Which Type of Dog Is Sometimes Called a Lion Dog?
Are you a lover of dogs and lions? Well, there are plenty of dogs that look like lions. Since you cannot keep a lion at home, you can have the best of both. Their personalities are equally diverse. There is a lion-like dog for everyone, whether you want a dog that is extremely playful, calm, independent, and great with children.
16 Dog Breeds That Look Like Lions
So, do you adore dogs? And are you a lion fan? Well, we have some exciting news for you. Plenty of dog breeds look as close to having a lion as you can get without having a lion to have the combination of both. Discussed below are some of them:
Anatolian Shepherd
The breed has its origins in Turkey’s Anatolia region. People believe they descended from a line of shepherds. Many people kept it specifically to protect and herd livestock. Anatolian Shepherds are fierce, and they can look after their flock.
Adult males can weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms) and have a shoulder height of 27 to 29 inches (68.5 to 73.6 centimeters). This breed is strong, protective, and territorial but also intelligent, responsive, and adaptable.
Bear Coat Shar Pei
The Bear Coat Shar Pei is a sub-breed of the Shar Pei family that is not popular. This Bear Coat Shar Pei dog looks like a chow. It is one of the dogs with manes that set them apart from other Shar Pei varieties. Shar Peis, originating in China, make excellent guard dogs because they are extremely protective and independent, much like lions!
A typical Bear Coat Shar-Pei can grow 18 to 22 inches (45.7 to 55.9 centimeters) tall. Another variety of this breed can only grow between 15 and 18 inches (38.1 to 45.7 centimeters), putting them more in the toy category than anything else.
A male Bear Coat Shar-Pei weighs between 35 and 65 pounds (15.9 and 29.5 kilograms) on average. On average, their female counterpart weighs 40 to 55 pounds (18 to 24.9 kilograms).
Boerboel
Boerboels are a large, blocky-headed working dog breed with strong jaws and thick muscles. Boerboels are a South African breed that is extremely dominant, protective, and very confident – much like the jungle king!
The Boerboel is one of the big dogs that look like lions measuring between 25 and 27 inches which is approximately between (64 and 70 centimeters) and weighing between 154 and 198 pounds (70 and 90 kilograms). A healthy Boerboel will live between the ages of 9 and 13 years.
Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd (or Russian Bear dog) is a large lion dog breed native to Eastern Europe’s Kavkaz (Caucasus) mountain range. While the breed has many lion-like characteristics, the male long-coated fawn, cream, and tan varieties are the most lion-like!
In Russia, it is called the Caucasian Ovcharka. It has the following breeding standards for males: The average height at the withers is 28 to 29 inches (72 to 75 centimeters), with a minimum of 26.8 inches (68 centimeters) and a weight range of 110 to 154 pounds (50 to 75 kilograms).
Female shepherds are slightly smaller, with a desirable height range of 26.4 to 27.5 inches (67 to 70 centimeters) and a minimum of 25 inches (64 centimeters) at the withers, and a weight range of 99 to 143.3 pounds (45 to 65 kilograms).
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a Chinese native and is one of the oldest dog breeds. The Chow Chow is among the oldest breeds of dogs in the world, muscular and also a dog with a mane. Adult Chows are powerful and squarely built, standing 17 to 20 inches (43 to 50.8 centimeters) at the shoulder.
They weigh 45 to 70 pounds (20.4 to 31.7 kilograms). Chow Chows, especially those in cream and cinnamon colors look like lions.
Dogue de Bordeux
The Dogue de Bordeux is an ancient French Mastiff-type guard dog. American Kennel Club describes it as powerful yet loving, loyal and brave. It is a massive lion Mastiff dog. They can reach a height of 27 inches (68.6 centimeters) and a weight of 110 pounds (49.9 kilograms).
English Mastiff
English Mastiffs are a brave, powerful, and lovable breed that can weigh between 170 pounds (77 kilograms) for females and 230 pounds (104 kilograms) for males. We believe that the fawn and off-white varieties are lion dogs due to their massive size. Someone could easily mistake them for female lions in the distance!
Great Pyrenees
The American Kennel Club describes the Great Pyrenees as “mellow companions” and “vigilant guardians.” This is another large and powerful working dog breed with lion-like characteristics. People also call it Le Grande Chien des Montagnes (the big dog of the mountains).
Most people believe it originated in Central Asia or Siberia. Pyrs are large, powerful mountain dogs that can stand up to 32 inches (81 centimeters) at the shoulder and weigh more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
Keeshond
Keeshond (plural Keeshonden) is a medium-sized, non-sporting spitz dog breed from the Netherlands. The American Kennel Club describes their temperament as “friendly, lively, and outgoing.” A mature Keeshond stands 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) taller than a male and 18 inches (45 centimeters) taller than a female.
The ideal weight is between 36 and 40 pounds (16 and 18 kilograms). Except when shedding, the Keeshond coat is relatively easy to care for.
Leonberger
The Leonberger is a strong working dog breed of German origin. They are distinctive lion dogs weighing up to 170 pounds (77 kilograms). The mane also looks like that of a lion. This breed, also known as Leos, makes excellent farm and pet dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, they also respond remarkably well to training and are excellent therapy dogs.
Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog, also the Maremmano-Abruzzese, is a large livestock guardian native to central Italy and northern parts of southern Italy. It looks similar to the Great Pyrenees but is a little smaller. It is a rare canine that looks like a lion.
Males are typically 25.5 to 28.5 inches (64.8 to 72.3 centimeters) tall, and females are 25.5 to 26.75 inches (64.8 to 67.9 centimeters) tall, some being shorter. Males weigh 77 to 100 pounds (34.9 to 45.3 kilograms), while females weigh 66 to 88 pounds (29.9 to 39.9 kilograms).
Maremma Sheepdogs can devote to their jobs as much as they are to their human and animal families. They thrive when you give them plenty of space to be independent and active.
Pekingese
This is a Chinese lion dog breed that Chinese people rever as sacred. The ancient Chinese imperial family bred them as companion dogs. According to one legend, they are lions shrunk to miniature size by the Buddha.
People did not know it in the Western world until British invaders brought them back from China in the 1860s. They are still popular for their lion-like qualities of dignity and strength.
These smallest Pekingese with fierce personalities were miniature guard dogs in ancient China. These characteristics are not lost; Pekingese owners frequently report that their dogs are vocal about intruders or other potential threats.
Pekingese may appear small and fluffy, but beneath their fur is a surprisingly stocky and muscular body. The breed’s standard weight is up to 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms).
Pomeranian
The tiny Pomeranian is a favorite of royalty and commoners alike. They describe it as the perfect companion. The magnificent coat, smiling, foxy face, and lively personality contribute to the Pom becoming one of the world’s most popular toy breeds. The Pomeranian has a petite body that weighs no more than 7 pounds (3 kilograms) and a commanding big-dog personality.
The large coat is available in nearly two dozen colors and various patterns and markings. You will see it mostly in orange and red.
Pomeranians are easy to train and make excellent watchdogs and cheerful pets for families with children old enough to distinguish between a toy dog and a toy. Poms are active, but you can exercise them indoors.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, formerly known as the African Lion Hound, is a medium-large hound from southern Africa. They’re powerful, active, and muscular, with exceptional athleticism and endurance. Their tan/red coloring, stamina, and athletic build are very similar to that of lions.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, muscular, balanced, and athletic dog. It has a good combination of endurance and speed. Males are 25 to 27 inches (63.5 to 68.5 centimeters) tall (85 pounds/38 kilograms) and females are 24 to 26 inches (60.9 to 66 centimeters) tall (70 pounds/32 kilograms).
The Ridgeback has a dignified temperament and is affectionate to its master while remaining reserved around strangers.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is often called a “lion dog” because of its powerful body, dense lion-like mane, strong jaws, and tight cat-like feet. This breed is gentle yet protective, making it a great guard dog and devoted family pet.
A male Tibetan Mastiff stands 26 inches (66 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weighs 100 to 160 pounds (45 to 72 kilograms) or more; females stand at least 24 inches (60.9 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weigh 75 to 125 pounds (34 to 56.6 kilograms) or more.
This independent, stubborn breed is intelligent and self-assured, expecting treatment as an equal rather than a pet.
It aims to please its people, but it also has its agenda and must regularly be reminded of its responsibilities. The Tibetan Mastiff is a devoted family guardian that takes its responsibilities seriously and is wary of strangers.
Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel dog breed originated in mountainous Tibet, where these dogs did serve as companions and watchdogs. They’re well-known for their intelligence, easy-care coat, and desire to keep a close eye on their family from high perches around the house. Even though these are purebred dogs, they may end up in the care of shelters or rescue organizations.
Tibetan Spaniels weigh 9 to 15 pounds (4 to 6.8 kilograms) and stand at the shoulder about 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) tall.
One Last Thing to Remember
If you’re thinking about getting a new four-legged friend and want your pup to be a little fluffy beast, any of these dog breeds will be a great fit. The most challenging part will be deciding on just one. And if you really can’t decide, we won’t blame you if you take two.