10 Bear Like Dogs – Dogs That Look Like Bears

Reviewed By Kim •  Updated: 03/02/22 •  13 min read
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With so many different dog breeds out there, our furry friends often remind us of other animals. For example, there are a lot of dogs that look like bears. This may be down to their fluffy coats, size or other physical characteristics that make them look like this wild animal. There are many dogs that look like bears and they have been used as family pets for centuries.

There are many different breeds of dog that look like bears, including the St Bernard, Alaskan Malamute and the Greenland Dog. The dog’s size can also make them look like bears, which is why some dogs are called ‘miniature’ or ‘toy’ bears.

Dogs that look like bears can be seen all over the world, with several of them being used as pets. Some of these dogs are used for work, like the St Bernard, while others are just there to provide entertainment.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular dogs that look like bears. We will also provide you with some interesting facts about these dogs.

Teddy Bear Dog Breeds

Let’s check out 10 dog breeds that look like bears.

1. Akita Dog

With their big ears and big furry coat, the Akita (or Akita Inu) reminds us of a bear. Similar to this wild animal, they are also large and powerful. Indeed, this was a breed that was originally used for guarding, with the ability to hunt everything from wild boar to black bear cub. In fact, this pooch even guarded royalty in Japan. A strong owner is required to responsibly own an Akita. This Japanese breed can be stubborn and this means that they need to be trained and socialized from an early age. However, once they are attached to their owner, they are very affectionate and loyal.

The Akita may not be the best breed to have around young children. This is because they are known for mouthing. However, this should not be perceived as a sign of aggression. This is more how they like to communicate. This can involve picking up things in their mouth, such as their leash. But if your child has a lot of toys lying around, they may start to pick them up and take them. This characteristic can be used to your advantage. You now have a pooch to bring you your newspaper or slippers in the morning.

2. Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog

If you look from the corner of your eye, you may mistake the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog for a bear! This is due to its giant size and abundance of fur. However, these big dogs are actually for the protection of livestock and they have long been used to protect sheep and goats, as well as people. They weigh up to 160 pounds, which means that a lot of training is necessary. They are intelligent but they can also have a mind of their own. Therefore, you will have to dedicate time for training. This will be very rewarding and the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog can make a fantastic family companion.

In addition, as a guard dog, the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog will require early socialization. While they are affectionate with their family members, without training, they may be fearful towards those coming into the home as strangers. They will go into protective mode. They are also known for barking and this will be something that is good at night, but will benefit from training to minimize noise. Do not forget that this pooch is very loyal to their owners and they do require a lot of rewards to show them that they are accepted in the pack.

3. Eurasier Dog

Due to their dark colors, Eurasian dogs look like small bears. In particular, the puppies are playful and with all of their fluffy fur, it is easy to mistake them for a wild animal. This member of the Spitz family is a medium-sized pooch and they are known for being particularly loyal and intelligent. They are a family dog and they are protective of their pack. This means they can make a good watch dog in your home.

However, the Eurasier dog is not known to be aggressive. They are affectionate towards people and love to spend time with their family. They can become fearful and develop anxiety if they are left alone for long periods of time. They are a suitable canine to have in the home if you have young children. In addition, when they are socialized from a young age, this breed is able to live with other animals. Make sure your pooch gets good exercise every day, as well as some mental stimulation.

This is going to help them settle in the home. Since they are intelligent, spend some time teaching them new skills and tricks to have some fun. This can be very rewarding.

4. Chow Chow

A Chow Chow definitely looks like a bear. This furry pup has so much hair you would think they were wild! They are also larger than a lot of dogs but one thing they do have that bears do not is a blue tongue. They are very loyal towards their owner but they can be suspicious of people that they do not know.

Training your Chow Chow will be necessary from a young age. They respond well to positive reinforcement. However, they can be independent and sometimes this means they like to spend time by themselves. Ensure they are also well socialized when they are a puppy. This is going to help them make new furry friends. Due to their big fluffy coat, the Chow Chow will have to be brushed on a regular basis. Normally, this is around two or three times per week. One thing to realize is that Chow Chows have deep-set eyes. This means they may get startled if you approach him from behind. It is best to come towards this pooch to make him feel comfortable. Their peripheral vision allows them to see you best this way.

5. Pomeranians

The Pomeranian is a cute and fluffy little pooch that looks more like a teddy bear than a wild bear. But despite the small size of this canine, they are full of personality. In fact, they are known for being feisty and bold. But this does not mean they are not affectionate and loyal. They love spending time with their family. In particular, the Pomeranian can form strong bonds with one person. They are best suited for older children as they are not good at tolerating squeezing and being touched forcefully.

One of the reasons people choose to adopt a Pomeranian is that they are easy to care for. When it comes to exercise, they do not require long or difficult walks. Of course, they will benefit from daily exercise but this does not have to be strenuous. They will sniff around and investigate their environment without the need to buy a lot of energy. They can live without a yard and are suited to apartments due to their petite size.

When it comes to grooming, you may have a lot of work on your hands. Their fluffy coat does require some maintenance, including brushing regularly. In addition, make sure you spend time with your Pom Pom when it comes to house training. This can talk a little bit more time than some breeds.

6. Samoyed

The flurry white coat of the Samoyed looks just like a polar bear. Indeed, this furry friend was originally bred to help with hunting, as well as being physically able to haul sledges and herd reindeer. During the cold winters, this pooch was also a companion for Samoyed people in Siberia. Due to their background Samoyed do like to be kept busy and they are in their element when they are hiking with a backpack or tracking a scent outside. In other words, they are a working breed that should be kept active to remain happy and healthy

Of course, Samoyeds make good family pets. They are good at living with children and are even known to play with them. Some Samoyed with have a favorite human and choose to follow them around the house. They are the best dog for cuddles. Make sure you do not leave this breed alone for extended periods of time. This can make them every unhappy.

Did you know that some people love to use the fur of Samoyed to make clothing? They shed heavily during the spring and this can be spun like wool. You will have to groom the Samoyed on a regular basis. This is important to prevent matting and tangling. Be prepared to find white fur around your home from your Samoyed.

7. Tibetan Mastiff

Near China, Tibet has the Tibetan Mastiff, which is a very rare dog breed. This dog breed is very unusual because of its appearance. There is no way you could miss a Tibetan Mastiff walking past you in the street! These huge furry friends have so much fur and thick coat you might actually think it is an actual bear. This canine was used for guarding livestock and this means that they can be independent. You will not have to babysit them and they will happily go off and do their own thing. But this can make them stubborn for training.

Having a yard is best for the Tibetan Mastiff to explore. Just make sure that you have a high and sturdy fence to avoid the Tibetan Mastiff escaping. These Asian dog can dig and also may become territorial to anybody that comes in their yard. They do like to spend time outdoors and get enough exercise. Equally, these large dogs will relax with their pack indoors at night time. You will always feel safe with a Tibetan Mastiff around.

8. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a big and mighty pooch that has similar characteristics to a bear. For example, this dog is big and round, has lots of fur and a confident personality. They are also very strong and powerful working dogs, which requires a confident owner in order to train and lead this pooch. This means the Alaskan Malamute may not be the best breed for first-time dog owners.

You may be surprised to hear that the Alaskan Malamute does not make a good watchdog. This is a pooch that is friendly to everybody and only its size may be intimidating too others. They do require a lot of exercise as they have energy to burn during the day. If you are an active family, the Alaskan Malamute will fit right now.

9. Newfoundland

Have you ever seen a black bear before? Are you sure it was not a Newfoundland? These big gentle giants may look like bears but they are actually very loving companions for your family. They are a working breed, which means they enjoy having a purpose. They can be very hardworking and enjoy pleasing their owner. For example, they are good at hiking and carrying a backpack. They are also good at swimming.

The home, you can expect the Newfoundland to be a fantastic companion. For example, Nana in Peter Pan was a Newfoundland pooch. They are originally from Canada and are intelligent canines. They do need daily exercise to be happy. They are good with children and are protective of them. Of course, you must be careful as this furry friend weighs around 100 pounds. You will need a large home to give this dog the space they need. In particular, they will benefit from a yard.

They are better in cooler temperatures and they may be unable to cool themselves down in warm weather.

10. Keeshond

Despite earning the nickname of the ‘people’s dog’, the Keeshond reminds us of a fluffy big bear. Thankfully, they do not have a personality of a wild animal and instead make a great companion to have in your home. This breed has been around for many centuries and they have always meant to be a companion. They would travel with their humans on barges and boats in the Netherlands. Today, they make fantastic family pets and they also make good watchdogs that can guard your home.

The Keeshond is definitely smaller than a bear. It is a medium-sized pooch and they are known for their fluffy coats. Indeed, this means they are happier in colder weather and they can deal with lower temperatures. You will often find the Keeshond spending time in the yard and enjoying the fresh air. However, they still love to come inside and spend time with their humans. In particular, this is an ideal dog breed if you have young children. They are able to play with them and get along with other dogs when they are socialized from a young age.

The Keeshond is intelligent too. This means that they are easier to train than some other breeds. They are able to learn commands and tricks quickly and they can enjoy spending this time with their human.

Honorable Mentions

There are many dog breeds in the world. Some of the most popular dog breeds is the Caucasian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Goldendoodle, Bichon Frise, Bouvier des Flandres, Ovcharka, Golden Retriever, Leonberger, Siberian Husky, Poodle, and many more. These dog breeds are so popular because of their unique and attractive appearance. In addition, the majority of these dog breeds are good looking dogs that make excellent family pets.

These dogs are not common in the world, but they are becoming more popular every day. In addition, these dogs have unique and unusual appearance that is not like any other dog breeds. Many people consider these dogs as cute and beautiful.

Some might look like a teddy bear, while others look like a furry grizzly bear. Dogs that look like bears have their own unique characteristics. For example, the dogs have a large body, thick fur, and a wide head. In addition, the dogs are very strong and powerful animals.

However, take note that because of their thick fur, dogs that look like bears can get hot in the summer. So, if you are planning to buy a dog that looks like a bear, make sure that you provide your dog with plenty of fresh air and cool water. Also, grooming is important to maintain the dog’s appearance. Regular grooming is important to maintain the dog’s appearance. Grooming can also prevent hair loss, as well as improve the dog’s appearance. Their skin can also be prone to scratches, which can be very painful. For this reason, it is important to take care of the dog’s skin and fur.

If you are planning to buy a dog that looks like a bear, make sure that you take your time and research about the dog breeds before buying one. In addition, you need to understand the dog’s characteristics before buying one. For example, some dogs that look like bears are energetic and friendly animals. However, other dogs are calm and clingy.

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Kim

Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.

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