10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears

By
Jennifer Lesser
Jennifer Lesser
Jennifer Lesser
Jennifer Lesser is a pet health and wellness expert and writer with over a decade of experience covering pet behavior, health, and news. Her work can also be found in Whole Dog Journal, Health, Dogster, Catster, and Animal Sheltering.
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Updated on 07/13/22
Reviewed by Nancy Turner
Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
SS
Fact checked by Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. She has verified and edited articles on a variety of subjects for The Spruce Pets, including pet behavior, health, and care as well as the latest trends in products for animals in the home.

Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
chow chow close up

Paul Sezonov / Getty Images

If you're looking for a dog that reminds you of a cuddly teddy bear or a woolly, wild bear, you're in luck. Several dog breeds with thick coats and bulky builds that almost appear bear-like. Some of these dogs are incredibly large, but some small dog breeds bear a resemblance to bears. They range in personality types, coloring, markings, and activity levels. 

Here are 10 dog breeds that resemble bears.

Tip

Many bear-like dogs with thick, shaggy coats require brushing on a nearly daily basis to prevent knots and remove loose fur. It also can be helpful to use a detangling shampoo to keep them looking their best.

  • 01 of 10

    Akita

    Akita dog lying on pavement
    Sandra Schmid / Getty Images

    Often referred to as a "silent hunter," the Akita is a quiet yet temperamental dog that can often be difficult to train. It is the largest Japanese spitz breed and has a subtle 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 served as guard and hunting dogs and require vigorous daily exercise.

    Breed Overview

    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

  • 02 of 10

    Great Pyrenees

    Great Pyrenees headshot

    Paolo Seimandi / Getty Images

    Named for the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, the Great Pyrenees makes the list because it can be mistaken for a polar bear at first glance due to its lush white coat and huge build. Bred as herding dogs, their job was to defend flocks from predators, such as wolves and actual bears. These dogs are gentle giants and make for intelligent, family-friendly pets that serve as loyal and protective guardians.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 25 to 32 inches

    Weight: 85 to 100+ pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Large and strong physique; lush weatherproof coat that's either all white or white with markings of gray, tan, reddish-brown, or badger

  • 03 of 10

    Chow Chow

    chow chow dog outdoors

    Manoj Krishna C / Getty Images

    The chow chow is a breed hailing from ancient China. A thick mane (or ruff) makes these dogs appear particularly cute and cuddly (and bear-like), and they are also muscular and deep-chested with an overall furry coat. These dignified dogs can be both serious and aloof and are known to be particularly clean canines.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 17 to 20 inches

    Weight: 45 to 70 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Ruff around the head and shoulders; deep-set almond eyes; blue-black tongue; stiff-legged gait; coats can be rough or smooth in colors including red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream

  • 04 of 10

    Samoyed

    samoyed in front of a garden

    zhao hui / Getty Images

    The Samoyed is a spitz breed that originated in the Siberian area of Russia. Strong and intelligent, these dogs were bred to pull sleds on polar expeditions. Today, they make affectionate and playful family pets that look a bit like small polar bears with their thick, white coats and equally fluffy tails.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 19 to 24 inches

    Weight: 35 to 65 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Alert expression; thick double coat; colors include white, cream, and biscuit

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Newfoundland

    Newfoundland dog headshot
    Bread and Butter Productions / Getty Images

    Newfoundlands are very large dogs, but they are also gentle, patient, and trainable. Bred as working dogs for Canadian fishermen, Newfoundlands are often referred to as “nanny dogs” because of the way they watch over and protect children. Their huge heads with a relatively short snout and thick fur give them a distinct bear-like appearance.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 26 to 28 inches

    Weight: 100 to 150 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Flat, long, and coarse coat; colors include gray, brown, black, or black and white

  • 06 of 10

    Keeshond

    Keeshond plays with a ball

    Daniela Duncan / Getty Images

    Affectionately dubbed the “people’s dog,” the Keeshond became the symbol of the Dutch Patriots Party in the 18th century as it fulfilled the role of both guard and companion on early Dutch vessels. The Keeshond resembles a teddy bear, with its extremely furry face and small, upright, slightly rounded ears. It's known to be an energetic, intelligent breed that's personable and easy to train.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 17 to 18 inches

    Weight: 35 to 45 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Upright ears; plush, abundant coat; plumed tail; spectacles (shadings and markings around the eyes)

  • 07 of 10

    Caucasian Shepherd

    Caucasian shepherd dog

    Spike Summers / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

    Named after the Kavkaz (Caucasus) mountains of Eastern Europe, the Caucasian shepherd's massive size almost rivals that of a small bear. Their thick coats and muscular build give these dogs quite a bear-like look. These fearless dogs were tasked as guardians of herds and homes in harsh conditions, and they remain loyal protectors today. While they're large and strong dogs, they're also loving and affectionate toward their families.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 23 to 30 inches

    Weight: 99 to 170 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Ranges from short to long coat; colors include fawn, gray and red with markings that can be white, piebald and/or brindle

  • 08 of 10

    Leonberger

    Leonberger dog puppy resting in the yard
    onetouchspark / Getty Images

    Hailing from Germany, Leonbergers were originally bred as majestic companions fit for royalty. Given their impressive size and strength, Leonbergers were famously adept at pulling carts. But despite their huge 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 Overview

    Height: 25 to 32 inches

    Weight: 90 to 170 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Medium-long waterproof coat; lion-like mane around the neck and chest; bushy tail; triangular ears; black face

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Eurasier

    eurasier dog lying in grass

    Daniela Duncan / Getty Images

    A dog that's considered to be of both European and Asian descent (hence its name), the Eurasier is a confident and well-balanced dog that loves nothing more than being around its family. Although this dog is not the largest of the bear-like breeds, the Eurasier is yet another muscular canine with thick fur, especially around its head. It tends to make an excellent guard dog.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 19 to 24 inches

    Weight: 40 to 70 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Thick, medium-long coat in an array of colors; purple, pink, or spotted tongues; can have dark face masks or light "reverse" masks

  • 10 of 10

    Pomeranian

    Pomeranian on furniture
    Andrew Fladeboe / Getty Images

    While they don't quite resemble actual bears, Pomeranians are pint-size pooches that have a definite teddy bear-like quality thanks to their rounded ears and puffy fur. They are confident and curious dogs. And they're consistently one of the most popular toy breeds, even though their ancestors were bred from much larger sled dogs.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 6 to 7 inches

    Weight: 3 to 7 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Fluffy and abundant 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 patterns and markings

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