There’s a lot to consider when you’re thinking about adopting a four-legged friend. You probably want a smart dog, so he can be easily trained. Maybe you’d like a good guard dog to keep watch over the family, or even a dog that doesn’t shed. Or, you just might be looking for a new best friend that looks like a bear. Hey, we get it. Bear dogs have a lot going for them: They’re cute, cuddly, and often nearly as big as bears, so there’s more to love! Whether you’re searching for beautiful all-white dogs that resemble polar bears (like great Pyrenees and Maremma sheepdogs), or maybe a darker-hued doggie that could be a carbon copy of a black bear (check out that Swedish lapphund), we’ve found the 15 breeds most certain to remind you of your favorite woodland creature.
We’ve even tossed in a couple of little lap dogs that favor a certain stuffed animal, just in case you’d prefer your new Fido fun-sized. (Hello, shih tzu!) But no matter which of these bear dog breeds you fall head over heels for, make sure you adopt rather than shop. Breed rescues are filled with wonderful dogs waiting for homes. So read on, find the bear dog breed you can’t live without, and then head over to our roundup of Cute and Funny Dog Instagram Captions for the Best Posts of Your Pup. Because you just know you’re going to be all over the ‘gram once you bring Rover home!
More for Dog Lovers:
- 40 Large Dog Breeds with Pictures
- Rare Dog Breeds You Might Not Know About
- Goldendoodle Hairstyles to Try on Your Pup
@Hans Surfer
1
Chow Chow
Of all the poochies that look like bears, chow chows are probably the most bear-like thanks to their deep-set, almost hooded eyes; short, rounded, erect ears; super dense coat; and fluffy ruff on their neck and shoulders. Known to be stately and even aloof doggos—though usually deeply devoted to their families—chow chows hail from ancient China, where they were the companions of nobles. Both clean and quiet, they are great pets for city dwellers and make excellent watchdogs.
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Personality: Dignified, reserved, serene
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Brush at least twice weekly
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
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2
Pomeranian
Trim these bold and bright little double-coated dogs down to emphasize their rounded ears and floof and you’ve got yourself a living Teddy bear! And just like your favorite stuffed animal, Pomeranians are the ultimate snugglers, renowned for their friendly natures. Believe it or not, Poms are descendants of big, rough-and-tumble sled-pulling Arctic dogs, though they’re named for the European region where they began to be bred down to their current stature.
- Height: 6-7 inches
- Weight: 3-7 pounds
- Personality: Bright, bubbly, bold
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing and professional grooming monthly
- Expectancy: 12-16 years
Magdalena Sikora / 500px
3
Akita
With those short, rounded ears and thick coats, there is no denying that akitas resemble bears—although the brave breed was actually used to hunt the animal in its native Japan. Famously loyal and protective of their people, akitas are reserved with strangers, do not get along with other dogs and may become aggressive if not properly trained. But they are so beloved in Japan, where they represent health and happiness, figurines of akitas are often given as gifts to new parents.
- Height: 26-28 inches
- Weight: 100-130 pounds
- Personality: Loyal, valiant, stately
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
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4
Great Pyrenees
Glance at a massive, white-coated great Pyrenees standing in a winter landscape, and you might do a double-take, thinking you’ve just spotted a polar bear loping around in the snow. But this mild-mannered and mellow mushball has little in common otherwise with the biggest land predator on Earth. Developed centuries ago to guard sheep in the European mountain range they’re named for, this majestic breed makes a remarkably affectionate family dog.
- Height: 27-32 inches
- Weight: 100 pounds and up
- Personality: Calm, kindly, intelligent
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Brush with a pin brush weekly
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Anita Kot
5
Leonberger
Weighing as much as 170 pounds, these gentle giants are about the size of a female black bear! Their heavy coat and expressive brown eyes add to the resemblance, but the similarities end there. Leos are kindly cuddlebugs that love to play and especially adore children. Developed in 18th-century Germany to be a companion to kings, Leonbergers were also employed as working dogs on European farms and waterfronts. They are notoriously heavy shedders and should be brushed daily.
- Height: 28-31.5 inches
- Weight: 110-170 pounds
- Personality: Elegant, doting, considerate
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Brushing daily
- Life Expectancy: 7 years
Ekaterina Gorokhova
6
Schipperke
Want a perky pup that’s a dead ringer for a black bear cub? Get yourself a schipperke! The breed, whose name means “little captain” in Flemish, can be traced back to medieval Belgium, where it got its start as a ratcatcher and watchdog on barges and in dockyards. Faithful and fearless, this rascal is a surprisingly tough, stalwart little dog with the face and black fur of a baby bear. Awww!
- Height: 11-13 inches
- Weight: 10-16 pounds
- Personality: Playful, active, mischievous
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
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7
Samoyed
This gorgeous, all-white bundle of fur has a face that could almost be mistaken for a polar bear’s—if the fearsome Arctic animal smiled, that is. Beloved for their wide grins, the Samoyed takes its name from the ancient people who bred them to hunt, herd and haul sleds in the Siberian Arctic. Nowadays, the industrious breed is an ideal dog for families with children: they’re intelligent, incredibly affectionate and love the littles.
- Height: 21-23.5 inches
- Weight: 45-65 pounds
- Personality: Cheerful, big-hearted, energetic
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Daily brushing
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Olha Haletska
8
Tibetan Mastiff
Owing to their sheer size, broad head and often brown, tan and/or black coloring, Tibetan mastiffs look like they’d be at home hanging out at Jellystone with Boo-Boo. But these ancient animals, believed by some Tibetans to harbor the reincarnated souls of monks, were the longtime guardians of the Himalayan mountains. Intelligent, independent and imposing, they are faithful family pets but wary with those they don’t know.
- Height: minimum 26 inches
- Weight: 90-150 pounds
- Personality: Noble, intelligent, protective
- Energy Level: Low
- Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Related: 12 Mastiff Breeds to Consider Adding to Your Family
9
Newfoundland
Anita Kot
Another massive breed, Newfies came of age on the Canadian island they’re named after, hauling nets, carting fish and even saving their fishermen masters from drowning. Still utilized in maritime rescues, this dog is so even-tempered and sweet he’s been dubbed a “nanny dog” for his skill with kids. On land, his gigantic noggin, short muzzle, and usually black or brown hue give him a notably ursine look. Should you choose to adopt one of these wonderful doggos, be prepared for lots of drool.
- Height: 28 inches
- Weight: 130-150 pounds
- Personality: Sweet, gentle, dependable
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Once a week to weekly brushing
- Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
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Joel Hawkins
10
Shih Tzu
Another pupper with a distinct Teddy bear appearance (at least when he’s clipped short), this charming little guy is the ultimate lap dog. He comes by it naturally—the breed was developed a thousand years ago specifically to snuggle up to Chinese emperors and their families. The shih tzu (which means “lion dog” in Mandarin), is still incredibly devoted to his people, enjoying the company of children, other dogs and just about everyone else he meets. He doesn’t require much exercise and tends to be long-lived.
- Height: 9-10.5 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Personality: Lively, extroverted, loving
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Daily brushing for long-coated dogs
- Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Chiara Benelli
11
Maremma Sheepdog
With a lineage dating back to the Romans, the Maremma sheepdog remains popular in his homeland, including the Italian coastal region for which he’s named. While this large, ivory-colored doggo appears as if he’d be at home hunting seals in the Arctic, he was actually born and bred to guard livestock. To this day, the good-natured and confident breed still needs plenty of room to roam. Owing to his independent spirit, the Maremma sheepdog can be a challenge to train and socialize.
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Weight: 75-100 pounds
- Personality: Assertive, independent, alert
- Energy Level: High
- Grooming Needs: Brush at least weekly
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Mikhail Dmitriev
12
Caucasian Shepherd
Believed to be related to Balkan sheepdogs and Asian mastiffs, the Caucasian shepherd originated in the Caucasian mountains of Eastern Europe many centuries ago. As a guardian of livestock, property and his family, he is as fearless and fierce as the bear he physically resembles. But this powerful and self-assured breed is surprisingly soft-hearted when it comes to those he is charged with protecting, including other pets. Prospective owners should note that this canine may be a challenge to train and does not take kindly to strangers entering the home.
- Height: 23-30 inches
- Weight: 99-170 pounds
- Personality: Brave, bold, protective
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Long-coated dogs need to be brushed daily
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
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Daniela Duncan
13
Eurasier
An intriguing mix of chow chow, wolf spitz and Samoyed genes, this bear-faced, medium-sized pooch’s name reflects his worldly heritage. As laid-back as he is loving and loyal, the Eurasier bonds deeply with his family, although he typically is much more reserved with those he doesn’t know. These are intelligent dogs and respond well to training, but their sensitive, social spirit means they can’t be left alone for long periods.
- Height: 19-24 inches
- Weight: 40-70 pounds
- Personality: Relaxed, sensitive, confident
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Twice weekly grooming
- Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
slowmotiongli
14
Swedish Lapphund
A rare breed, the Swedish lapphund was developed thousands of years ago by the Sami people to hunt, guard and herd in the Lapland region of Northern Europe and Russia. There are only about 1.000 in existence today, which is a shame. This lively fellow makes for a terrific companion that’s as sweet as he is smart, plenty playful and eager to please. The national breed of Sweden, the Lappi has a thick, often ebony-colored coat, short, erect ears, and a smooth, narrow snout that make him almost a diminutive double for the American black bear.
- Height: 16-20 inches
- Weight: 30-45 pounds
- Personality: Spirited, smart, versatile
- Energy Level: Medium/High Energy
- Grooming Needs: Weekly brushing
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
15
Estrela Mountain Dog
Kirill Greshnov
This heroic beastie’s courageous and loyal nature has led Portugeuse police and military to use him on land and in water, but his origins lie as a livestock guardian in the country’s Estrela Mountains. Extremely affectionate and equally gentle with children, the breed’s black mask, shaggy, often fawn-colored fur and little brown button eyes give off serious bear vibes. Estrela mountain dogs can be cranky as a bear awakening from hibernation, too—at least when they feel their family is threatened. Proper training is crucial to keep their strong-willed, protective tendancies in check.
- Height: 24.5-29 inches
- Weight: 77-132 pounds
- Personality: Courageous, affectionate, strong-willed
- Energy Level: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Weekly grooming
- Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
