8 Regal Dogs That Look Just Like Lions
Updated: Apr. 23, 2024
Looking for a dog that's brave, loyal and a little ruff? Look no further than these beautiful dogs that look like lions.
In the dog park, the mighty dog park … lion dogs!
Whether due to a careful haircut or genetic blessing, there are some dogs that naturally resemble the most famous big cats of all. That’s right, it is possible to meet dogs that look like lions. Despite the fact that the last common ancestor between dogs and cats lived 42 million years ago, some modern dog breeds have the thick manes, fierce temperament or golden fur of their distant lion cousins. These leonine pooches aren’t all enormous, either; some will fit in your apartment! Whether you want a lion dog that will defend your home, play with your kids or snuggle with you on the couch, there’s a dog that looks like a lion out there for you.
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| Reviewed for accuracy by: Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science. She’s the author of 34 books, including Barron’s Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. |
Chow chow
We’ll start with the most famous lion-dog of all: the chow chow. An ancient breed from China, this fluffy fellow tops the list of dogs that look like lions, given their thick fur and small, rounded ears that give them a distinctly leonine appearance. They are known for their fastidious cleanliness (like cats!), aloofness and blue tongues. Chows are also recognizable by their snobby expressions; these dogs were companions to emperors and nobles, so they are not easily impressed. However, once you have their love, they are loyal for life. Chow chows are also one of the lazy dog breeds that are expert nappers.
Pomeranian
This little guy is only six inches tall and weighs only three to seven pounds, but Poms cannot be left off any list of dogs that look like lions. Their expansive orange ruffs and absolute self-confidence mean they carry themselves like a much bigger dog—like a dog the size of a lion, perhaps? Intelligent and lively, these little lions are loyal and easily trained. As Queen Elizabeth II was to corgis, so Queen Victoria was to Pomeranians, owning dozens of Poms over her lifetime and spreading their popularity. It makes sense, though—the lion is the national animal of England!
Tibetan mastiff
Sporting an extremely dense coat to cope with the harsh winters of their mountain home, the Tibetan mastiff is one of the ultimate guard dog breeds. Massive yet agile, these intelligent giants are friendly and affectionate with their families. Their thick coats that give them their lion-like appearance require brushing and combing down to the skin one or two times a week, and even more often during their annual summer molt. When it comes to having a pet lion, you could do a lot worse than one of these sweeties.
Leonberger
It’s easy to see why these gorgeous giants made the list of dogs that look like lions. Standing around three feet tall, and weighing as much as a human, the Leonberger is friendly, playful and surprisingly gentle for their size. Their long coat extends into a beautiful leonine mane around the neck and chest. You won’t be surprised to hear that this breed was purposefully bred in the 1830s to resemble the lion on the town crest of its namesake, Leonberg, Germany.
Pekingese
There is a Chinese legend detailing the origins of this little lion dog: Long ago, a lion fell in love with a marmoset monkey. The lion begged the Buddha to shrink him so that he could be with his much smaller love, and the Buddha obliged. Thus we have the Pekingese, a small dog breed that looks like both a lion and a monkey! It’s the neck ruff that most makes these dogs look like lions, and Pekingese are known for their waddling walk and immense dignity. They usually attach themselves to one person in the household, so if you want a devoted lion companion, this cutie might be a good choice.
Chinese crested dog
Now, you may not immediately think “lion!” when you see the eight-pound Chinese crested dog trotting along, but take a look at that mane and tail. This breed comes in two varieties: hairless (which is hairless except for long hair on its head, ankles and tail), and powderpuff (which is completely covered with long, flowing hair. Both of them have that fluffy mane and tail tuft that got them onto the list of dogs that look like lions. Cresteds are playful, loving and loyal, making them great family dogs.
Newfoundland
If lions came in brown or black, they would look like Newfoundlands. Newfies are known for being the sweetest dogs around, often called the “nanny dog” because they are so good with kids. Their large size and thick fur, however, earn them a place on the list of dogs that look like lions. Like their big cat cousins, Newfies love water—in fact, they are natural swimmers, born with partially webbed feet. Newfies have taken part in many a water rescue, working as shipboard dogs for Canadian fisherman. If you’ve got kids and live near a lake, definitely consider making a Newfoundland part of your family!
Löwchen
This dog’s name is actually German for “little lion,” named for both their flowing mane and their lion-like bravery. This breed has been popular in Europe for centuries because of its lively and affectionate nature and non-shedding coat, traditionally kept in a “lion clip,” with close-cropped hindquarters and a plumed tail. For the apartment-dwelling lion lover, a löwchen is a great choice.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Chloë Nannestad tapped her experience covering dogs, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Originally Published: March 04, 2021
