14 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears [plus teddy bear dog breeds]

Several dog breeds have a striking resemblance to small bears. This includes the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Caucasian Shepherd, Chow Chow, Eurasier, Great Pyrenees, Keeshond, Leonberger, Newfoundland, Pomeranian, Samoyed, and the Tibetan Mastiff. Some look like bear cubs as puppies, and others retain the bear-like look into adulthood.

Although dogs and bears are not directly related, anyone observing them casually will likely notice a bear-like appearance with some breeds.

Specifically, there is a similarity in the mouth and jaws and even the structure of the body.

Dog Breeds that Look Like Bears

Akita Dog

Akita Dog History

The Akita Inu Dog originated in Northern Japan at the beginning of the 17^th century.

Their story begins with a breeding competition whose goal was to breed a specific type of hunting dog. The Akita was the result.

At one point in time, only the Emperor’s family and court nobles could own these dogs. They are known for being very loyal and make great watchdogs.

Throughout its history, there were several times when the entire breed came close to extinction.

After World War II American soldiers brought Akita dogs back to the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Akita dog breed in 1972.

Akita Dog Temperament

Moderately active, energetic, loving, and loyal to family but suspicious of people it does not know.

They thrive on human interaction and are known to be profoundly loyal, courageous, and dignified.

Akita Dog Size

Large Dogs
Height between 24 and 28 inches
Weight between 70 to 130 pounds

Akita Dog Colors

They can have a large variety of markings with masks in many different colors.

Black
Brindle
Red Fawn
Sesame
White (pure)

Is an Akita Dog Hypoallergenic?

No, the Akita is not hypoallergenic.

Akita Dog Lifespan

On average an Akita dog will live between 10 and 13 years.

Akita Dog Price

Expect to pay $1000 or more for an Akita purebred puppy.

Alaskan Malamute Dog

Alaskan Malamute Dog History

The Alaskan Malamute is believed to trace its ancestry back to wolf-dogs domesticated by Paleolithic hunters who first migrated into Alaska and North America approximately 4000 years ago.

The name of the breed is derived from the Inuit tribe called the Mahlemiut who lived in northwestern Alaska at the Kotzebue Sound.

The Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull heavy loads at great distances, but at low speeds.

Alaskan Malamute Dog Temperament

Playful, affectionate, devoted, loyal, and sometimes strong-willed.

Alaskan Malamute Dog Size

Large (Height: 23” at shoulder (f), 25” at shoulder (m), Weight: 75 lbs (f), 85 lbs. (m))

Alaskan Malamute Dog Colors

Black & White
Gray & White
Sable & White
Seal & White
Red & White
Various shades

Is an Alaskan Malamute Dog Hypoallergenic?

No.

Alaskan Malamute Dog Lifespan

10 to 14 years.

Alaskan Malamute Dog Price

$975 average (puppy)

Bouvier des Flandres Dog

Bouvier des Flandres Dog History

This dog (that some say looks like a black bear) was bred to be a working farm dog. This includes herding animals, being a guard dog, and many other farm activities.

Originating in the ‘Flanders’ region of Belgium, the Bouvier des Flanders was used as a service dog in World War I.

They are friendly dogs with curly coats and sometimes they are confused with wild animals because of their look. It is unusual to see a Bouvier des Flanders as a family pet in the United States.

Bouvier des Flandres Dog colors

Black
Black & Brown
Brindle
Fawn
Grey
Salt & Pepper shades

These are large dogs!

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Caucasian Shepherd Dog History

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a long history during which it “…was introduced to the bloodlines of many of today’s world breeds…” (American Kennel Club).

For example, the Mastiffs from Asia and Balkan sheepdogs are two such breeds that resulted from other breeds being blended with this animal.

The Caucasian is also known as the Ovcharka dog!

Throughout much of their history, Caucasian Shepherds have been used as guard dogs and for protection from predators for flocks, herds, and human dwellings.

References to this dog, or at least a dog from which this animal is derived, date back as far as the 1^st century B.C. to the army of the Armenian Tsar Tigran II.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Temperament

Devoted, kind, and endearing to family, but fearless, fierce, and bold to threats.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Size

Large (23” – 30”, 99 lbs. – 170 lbs.)

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Colors

Black
Cream
Gray
Silver
Yellow
White

Is a Caucasian Shepherd Dog Hypoallergenic?

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Lifespan

10 – 12 years

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Price:

$1500 – $2000 average (puppy)

Chow Chow Dog

Chow Chow Dog History

Possibly the oldest breed in the world, depictions of the Chow Chow Dog have been found on artifacts from China dating as far back as 206 B.C (the Han Dynasty).

Some say the Chow Chow looks like a Grizzly Bear. Early on, they mostly served as companions to the various nobles of China. They have also served in a variety of roles like hunting, hauling, and guarding.

The Chow Chow is probably the oldest breed in the world!

There is also a possibility that their ancestors served as food for the Northern Chinese.

Although they were in exhibits at the London Zoon in the 1820’s they didn’t really become popular until Queen Victoria acquired one. They were not shown in the Americas until sometime in the 1890s.

Chow Chow Dog Temperament

Noble, Serious, Intelligent, and sometimes stubborn.

Chow Chow Dog Size

Medium (Height: 18” – 20” (f), 19” – 22” (m), Weight: 44 – 55 lbs. (f), 57 – 70 lbs. (m))

Chow Chow Dog Colors

Black
Blue
Cream
Cinnamon
Red

Is a Chow Chow Dog Hypoallergenic?

Chow Chow Dog Lifespan

Eight to 12 years.

Chow Chow Dog Price

$2250 average (puppy)

Eurasier Dog

Eurasier Dog History

A recent addition to the list of dog breeds, the Eurasier is the result of a careful breeding process performed by Julius Wipfel.

Wipfel, a resident of Germany at the time, wanted a dog to succeed his black, Spitz-type animal.

This led him to breed the first litter of puppies called “Wolf-Chows” by crossing a Wolfspitz and a Chow Chow.

In 1972, he crossed in a Samoyed to add its friendly nature. The result was the Eurasier Dog, so-named because of its Asian and European background.

Eurasier Dog Temperament

Calm, even-tempered, confident, gentle, intelligent, and well-oriented towards family life.

Eurasier Dog Size

Medium (Height: 19”- 24”, Weight: 40 – 70 lbs.)

Eurasier Dog Colors

Black
Black/Tan
Black/Silver
Fawn
Red
Wolf/Sable

Is a Eurasier Dog Hypoallergenic?

Eurasier Dog Lifespan

12 to 16 years.

Eurasier Dog Price

$2000 – $2500 average (puppy)

Great Pyrenees Dog

Great Pyrenees Dog History

An ancient breed, Great Pyrenees dog fossils have been found that date as far back as the Bronze Age ( 1800 – 1000 B.C.).

They were bred to serve as herding dogs for peasant shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains, which separates Spain from France.

They were tasked with watching flocks of sheep and protecting them from predators such as wolves, bears, and rustlers.

Great Pyrenees mountain dogs were known for showing legendary courage and for possessing great patience.

The Great Pyrenees joined the court of King Louis XIV as the Royal Dog of France in the 17^th Century. That post involved guarding the king’s chateaux.

Great Pyrenees Dog Temperament

Intelligent, mellow, and patient.

Great Pyrenees Dog Size

These Gentle Giants are big dogs! (Height: 25” – 29” (f), 27” – 32 “ (m), Weight: 85 – 120 lbs., 100 – 130 lbs.)

Great Pyrenees Dog Colors

Badger
Grey
Red
Tan
White
Mixed

Is a Great Pyrenees Dog Hypoallergenic?

Great Pyrenees Dog Lifespan

10 to 12 years.

Great Pyrenees Dog Price

$550 average (puppy)

Keeshond Dog

Keeshond Dog History:

The Keeshond Dog (plural: Keeshonden) has its origin as a companion animal and guard dog that served on Dutch vessels.

These boats navigated the man-made waterways that existed in what is called the Low Countries of northwestern Europe (Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium).

Referred to as “the people’s dog,” the Keeshond became the symbol of the Dutch Patriots Party in the 18^th century when it stood in opposition to the House of Orange, a royal establishment.

There is some confusion about the origin of the name of the Keeshond.

For example, according to Purina, “It is said that the breed was named for the Dutch Patriots Party leader Kees de Gyselaer, who owned a dog named Kees” (Purina).

The American Kennel Club isn’t quite as sure. According to them, it could refer to the name of a patriotic mascot animal or the nicknames of two different leaders (all of whom were named/nicknamed “Kees”).

Keeshond Dog Temperament

Lively, outgoing, and friendly.

Keeshond Dog Size

Medium (Height: 17” (f), 18” (m), Weight: 35 lbs., (f), 40 lbs. (m))

Keeshond Dog Colors

Black, gray, and cream mixed together.

Is a Keeshond Dog Hypoallergenic?

No.

Keeshond Dog Lifespan

12 – 15 years.

Keeshond Dog Price

$1500 average (puppy)

Leonberger Dog

Leonberger Dog History

The Leonberger Dog originates from the breeding work of a 19-century politician and entrepreneur located in Leonberg, Germany named Heinrich Essig.

Essig used Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards, and other large breeds, in his breeding effort. He wanted to produce a dog fit for European royalty.

It was a smashing success and he found numerous noble clients including Tsar Alexander II, Napoleon III, and the Prince of Wales.

There were also non-noble people of remarkable accomplishment that have own this dog such as Richard Wagner, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

They have been employed at the “common” level on farms, waterfronts, and pastures, and other mundane areas to this day.

Leonberger Dog Temperament

Calm, playful, friendly, and stable.

Leonberger Dog Size

Large/Giant (Height: 25 ½” – 29 ½” (f), 28” – 31 ½” (m), Weight: 90 – 140 lbs., 110 – 170 lbs.)

Leonberger Dog Colors

Black Mask
Brown
Red
Sandy
Yellow

Is a Leonberger Dog Hypoallergenic?

No.

Leonberger Dog Lifespan

Eight to ten years.

Leonberger Dog Price

$2400 average (puppy)

Maremma Sheepdog

Maremma Sheepdog History

Originating in Italy, the Maremma Sheepdog gets its name from being livestock guardians. This is a large size working dog and was often utilized to protect humans as well.

It was first brought to the United States in the 1970s. People notice that the Maremma’s head resembles a bear. This is a giant dog breed much like the Great Pyrenees dog.

Maremma Sheepdog Colors

Cream
White
Slight shades of ivory, lemon, and orange

Newfoundland Dog

Newfoundland Dog History

The Newfoundlands are excellent working dogs that long-served on ships for Canadian fishermen and who are specialized in water rescues.

They are strong enough to save a full-grown man from drowning. Their rescue prowess is legendary.

The Newfoundland Dog has partially webbed feet and they are natural-born swimmers.

The Newfoundland dog has also have done their share of hauling of fishing nets and similar tasks.

Today there are few Newfoundland dogs that actively work as seagoing deckhands, but they are still well-employed as water-rescue animals all over the world.

Newfoundland Dog Temperament:

Patient, watchful, sweet, devoted.

Newfoundland Dog Size

Giant dog! (Height: 26” (f), 28” (m), Weight: 100 – 120 lbs. (f), 130 – 150 lbs.)

Newfoundland Dog Colors

Black
Black and white
Brown
Gray

Is a Newfoundland Dog Hypoallergenic?

No.

Newfoundland Dog Lifespan

Nine to 10 years.

Newfoundland Dog Price

$1200 average (puppy)

Pomeranian Dog

Pomeranian Dog History

The Pomeranian is related to some of the Spitz-type sledding dogs of the North and Arctic. They are probably best known as dogs that have fluffy white coats.

The name Pomeranian is derived from a region of land named Pomerania that is now part of western Germany and Poland.

The Pomeranian was originally bred centuries ago. Of the Spitz breeds, the Pomeranian is the smallest.

They started to enjoy great popularity after Queen Victoria brought a number of the breed back to Britain after a trip to Florence, Italy.

Queen Victoria became a breeder of the dog and successfully reduced the size of the animal from approximately 30 pounds to its present size of only three to seven pounds.

Pomeranian Dog Temperament

Bold, cocky, lively, animated, and inquisitive.

Pomeranian Dog Size

Small (Height: 6” – 7”, Weight: 3 – 7 lbs.)

Pomeranian Dog Colors

Many different colors and combinations.
Black
Blue
Chocolate
Cream
Orange
Red
White

Is a Pomeranian Dog Hypoallergenic?

No.

Pomeranian Dog Lifespan

12 – 16 years.

Pomeranian Dog Price

$1200 average (puppy)

Samoyed Dog

Samoyed Dog History

The Samoyed (also called “Sammie”) can trace its ancestry back to the Samoyedic (or Samodeic) people.

The Samoyedic people migrated from Asia to Siberia around one thousand years ago or so. They bred dogs, such as the Sammie, to survive and perform arduous tasks in some of the coldest locations on Earth.

The Samoyed Dog is bred to withstand extreamely cold weather!

The severe weather they endured together helped form tight bonds of companionship between the people and their dogs.

In addition to sledding across Siberia with substantial loads, Samoyed dogs also served as hunters and watchdogs.

At first, the Samoyede hunted reindeer and used Samoyed dogs to assist them. Later, as their culture evolved, they started herding reindeer instead of hunting them.

When this happened, the Samoyed dogs also changed and started assisting in protecting and moving the herds.

The dog was introduced in the West in the late 18^th century by Arctic explorers on their return to England.

People who know these dogs often claim they look like a polar bear because of their fluffy coats.

Samoyed Dog Temperament

Devoted, adaptable, gentle, and kind. They make an excellent choice for families with children.

Samoyed Dog Size

Medium (Height: 19” – 21” (f), 21” – 23 ½” (m), Weight: 35 – 50 lbs. (f), 45 – 65 lbs. (m))

Samoyed Dog Colors

Cream
White
White & Biscuit

Is a Samoyed Dog Hypoallergenic?

Samoyed Dog Lifespan

12 to 14 years

Samoyed Dog Price

$1850 average (puppy)

Tibetan Mastiff Dog

Tibetan Mastiff Dog History

The origins of the Tibetan Mastiff are largely unknown. Due to the fact that Tibet is so isolated, it makes the history of the Tibetan Mastiff shrouded in mystery.

For millennia they have guarded the Himalayas. There is also evidence that suggests that some travelers to that mountain nation were given these giant dogs as gifts.

These animals are believed to have been used to create the Mastiff breeds of Europe and the Middle East.

Mastiff breeds, in general, are thought to trace their ancestry back to this dog.