11 Dogs That Look Like Bears (& Facts About Each!)
Did you know there are hundreds of dog breeds worldwide? With that kind of variety, it's no surprise that our four-legged friends can closely resemble wolves, coyotes, foxes, and yes, even bears! Whether you're looking to add a burly pup to your family or just want to browse some adorable photos, check out these beautiful dogs that look like bears.
#1: Karelian Bear Dog
A quick glance into the Karelian Bear Dog's bushy face is all it takes to see the resemblance! Like their ferocious namesake, these active furry friends have a keen sense of smell and love to hunt big game. In fact, they can use one of several barking sounds to tell their human hunting partners what kind of animal they've found.
Karelian Bear Dogs are often reserved and can get a bit territorial around other animals, although they are deeply loyal to their people and possess a great protective spirit. This rare breed has intense training needs, so it's important to keep plenty of dog treats on hand to reward good behavior!
#2: Chow Chow
The Chow Chow's fluffy coat and stocky build give them a bearish appearance, and their "mane" also makes them one of the few dogs that look like a lion! This dog's regal appearance has been admired for thousands of years; an emperor of the Tang dynasty in present-day China was said to have possessed more than 5,000 of them, according to Mental Floss.
The Chow Chow's personality matches their kingly reputation, as these dogs tend to be quite dignified and independent. Despite a thick coat, Chow Chows are among the cleanest dogs you'll meet. They produce little odor, although they will need regular grooming to maintain their noble appearance.
#3: Barbet
Pronounced "bar-bay," the Barbet hails from France and is revered for their legendary swimming skills. These furry athletes were originally bred to hunt waterfowl like ducks and geese and continue to excel at a variety of outdoor sports. Their dense coat offers a grizzly-bear-level of shagginess, while that signature "beard" makes them stand out among the crowd.
Barbets are highly social and sweet dogs who pick up on new routines quickly. They crave exercise, so it's important to give them lots of time and space to roam. A trip to a dog-friendly lake makes for an extra-special playtime bonding activity!
#4: Newfoundland
There's no mistaking the Newfoundland's thick double coat and massive build. Weighing up to 150 pounds, they are active dogs with a talent for search-and-rescue work and intense outdoor activities. A Newfie named Seaman even accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition across the American frontier and proved his worth as a powerful hunter and vigilant watchdog, according to the National Park Service.
Although these dogs look like bears, their demeanor is anything but fierce! They're famously good with kids, maintaining a docile attitude and devoted nature. These gentle giants are also easy to train and thrive on human companionship.
#5: Estrela Mountain Dog
Named for Portugal's Estrela Mountains, this breed is among the oldest from the region—and one of the world's rarest dogs. Their black "mask" around the eyes & snoot and wavy double coat are among their distinct bear-like qualities.
Although Estrela Mountain Dogs may be wary of strangers, they're devoted to their favorite people and make great family dogs. Like many dogs on this list, they also possess a protective nature and are formidable guardians.
#6: Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog offers several bear-like traits. Their arched gait and woolly coat give them a larger-than-life appearance, while their thirst for adventure keeps them in touch with their wild side. These stout dogs also walk with a shuffle, resembling that of a black bear.
Old English Sheepdogs could look imposing from a distance, but they are among the world's most graceful dog breeds. Adaptable and agreeable in nature, they can fit in with just about any family. They need significant physical and mental exercise; an hour of daily fitness and some fun dog brain games will do the trick. And of course, that shaggy coat should be groomed frequently to maintain its elegant status!
Related: 11 Dogs That Look Like Wolves (And Their Unique History)
#7: Tibetan Mastiff
Yes, this massive fluffball is in fact a dog! Though extremely rare, the Tibetan Mastiff has been inhabiting Central Asia for thousands of years. They're so ancient that they're considered to be the "basic stock" from which most modern large working breeds developed, according to the American Tibetan Mastiff Association. If you're lucky enough to spot a Tibetan Mastiff, you can often find them watching over their territory.
Reserved but vigilant, Tibetan Mastiffs have solidified their reputation as effective guardians. They're also bona fide workaholics who often prefer keeping watch to playing fetch and other games. These double-coated beauties are also surprisingly easy to groom; they shed heavily once annually, needing only occasional brushing the rest of the year.
#8: Samoyed
If you could shrink down a polar bear, you'd get an animal that looks much like a Samoyed! That iconic furry white coat insulates against some of the world's coldest conditions, allowing these wintry dogs to serve a variety of important roles. Their enduring strength and reliability have been harnessed for everything from hauling sleds and herding reindeer to assisting hunters and watching over property.
Sammies have excellent working capabilities, but they need some help to unlock their potential. Training should begin when they're young, as these dogs tend to be a bit stubborn. And as you might guess, these friendly four-legged friends love to play in the snow!
#9: Great Pyrenees
Another cold-weather guardian, the Great Pyrenees originates from the Pyrenees Mountains along the border of France and Spain. These dogs were bred to protect flocks of sheep high in the mountains, displaying tremendous courage in the face of wolves and bears.
Today, they remain vigilant protectors and will quickly react to perceived threats. Despite their size and strength, the Great Pyrenees needs only moderate exercise to stay healthy. They tend to be quite calm, conserving their energy while watching over the family. Try not to feel overwhelmed when meeting one of these gargantuan dogs, as they can stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulders. (That's almost as tall as a black bear!)
#10: Leonberger
The large-and-in-charge Leonberger is literally fit for a king. These stately dogs were popular among Otto Von Bismarck of Germany, Napoleon II and Napoleon III of France, and Umberto I of Italy, according to WebMD. Their bear-like facial features and bushy tail stand out among members of the Working Group, contributing to their regal status.
Leos love to play, especially when water is involved. Their webbed paws make them excellent swimmers, and they'll also happily tag along on a dog-friendly hiking trail. If you're thinking about adding a Leo to your family, just know that they get big; males can weigh up to 170 pounds and stand at just under 32 inches tall. There's no need to feel intimidated by these dogs that look like bears, as they're affectionate around family members and new friends!
#11: Pomeranian
Pomeranians are reminiscent of teddy bears and real-life bears! Their distinctly furry coat and short, triangular ears earn them a spot on this list—and in the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. The Pom owes its global popularity to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who famously bred and exhibited these dogs in the nineteenth century, according to the American Kennel Club.
Poms might not be as robust as these other bear-like dogs, but they're just as lively and alert; they can even become great service dogs when trained properly! Their vibrant double coat can be found in over a dozen colors including cream, red, orange, blue, and chocolate. Frequent grooming is a must to keep Poms looking their best.
Are Bears Related to Dogs?
Here's the short answer: sort of. While they are both mammals of the suborder Caniformia (which means "dog-like"), bears are only distantly related to dogs. Their most recent common ancestors—long-bodied carnivores known as the miacids—lived 33.9 million to 65.5 million years ago, according to Britannica. Dogs and wolves are much more closely related, diverging genetically between 36,900 years ago and 41,500 years ago, according to Nature.
Bearing a Resemblance Indeed!
From fluffy coats and bushy tails to athletic builds and imposing statures, these four-legged friends have plenty in common with their (very) distant relatives. Dogs that look like bears might appear self-reliant and many even maintain some independent qualities, but there's no doubting that they all need love and attention. If you have one of these dogs, go ahead and give them a big bear hug!
Dogs aren’t closely related to bears, but our modern furry friends still have some amazing family ties. Learn about these extinct dog breeds that shaped today’s pups.