10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears

Akita

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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

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Great Pyrenees

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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

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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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Newfoundland

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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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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.

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Leonberger

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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.

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.