Dog breeds similar to bears

Every dog lover has their own “type”. Whether you prefer big or small dogs, long-nosed or short-legged dogs, curly-haired dogs or wolf-like dogs, there is a breed for you. And if you're partial to dogs that look like bears, you're in luck! There are many dogs with thick fluffy fur and an external resemblance to a clubfoot.

Keep in mind that bear-like dogs are not suitable for everyone. With a few exceptions (we're talking about Spitz), these dogs look like bears in part because they are large, and in some cases very large, unlike Pomeranians, which look like teddy bears. So these pets may not be suitable for living in apartments or small houses.

Most shed heavily and require regular grooming to keep their coat clean and healthy. And almost all bear-like dogs were bred for cold climates, so they do not tolerate hot weather well and cannot be kept outside in high temperatures.

But if you think you're ready for a furry, bear-like pet in your home, check out the dog breeds below.

Pyrenean mountain dog

These heavily furred white dogs are gentle giants unless one of their pack is in danger. Bred in the Pyrenees Mountains, the range that separates France from Spain, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are moderately active dogs that require a nice walk in the park and a cool place to rest.

Their coat is naturally resistant to dirt and tangles, but requires brushing once a week. A couple of times a year, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs will shed heavily, so have a powerful vacuum cleaner ready. These intelligent, affectionate dogs are great with children, but are not suitable for apartments or hot climates. Oh, and they like to bark —a lot of bark.

Poodle

Boundless energy and a sunny disposition make the Poodle an excellent family dog. No breed has a more developed sense of humor than the poodle.

Poodle puppies, especially the chocolate ones, look like teddy bears. So you can't be sure which one is a poodle and which one is a toy. White, blue and peach poodles are also not uncommon. A dog's fur does not cause allergies, but requires regular care and maintenance. You will have to use not only shampoo, but also wool conditioner. From the age of six weeks you need to accustom your pet to combing. A poodle's haircut can highlight its beauty and grace.

Chow chow

Perhaps the Chow Chow is the most well-fed of the bear-like dogs. It is given volume by fluffy coarse fur and a luxurious mane of hair around its muzzle. Their resemblance to clubfoot is given by their round muzzle with a short nose and deep-set eyes. Their double coat of fur sheds heavily, so they need to be brushed several times a week.

Did you know that originally bred in China as hunting and guard dogs, Chow Chows are considered one of the oldest dog breeds.

The Chow Chow can be a little aloof and wary . To ensure your pet becomes a well-socialized adult dog, be sure to introduce it to children and other dogs as a puppy and teach it obedience. These furballs require a moderate amount of exercise, run very little, and can adapt to apartment life.

Content Rules

It is the fluffy fur that gives the dog its resemblance to a bear, and caring for it will be one of your main concerns. Thick fur is prone to tangles; to avoid this, it will need to be washed and combed regularly.

A few simple recommendations:

Provide your dog with a balanced diet;
Consult your veterinarian and select a multivitamin complex for your breed;
Brush your pet’s teeth – this will protect against periodontal disease;
Carry out deworming and routine vaccinations in a timely manner;
Training should begin as early as 1-2 months;
Clean your eyes with a damp swab daily.

Consider all the features of the breed you have noticed, weigh the pros and cons and make a choice. We hope you will find a common language with the chosen puppy and will enjoy each other for a very long time!

Pomeranian Spitz

Is any living thing more like a stuffed toy than a Pomeranian puppy? Although they didn't make our list of fox-like dogs, the furry little Pomeranian puppies definitely have a fox-like personality that only intensifies as they get older.

Generally sweet and friendly, Pomeranians love to play indoors with a ball or squeaky toy, but do not tolerate prolonged exercise outdoors in hot weather. Although they love children, their diminutive size - they weigh only two to three kilograms - means they may not be suitable for families with rambunctious children. And this luxurious fluffy double fur? He sheds a lot and needs to be brushed several times a week.

Health and illness

Pomeranians are fairly strong dogs despite the fact that they are miniature. This feature of the breed makes them very attractive. Noticeable health problems occur only in dogs whose muzzle length is less than 3 cm.

Such pets are not capable of normal breathing, which is why they gradually develop pathologies of the heart and trachea, which greatly reduces their life expectancy. Also, bears with a shortened nose develop syringomyelia, which initially damages only the nervous system, and then the entire body.

Some individuals have defects in the structure of bones and cartilage, which is associated with dwarfism in animals. Typically, this phenomenon occurs in dogs with minimal growth. Sometimes some representatives of the breed may experience epilepsy and eye diseases, mainly inflammation. To reduce the risk of purchasing an animal with congenital diseases, you should carefully study the documents of the parents of the future pet.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a dog largely depends on its exterior. If an unscrupulous breeder breeds dogs with a muzzle length of less than 3 cm and a height of less than 18 cm at the withers, then such pets, even with proper care, get sick and rarely live to be 8 years old.

These animals are commercial goods, which are in high demand due to their decorative appearance, but due to their short lifespan, they are quickly replaced. Such micro-Spitz Pomeranians, predominantly of the bear type, are especially expensive due to their doll-like appearance.

The classic bear Spitz has good health. With proper care, when vaccinations against diseases are carried out in a timely manner, as well as treatment against external and internal parasites, a pet can live up to 20 years. A Spitz remains in good health much longer if it not only has two walks a day, but also takes advantage of the opportunity to roam freely in the garden.

In cases where the dog is not allowed to be bred, castration or sterilization is required to increase its life expectancy, depending on the sex of the animal. It is recommended to perform such an operation on a young pet, without waiting until it is necessary for medical reasons.

This will provide the dog with a stable hormonal background and will not cause disturbances in the general condition due to the desire to mate, which, if it cannot be satisfied, has a destructive effect on the body.

Newfoundland

If you notice a bear that likes to spend time in the water and constantly sticks its tongue out, it may not be a bear at all. It could be a Newfoundland! Bred in the ice-covered Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador as marine working dogs, these large dogs became famous for their fearlessness in rescuing drowning people.

Fun fact: Newfoundlands are one of the best mountain dog breeds that love adventure and water fun!

Today's Newfoundlands are known for their sweet dispositions and love of children. However, these wonderful companion dogs can literally outweigh their owners! This giant breed of dog requires plenty of space to live, plenty of people or animals to socialize and play with, moderate exercise, and owners who tolerate shedding and excessive drooling.

American Akita

Often called the "silent hunter", the Akita is a quiet but temperamental dog that can often be difficult to train. This is the largest breed of Japanese Spitz, which is distinguished by a sophisticated bear-like character with thick hair and rounded ears. As a high-energy breed that also tends to be very loyal, Akitas have long served as guard and hunting dogs and require daily exercise.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Russian Bear Dog , was bred to be a fierce and fearless protector of the herds in the Caucasus Mountains separating Europe from Asia. Although this powerful, giant breed probably no longer fends off attacks from bears or wolves, it still protects its home and cares for its family - to the point that it can be aggressive with strangers and other people's animals.

Since male Caucasian Shepherds can tip the scales at up to 100 kg (!), early training and socialization are a must. Unlike lap dogs, this is not a breed for beginners . Its double coat sheds heavily, so the pet will have to be brushed several times a week.

Training

At home, the behavior of these seemingly cute dogs is often destructive. They chew on sofas, climb on chairs and tables like cats, steal food from countertops and cause damage to any thing that is “in the wrong place.” But this is what representatives of this breed do in the absence of appropriate upbringing.

Training a husky will not be easy, because these animals are very capricious. Despite the warm feelings they have for their owner, dogs often distance themselves from him. To make them obey, you will have to show persistence and patience.

Unfortunately, in the process of training a husky, you cannot do without punishment. This is not about beating! Whenever the dog begins to behave badly, for example, barking loudly for no reason, you need to raise your voice at him, saying “Ugh” out loud.

He should associate this command with a ban on specific actions. Huskies are very smart, so they will quickly remember it. A 2-month-old puppy of this breed can be taught traditional dog commands. Consider an example of teaching the “sit” command:

Bring the animal to a calm state.
Stand in front of him. Say “sit” clearly and loudly.
Apply gentle pressure to the back of your dog's back to help him get into a sitting position.
Repeat “sit” again.
Reward the animal with a treat or a pat on the head.

It is important to form a trusting relationship between you and the dog. You should not impose authority on him by force, as this will only increase stubbornness on his part. Try to act calm and confident when interacting with your husky.

This will allow him to realize your primacy. To keep your dog obedient and not try to run away, never treat it like a member of your family. Remember these basic rules:

Try to act calm and confident when interacting with your husky. This will allow him to realize your primacy. To keep your dog obedient and not try to run away, never treat it like a member of your family. Remember these basic rules:

Don't let your pet sleep in the same bed with you.
Correct his behavior when he shows stubbornness.
Do not allow huskies to bark at people who come into the house.
Don't feed him table food.

It is also not recommended to give your dog soft toys that he can chew. Tormenting objects awakens in him the instinct of a wolf, that is, a predator. At this seemingly game moment, his nerves are on edge. An overly active husky will not listen to you if you allow him to tear at stuffed animals.

And lastly, run with your dog as often as possible, she loves it. Physical activity will definitely do her good. Plus, going for a run with your four-legged friend will strengthen your bond.

Samoyed

Cute, cheerful Samoyeds were bred in Siberia and northern Asia to withstand some of the coldest temperatures on the planet. Today, these “polar bears” thrive in an air-conditioned home during the summer months.

IMPORTANT! Samoyeds love their family and do not do well if left alone for long periods of time.

These white dogs' signature fluffy coat sheds almost all the time , so they require brushing several times a week. But one look at this cute, “smiling” face, and you will forgive her the extra work.

Peculiarities

Large and medium-sized breeds are of ancient origin and are intended to be kept only in private houses with a plot. In childhood, they undoubtedly resemble teddy bears, but as they grow older, their appearance changes. Dimensions, the need for large space and a thick coat make it difficult to live in apartment conditions. But it is the warm fur, reminiscent of a bear skin, that provides comfort when the dog is on the street or in an unheated room on frosty days.

Large dogs show a desire for leadership, and therefore they require more strict training and constant training. Miniature breeds resemble clumsy, fluffy bear cubs, causing emotions of tenderness and admiration. They adapt perfectly to living in an apartment . They are excellent companions and make great family pets.

Keeshond

If you are looking for a medium-sized bear dog that will be a loving companion and devoted family dog, the Keeshond fits the bill. These fluffy balls of gray, black and cream fur were bred as companion dogs for Dutch bargeeers, a role they still take seriously to this day.

Keeshonds enjoy spending time with their people and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They quickly adapt to apartment life, small children and other pets, and as long as you promise to adore and cuddle them, you will have a loving friend for life.

Description of the breed with photos

The bear-type Pomeranian is a miniature breed. Its build is similar to that of Spitz dogs. The same applies to character. A distinctive feature of the dog is its head, which is more round than that of other Spitz dogs. The nose of the orange is 3 to 5 cm long, flattened and somewhat reminiscent of a pug.

This, together with the fluffy hair that emphasizes the shape of the head, gives the bears’ faces a special charm. Animals with a nose shorter than 3 cm, although they look more decorative and toy-like, are not recommended for the establishment, as they have serious health problems associated with disorders of the respiratory system.

Important! Dogs with excessively short muzzles are bred by breeders who, in order to make a quick and significant profit, breed dogs paying attention only to their appearance. Such individuals have a low quality of health.

The remaining characteristics of the bear-type Pomeranian are as follows:

strong body;
round head;
flattened muzzle;.
ears are small and round;
round eyes, close to the nose;
the chin is slightly raised;
the tip of the nose is slightly turned up;
wool is abundant;
tail lying on the back.

The breed is very different from all other dogs of the dwarf category: Pomeranians have good health and the character characteristic of varieties belonging to the working category. The intelligence of the mini Spitz is high.

Size and weight

The height of the dog at the withers is from 18 to 22 cm . The standard weight should be from 2 to 3 kilograms. Males are slightly larger than females. If an animal does not meet the canine standards of the breed in terms of height or weight, then at exhibitions it receives reduced marks when the deviation from the norm is insignificant, or is rejected and not allowed for breeding if the defect is severe.

Color and coat type

The dog's coat is long, but straight, with a well-developed thick undercoat. The colors of orange Spitz are varied - 12 types are officially approved. There are also unregistered options. The most popular are fiery colors: red and red. Others are not inferior to them in attractiveness: white, sand, chocolate (brown), black, gray, beige. Also, according to the standard, a doll Spitz can have two-color wool.

Eurasier

Similar in size to the Keeshond, the Eurasier also shares some of its best qualities, including its bear-like appearance and desire to be close to its human family. Considered a purebred breed , the Eurasier was developed during the 1960s and 1970s when a German dog lover crossed a Chow Chow and a Wolfspitz. Today, Eurasiers are popular in European countries with colder climates, but are less known in other parts of the world.

These friendly fluffies have a double coat, like their immediate ancestors, and will shed their undercoat several times a year. So plan on brushing and vacuuming frequently! Take a look at these German dog breeds that will make great companions.

Distant history

Peat dogs are distant relatives of modern Spitz dogs. Their remains were discovered in an area of northern Europe. The remains found date back to the Stone Age. In the Middle Ages, the first descriptions and drawings of dogs appeared that looked very similar to modern Spitz dogs. These strong, brave animals were guards and sled dogs. They were used to move small loads. At that time, no one paid attention to appearance, so the dogs had different colors.

They were used to move small loads

In England and Germany, dog shows first began to be held in the 18th century. Rich, noble residents of European countries began to acquire and breed pets as decorative animals. The artificially created breed of dwarf Spitz was based on characteristics of miniature size. Large representatives of Spitz continued to be bred for performance characteristics, neglecting color.

The ancestors of the German Spitz with recognizable proportions and a fox face lived in the territory of modern Sweden. Their remains and images in the form of ornaments on utensils were discovered during excavations of ancient settlements. The first Spitz dogs were black in color. Archaeologists date the find to the 8-10th century BC. Written references to the Spitz were made in the 15th century; the dog is shown in them as a sociable and friendly dog. The German naturalist Fitzinger in 1867 wrote the characteristics of 48 species of Spitz. In his work, the dog is described as a friend and helper, protector and companion.

With the advent of the Internet, mini dogs that look like bear cubs have become especially popular. Through the efforts of modern breeders, it was possible to obtain puppies with the dwarfism gene. These animals have a flattened muzzle, and their plush fur makes Mini Spitz look like bear cubs.

Tibetan mastiff

Do you need a furry pet? Do you want a big dog that looks like a bear? We recommend the Tibetan Mastiff, a bear-like dog originally bred as a guard dog in the Himalayan highlands, but which is now just as happy to serve as a playful and protective family companion.

Tall and stocky but not giants, Tibetan Mastiffs have a thick double coat and bushy tail, but they shed surprisingly little . Brushing them several times a week will help keep their fur clean. You'll also want to check those furry paws for any accumulated dirt. And most importantly, keep this chubby little buddy indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Based on materials from: www.rd.com

How to make a choice?

This is a very responsible choice and there is little resemblance to a bear; many factors need to be assessed comprehensively:
Character and behavior – you should not get a wayward dog if you are not ready to train him regularly;
Conditions of keeping - do not take a sled dog if you cannot run races with it or let it out in a large enclosure;
Goal - decide whether you need a security guard or a companion;
Are you expected to live together with other pets?
Before bringing a dog into your apartment, make sure that all family members are not allergic;
Having enough time to care for your pet.

Fox terrier

Remarkable strength, amazing endurance, agility and flexibility. These character traits are inherent in the Fox Terrier, bred in the British Isles during the heyday of the Roman Empire. Initially, animals whose height did not exceed 40 cm were used to catch rats in houses and barns. Since the 17th century, brave four-legged animals have become indispensable assistants in hunting foxes and badgers. Compactly built dogs have innate qualities: an aggressive attitude towards prey, assertiveness, reckless courage and a death grip.

A properly trained fox should, without fear, climb into a dark hole, strangle the animal (sometimes superior in size and strength to the temperamental little hunter) and pull the trophy to the surface of the earth. Fox Terriers are created to work, so dog breeders advise active people who love walks and long games with their pets to own these cute creatures.

Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Maltese. They are small dogs, standing around 35 centimeters at the shoulders, making them ideal for apartment living.

The Maltipoo is a cute breed that is also extremely intelligent and loving, making them suitable for training and fun in a family setting. One disadvantage is that the Maltipoo can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

These little dogs love to be groomed and enjoy a little daily exercise. Although Maltipoos can live up to 13 years, they can be vulnerable to skin diseases, epilepsy and patellar luxation.