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Top 20 Dogs That Look Like Polar Bears (With Pictures)

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By Emma Braby

japanese spitz

Many fluffy white dogs look exactly like polar bears. Although they don’t weigh anywhere near as much as a polar bear (up to 1,450 pounds of fat and fur), they share a similar white fluffy exterior. And you’ve got a much better chance of getting a friendly cuddle, too!

If you’re here because you want to see pictures of doggy polar bears, or you’re researching your soon-to-be polar bear family addition, you have come to the right place. So, without any further ado, let us introduce you to 20 dogs that look like polar bears.

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The 20 Dogs That Look Like Polar Bears

1. American Eskimo

American Eskimo Dog lying on grass
Image Credit: MOHANN, Pixabay

The American Eskimo weighs only 9 to 15 pounds—the cuddly toy version of a polar bear. It is playful and perky and loves nothing more than to play ball all day long. They are very intelligent and can outsmart their owner easily. They’ll keep you on your toes, and there’ll never be a dull moment with them around.


2. Samoyed

Samoyed dog in the summer forest
Image Credit: Nik Tsvetkov, Shutterstock

The Samoyed is the American Eskimo’s big brother. They weigh 35 to 65 pounds and most of that is an out-of-this-world fluffy coat. The corners of the mouth turn upwards, which prevents them from drooling. So, if you hate doggy drool but love big dogs, this could be your saving grace. They are friendly and gentle and make great family pets for younger families.


3. Chow Chow

White Chow chow
Image Credit: Pikrepo

The Chow Chow has many coat colors. When They sport the cream coat, this little floofer could easily be mistaken for a polar bear, especially when they stick their tongue out. The Chow Chow is one of two dog breeds that has a blue tongue similar to the bluey-black tongue of the polar bear. They are challenging dogs who are very protective, so you need to be an experienced dog owner.


4. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees puppy strolling down the road
Image Credit: Kerrie T, Shutterstock

The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog breed that lives on the snowy mountaintops of the Pyrenees. It is used to protecting flocks of sheep against wolves, so it could be an even match if he came head-to-head with a polar bear. It is very patient, calm, and despite their enormous size, they make a great canine sibling for young children.


5. Pomeranian

white pomeranian
Image Credit: thomasbrodowski, Pixabay

The Pomeranian is the smallest dog on this list, weighing only 3 to 7 pounds, and half of that is their coat. When they sport the white jacket, they look like a little polar bear cub. Bold, lively, and curious best describe this little pocket rocket. You will need to match their energy; otherwise, they will quickly become bored and naughty.


6. Berger Blanc Suisse

berger blanc suisse
Image Credit: Berger Blanc Suisse, Wikimedia Commons, Attribution 3.0 Germany (CC BY 3.0 DE)

Also known as the White Swiss Shepherd Dog or the Snowy Shepherd, this is a graceful and majestic pooch. They are a separate breed from the White Shepherd and the white German Shepherd, and quite rare in America. Very friendly and affectionate, they make a fantastic cuddle buddy on a cold evening.


7. Siberian Husky

white Siberian husky
Image Credit: Dalla Cort, Shutterstock

The all-white Siberian Husky is a stunning pooch and is known as the canine king of the ice. Made to pull heavily laden sleds over long icy distances, you should know that the white Husky needs a high amount of exercise. It is a mischievous and outgoing dog who loves to be the soul of the party.


8. Akbash Dog

akbash puppies playing
Image Credit: ehasdemir, Shutterstock

The Akbash dog originates from Turkey, used to guard his master’s flocks. A courageous dog who would never back down in the face of danger, They look like polar bears and are just as ferocious as one when they need to be. They are not very tolerant of children and enjoy their own company, making them a suitable companion for those who prefer less needy dogs.


9. Poodle

poodle white
Image Credit: -Andretti, Pixabay

The standard-sized Poodle, when not given the pompon haircut, has seriously curly and voluptuous hair that makes them look much bigger than they are. They are seriously smart and energetic, not the typical lapdog that everyone thinks they are.


10. German Shepherd

white german shepherd
Image Credit: anetapics, Shutterstock

The German Shepherd comes in many more colors than his typical black and tan coat, and on rare occasions, sports the all-white coat. The German Shepherd is one of the most loyal dogs around and would do anything to please their master. Very intelligent, active, and powerful, this guy needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation.


11. Japanese Spitz

Japanese spitz
Image Credit: joonasp, Shutterstock

This little guy looks a lot like the American Eskimo listed above, just a bit bigger. It is also playful and smart, and so white that it could easily camouflage itself in the snow. Full of life and love for their family, they are a doggy delight. They would prefer to live with an active family hiking up mountains and getting up to all sorts of mischief.


12. Slovensky Cuvac

Slovensky Cuvac
Image Credit: Neon Lilith Photography, Shutterstock

A rare dog breed in America, this dog hails from the Tatra mountains of Slovakia. According to tradition, it was bred to have a bright white coat so that their master could distinguish them from large predators in the night. They are a fearless flock keeper who could easily be mistaken for a polar bear with their gleaming shaggy coat.


13. South Russian Ovcharka

south russian ovcharka in slovenie_Monica Martinez DoAllo_shutterstock
Image Credit: Monica Martinez Do-Allo, Shutterstock

Also known as the Russian Sheepdog, this dog has a thick and wooly coat that will keep them warm in the coldest of climates. Don’t let their cute polar bear jacket fool you—they are immensely protective of their family and estate and are used as a guard dog in Russia. It is easy to care for and very independent, and will probably choose to snooze by your feet rather than on the sofa with you.


14. Alabai

white alabai adult
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Alabai is also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, and he is massive. They are as big as a tiger but with a beautiful cream coat. This is another ancient breed used to guard their livestock against wolves and other predators. They are independent but loyal and need a large yard to roam.


15. Maremma Sheepdog

maremma sheepdog
Image Credit: Anastasiia Cherniavskaia, Shutterstock

This Italian livestock guard dog is one of the fluffiest on the list, but their favorite game is to chase and fight bears, so don’t pick a fight with this pooch. Unlike other livestock protectors, they love to spend time with their family, cuddling up to them after a hard day’s work. They love to keep their humans warm with their polar bear coat.


16. Hokkaido

Hokkaido
Image Credit: Happy Monkey, Shutterstock

This Japanese pooch has the thickest and longest coat of all the Japanese breeds and looks strikingly stunning when he sports the white polar bear jacket. It is a medium-sized dog who is solidly built and has heaps of stamina. They are dedicated dogs who would do anything to please their master. Their curly tail is their most distinctive feature.


17. Kishu Ken

kitsu ken dog
Image Credit: Wacharin Soponthumkun, Shutterstock

The Kishu Ken is another Japanese dog who is very similar to the Hokkaido, but is much leaner and wild looking. It looks a lot like a white wolf with a thick, curled tail. The Kishu Ken is very calm in the family home, remaining alert for intruders or danger. They love to get involved with the family fun and feel anxious without their humans around.


18. Bolognese

Bolognese
Image Credit: Csanad Kiss, Shutterstock

No, we are not talking about the spaghetti dish, although his coat does look a little noodly. Weighing between 5 to 9 pounds, this toy dog resembles a tiny polar bear cub. It is an easy-going dude who would happily laze on the windowsill, watching the world go by.


19. Newfoundland

newfoundland dog on the grass
Image Credit: Roman-Zaiets, Shutterstock

The Newfoundland rarely sports a solid beige coat, but when it does, it looks almost identical to a polar bear. The Newfoundland is one of the biggest dogs in the canine kingdom, and you could easily get lost in its thick shaggy coat. They are sweet and devoted, and one of the friendliest dogs around.


20. Komondor

Komondor
Image Credit: BORINA OLGA, shutterstock

What does a polar bear with dreadlocks look like? The Komondor dog. They are large and powerful and covered from head to toe in white cords. This distinctive coat needs a lot of washing to keep them looking and smelling fresh, but they love being spoilt and pampered. They are brave and dignified and love their family to the moon and back.

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Wrapping Up

So there you have it, all the dogs that could easily be mistaken for a polar bear. Some are cute and small, and some are large and powerful. Some are protective and brave like a polar bear, and some are shy and sweet.

Remember, there is more to a pooch than just their looks, so be sure to research the breed beyond its white exterior. Thankfully, there is something on this list for everyone. Just be sure to tell your neighbors that your new pet polar bear is nothing to be worried about!


FeatureD Image Credit: joonasp, Shutterstock

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