Imagine walking into a room and being greeted by a living, breathing teddy bear—fluffy, warm, and eager for endless hugs. That’s exactly what some dog breeds bring into your life.
Known for their gentle temperaments, patience with kids, and love of snuggles, these dogs are the ultimate cuddle companions. They might be large, but their hearts are even bigger, offering comfort and companionship that feels almost magical.
Perfect for families, quiet homes, or anyone in need of a soft, loyal friend, these breeds prove that the best things really do come in furry packages. Beyond their adorable looks, they are loving, protective, and remarkably gentle, making them ideal companions for playtime, bedtime, and everything in between.
If your dream dog is one that melts your heart and makes every day feel cozy, we will introduce you to the breeds that bring warmth, loyalty, and a little extra fluff into life.
Did you know? Many bear-like breeds with thick, shaggy coats need almost daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. A good detangling shampoo can also work wonders, keeping their fur soft, healthy, and knot-free.
Dog Breeds That Are Basically Big Teddy Bears
1. Newfoundland
If ever there were a dog that could double as both a lifeguard and a cuddle buddy, it’s the Newfoundland.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) considers these giant, affectionate fluffballs to be renowned for their sweet temperament, so much so that the official breed standard literally says a gentle nature is their most important trait. And trust us, Newfies deliver.
Newfies are incredibly trusting and trainable, responding best to gentle guidance (because honestly, you’re not about to “strong-arm” a dog that may outweigh you). And while their size may seem intimidating, their hearts are pure marshmallow.
Personality perk: Patient, kind, and famously good with kids (earning them the title “nanny dogs”)
Special skill: Natural-born water rescuer—yes, they’ve saved actual lives thanks to their swimming skills and strength
Energy level: Moderate—just enough exercise to stay fit, but don’t expect marathon training buddies
With their calm presence, devotion to family, and massive cuddly size, Newfoundlands are the definition of a big teddy bear… just one that might leave drool spots on your shoulder during cuddle time.
Fun Fact: If you’d like your Newfoundland to embrace their inner lifeguard, introduce them to water by about four months of age—you might just end up with a dog who treats the kiddie pool like Baywatch.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is basically a walking, wagging snowflake: giant, fluffy, and one-of-a-kind. The stunning Bernese Mountain Dog hails from Switzerland, where it was originally bred to work on farms.
Brought to the U.S. in the 1920s for the same purpose, this gentle giant has since transitioned into being a beloved family companion. The first thing anyone notices about a Bernese is their impressive size—these dogs are hard to miss!
Known for their calm, incredibly affectionate nature, these sweethearts are built for companionship—and for cooler weather (don’t expect them to thrive in hot climates; they prefer a mountain breeze over a heatwave any day).
Personality perk: Dignified yet goofy, affectionate yet composed
Style points: Gorgeous tri-color thick fur (black, white, and tan) that will decorate your house with fur
Skills: Exceptionally trainable, intelligent, and eager to please with the right encouragement (read: treats)
Yes, they shed year-round—and we mean, a lot. Your floors, couch, and favorite pair of black jeans may never be safe again. But honestly? One look into their soulful eyes and you’ll forgive them instantly.
If you can handle the fluff (and have a good vacuum), the Bernese Mountain Dog is a giant teddy bear who’ll gladly trade work duties for belly rubs and family snuggles.
Bernese Mountain Dogs thrive on being fed twice daily, roughly 12 hours apart.
Fun Fact: Berners were originally bred as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, pulling carts and herding livestock. These days, their favorite “job” is being your affectionate, four-legged shadow.
3. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a lovable, drooly, bear-sized bundle of affection—basically a giant teddy bear with paws. Thanks to movies like Beethoven, these friendly oafs have captured hearts worldwide, and it’s easy to see why.
With their iconic white, tan, and black coats, towering size, and people-pleasing nature, Saint Bernards are especially gentle with kids and families.
Personality perk: Calm, patient, and endlessly affectionate
Energy style: Moderate exercise keeps them happy, but lounging and cuddling are their true specialties
Superpower: Steady watchdog instincts from generations of Alpine rescue work
Grooming needs: Shedding is real, and yes—they drool…a lot
Saint Bernards can develop separation anxiety if left alone, so they thrive in homes where they’re part of the family action.
PetMD noted they’re not big barkers, but their digging tendencies reveal their past as search and rescue heroes. Due to their massive size, they need plenty of space to move—not always ideal for small apartments, but perfect for homes with room to sprawl.
Fun fact: Despite their size and drool factor, Saint Bernards are pure hearts in fur—cuddly, gentle, and utterly devoted to their people.
4. Leonberger
The Leonberger is like a giant, fluffy companion straight out of a fairy tale. Hailing from Germany, these majestic pups were originally bred to be royal companions, and their impressive size, strength, and thick, bear-like coat only add to their regal presence.
Despite their enormous stature, Leonbergers are calm, gentle, and endlessly affectionate—perfect for families who want a big, serene cuddle buddy.
Personality perk: Sweet-natured, patient, and quietly confident
Energy style: Moderate bursts of play, followed by long, luxurious rest
Superpower: Natural watchdog instincts combined with a heart of gold
Grooming needs: Regular brushing keeps their thick coat tangle-free and soft
Originally used to pull carts and accompany royalty, Leonbergers combine strength and loyalty with a surprisingly gentle temperament.
These gentle giants are perfect for anyone seeking a cuddly, enormous dog who’s as happy lounging by your side as they are showing off their impressive presence.
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Fun fact: With their bear-like appearance and calm demeanor, Leonbergers often fool people into thinking they’re intimidating—but all they really want is a belly rub and a cozy spot on the floor.
5. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is basically a giant, shaggy teddy bear with built-in watchdog skills.
With their majestic white coats and calm, gentle demeanor, these sweet giants make cuddly, affectionate family pets who get along beautifully with kids and other animals thanks to their low prey drive.
Originally bred to protect sheep in the mountains of France and Spain, Great Pyrenees are vigilant watchdogs.
Personality perk: Gentle, patient, and fiercely loyal
Energy style: Calm indoors, but always alert to anything unusual outside
Superpower: Natural guardian instincts—shepherding is built into their DNA
Grooming needs: Seasonal shedding and regular brushing keep that fluffy coat in top shape
Their thick, tangle- and dirt-resistant coat only sheds seasonally—but given their sheer size, you might find fur decorating every corner of your home.
They’re not shy about raising their voice, so if you live in an apartment or close quarters, their frequent barking is worth noting. Short, playful training sessions are the key to keeping their minds sharp and avoiding boredom.
Fun fact: Despite their protective nature, these gentle giants love nothing more than sprawling near their favorite humans for a cozy cuddle session.
6. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is like a mountain-sized teddy bear come to life. With their massive frame, bear-like head, and long, flowing coat, these majestic pups are impossible to ignore.
Originally bred to guard estates high in the Himalayas, they’ve been protecting families for thousands of years—and that guardian instinct hasn’t faded.
Personality perk: Loyal, protective, and surprisingly gentle for a dog of such epic size
Energy style: Moderate indoors, but always alert to anything unusual in their territory
Superpower: Instinctive protector—your family’s personal furry bodyguard
Grooming needs: That luxurious coat needs regular care, but it’s worth every brush for cuddle potential
Despite their intimidating appearance, Tibetan Mastiffs are devoted, affectionate, and make a dramatic, fluffy companion for the right household. Just be prepared—these large dogs demand respect…and maybe the biggest dog bed you can find.
Fun fact: Their impressive coat and size aren’t just for show—they helped Tibetan Mastiffs survive harsh Himalayan winters while keeping intruders at bay.
7. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is basically a living, breathing teddy bear…if your teddy bear was the size of a small horse. These massive, lovable giants make devoted companions, but like any gentle giant, they benefit from early training and socialization.
Puppyhood for a Bullmastiff can be a bit shy—strangers might seem intimidating—but with consistent guidance, they grow into confident, affectionate protectors of their family.
Personality perk: Quiet, calm, and surprisingly subtle for a dog that could probably sit on a loveseat and not notice
Energy style: Moderate bursts of activity, followed by long cuddle sessions
Superpower: Adaptable and protective, always ready to keep your home safe without turning into a bark machine
Grooming needs: Minimal—so you can spend more time hugging instead of brushing
Despite their size and protective instincts, Bullmastiffs are gentle, loyal, and affectionate, making them perfect for families who want a big, squishy, four-legged friend.
Just don’t be surprised if your “couch companion” accidentally takes up the entire sofa—you’ll forgive them once those puppy-dog eyes look up at you.
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Fun fact: Bullmastiffs were originally bred to guard estates from poachers. Today, they still protect your home…mostly by lounging on it in ultimate comfort.
Conclusion
The bear like dogs from the Karelian Bear Dog to Irish Wolfhounds, Chow Chows, and even the fluffy Old English Sheepdogs, there are plenty of big dog breeds with shaggy coats, dense coats, or even reddish brown, cream, blue, or fawn coloring that give them that irresistible bear-like charm.
Many of these dignified dogs—from Alaskan Malamutes to Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, Bouvier Des Flandres, and Black Russian Terrier—have a long history as hunters, rescue dogs, and excellent swimmers, but today they mostly enjoy human companionship as beloved family members.
Though among the largest breeds with a striking resemblance to wolves or even a polar bear, these gentle giants win hearts with their loyalty, good behavior, and eagerness to make new friends. In many ways, these dogs that look like bears prove that the bigger the pup, the bigger the love.
