Would you like a teddy-bear-like pet? Then come with us to discover the ten dog breeds that look like bears. They come in all sizes and temperaments, so you can choose the one that better fits your expectations. We are going to describe them perfectly, so you can make the right decision.
Be it dogs that look like polar bears, such as the Samoyed, or authentic bear-like dog breeds such as the Chow Chow or the Tibetan Mastiff. You are going to discover it all, so stay with us and keep reading!
10 Bear-Looking Dog Breeds
Now that we have arrived at this section, we are going to bring all the details about the dog breed bears so you can know them better. You will learn more about their appearance, temperament, health, and pricing.
1. Chow Chow
Chow Chows have a big bear-like mane and they are originally from China. Their coat can be black, cream, fawn, red, or blue, which brings you several options. They are big compact dogs.
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
They are big dogs and they are independent and aloof, yet also very loyal, protective, and smart. Therefore, they make excellent family dogs, as it is in their genes to protect their owners.
They have a life span of 9 to 15 years and they are a healthy breed. Yet, they are prone to developing the following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
You can minimize these risks by buying from a reputable breeder. Regarding the price, a Chow Chow can cost between $900 and $1,200. Although, specimens from champion bloodlines can easily surpass the $10,000 mark.
2. Tibetan Mastiff
Original from China, the Tibetan Mastiff is an authentic big dog that looks like a bear due to its majestic mane, gigantic size, and matching temperament. Their coat can come in different colors: black, red gold, blue-gray, brown, black and tan, and brown and tan. They have the following measurements:
- Height: 26 to 33 inches
- Weight: 75 to 160 pounds
They are considered as giant dogs, and their temperament is stubborn, aloof, intelligent, protective, and loyal. Therefore, they make excellent guard dogs, and they are ideal for families.
Their life span ranges from 12 to 15 years, and they are healthy dogs. Nonetheless, it is worth noting the following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Persistent pupillary membranes
Their cost ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. However, some specimens can cost up to $1.9 million, like the Tibetan Mastiff with lion’s blood, bought by one of the richest property developers in China. If you have ever asked yourself what does a bear dog look like, then just check that specimen. It is the closest thing you will find, we promise!
3. Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog is original from Italy and it comes from ancient times because even the Romans depicted it in paintings, sculptures, and literature. Due to its big size and white coat, it looks like a polar bear. However, its coat can also be cream. This breed has the following measures:
- Height: 24 to 29 inches
- Weight: 75 to 100 pounds
As you have seen, it is a big and heavy dog. Maremma Sheepdogs are very friendly, alert, determined, loyal, and smart. Therefore, they are ideal for families, as alert dogs or as work dogs. They are exceptional for rural living.
Their lifespan ranges from 11 to 13 years, and they are healthy, resilient and active dogs. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that they can develop the following health problems:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Slipped Patellas
- Achondroplasia
Their price ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, which makes them more affordable than other bear dog breeds.
4. Pomeranian
If a small teddy bear-like dog is what you are looking for, then the Pomeranian is the answer. Its fluffy coat makes it look like a small bear, and it comes in the following colors: White, black, brown, orange, tan, and grey-shaded. The breed has the following measurements:
- Height: 7 to 12 inches
- Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
It is a small dog, and therefore, ideal for apartment living. They are friendly, extroverted, social, active, playful, and smart. They are great for families, as they are ideal companions.
Their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 16 years, and they are a healthy and active dog. Nonetheless, they are susceptible to the following health problems:
- Luxating patella
- Chronic valvular Disease
- Entropion
- Tracheal collapse
- Growth hormone-responsive alopecia
- Hypoglycemia
Their price ranges from $500 to $1,500, making them affordable bear-like dogs.
5. Samoyed
The Samoyed is original from Siberia, Russia, and they are the ideal polar bear-like dogs, due to their white, fluffy, and full coat. If that is what you are looking for, then it will fit the bill perfectly. They have the following measurements:
- Height: 19 to 24 inches
- Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
They are big yet lighter dogs, in comparison to Chow Chows and Tibetan Mastiffs. Their temperament is characteristically friendly, social, playful, alert, and lively. However, they also have a tendency to be stubborn.
Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 13 years. They are healthy and active dogs, designed for herding and hard work. However, it is worth noting the following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Pulmonic stenosis
- Aortic stenosis
The price for a Samoyed ranges from $600 to $1,500, placing them in an affordable range, especially in contrast to expensive breeds like the Tibetan Mastiff.
6. Eurasier
The Eurasian Dog is original from Germany, and it is similar to the Samoyed because they both belong to the spitz group. However, their coat comes in the following colors: Black, wolf-sable, black and silver, red, black and tan, and fawn. The Eurasier has the following measurements:
- Height: 20 to 24 inches
- Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
They are large yet light dogs, and therefore, they are agile and quick. Their temperament is notoriously smart, alert, calm and watchful. Due to their even-tempered and reserved nature, they make ideal watchdogs, as well as guard dogs.
The lifespan of a Eurasier ranges from 12 to 14 years, and they are healthy, active and strong. Nonetheless, it is worth considering the following potential health problems:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Distichiasis
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
The pricing for a Eurasian Dog puppy ranges from $800 to $1,000, making them one of the most affordable large dogs from this group of bear-like breeds.
7. Keeshond
Native from The Netherlands, the Keeshond is a majestic dog that looks like a stylized bear. Its big and abundant coat comes in the following colors: silver, black, grey, grey and black, grey, cream and black, and black and silver. They have the following measurements:
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
They belong to the spitz group like the Eurasier and the Samoyed, but they are noticeably smaller. Their temperament is remarkably alert, quick, sturdy, bright, and playful. They are very loyal and they do not have a notorious tendency towards stubbornness like Samoyed.
A Keeshond can live between 13 to 15 years old, and they are fairly healthy, active and agile. However, like other breeds, they have a tendency to develop certain health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Tetralogy of fallot
- Addison’s disease
- Mitral Valve fefects
The price for a Keeshond puppy is between $1,000 to $4,000, making them one of the most expensive dogs from this list.
8. Poochon
If big bear-like dogs are not your thing, but rather small and adorable pups, then welcome the Poochon. It is a poodle mix – a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Toy Poodle – and it looks like a curly baby bear. The most common coat colors are apricot, cream, and tan. They have the following measurements:
- Height: 9 to 14 inches
- Weight: 6 to 18 pounds
They are small, and therefore, perfect for small spaces like apartments. They are notoriously affectionate, friendly and loyal, which makes them excellent companions, and in consequence, exceptional family dogs.
They can live between 12 to 15 years, and they are normally healthy. However, they are prone to the following health problems:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Addison’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Perthes
A Poochon can cost you between $500 to $1,000, making it quite affordable, especially given that it is a designer dog, which is usually attached to a big price tag.
9. Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle is another designer dog, and in this case, a cross between the Poodle and the Old English Sheepdog, which brings it a bear-like appearance thanks to its abundant and leafy coat.
The usual coat colors are red, black, black and white, and white. However, sheepadoodles with full-white coats are rare, and therefore, highly valuable, because they look like polar bears.
- Height: 13 to 27 inches
- Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
They can be rather medium-size as well as big, it depends on the size of the parent Poodle, which can be medium-sized or giant. The Sheepadoodle is calm, even-tempered, playful and affectionate. Therefore, they are great for families, as they do very well with children.
They can live between 12 to 15 years, and they are a healthy crossbreed. However, you should take note of the following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Addison’s disease
- Cushings
- Bloating
The price for an ideal Sheepadoodle puppy ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, making it one of the most expensive from the list.
10. Poodle Puppies
Finally, poodle puppies are pretty close to baby bears in terms of looks, especially if you allow their coats to grow long. Nonetheless, remember to brush them weekly, to avoid mats from forming.
The coat of poodle puppies can grow long and abundant, which will bring them that bear-like appearance, which you can help them to retain as they convert into adults with the right haircut and coat maintenance.
Just be sure to note that purchasing a poodle, like any other puppy is a lifelong commitment. Their looks will change and you must be prepared to care for your new family member, even long after they no longer look like a cute teddy bear!
Dog Breeds that Look like Bears – FAQs
During our research, we found the following questions and doubts to be the most common. Therefore, we decided to bring them a proper, concise answer.
What Dog looks like a Black Bear?
The Chow Chow looks like a black bear due to its towering appearance and elegant black coat. Furthermore, it shares specific temperament traits like aloofness, determination and protective nature.
Similarly, the Tibetan Mastiff is another great choice, as certain specimens have black coats that grow long and abundant, and in addition, they are also independent, aloof, protective and fiery when necessary, much like authentic black bears.
What are the Little Dogs that Look like Teddy Bears?
Little dog breeds that look like teddy bears include Pomerarians, Poochons and Poodle puppies. Thanks to their coat, which you can adapt to be abundant and long, you can easily replicate the look of an authentic teddy bear.
Another possible option is the Sheepadoodle, but in the smaller versions that have a height of 13 inches, but the aforementioned dogs are the best choices on the market.
What Dog Looks like a Polar Bear?
The dog breeds that look like polar bears include the Samoyed, Sheepadoodle and the Maremma Sheepdog. Their white coat comes very close to the one exhibited by polar bears, and in addition, they have an imposing and powerful presence.
Nonetheless, from the aforementioned options, the Maremma Sheepdog comes the closest to the polar bear in terms of looks, because its coat is far more abundant, and its size makes it more similar.
What is a Teddy Bear Dog?
Dog designers have come up with a specific hybrid that receives the name of Teddy Bear Dog, which is a cross between the Poodle and the Shih Tzu, or alternatively, between the Poodle and the Bichon Frise. However, the last example is normally known as the Poochon.
What Two Breeds make a Teddy Bear Dog?
To recreate a teddy bear-like appearance, dog designers have come up with specimens such as the Poochon, which is a cross between a toy Poodle and the Bichon Frise, and other combinations include the Poodle x Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, in some cases, dog designers opt for mixing the three aforementioned breeds – Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Shih Tzu, and they normally do it by breeding an F1 Poochon, to cross it with a Shih Tzu.
There are so many adorable dog breeds that look like bears. If you want a fluffy dog to join your family, consider one of these wonderful dog breeds!