these dogs were bred to haul sleds on polar trips. Today, they make loving and playful family pets that just so occur to resemble small polar bears.
Breed Recap
HEIGHT: 19 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 35 to 65 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Careful expression; stout double coat; colors contain white, cream, and biscuit
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back to menu ↑Newfoundland
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Bread and Butter Productions / Getty Images
Newfoundlands are giant dogs, but they are also gentle, patient, and trainable. Their vast heads with a relatively short snout and thick fur give them that bear-like appearance.
Bred as operating dogs for Canadian fishermen, Newfoundlands are often directed to as “nanny dogs” because of the way they tend over and protect children.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 27 to 28 inches
WEIGHT: 100 to 150 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Matte and coarse coat; colors have gray, brown, black, or black and white
Keeshond
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The Keeshond compares a teddy bear more than an actual bear, with its highly hairy face and small, good, slightly round ears. It’s an active, intelligent breed that’s personable and easy to train.
Affectionately anointed the “people’s canine,” the Keeshond became the symbol of the Dutch Patriots Party in the 18th century as it fulfilled the part of both guard and partner on early Dutch crafts.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 16 to 18 inches
WEIGHT: 34 to 44 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Upright ears; plush, oversized coat; plumed tail; wonders (shadings and markings around the eyes)
Caucasian Shepherd
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Spike Summers / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Called after the Kavkaz (Caucasus) mountains of Eastern Europe, the Caucasian shepherd’s huge size nearly rivals that of a small bear. Their thick hides and muscular build give these dogs quite a bear-like look. While they’re large and strong dogs, they’re also loving and affectionate toward their families. These fearless dogs were tasked as guardians of herds and homes in harsh conditions, and they remain, loyal protectors today.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 24 to 30 inches
WEIGHT: 10 to 170 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Contents from short to long coat; markings include solid, brindle, or spotted
Leonberger
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Hailing from Germany, Leonbergers were initially bred as majestic companions fit for royalty. Leonbergers were famously adept at pulling carts, given their impressive size and strength. But despite their vast stature and thick fur that gives them a bear-like appearance, these dogs are gentle and serene by nature. Still, they do make excellent watchdogs.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 24 to 32 inches
WEIGHT: 91 to 170 pounds
PHYSICAL Features: Medium-long waterproof coat; lion-like mane around the neck and chest; bushy tail; triangular ears; black face
Eurasier
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A dog regarded as a European and Asian drop (hence its name), the Eurasier is a confident and well-balanced dog that adores nothing more than being around its family. Although this dog is not a giant bear-like breed, the Eurasier is another muscular dog with thick fur, particularly around its head. It tends to make an excellent guard dog.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 20 to 25 inches
WEIGHT: 41 to 70 pounds
PHYSICAL Features: Thick, medium-long coat in an array of colors; purple, pink, or spotted tongues; can include dark face masks or light “reverse” masks
Pomeranian
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While they don’t mainly compare actual bears, Pomeranians are pint-size doggies with a teddy bear-like quality, thanks to their round ears and puffy fur.
They are convinced and curious dogs. And they’re always one of the most popular toy breeds, even though their ancestors were bred from much larger sled dogs.
Breed Summary
HEIGHT: 6 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: 4 to 7 pounds
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Fluffy and large double coat with frill extending over the chest and shoulders; can be found in up to two dozen colors (orange or red are most common); various designs and markings
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