If you would love a dog at home that looks like a teddy bear or a shaggy bear, many dog breeds look like stuffed animals. Despite their soft demeanor, many of these dogs still feel closer to a wolf than a dog, which comes with the challenges of training, cost of care, and maintenance.
However, there are breeds in various sizes to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for. Here’s a list of dog breeds that resemble stuffed animals.
Akita
The Akita is known as “the silent hunter” in its native Japan. These heavy-bound dogs stand between 24-28 inches at the shoulder. They come with a cuddly thick coat originally designed for Japan’s harsh winters.
It’s the largest of the Japanese spitz breed and comes with a bear-like quality, including its rounded ears. The breed is highly energetic and can be difficult to train, but Akitas are known for their fierce loyalty. Guarding and hunting dogs need regular daily exercise to keep them from becoming temperamental.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees receives its name from the high mountains between France and Spain. In many cases, the Great Pyrenees resembles a great polar bear in the distance. A male Great Pyrenees can stand 32 inches in height and weigh over 100 pounds.
Its huge build and lush white coat have developed from their history of herding dogs, where they would herd away sheep from wolves and bears.
The Great Pyrenees is a gentle giants at heart because of their intelligence. They’re highly affable to a family environment and work excellently as guards.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow originates from Ancient China. Every Chow Chow comes with a thick furry coat and a deep chest. In many ways, they resemble a bear in the wild, yet they’re still dignified dogs.
The Chow Chow is one of the cleanest canines around, with particular attention paid to its serious and aloof nature.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is another spitz breed, but this one originated in Russian Siberia. Samoyed dogs were bred for their strength and intelligence. Samoyed dogs were known for pulling sleds for arctic expeditions.
Samoyed dogs may have been working dogs, but they’re extremely affectionate, making them part of your family is perfectly fine if you have young children. This breed’s playfulness has marked it out for being a designer dog.
During the last few years, the Samoyed breed has risen to prominence due to its discovery by many on social media.
Mini Goldendoodle
The Mini Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Miniature Silver Poodle. The Mini Goldendoodle has developed into a playful, friendly, and intelligent breed from both breeds, with particular emphasis on the golden retriever.
These small dogs are favored for apartment living because of their independence and easiness of training. Furthermore, they have a diminutive statue, which makes them perfect for carrying and cuddling.
Mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale are easy to find, but make sure that you purchase only from a reputable breeder.
Newfoundland
At first glance, Newfoundland dogs may seem like difficult dogs to work with. But, like some other breeds, the Newfoundland is a gentle giant. It’s a breed known for its patience, gentleness, and ease of training.
Originally, Newfoundland used to be bred as working dogs for the fishermen of Newfoundland in Canada. Throughout their history, the Newfoundlands were called “nanny dogs” because of how much they protected the children under their charge.
Newfoundland dogs have huge heads and a short snouts, giving them the appearance of bears when fully grown.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is a breed with a fascinating history. It has long been known as the “people’s dog” because of its affiliation with the Dutch Patriots Party of the Netherlands in the 18th century. It acted as a guard dog and a companion on some of the earliest Dutch vessels of the time.
The Keeshond is so loved because of its teddy bear-like appearance. Its furry face, slightly rounded ears, and upright brow give it its distinctive look.
Keeshond dogs are intelligent breeds that are simple to train and love to be around people, but they can also be extremely energetic.
Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd is named after the Kavkaz Mountains in Eastern Europe. Instantly, most people believe these dogs are small bears. However, the massive muscular build and thick coats made them perfect for guarding homes and herds within harsh conditions, including fighting off wolves.
Caucasian Shepherd dogs are known for their loyalty and protectiveness. These strong, large dogs are ideal for family-friendly environments. However, be aware that their size will mean they need regular walks to allow them to expend their energy.
Leaving this breed alone without space to roam for extended periods could lead to behavioral and temperament issues.
Leonberger
The Leonberger is known as the royal dog because these majestic dogs were bred for royalty and were said to resemble them.
Leonberger dogs possess impressive strength and size, including being able to pull carts in the absence of horses. The bear-like appearance can make them seem ferocious, but these dogs are gentle and calm.
Leonberger dogs are excellent as watchdogs for your family.
Eurasier
The Eurasier is a dog that descends both from Europe and Asia, hence the name is a combination of two continents. This well-balanced dog is confident and loves being around humans. Euraiser dogs are known for their playfulness as one of the largest of the bear-like breeds.
The Euaiser is muscular and comes with thick fur. Its imposing experience makes it an ideal guard dog for the family home.
Conclusion
Most of these dog breeds look like bears of some description. However, anyone looking for a cute dog that can also serve other functions, such as protecting children, should opt for one of these cute breeds.
Other designer breeds also exist in other sizes. However, make sure you purchase puppies from ethical, licensed breeders.
What is your favorite stuffed animal dog breed?