Can there be anything more precious than a dog’s personality joined by a lion’s extravagant mane? Humanity hit a jackpot when nature came up with this combination. Our favorite animal besties, aka dogs, come in lavish, lion-like manes, and we’re here to cheer for them.
Want to cozy up with a canine with hair that can make the King of the Jungle a little jealous? While grooming such pups can be a challenge, dog lovers can deal with pretty much anything. Here’s a guide we’ve created to help you find a furry friend with a gorgeous mane.
Dog Breeds with Lion-Like Manes
1. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are fluffy dogs with a lush double coat that makes you want to become a professional dog hugger. Their regal appearance can compete with that of a lion, and their personality is also pretty much a match. These pups tend to be strong-willed and aloof with strangers, but loving to their owners.
According to PetMD, Chow Chows are one of the world’s oldest breeds. Their origins can be traced all the way back to the Han Dynasty of China, though now they’re one of the popular breeds in Europe and the U.S.
With a feline-like personality, these pups love to keep to themselves, but early socialization and obedience training make them cope with the company of humans.
Their beautiful, thick double coats come in eye-catching colors like cinnamon, reddish brown, red, blue, or black. These dogs shed moderately, and regular brushing and bathing can keep their lion-like thick mane in perfect condition.
2. Tibetan Mastiff
If we had a “fierce look competition,” the Tibetan Mastiff could give the King of the Jungle a run for its money. Originally bred in Tibet, this Matiff breed stands proud as one of the largest one in the world. Tibetan Mastiffs are gentle giants with lion-like long hair that makes them look even more majestic.
Tibetan Mastiffs look formidable and intimidating, but they’re one of the most loyal breeds. This ancient breed doesn’t just boast a resemblance to lions; their personality tends to be quite assertive, too, making them suitable for experienced owners.
Originally used as herding dogs to guard livestock, these larger-than-life dogs live to protect their family. Their dense undercoat consists of thick fur that helps them stand strong in the coldest climates. This fluffy mane can be a challenge to groom, but dog enthusiasts love a challenge!
3. Afghan Hound
Afghan hounds are one of the prettiest and most unique dogs, known for their flowing long hair and regal personality. These canines hail from the mountains and plains of Afghanistan, bred by the locals as hunting dogs.
These medium to large dogs have an endearing, brave, and loyal personality, and they make amazing family pets. They exhibit a cat-like personality as they love their alone time and like to jump around fences.
Afghan hounds are full of energy and playfulness, and pleasing their owners is on their mission statement. Quite distinct in looks from other breeds, Affies also have versatile characteristics. Their high stamina and endurance are complemented by their loving nature towards their families.
They get along well with children and other pets in the house, especially if they’ve been through early socialization training. They can be quite aloof with strangers, though. You might also have to train the kids in-house to respect their boundaries and not pull at that long mane.
Affie puppies are adorable with easier-to-maintain short coats and longer hair. The older pups will need more coat care and daily grooming: their long locks can be trimmed short for the sake of convenience.
4. Leonberger
Leonberger (or Leo) is as regal and elegant as its name. Literally, “lion dogs,” these canines have a striking resemblance to the animal they’re namesakes of. This aristocratic canine shows off a lush medium to long water-resistant outer coat you can’t help but want to caress.
Leonbergers are big dogs with even bigger personalities and loving hearts. With a body weight as much as a human grown-up, males can stand up to 31 inches tall at the shoulder. Even the females (who are shorter than males) can be bigger than the males of many large dog breeds.
As a puppy, a Leonberger is too cute to handle, looking almost like a little lion dog. Give them a lion cut and see how adorable they get.
They’re intelligent and determined, yet very loving as family dogs who love to bond with their pet parents. Owing to their large size, Leos belong by your side on the sofa or sidewalk, rather than on your lap. It’s a no-brainer, but their fluffy coats need a lot of brushing and regular bathing.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are fluffy dogs with webbed feet and lion-like manes that originated as working dogs from the Newfoundland island (Northeast Canada). These are powerful dogs but wonderful family pets suitable for households with kids or old people, as they get along with everyone, as per PetMD.
These gentle giants stay happy when they’re getting attention from their family members. Adopting a Newfoundland is like having a big baby with lots of hair. Their elegant and lush coat comes in two layers, providing them with protection and giving them buoyancy in water (did we mention they’re good swimmers?).
6. Pekingese
“Bigger on the inside”, Pekingese look like miniature dogs due to their long, thick coats. Pekingese might be tiny dogs, but they’re brave, independent, and alert in nature. Their beautiful, thick coats come in many colors; most commonly, you’ll see them in red, sable, black, cream, and white coats.
They were the favorite pets of the Chinese royalty, and “lion dogs” have been an honorary name for them in history.
Pekingese are lovable lapdogs, but can beat any big dog in stubbornness and intelligence. Despite their assertive temperaments, these baby lions are affectionate and love to get cuddly. Due to their thick coat, these tiny pups better be kept in a colder environment; overheating can be deadly for them.
7. Briard
They’re beauty, they’re grace… they have some shaggy hair on their face. Briards are herding dogs originating from France, with a sturdy build, lion-like fur, and fuzzy facial hair. Briars are amazing family dogs with a gentle nature and elegant appearance, as per the AKC.
With their extremely loyal nature and friendly personalities, Briars are companions you can count on. Their thick double coat makes them a great pet for people living in cold environments. They thrive in homes with active families who love to engage in activities with their dogs.
These large canines are very companionable, but they also need their alone time (a dog has to think!). Their thick coats require a lot of grooming; usually, regular brushing and bathing to avoid matting will work fine. Mental stimulation games are also a must for these smart dogs.
Conclusion
A dog’s coat is one of its most significant features, and one of the first things we notice about it. Dogs with lion-like manes can be very aesthetically pleasing, but adopting one of those breeds also requires spending time on their grooming.
Make sure your lifestyle aligns with their coat care needs, so both you and your furry friend can stay happy and stress-free.
