7 Dogs People Confuse With Bears

Dogs that look like bears are big, huggable, fluffy companions you will love cuddling with. Not only are they warm and fuzzy, but true to their bear-like appearance, some of them are great, strong protectors. We love dogs that look like bears, and we wanted to share our favorite bear-like dog breeds with you.

If you love bear dogs, you might love dogs that look like wolves. Check them out here - Wolf-like dogs.

1. Chow Chow

This list wouldn’t be correct if we haven’t started it with the fantastic Chow Chow. Not only does this dog look like a bear, but it is also a unique dog breed packed with fun facts. Chow Chows have more teeth than other dogs, and they have a black/blue tongue. Their fluffy coats give them a bear-like appearance, and they are great cuddling partners. However, make sure your bear dog is adequately trained and socialized from early on. Chow Chows can be stubborn, and if they are not properly raised, trained, and socialized, they can develop behavioral issues and even become aggressive.

chow chow

2. Akita Inu

The Japanese Akita is a special dog breed many adore. They are powerful, dignified, and loyal to the bone. These dogs have thick coats and slightly rounded ears that give them a bear-like appearance. These dogs can be challenging to handle, so make sure you are prepared for a stubborn but loyal companion that will need plenty of training and mental activity. If you are a dog lover, you probably heard the story of Hachiko. Hachi was an Akita, and after the world heard his story, the whole breed was celebrated as the most loyal breed in the world.

akita inu

3. Caucasian Shepherd

The Caucasian Shepherd is one of the largest and most powerful dog breeds in existence today. These dogs evolved in the rough Caucasian Mountains of Eastern Europe, and their main job was to protect flocks from large predators like bears and wolves. These dogs have thick coats and small ears. Combined with their impressively giant stature, they give a strong bear impression. Many of these dogs are still playing the role that defined them throughout their history. They are watchful guards keeping an eye on livestock and defending them against some of the largest predators in Eastern Europe.

caucasian-shepherd

4. Leonberger

The Leonberger is another giant dog breed that looks like a bear. These dogs were first bred in Germany in the town of Leonberg. The breed’s creator wanted to produce a dog that looks like a lion (their city’s official animal). However, in the process of creating them, he made a breed that looks more like a bear than a lion. These dogs have thick, double coats and a black mask. Interestingly, the breed’s creator used Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, and the Great Pyrenees to create the mighty Leonberger breed.

leonberger

5. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a large livestock protector that shares many bear-like features with other dogs on this list. The abundant coat and the easy-going nature of the Great Pyrenees makes them one of our favorite bear-like dogs. They have a strong protective instinct that makes them ideal livestock guardians. At home, these dogs are alert, but their favorite activity is napping and enjoying a cozy, warm place next to their humans. However, some of these dogs are still employed as livestock guardians in their native Spain, where they keep a watchful eye over large flocks.

pyrenean_mountain_dog

6. Newfoundland

The sweet nature of the Newfoundland dog makes them ideal giant family dogs. These dogs that look a lot like bears are nothing like them. They are gentle, sweet, affectionate, and especially good with kids. However, they have huge paws, thick coats, and large heads, which gives them a bear-like appearance. These dogs love swimming, and they are credited with many marine rescues. Newfoundlands dragged drowning adults and children to safety, thanks to their fantastic swimming skills.

newfoundland_dog_laying

7. Samoyed

The Samoyed is another Nordic breed with thick fur and a gentle expression. These dogs are as white as snow, and their sweet nature makes them very popular across the US. These dogs look a bit like polar bears. Their white coats can make you think twice, and there are definite similarities between the largest bear species and the adorable Samoyed. These dogs come from Siberia, where they were used as sled dogs and human radiators. Samoyed people used their dogs like their personal warmers during long, cold nights.

samoyed