8 Dogs That Look Like a Lion (Origins, Traits, & Photos)

Dogs don’t often resemble cats, so it’s even more amazing when one seems to look like a BIG cat. From majestic giants to little balls of tan fur, we rounded up eight dogs that look like a lion—and sometimes act like one, too! 

 

#1: Chow Chow 

chow chow walking in grass

These large, fluffy friends closely resemble the king of the jungle! Chow Chow pet parents often have their dog’s puffy coats trimmed to look like a mane, and they are most commonly seen with lion-esque gold fur. They’re also one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, dating back to China’s Han Dynasty around 200 B.C. 

Chow Chows match their regal appearance with an independent, dignified personality. Providing an hour of light exercise and brushing that bushy coat daily are absolute musts. Although they can be difficult to train, Chow Chows are loyal to the family and get along well with lions’ smaller cousins—cats! 

 

#2: Leonberger 

leonberger standing in field

The “Leo” in “Leonberger” comes from the Latin word for lion, and that thick mane makes it easy to see how these dogs earned their name. A 19th-century German businessman named Heinrich Essig wanted an imposing dog fit for royalty and is credited for developing the breed. The Leonberger has become associated with the crest for Essig’s hometown of Leonberg, which features a lion rising up on its hind legs, according to the Leonberger Club of America

Similar in size to Great Danes, Leos tower over most other dog breeds. This intimidation is in appearance only, as they are gentle giants who love to play. Many Leos love to swim, so taking them to a dog-friendly lake can be a real treat! 

 

#3: Löwchen 

lowchen dog sitting on rock by water

Another dog with a lion-inspired name, Löwchen originates from a German term meaning “little lion.” We want to emphasize little—these furry friends only weigh about 15 pounds when fully grown! They gained popularity among European nobility in the Middle Ages, most notably in France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Russia, and Spain. 

Despite their small stature, Löwchen dogs are brave like lions and will alert their family at the first sight of trouble. They are more than content roaming around the yard, but they also enjoy long walks alongside their pet parents. Plus, these hypoallergenic dogs rarely shed or drool. 

 

#4: Pekingese 

pekingese dog in grass

The Pekingese is known as the “lion dog,” most likely due to their thick, often gold-colored coat. It’s not uncommon for groomers to give these dogs a lion cut: their body is trimmed short while the fur around their face remains bushy. Pekingese dogs have a heritage fit for a king, as they were once carried by Chinese royalty in the sleeves of their robes, according to Britannica

These furry friends may be on the smaller side, but they’re known for a courageous and independent attitude. Their short legs make running a challenge, so brief bursts of non-intensive exercise will be enough to keep them feeling their best. The Pekingese can be strong-willed, so be sure to start obedience training early. 

 

#5: Tibetan Mastiff 

tibetan mastiff sitting in park

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest dogs that looks like a lion! Originally bred in the Himalayan Mountains about 3,000 years ago, these burly pooches sport a dense coat to protect them from extremely cold and snowy conditions. They’re light on their feet despite their size, adding an element of agility to their lion-like physique. 

Tibetan Mastiffs serve as noble family protectors, which frequently makes them suspicious of strangers. Their thick coat can contribute to overheating, so it’s wise to let them exercise in the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler. Like all Mastiffs, they have strong jaws and get bored when they don’t receive enough mental stimulation. It won’t hurt to stock up on long-lasting natural dog chews to provide entertainment and avoid destructive behavior! 

 

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#6: Newfoundland 

newfoundland dog with tongue sticking out

You aren’t likely to find a Newfoundland roaming the African savanna, but you will notice their lion-like valor and strength! Newfies are (not surprisingly) believed to have been first bred on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, working alongside fishermen to pull in nets and carry out a variety of other tasks. These big, furry dogs with webbed feet have earned a reputation as excellent swimmers and have even been known to perform water rescues. 

Newfies are as protective as they are large, especially around children. They have a sweet temperament and respond well to training and guidance. Hiking, swimming, obedience, rally, and tracking will all be much-appreciated activities. 

 

🐕 Related: Good Dog Breeds for Kids 

 

#7: Keeshond

keeshond dog standing by tree

Speaking of water dogs, Keeshonds originated as guards for Dutch ships in the 18th century. These dogs that look like lions have a dense undercoat and long, mane-like fur around their face. They also have unique markings around their eyes, which sometimes create the illusion they’re wearing glasses! 

Kees might not be the most popular breed, but they are one of the most social you’ll find—especially around other pets. Their friendliness and perceptive nature make them great therapy dogs, and they also thrive as watchdogs. A brisk walk and some time to romp around the yard will give them their daily exercise fix. 

 

#8: Great Pyrenees 

great pyrenees dog face

Great Pyrenees dogs often have white coats, but finding one in reddish-brown or tan will make the lion resemblance much more apparent. Another jumbo-sized furry friend, these powerful dogs were bred to guard livestock on the cold and treacherous Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. 

The quick and agile Great Pyrenees excels at dog sports and requires plenty of daily exercise to stay happy. Like many dogs on this list, their protective nature makes them great companions but can cause them to act a bit leery of strangers. They can also be stubborn at times, so persistence when training is crucial. 

 

Honorable Mention: Pomeranian 

pomeranian dog face up close

Maxing out at around 7 pounds, the Pomeranian looks more like a toy lion than a real one! Their abundant double coat earns them a mention on this list, as does their feisty personality. You might be surprised to learn Poms are an impressive service dog breed, sometimes trained as medical alert animals for people with conditions like COPD and heart disease. 

 

Top of the “Fur” Chain 

These dogs may resemble ferocious wild animals, but they are among the kindest pets you’ll meet. Whether you’re looking to add a furry member to the family or just wanted to explore some regal canines, each one of these dogs is full of affection and loyalty. 

If you like these dogs that look like lions, check out some other amazing creatures our furry friends can resemble! 

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