On average, bears weigh around 5 times as much as a large, adult dog. However, there are some dog breeds that have strong visual similarities to bears.
In addition to their appearance, the following breeds also have other things in common. Because all of these four-legged friends make great guard dogs and shepherd dogs.
Their thick fur used to be primarily used to protect against bite wounds. It also kept you warm in winter and in the mountains. Here you will learn about 19 dogs that look like bears.
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#1 Chow Chow
The Chow Chow has a very dense double coat. It is particularly noticeable on the neck. This appearance makes the dogs look like bears.
In addition to their striking appearance, the animals also stand out for another characteristic. You have some kind of foot fetish. Because they like to lie at the feet of their masters.
This four-legged friend not only resembles a bear, but also a lion. It has 44 teeth instead of the usual 42 teeth. [1]
Without proper training, animals often become overly protective and aggressive. Also towards other dogs – especially those of the same gender.
This also results in increased insurance costs as these dogs are classified as “very risky”. Some regions also completely reject chow chows.
Fun fact: Not due to a lollipop, like with us humans, but due to a genetic defect in one of the youngest animals of this breed. This is how the blue tongue that Chow Chows are known for came about.
#2 Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog
The Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog is friendly and intelligent. This dog also resembles a bear. But he is a long-haired German Shepherd.
To serve as sheepdogs, the puppies are brought into flocks of sheep after just 4 weeks so that they develop a close bond. They also bark a lot.
Although the animals are very strong and intimidating, they get along well with other dogs and pets. This makes them the ideal family and guard dogs.
This dog is only available with white fur. This fact used to help distinguish German Shepherds from wolves. They also need a lot of exercise. [2]
The animals usually had a wide metal collar with spikes to protect the neck while at the same time injuring potential attackers. Otherwise they are friendly.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend is a double-edged sword. Calm, sleepy, melancholy at home, but at work as a German Shepherd? Say hello to the “wild wolf slayer.”
#3 Do Khyi
The Do Khyi. These are dogs that look like bears. They are mostly active in the morning and evening. They are rather quiet inside.
They cope well with cold, but less well with heat. They are also very trusting towards family, children and other dogs. [3]
It is an extremely effective guard dog. Even against dangerous predators. This fight can come down to life and death.
The dog's appearance could also be described as frightening. They are available in a wide variety of colors. Their fur allows them to cope with the cold very well.
However, they are not suitable for beginners. Because they are also relatively difficult to train. However, with experienced people they are also suitable as family dogs.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend might give you a bit of a shock on the scales. While most animals weigh between 50 and 60 kg, some specimens reach an incredible 130 kg.
#4 South Russian Ovcharka
The South Russian Ovcharka is one of the large sheepdogs. However, this dog also has a similarity to bears. But he is rather long-haired.
The hair is so long that it usually covers the eyes. They are very weather-resistant. Neither heat nor cold can particularly bother them.
They are banned in Denmark and Lithuania because they are considered “dangerous”. They can sometimes even react aggressively towards other dogs and people.
In general, they are very protective and territorial. They also require little attention. However, this also means they can stay perfectly alone. [4]
Although they hardly need any attention, they do require a lot of mental and physical activity. Care must also be taken to ensure that they are socialized early.
Fun fact: Who needs a clear view when you can have stylish, long fur? This four-legged friend lives the style, without a regular haircut.
#5 Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a dog that looks like a bear from a distance. He has a particularly cuddly coat and they are incredibly patient dogs.
They were originally bred to serve as working dogs. At that time they were employed by fishermen. Which was good because they love work. [5]
They even have webbed feet between their paws. Although they only need a moderate amount of exercise, the dogs are not suitable for apartments.
On a large property they are also suitable as family dogs as they get along well with children. In general, they are also very trusting towards family.
However, there should always be someone at home, as they have a hard time staying alone. Otherwise, they are rather lazy and easy-care dogs.
Fun fact: “My mouth is already watering.” – This saying can be taken literally here.
#6 Eurasians
The Eurasian. He is relatively rare. There are currently only around 9,000 dogs of this breed worldwide. What is striking is that this dog looks like a bear. His fur is special.
It is unusually dense, so it copes well with the cold. His problem is that he tends to be overweight and overeat. A luxury problem.
This is an excellent family dog. Ultimately, he develops a very strong bond with the family. He also gets along excellently with children.
However, when it comes to strangers, he tends to be reserved and rather skeptical. It is also suitable as a guide dog, therapy dog and service dog. He is easy to train. [6]
He sometimes also serves as a guard dog. However, it should be noted that he needs a lot of contact with the family. She also rarely barks.
Fun fact: When playing with other dogs: You could play for a long time, persistently… But you could also be the first to lie on the floor exhausted. Eurasians ahead!
#7 Samoyed
The Samoyed comes from parts of Russia and Siberia. He used to be primarily a deer sheepdog. However, it was also used in many other areas.
For example, as guard dogs, sled dogs, hunting dogs and family dogs. However, they are too friendly as protection dogs. Aggressive behavior is very rarely seen. [7]
Today they are also ideal family dogs. This is despite the fact that these dogs look like bears. Because they also get along excellently with children.
She doesn't get along well with heat and cold. Neither does the fact of staying alone. So there should always be someone there. He is very trusting towards his family.
Although the animals shed a lot, they are considered very clean and odorless. Because they groom themselves like cats. In other words, they lick their paws. This means they are also suitable for apartments.
Fun fact: Here we have another example of the well-known “fur ball”. And he particularly likes to spread his fur all over the house.
#8 Kuvasz
The Kuvask is a dog that has visual similarities to a bear. But he is also one of the large white dogs. His character is patient, independent and loyal.
In the past, the animals were originally used as royal guards. Her homeland is in Hungary. There they are also used as hunting and war dogs.
They reach a shoulder height of up to 76 cm. So say, as big as greyhounds. However, their life expectancy is still up to 14 years. [8]
The animals almost died out during the Second World War. At that time there were only between 12 and 30 living specimens left. Because they also served as war dogs.
The animals need a lot of closeness to the family. They even react aggressively when chained. Otherwise, they are also friendly to children in the family.
Fun fact: You have a really good name with “Kawasz”, which means “armed guard of the nobles”. And then someone makes a mistake and you’re called “Kuvasz”. True Story.
#9 Himalayan Shepherd
The Himalayan sheepdog comes from India. One of the ways you can recognize it is that this dog looks like a bear. But also his fur, which is very thick.
The animals were previously used as sheepdogs. Nowadays they are still the same in India and Nepal. After all, the animals are very adaptable. [9]
It should be noted that the dog is less there to drive the herd. Because he is only there to protect the herd. He also needs little sleep.
Thanks to their high adaptability, the four-legged friends get along well with other pets and dogs. But staying alone is no problem here.
There are 4 official names here. Besides the above, we have: Bhotia, Bangara Dog and Himalayan Mastiff. He is an excellent watchdog.
Fun fact: There are many dog breeds with multiple official names. I personally particularly like the second name of these four-legged friends – “Gaddi Kutta”. Or “Gaddi” for short.
#10 Caucasian Ovcharka
The Caucasian Ovcharka instinctively wants to be the alpha among other dogs. This also suits his appearance. Because these dogs look like bears. [10]
With appropriate socialization, they are also very loving family dogs. However, you may need a feeding plan because they tend to be overweight.
In addition to their actual strength, these dogs also have one of the strongest bite forces. However, they behave relatively cautiously towards strangers.
This dog is available in three different coat lengths. The weight varies between 50 and 100 kg. It reaches a shoulder height of up to 75 cm.
The strength of this dog is so immense that it can even take on a wolf on its own. In a pack, however, he would even be able to take on a bear.
Fun fact: You could try training here yourself. But you could also simply make a dog trainer despair. Because this breed is considered to be particularly stubborn.
#11 Wolfspitz
The name of the Wolfsspitz is deceptive. He is a dog that also looks like a bear. In fact, he even has a more teddy bear-like appearance.
Weighing up to 30 kg, this is the largest of five types of “German Spitz”. However, they are generally considered a separate breed.
Their life expectancy is up to 14 years. During these years they make excellent family dogs. Furthermore…