If you have a soft spot for dogs with dense, fluffy fur and a certain ursine appearance, then you'll love these furballs.
These furry creatures were bred as protectors of herds and homes, and their bear-like looks make them a good choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a powerful and muscular breed that looks remarkably similar to a bear. The deep muzzle, dark brown eyes and pointed ears contribute to its appearance.
It has a broad black nose with a lighter (preferably white) mask, and the teeth are strong and sharp. Their paws are huge and well-knuckled, with thick foot pads.
Though it looks fierce, the Akita is a gentle and affectionate dog. Their courage makes them natural guardians of their family and they will not back down from a challenge.
They are known for their loyalty and will wait at the train station for their masters to return each day. One such Akita named Hachiko waited at the station for nine years after his owner’s death.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyr, looks like a bear at first glance thanks to its lush white coat and huge build. These giants were bred to protect flocks from predators and have a very strong bite force, but they're friendly, family-friendly pets that make excellent guard dogs.
They have a double coat with a coarse long outer coat and a soft, smooth inner coat that's water resistant. It's important to brush their coat frequently to remove loose hair and prevent mats from forming.
These big dogs are very sensitive to the moods of other animals and people, so they're often able to sort threatening animals from non-threatening ones. This helps them do their job as a guard dog.
Great Pyrenees can be very independent and stubborn, but they love to please and are highly intelligent. They also have a very strong sense of security, so they need to be trained carefully and socialized.
Leonberger
When you think of a dog that looks like a bear, you might think of the Leonberger. These German giants were bred as working dogs, but they're also warm-hearted, friendly, and affectionate.
They are great family pets and make excellent service dogs, too. They're also incredibly loyal and intelligent, and they form strong bonds with their human companions.
These big dogs do best in an active home where they have plenty of room to run, play, and roam around. They're not recommended for apartment life, and they need a lot of daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Their coats are thick and medium-length, with a dense undercoat that they shed constantly. They'll also shed their coat twice a year during the spring and fall, and it's important to brush them regularly to keep their fur in good condition.
Corgi
The Corgi, also known as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, is a breed that's known for their exaggerated facial expressions and cartoonish looks. Whether they're happy, sad, or surprised, these dogs have a way of showing it on their faces.
These dogs are low to the ground, with their backs actually being longer than their legs (which are very short). Their erect ears taper slightly to a rounded point.
This herding breed is very active and needs lots of exercise. They do best on long walks or running trails, but they will enjoy playtime as well!
They are great with children, so long as they're trained and socialized early. However, they can be a bit hesitant to open up with new friends.
They're also very smart, so they can keep up with their owners, if you're willing to train them. And they're known to love all creatures, so they can be a good fit for families with small kids or animals.
