Whether they’re fluffy puppies or gentle giants, some dog breeds look less like canines and more like bears. From cute teddy bear-looking lapdogs to big dogs that can pass as black bears, there’s no denying the exotic factor of these beautiful dogs. There are some designer dog breeds that also fit the teddy bear appearance, too.
Before going into our list, it’s important to acknowledge that each dog breed has its pros and cons. Buying a dog strictly for looks is a recipe for disaster, especially if the breed has a lot of daily requirements that need to be met. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan for your new dog and research as much as possible before it arrives.
Without further ado, here are 15 dog breeds that look like teddy bears:
The 15 Cute & Small Teddy Bear Dog Breeds
1. Chow-Chow
Known for their cat-like personalities and strong aloofness towards strangers, Chow-Chows are about as bear-like in appearance as it gets for purebreds. These large, fluffy dogs are also famous for their blue tongues, which is a breed standard requirement.
- Chow-chows weigh around 45 to 75 pounds and stand between 18 to 22 inches
2. Pomeranian
Pomeranians have a striking resemblance to bears, especially the aptly named teddy bear variety. These Spitz-type dogs are great companions and watchdogs, with spunky personalities that entertain everyone around them.
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- Pomeranians weigh around 3 to 7 pounds and stand around 7 to 10 inches
3. Tibetan Mastiff
One of the most expensive purebred dog breeds to date, Tibetan Mastiffs seem more dog hybrids crossed with bears. These massive guarding dogs need jobs to stay busy, so they’re great for families that have larger properties in need of a watchdog.
- Tibetan Mastiffs weigh around 75 to 160 pounds and stand around 24 to 30 inches
4. Newfoundland
Though available in white, piebald, and tan, many people recognize Newfoundlands as the black fluffy bears that they resemble. “Newfies”, as they’re called by diehard Newfoundland owners, are natural-born swimmers and have great temperaments.
- Newfoundlands weigh anywhere from 95 to 150 pounds and stand around 25 to 29 inches
5. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute puppies can easily be mistaken for adorable teddy bears, though they grow into more of a wolfish appearance as they age. These arctic dogs excel in many athletic and working areas, so they’re best for active dog owners that can meet their high exercise needs.
- Alaskan Malamutes weigh around 70 to 95 pounds and stand between 22 26 inche
6. Keeshond
It’s hard to imagine a list of dog breeds that look like bears without mentioning Keeshonds, bear-like with their rounded ears and fluffy coats. Keeshonds are true watchdogs and will enjoy alerting the household of any intruders, especially with new people.
- Keeshonds weigh approximately 31 to 40 pounds and stand between 17 to 18 inches
7. Caucasian Shepherd
One look at Caucasian Shepherds and it’s no surprise that this rare breed has made this list. These big mountain dogs are large in size and weight, but their faces have many similarities to bears. Caucasian Shepherds are also called Caucasian Orvcharkas and Caucasian Sheepdogs.
- Caucasian Shepherds weigh between 100 to 120 pounds and stand around 26 to 29 inches
8. Maremma Sheepdog
Maremma Sheepdogs look like smaller versions of the polar bear, especially due to their white or light cream-colored coats. These working dogs do best with farm living or homes in rural settings, provided they have the ability to run the property at will.
- Maremma Sheepdogs weigh between 75 to 99 pounds and stand around 26 to 29 inches
9. Eurasier
Eurasier puppies might as well be bear cubs, with their fluffy puppy coats and rounded, bear-shaped faces. Eurasiers are part of the Spitz family of dogs, often mistaken for Chow-chows due to similar coat types.
- Eurasiers weigh between 40 to 70 pounds and stand around 19 to 24 inches
10. Samoyed
Samoyed dogs have with thick, fluffy white coats and bear-like features that other Spitz-type breeds have. Samoyed puppies can even resemble teddy bears, but those puppies quickly grow out of their teddy appearance and look more like polar bears as adults.
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- Samoyed dogs weigh approximately 40 to 65 pounds and stand around 19 to 24 inches
11. Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs
Similar in appearance to Maremma Sheepdogs, Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs are confident, affectionate dogs that are often compared to polar bears. These dogs have incredibly thick double-layered white coats that need to be maintained properly to prevent matting.
- Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs weigh approximately 80 to 120 pounds and stand between 26 to 32 inches
12. Akita
Akitas have rounded ears and mouths that give them their bear-ish look, especially when they’re tiny puppies. These Japanese dogs are quite serious and dignified, but they do have a playful side that makes them popular as family dogs.
- Akitas weigh around 24 to 28 inches and stand at around 50 to 86 pounds
13. Cavoodle
Cavoodles are hybrid dogs that are the result of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel being crossed with a Miniature Poodle, creating fluffy, curly-haired teddy bear-like dogs. Cavoodles are one of many designer dog breeds that have grown in popularity due to the rising demand for unique hybrids.
- Cavoodles weigh between 9 to 20 pounds and stand at around 12 to 15 inches.
14. Bouvier des Flandres
From far away, it’s easy to mistake a few Bouvier des Flandres dogs for small bears. These herding dogs from Belgium have thick, woolly coats that are usually in black or dark colors, which gives them their bear-like look.
15. Poodle
Poodles, whether they’re toy, miniature, and standard sizes, have fluffy, curly coats that give them that classic teddy bear appearance. Poodles are often used to cross with other dogs to make designer dog breeds, such as the Labradoodle.
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- Toy
- Miniature
- Standard
- See also: 23 Cutest Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: WilleeCole Photography, Shutterstock
