A dog with bear-like traits has a thick coat, broad head, lumbering gait, rounded ears, and even soulful eyes. I’ve studied dozens of breeds and asked owners, kennel clubs, and breed historians. The result is this curated list of breeds whose appearance triggers that bear heart in us.
#1 Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed that was used to protect Buddhist monasteries and monks of Tibet. It has a two-layer hair coat (comes in handy in the cold weather in China’s Tibetan Plateau) consisting of a woolly soft undercoat and a thick, coarse top coat. Female Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 90 and 150 pounds, and males weigh around 70 to 120 pounds. They are calm dogs who are deeply protective of their families and home.
In 2018, People reported that a Chinese family bought a puppy on vacation, believing it to be a Tibetan Mastiff. However, after their pet started walking around on its hind legs and reached 250 pounds, they realized that it was an Asiatic black bear.
#2 Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs are double-coated dogs known to put themselves physically between any stranger and their family. Despite their impressive size, they are sweet-tempered and friendly dogs. A full-grown male typically weighs between 130 and 150 pounds. The Newfoundland dog is often mistaken for a bear due to its large size.
#3 Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is an ancient breed that was used as a guard dog for the farmers in the Pyrenees Mountains. Male Great Pyrenees should weigh over 100 pounds. Great Pyrenees look like polar bears due to their large, fluffy hair.
#4 Leonberger
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed that weighs up to 75 kilograms. It originated in the town of Leonberg, Germany, through the crossbreeding of Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, and Saint Bernards. They were originally bred to resemble a lion, but look like a real bear.
#5 Chow Chow
Chow Chows are best known for their mane-like fur and for their cute, teddy bear-like appearance. They were originally bred as hunting dogs.
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#6 Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute has a plumelike tail carried over its back, erect ears, and a broad head. I love that Malamutes are one of the most loyal and friendly dogs that exist. They were first used to pull heavy loads, scare polar bears, and hunt seals. Giant Alaskan Malamutes look like a wolf-bear hybrid.
#7 Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz dog that was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1930. Keeshonden make excellent agility and obedience dogs. It has a dense double coat with a thick ruff around the neck. This gives the Keeshond a distinct teddy bear-like appearance.
#8 Eurasier
It originated in Germany through cross-breeding between Asian and European Spitz. It was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1973. The Euroasier has a thick, medium-long coat that can come in a variety of colors. As far as I know, the Euroaiser is basically a mix between a real-life bear and a cuddly teddy bear.
#9 Samoyed
Samoyeds are fluffy white dogs that are native to Russia. It has erect ears, dark almond-shaped eyes, and a characteristic smile. The colour of the Samoyed’s coat is often called silver-white. These dogs are compared to polar bears due to their white coats and furry look.
#10 Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian shepherds are independent dogs with strong protective instincts. They were originally trained to hunt bears. They have blunt, bear-like faces and stand 30 inches tall and weigh as much as 170 pounds.
#11 Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs are big and beautiful dogs that are affectionate with all members of their families. The dog looks like a big, cuddly teddy bear. They thrive on affection and love, being the centre of attention. Males weigh between 90 and 115 pounds, and females between 75 and 105 pounds.
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#12 Bernese Mountain
It is a large dog breed originating from the canton of Bern that is built for hard work. The breed has a double coat, with a longer outer coat and a woolly undercoat. From a distance, the Bernese Mountain dog looks like a real bear.
#13 Karelian Bear
The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish breed of dog that is used for hunting wild boar, brown bears, and moose. The first standard was established in 1945. The Karelian Bears may be territorial towards other male dogs.
#14 Akita
Originating from the mountains of northern Japan, the Akita arrived in the US around 1937. It has a double coat. The undercoat is dense and soft, while the outer layer is rough and waterproof. The Akita has a bear-like face with erect ears and sharp eyes.
#15 Bouvier des Flandres
It is a herding dog breed originating in Belgium. The breed has a rough, tousled coat, giving an unkempt appearance.
#16 Maremma
It originates from Italy, where it was used by shepherds to guard goats and sheep against wolves and bears.
#17 Great Swiss Mountain Dog
The breed was developed in the Swiss Alps, and it has incredible physical strength.