If you’re a fan of bears, but don’t want to keep one as a pet, you’re in luck. There are several dog breeds that look like bears, and we’ve compiled a list of the top 11. These dogs have thick, fluffy coats, impressively large paws, and some even have narrow snouts reminiscent of grizzlies.
From the massive Caucasian Shepherd to the small and scruffy Border Terrier, these dogs come in all shapes and sizes. In this article, we’ll introduce you to each of these breeds and highlight their unique characteristics.
You are reading: The Top 11 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears
Top 11 Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears
Akita
The Akita is a large and powerful dog breed that originated in Japan. They were originally used for guarding royalty and nobility in feudal Japan and also tracked and hunted wild animals such as boar and bears.
Today, Akitas are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affection towards their family and friends. They are naturally wary of strangers and can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex.
Akitas have a thick, fluffy coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They have a large, bear-like head with small, triangular eyes and erect, triangular ears.
The Akita is a substantial breed for its height with heavy bones. In this article, we will discuss the Akita breed in more detail, including their personality, history, training, food, and more.
Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a large and impressive dog breed that was originally bred to be a versatile farm dog in Belgium. They were used for herding livestock, pulling carts, and guarding.
With their tousled coat and powerful build, the Bouvier des Flandres embodies a rugged adventurer packed with strength, endurance, and vigor. They are calm, docile, and known for having a pleasant nature, making them a great family dog.
The Bouvier des Flandres is an obedient dog that may look intimidating, but is actually pleasant natured and gentle. They are enthusiastic, responsible, even-tempered, and fearless, making them an excellent guard and watchdog that is easy to train.
This breed learns commands relatively fast, though not quite as fast as some other breeds. They require well-balanced training that remains consistent in nature.
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The Bouvier des Flandres is an energetic and active dog that has an average demand for exercise. They need to go out with their owners for long, brisk daily walks or running alongside a bike.
Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd is a giant dog breed that originated in the Caucasus region of Europe and Asia. They were developed to protect property and livestock and are known for their loyalty, courage, and protectiveness.
The Caucasian Shepherd has a thick, medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors, including agouti and white, black and gray, cream, fawn, gray, grizzle, red, rust, sable, or white with/without white markings, piebald, or brindle markings.
They have a big-boned, muscular build, and their hips are slightly raised from the line of the back. The forelimbs are long, straight, and densely boned, and the paws are large and heavy, with hair between the toes, providing excellent insulation and protection.
The Caucasian Shepherd is a flock guardian that is naturally distrustful of strangers and does not take well to dogs or other animals that they aren’t familiar with. They are low energy and laid back but are also highly territorial and never back down from a fight, even if that means taking on a bear or a wolf.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a spitz-type dog breed that originated in northern China and is known for its distinctive lion-like appearance and blue-black tongue. They are a medium-to-large-sized dog with a muscular, deep-chested body and a broad skull with small, triangular, erect ears with rounded tips.
The Chow Chow has a very dense double coat that is either smooth or rough, and the fur is particularly thick in the neck area, giving it a distinctive ruff or mane appearance. The coat may be shaded/self-red, black, blue, cinnamon/fawn, or cream.
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed that has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of modern breeds in the 19th century. They are an independent and aloof breed that can be challenging to train, but with a patient and experienced handler, they can be quick learners.
Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog, also known as the Cão da Serra da Estrela, is a large and powerful breed that originated from the Estrela Mountains of Portugal. They were bred to guard herds and homesteads, and are considered one of the oldest breeds in the Iberian Peninsula.
Here are some key characteristics of the Estrela Mountain Dog:
Appearance:
– The Estrela Mountain Dog is a large, athletic dog with a sturdy and well-built mastiff-type body.
– They come in two coat types, both of which should resemble the texture of goat hair.
– The coat can be long or short and comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, wolf gray, yellow, and brindle.
Personality:
– The Estrela Mountain Dog is calm but fearless and will not hesitate to react to danger, making it an exceptional watchdog as well as an excellent guard dog.
– They are intelligent, loyal, faithful, and affectionate to those they know but wary of those they do not.
– They are instinctively protective of any children in their family and need early and continued socialization to be trustworthy around small pets and other dogs.
– They are courageous and loyal, making a wonderful family pet that will protect their loved ones at all costs.
Exercise and Living Conditions:
– The Estrela Mountain Dog is not recommended for apartment living and needs space to roam around.
– They require daily exercise and will do best with at least a large yard.
Karelian Bear Dog
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The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish breed of dog that is known for its quick reflexes, fearless nature, and hunting skills. They are a medium-sized spitz-type dog that is popular in Finland and is best known for its courageous ability to hunt large and aggressive animals such as bears, lynxes, wild boars, wolves, and moose.
Here are some key characteristics of the Karelian Bear Dog:
Appearance:
– The Karelian Bear Dog has a distinctive black and white coat, which is unusual for northern Spitz-type dogs.
– They have small ears that are cocked and point outward slightly, and they are lined with dense fur, reducing the risk of frostbite.
– The shorthaired all-weather coat consists of straight, stiff hair while the under-layer is soft and dense.
Personality:
– The Karelian Bear Dog is sensitive, independent, intelligent, skillful, tough on itself, and energetic.
– They are naturally aggressive to other animals, so they will need a good deal of socialization if they are to be kept as a household companion.
– They are very loyal to their owner’s family and make a good household companion when they have owners who know how to display leadership and the dog is extensively trained.
Exercise and Living Conditions:
– The Karelian Bear Dog is a robust, persistent, and powerful dog that is willing to take on virtually any game animal.
– They require daily exercise and will do best with at least a large yard.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz-type dog breed that originated in Holland. Here are some key characteristics of the Keeshond:
Appearance:
– The Keeshond has a thick double coat that is gray, black, and cream in color.
– They have a distinctive ruff around their neck and a plumed tail that curls flat against their body.
– The males of this breed will have a thicker, more pronounced ruff than the females.
Personality:
– The Keeshond is an intelligent, lively, and affectionate breed that loves to be around people.
– They are playful, inquisitive, and outgoing, making them a great family pet.
– They are quick learners and eager to please, but can be stubborn at times.
– They are known for their loud barks and excellent watchdog skills, but also have extremely loving and loyal personalities.
Exercise and Living Conditions:
– The Keeshond is an active breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation.
– They can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and attention.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large and powerful dog breed that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. They were originally used as working dogs to pull nets for fishermen and haul wood from the forest.
Here are some key characteristics of the Newfoundland:
Appearance:
– The Newfoundland is a giant breed, weighing between 100 to 150 pounds and standing 26 to 28 inches tall at the withers.
– They have a thick, oily coat that is usually black, brown, gray, or white and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Personality:
– The Newfoundland is known for its gentle, patient, and highly affectionate nature.
– They are devoted to their families and especially good with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dog”.
– They are intelligent and willing to please, but can be somewhat slow to respond.
– They are an effective protection dog and have a strong work ethic, needing exercise and mental stimulation.
Exercise and Living Conditions:
– The Newfoundland is a large dog that needs space to move around and is not recommended for apartment living.
– They require daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as training and dog sports.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a medium-sized spitz-type dog breed that originated in Siberia. Here are some key characteristics of the Samoyed:
Appearance:
– The Samoyed has a thick, fluffy white coat that is designed to keep them warm in cold weather.
– They have a wedge-shaped head with a black nose and almond-shaped eyes that are usually brown.
– They have a plumed tail that curls over their back and small, erect ears that are set high on their head.
Personality:
– The Samoyed is a friendly, gentle, and outgoing breed that loves to be around people.
– They are intelligent and independent, but can be stubborn at times.
– They are highly energetic and require daily exercise and mental stimulation.
– They are known for their frequent barking and can be difficult to train in this regard.
Exercise and Living Conditions:
– The Samoyed is an active breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation.
– They can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and attention.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and ancient breed that originated in Tibet. They were primarily used for guarding in the tough Himalayan terrain. Here are some key characteristics of the Tibetan Mastiff:
Appearance:
– The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant breed, weighing between 100 to 160 or more pounds for males and 75 to 125 or more pounds for females.
– They have a thick, long, and dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, or white.
– They have a noble appearance, long coat, appealing colors, and beautiful tail, making them a conversation starter and traffic stopper.
Personality:
– The Tibetan Mastiff is an intelligent, protective, strong-willed, tenacious, and aloof breed.
– They are watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating, making them the guardian dog supreme.
– They are smart, strong-willed, and independent dogs who switch between obedient and willful depending on their mood.
– They are highly protective of their family and home, and can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers if not socialized properly.
Exercise and Living Conditions:
– The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog that needs space to move around and is not recommended for apartment living.
– They require daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as training and dog sports.
Eurasier
The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in Germany through cross-breeding between popular European and Asian Spitz. Here are some key characteristics of the Eurasier:
Appearance:
– The Eurasier has a thick, medium-length coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, or cream.
– They have a wedge-shaped head with a black nose and small, triangular ears that are set high on their head.
– They have a plumed tail that curls over their back and small, erect ears that are set high on their head.
Personality:
– The Eurasier is a calm, even-tempered, and well-balanced breed that is loyal to the entire family but reserved towards strangers.
– They are intelligent, sensitive, and highly responsive to positive reinforcement training.
– They are watchful and alert, yet reserved towards strangers without being timid or aggressive.
– They form a strong link to their families and need constant close contact with them for the full development of their qualities.
Exercise and Living Conditions:
– The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog that can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and attention.
– They require daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as training and dog sports.
FAQS
1. What makes a dog breed look like a bear?
Dogs that look like bears typically have thick, fluffy coats, large paws, and a broad skull with small, triangular ears. Some breeds also have narrow snouts reminiscent of grizzlies, while others have slightly tapered ears like typical black bears.
2. Are these breeds good with children?
Many of these breeds are known for being gentle and patient with children, such as the Newfoundland and Samoyed. However, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual and may have different temperaments.
3. Do these breeds require a lot of exercise?
Some of these breeds, such as the Tibetan Mastiff and Caucasian Shepherd, are large and require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Others, such as the Keeshond and Eurasier, are medium-sized and can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise and attention.
4. Are these breeds easy to train?
Some of these breeds, such as the Chow Chow and Akita, can be stubborn and difficult to train. Others, such as the Samoyed and Eurasier, are intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement training.
5. Do these breeds shed a lot?
Many of these breeds have thick, fluffy coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Some, such as the Chow Chow and Newfoundland, are known for being heavy shedders and require more frequent grooming.
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Category: DOGS
