13 dogs that look like lions

The dog is undisputedly man's best friend. They are loyal companions with their wet noses and faithful eyes. It is known that they descend from wolves and look very similar to them, regardless of race. But apparently there are also breeds that like to step out of line.

They are more reminiscent of the big cats and at first you are not sure: is that a lion or a dog? Judging by their appearance, one is tempted to make the loyal animals purr. But which breeds are we talking about and how do they differ in their nature and appearance?

From the small Pekingese to the large and lion-like Newfoundland.

Pekinese

The Pekingese originally comes from China and is one of the small dogs with its shoulder height of approx. 25 cm. He was bred purely as a companion dog and as a little lion he lives up to this task. His magnificent, long coat also needs to be groomed regularly. The color of the fur can come in many variations, but one of the more well-known is the golden to dark brown coloring.

In terms of character, the Pekingese has less of a lion. He is ideal as a family dog, especially for beginners who are inexperienced with dogs. This breed is very attached to its master, which is why these little lions are particularly suitable for single people.

Pekingese are very alert, intelligent and calm dogs. Among other things, they can also be very stubborn and decide what they want to do. These lion dogs are the perfect companions and best friends.

Shetland Sheepdog

If you are looking for a medium-sized four-legged friend with enough fur to cuddle with, the Shetland Sheepdog is a good choice. What is typical for this breed of dog is that there is crown-shaped fur around the face. This makes the Shetland Sheepdog look very similar to a male lion.

These dogs were originally bred to herd flocks of sheep and assist the shepherd. This results in a great urge to move in the lion-like bundles of energy. Taking him for a walk several times a day is definitely a must. This means that these dogs are often seen in dog sports.

The Shetland Sheepdog gives you a bright smile as a sign of his submission. Compared to the African big cats, these lions have a sensitive mind. They are able to accurately sense the mood of their masters, so loud and aggressive behavior is counterproductive.

Caucasian Ovcharka

A lion among dogs, that is the Caucasian Ovcharka. He is a giant among herding dogs and his build is muscular and strong. The breed was bred around 600 years ago to protect herds from bears and wolves.

The Caucasian lion protects his family and is also very sensitive towards them. It has an elongated and dense coat that can be yellow, beige or gray in color.

This breed can be a challenge when it comes to training. It is necessary to take consistent action and show authority so that this four-legged friend finds his place in the family.

Although this breed of dog has a low urge to move, it is advisable to particularly secure garden fences.

Chinese crested dog

The Chinese Crested is one of the smaller dog breeds. He will be around 10 years old and impresses with his excited and affectionate nature. The little lion is mostly hairless. Only the mane on his head is reminiscent of a male lion.

The Chinese Crested is very focused on its owner and is particularly suitable for individuals. The predominant hairlessness is due to a genetic defect and is now maintained on purpose. Due to the dog's nudity, special attention must be paid to low exposure to sunlight, allergies and injuries.

When it comes to keeping this little fellow, it turns out to be very easy to care for. It is possible to keep it even in a small apartment without any problems.

Golden retrievers

Retriever still belongs to the medium-sized dog category and lives around 10 to 12 years. This breed of dog is often used as a companion dog, as they are particularly self-confident and trustworthy companions. Unlike a lion, they love water and can't resist jumping into any water that comes along. They are also enthusiastic sports enthusiasts and enjoy lots of exercise and exercise.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds and not surprisingly. They are the perfect family dogs, loyal and loving. As their name suggests, the typical coat colors of these dogs are golden or beige. This makes the Golden Retriever look like a female lion.

Since this breed is very people-oriented, leaving these dogs alone for long periods of time would not be an option. When buying, you should pay particular attention to a good breeder, otherwise diseases such as joint problems can occur.

Lowchen

One might think that the Löwchen would be a real lion among dogs, at least in name. The Löwchen used to be a real luxury dog ​​for the royal families and the rich. Based on its body size, this dog is more of a lion than a large lion and is therefore one of the small dog breeds. The dog is often shorn from the waist, resulting in a magnificent mane down to the middle of the body and a bushy tail and legs.

In terms of temperament, this dog is always in a good mood, very intelligent and spirited. Although this breed is easy to train, it is recommended that you attend a dog school. Because who can always resist the little button eyes? Due to the longer fur and the lack of an undercoat, regular grooming is recommended.

In winter, the hair on the paws should be cut so that it doesn't clump together. The eyes should always have a clear view, which is why regular haircuts apply here too. In conclusion, it must be said that this breed is also ideal for beginners.

Newfoundland

If it's not the Newfoundland's big dark eyes that melt your heart, it's his cozy fur. This dog is a real muscle pack and looks like a lion. He would stand in the way of any opponent. But the opposite is the case. His nature is gentle, kind and peaceful. This breed is always relaxed and they build a close bond with their owner.

The Newfoundland is very attached to its owner and wants to be involved in all activities. Due to its thick and long fur, it avoids the direct sun and craves cooler weather. So this dog is a perfect companion for families looking for a friend for all adventures.

Leonberger

The Leonberger's appearance is deliberately intended to appear to people like a lion. Its namesake is the city of Leonsberg, whose city council wanted a breed of dog that was reminiscent of a lion. Their appearance and stature make them true to their name, but they also require a lot of food and care.

Similar to the Newfoundland, the Leonberger is a gentle giant who gets along particularly well with children. Despite its size and muscle mass, this breed does not show aggressive behavior towards people, but is patient and gentle.

The Leonberger is also very suitable for beginners due to its obedience. With enough patience and discipline, he will become a loyal friend at his owner's side.

It should be noted that Leonbergers are particularly active dogs. Their owners should therefore also be sporty and be able to offer the animal plenty of exercise.

Himalayan sheepdog

As the name suggests, the Himalayan Shepherd comes from India. You could also say he is a lion who lives in the mountains. He has always served as a guard dog. His muscular physique also provides him with the necessary prerequisites for this. He's not exactly one of those dogs who are willing to learn, because he gets bored easily.

However, the Himalayan Shepherd dog impresses with its faithful and loyal side. This breed of dog may not be the best choice for people inexperienced with dogs, as he tends to defend himself and his territory. Anyone who already has some experience and is looking for a loyal guard dog is well advised here.

Shar Pei

The Shar-Pei's head size could definitely rival that of a lion. However, this lion is easier to handle than real lions. Although he is not one of the most playful dogs, he gets along well with the family. His character can be described as very relaxed to stoic. Although he always looks a bit thoughtful due to his typical wrinkles on his face, he is a very robust fellow.

It is believed that this breed has existed in Asia for around 2000 years. It was often used to hunt small game due to its easy hunting instinct. What he has in common with lions is that he is not a particularly big fan of water. For this reason, it is strongly advised not to keep them in kennels. This dog breed definitely only belongs in experienced hands and is not for beginners.

Pomeranian

It is unclear whether a Leo would feel insulted by the comparison. The Pomeranian looks somewhat similar to a lion with its mane and a lot of imagination. What is certain is that the Pomeranian is a fluffy mini dog. However, he is unaware of his small size and is very self-conscious, especially around other dogs. He knows what he wants and demands that from his people.

If you need a living alarm system, this breed is the right choice. He can't really defend them if the worst comes to the worst, but his barking will scare attackers away. The Pomeranian is also very willing to learn and enjoys learning new tricks. Longer walks are also no problem at an adjusted pace.

Do Khyi

This lion in dog fur also comes from Asia and is particularly suitable for experienced dog owners. Due to his intelligence, he is particularly suitable as a guard dog. However, he is also sometimes used as a therapy and family dog. He is very attached to his owners and therefore has a strong protective instinct.

The clever Do Khyi needs a task and feels most comfortable when he can learn something new. He loves taking long walks and being active. Anyone who has some experience and is not afraid of teaching manners to the headstrong Do Khyi will find this dog a loyal companion.

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