Cuddly, cute, and oh-so-fluffy, dog breeds that look like bears are certainly fun to look at! But, these powerful and unique breeds also have individual characteristics that make them great family companions, guard dogs, and more. Read on to learn more about these special — and adorable — dogs.
What makes dog breeds look like bears?
When thinking of a bear, some features may come to mind. These include rounded or pointed ears that sit upright on the head, large paws, a short tail, and a big, fluffy coat. Much like their ursine counterparts, dog breeds that resemble bears have a lot of similar characteristics. Most of these dogs have thick, fluffy double coats. They also possess a straight, square snout, pointed or rounded ears, and a sometimes short or curly tail. In addition, these bear-like breeds may also seem as large as one!
Chow Chow
An ancient Chinese breed, the Chow Chow has a distinctive look. They were originally bred as guard dogs, but were also used to pull sleds and carts. The Chow Chow features a fluffy, round coat with upright ears and a curled tail. In addition, this breed also has a brilliant purple or speckled tongue!
Akita Inu
Bred to withstand the harsh Japanese mountain climates, the Akita Inu is a sturdy and loyal companion. They feature a thick double coat with a tightly curled tail. The breed also has small, triangular ears and a square face, giving them that distinct bear-like quality.
Samoyed
Fluffy, all-white, and full of pep and energy, the Samoyed is a wonderful companion. The breed was created to pull sleds and herd reindeer by the nomadic peoples of Siberia. Samoyeds have retained their adorable all-white coat, triangular ears, and fluffy tail for thousands of years with few changes to the breed standard.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is one breed that resembles a bear in size! These large, bulky dogs were bred to protect Buddhist monks, and are still used as guard dogs to this day. In addition to topping out at over 150 pounds, they feature a very bear-like thick coat, square muzzle, and powerful paws.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are the ultimate power-pullers, able to pull up to a 3,000-pound sled in competitions! These large and lovable dogs saw their origin in Alaska, where they were used to hunt, pull sleds, and even defend against polar bears. In addition to their large size, their thick, warm coats give them a very bear-like quality.
Newfoundland
One of the sweetest gentle giants, the Newfoundland is a water-loving breed with bear-like cuddly features. These dogs have webbed feet and a thick water-resistant coat, making them the perfect waterside companion. In fact, they’re used for search and rescue in many lakes and oceans.
Karelian Bear Dog
Looking like a mix between a bear, an Akita, and a Border Collie, the Karelian Bear Dog is its own unique breed. They’re a newer breed from Finland, bred to be sturdy and alert, helping hunters and farmers scout out game and ward off predators. The breed features a thick black and white coat, curled tail, and upright triangular ears.
Eurasier
The Eurasier was bred out of want of a breed that was adaptable and bear-like, but still sweet and friendly to its family. These lovable German dogs were originally a mix of Spitz-type breeds and Chow Chows, created to have a fluffy, bear-like appearance with a gentle demeanor.
Beyond dog breeds that look like bears
Bred for a variety of purposes, these dog breeds that look like bears make great companions, protectors, and lifelong best friends. However, if you’re looking for more cool dog breeds, check out 10 dog breeds for wolf lovers. We also have roundups of dog breeds that look like foxes, and dog breeds that look like teddy bears to help you find your fluffy new friend!
