Bear or Dog? Discover the 27 Dog Breeds That Look Like Adorable Bears

While bears are not necessarily everyone’s go-to dream pet, a dog breed that looks like a bear will surely do the trick. You may be searching for your next pet or simply feeling curious about what’s out there.   

Some doggos have a teddy bear appearance, while others are downright grizzly. Whether it’s their extra-long fur coat or fluffy ears, these 27 dog breeds certainly look like bears.   

In this post, you’ll learn a little bit more about their personality traits, physical appearance, and so much more. Keep reading to figure out which breed may suit you best.

27 Dogs that Look Like Bears

Here’s a quick list of 27 amazing dogs that look like bears (and even teddy bears), keep reading to find out which cuddly canine should be your next companion.

1. Bichon Frise

This little beauty is more like a polar bear cub but a bear nonetheless. With a black nose and beady black eyes, the Bichon Frise, whether teacup or standard, is easily one of the cutest bear-like dogs you’ve ever seen.     

This pup is curious, playful, and less likely to drool all over you (which is usually a good thing). You can expect lots of cuddles, a ton of playtime, and dogs that don’t shed as much as most despite their thick coats.   This tiny bear is perfect for active apartment dwellers, weighing in at only around 12-18 pounds.

2. Whoodle

The Whoodle appears to be half bear, half-human. It’s their wide eyes that make them seem as though they’re always looking for treats, but which pup isn’t? The Wheaten terrier and poodle cross is an active and playful breed; their friendly nature makes them a hit with just about anyone.   

You can expect a soft fluffy coat and smart little doggos. They tend to develop quite a bit of hair, adding to their bear-like faces. So, when they’re not looking for treats, they may appear to be scowling at you, but this is just their face. The Whoodle’s all-knowing appearance is just a front for their enduring affection. 

3. Border Terrier

Another small breed for the collection of dogs that look like bears is the British-bred Border Terrier. Their scruffy-bearded appearance makes them look like a disheveled bear that just got out of a fight — still adorable, though.   

You can expect a happy, affectionate, and plucky little guy with a rough coat. Their all-knowing eyes seem to calm younger children but may incite a war with other animals if they’re left unsupervised.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

If you’re looking for a calm, good-natured, and strong working dog, the Bernese Mountain dog is for you. The Poodle mix could be an even better fit if you’re seriously after the hunky bear breeds.   

These gentle giants usually live for around seven to ten years and are great with young kids and other animals. These big dogs are a relatively good choice for a starter pet. They are pretty protective (they can make good guard dogs) and also relatively easy to train.   

This large dog does tend to drool quite a bit and shed even more than one would prefer, thanks to their long double coats — but they make up for it with their absolute cuteness.

5. Cockapoo

No, this is not a bird or a profanity. The Cockapoo is a mix of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. You can expect a non-shedding dog with short curly and wavy hair.   

They’re sweet, loving, intelligent, and quite an active breed. You could say that they’re the best of both breeds. You will need quite a bit of time and attention to give these marvels as they require lots of interaction and stimulation.   

The Cockapoo’s ears create a more teddy bear appearance than a grizzly bear, and their sweet nature makes grooming just that much more manageable.

6. Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle

This fluffy poodle mix is an undiscovered designer gem; the Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle serves pure bear-face thanks to three different dog breeds and generational breeding.   

You can expect a hypo-allergenic pup that loves attention, cuddles, and playtime. These small dogs can be an excellent companion. The adored look of your Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle comes down to grooming, and unfortunately, you may have to do quite a bit of it.   

Overall, these dogs are adaptable and can do well in any environment. They’re as ‘talkative’ as doggos get, so you won’t be left in the dark trying to figure out precisely what your new family member may need.

7. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a non-sporting breed hailing from Tibet. She gives off more sloth vibes than anything else, but as with the Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle, the desired look comes down to grooming.   

These teddy bear dogs are considered intelligent and confident, which makes sense considering they were royal lapdogs in ancient China. They don’t shed as much and drool even less, but their grooming takes up a standard amount of time.   

The Lhasa Apso is quite adaptable to new environments and is vigilant, too; this comes in handy when you’re living in an apartment or on your own. They’re especially great companions and will mimic your level of energy.

8. Bear Coat Shar-Pei

Shar-Peis are pretty well known for their scrunched-up faces and being adorable balls of fluff. The Bear Coat Shar-Pei is a mixture between —you guessed it— a Bear Coat and a Shar-Pei. It takes its coat from the Bear Coat, but thanks to genetics, they are quite a rare and unique breed.   

Their loose skin and puffy fur make them look like a tiny dog in a teddy bear costume that’s a little bit too big. Nonetheless, these adorable munchkins are intelligent, protective and will enjoy a good run outside.

9. Pekingese

The Pekingese is very much a Sloth Bear turned dog. Their broad faces rimmed with lots of fur and long ears resemble that of the Sloth Bear, and while the significant difference is in their nose, they’re pretty much just as adorable.   

The Pekingese is a toy dog and was a favorite of the Chinese Imperial Court. This may be due to their sleek fur or the fact that they’re exceptionally well-behaved. Weighing in at around 14 pounds, and usually about 6-9 inches tall, if they fits, they sits — in your lap, that is.

10. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian, while exceptionally tiny, has a heart as big as a Brown Bear with the face to prove it. These tiny dogs are extremely affectionate and a whole lot furrier than a bear, though, which in turn takes away any potential to look somewhat grizzly.   

They need regular grooming to maintain their sheen and their fur’s shiny, beautiful strands. Pomeranians are pretty protective and will vocalize everything. So, while they are not guarding dogs by nature, they are fantastic to have around when your doorbell isn’t working.

11. Zuchon

The Zuchon is a well-mannered, affectionate, and friendly breed — which may already be evident from its squishy teddy bear face. This bear-like dog does well with kids and other dogs. It is also known as a Bichon Frise Shih Tzu mix and takes on both of these traits really well.   

While they’re usually calm and non-aggressive, they also make for really good watchdogs. All of which doesn’t bode too well for the fact that they are quite fragile little pups. They are prone to quite a few health ailments and if they’re treated fairly roughly, they may develop things like patellar luxation.

12. Shih Tzu

This Asian dog breed is best-loved for its floppy ears and adorable hairstyles. If a bear were a barbie and reborn as a dog, this is exactly what it would look like. This breed loves being outside and interacting with people.   

They’re somewhat hypo-allergenic as they don’t shed much at all. Although, they do tend to take up quite a bit of time as most Shih Tzu pups need ample stimulation, lots of exercise, and a regular grooming regimen to keep them as happy and healthy as can be.   

This solid breed needs a ton of space, time, and attention, so be sure to follow up on all its requirements before finding your next Shih Tzu companion.

13. Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle needs little to no introduction in this list — it’s a poodle and it’s tiny. But, they tend to resemble bears in other ways.   

The Toy Poodle temperament shows that this breed is protective over their loved ones, acknowledges themselves as a member of the pack, and will become rather passive-aggressive when someone messes with them.   Despite their small size, the old adage still stands: don’t poke the bear. 

14. Yorkshire Terrier

This larger-than-life breed is usually full of energy and extremely loving. You can expect your Yorkshire Terrier to reach around seven pounds in weight and around seven to eight inches long.   

The size of the Yorkshire Terrier as well as its temperament makes this a great dog for apartments and small houses or older couples looking for a companion for 11-15 years.   

These friendly dogs are really good with families and does even better with kids. In order to keep its bear-like fur intact, you’ll have to ensure that your baby is groomed regularly and kept on a strict regimen in order to maintain health and happiness.

15. Chow Chow

This blue-tongued baby is as bear-like as bear dogs can get. You can expect this fluffy rascal to make a home almost anywhere. This floof is dignified and relatively serious as far as dogs go.   

The Chow Chow is a little protector and will do great with just about anyone, thanks to its playful nature. Another bear-like breed is the Chow Chow Husky. This dog is quite strong-willed and may struggle to be trained if you do not keep a consistent regimen.   

They need tons of exercise, lots of love and strict rules in order to become the best versions of themselves.

16. Keeshond

The Dutch Barge dog was quite commonly kept on barges traveling in the Netherlands. These dogs are friendly and outgoing. Their extremely sociable nature makes them a great companion everywhere you go.   

They’re adaptable to all sorts of environments and are quite playful as well and will need a lot of mental stimulation. These dogs tend to get quite big and are appropriate for houses with yards and owners with lots of free time and attention to give.

17. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is usually alert, attentive, and quite active. They tend to need lots of mental stimulation but their fluffy faces make spending time with them an absolute treat.   

This breed, with pointy ears and a long snout, are made ten times more adorable by their round faces and fluffy cheeks. They tend to grow up to 16.5 inches tall and weigh quite a bit. So, if you’re looking for a smaller dog type, this may not be your best choice.   

They are an ideal choice for families and will make a lovely watchdog in busy neighborhoods. Be sure to train your dog well so that you don’t run into any major issues.

18. Akita Inu

The Akita Inu dogs are extremely loyal and super courageous. They’re quite the companion and make rather good watchdogs as well.   

Their protective nature means that you’ll have a great friend — one who is intelligent, good with people, and can get accustomed to most environmental changes. Their big heads make them a little bit more intimidating than their personality actually is.

19. Cavapoo

The Cavapoo is a mixed breed dog, with parents from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. This mix is what gives them a tiny teddy bear-like face.   

Another mix, the Cavapoochon, is a mix of Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which makes them a smaller and playful breed. 

20. Bouvier Des Flandres

This strong-willed breed makes for a great watchdog in bigger homes. They tend to need a fair amount of space as their high energy levels and curious minds make them quite the explorers.   

The Bouvier Des Flandres has lots and lots of fur in tufts of long wavy coats that protect their big hearts. Hailing from Belgium, they’re most commonly used as farm dogs.

You might enjoy reading about dog breeds that look like Benji.

21. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd dog is quite a beautiful bear, with long legs, long fur, and an attractive rough coat. They tend to grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh around 99-170 pounds. Their size and gorgeous coat make them one of the most cuddly bears on this list.   

You can expect a friendly, loving, fearless companion that drools a lot. They tend to use their intimidating stature to keep you safe. But, be sure to give them a ton of love and keep them away from too many strangers at one time.

22. Eurasier

Similar to the Caucasian Shepherd dog, the Eurasier is bear-like in all of the best ways. Their red fox kind of ears make them unique compared to other family-oriented dogs.   

They tend to live for around 16 years, so be sure that you and your family are ready to invest the time and money into a beautiful breed like this one.

23. The Great Pyrenees

This is a beautiful polar bear-looking breed with lots of love to give and a ton of smarts to keep you entertained on your daily walks and playtime.   

These rather large babies need regular grooming, training, and exercise. They’re relatively easy to care for, so they can be a great starter dog.

24. Newfoundland Dog

The Newfoundland dog is shaggy and gorgeous. If you’ve ever wanted a relatively big dog with beautiful thick fur, this is your best bet. Their fluffy long ears make them look like surfers who need a haircut.   

They are as adorable as they are devoted and kind. Their patience makes them great with kids and just about anyone. They tend to drool a lot, so be sure to warn unsuspecting strangers of all the love they’ll receive.

25. Samoyed

The Samoyed is a white bear with lots of savvy and a very adaptable nature. They’re quite gentle and their cuteness is almost un-bear-able. These dogs are around for life as they usually live for up to 14 years.   

Their affectionate nature, playfulness, and protective nature make them a wonderful family dog and an even better companion.

26. St. Bernard

This giant breed is quite familiar to most regular movie watchers. They tend to have an inquisitive side and will bark loudly at anything that interests them.   

You can expect a ton of drool and a whole bunch of love but be sure to train them well as they may become quite unruly with inconsistency and a lack of structure.

27. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is an Asian breed of independent giants. They do tend to drool quite a bit and will require regular grooming in order to keep them in tip-top shape. You may want to consider introducing them to people slowly as their size alone can be quite intimidating.   

If you find yourself falling in love with a Tibetan Mastiff, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve got a lot of time to keep them busy and find a ton of toys and treats to stimulate their minds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs Who Look Like Bears

Are there dog breeds that resemble bears in appearance?

Yes, there are dog breeds that possess a striking resemblance to bears. Some examples of dog breeds that resemble bears include the Chow Chow, Tibetan Mastiff, Eurasier, and the Keeshond. These breeds have certain physical characteristics such as a dense coat, sturdy build, and a distinctive face that contribute to their bear-like appearance.

What is the most bearlike dog?

According to Dog Time, the Samoyed was originally bred to haul sledges and herd reindeer, so it’s no wonder that this good-natured, energetic dog looks more like a bear than a dog. 

Are dog breeds that resemble bears suitable for families with children?

The suitability of dog breeds that resemble bears for families with children can vary depending on the breed and individual dog. Some breeds, such as the Keeshond and Eurasier, are known to be good with children, while others, like the Chow Chow and Tibetan Mastiff, may have a more reserved or protective nature.

Final Say on Dog Breeds That Look Like Bears

There you have it. A dog’s physical appearance isn’t enough for guessing its personality traits. Some of these breeds are adorably playful, while others would prefer to laze around with a good bone.   

Whichever breed you choose, be sure to check out precisely what your dog needs and try to adopt one from your nearest rescue first before heading out to buy from breeders.   

Check out some of the other characteristics as well before making your choice. It’s always good to know how much your dog will shed and which vitamins to give to keep them healthy. With the proper training, attention, and treats, your new pup will become a lovely addition to the family.