No animal is more regal than the lion. Their big manes and robust stature command attention and inspire respect. They are also among the most popular animals, appearing in movies, television shows, and children’s books. There are several dog breeds that emulate the facial characteristics of a lion, and we’re pleased to be able to share some of them with you. So, let’s get started!
1. Löwchen
- Temperament: Playful, Happy, Friendly, Intelligent, Active, and Familial
- Hypoallergenic: Yes
- Height: 12-13 inches
- Origin: France, Germany, and Europe
- Colors: Black, Black & Silver, Chocolate, Cream, Black & Tan, Blue
- Weight: 11-15 pounds
- Life expectancy: 13–15 years
- Price: $4,000 – $8,000
If you’re looking for a regal and courageous companion, look no further than the Löwchen. This German breed has been popular in Europe for over 500 years, and it’s easy to see why.
Löwchen’s name translates to ‘little lion,’ and they certainly live up to their namesake. These dogs are brave and proud, just like their African counterparts.
Lowchen is a unique dog breed known for its “lion clip” hairstyle. Groomers typically shave Lowchen’s hindquarters while leaving a full mane and a plume of fur on their tail. This breed is not as fragile as some other small dog breeds, which makes them a perfect family dog. They typically live for 15 years, making them loyal and loving companions for their owners.
2. Chow Chow
- Temperament: Aloof, Loyal, Independent, and Quiet
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: Male: 19–22 inches
- Origin: China
- Colors: Black, Blue, Fawn, Cream, and Red
- Weight: 55-60 pounds
- Life span: 9–15 years
- Price: $800 – $3,000
The chow chow name comes from the Chinese word for “puffy-lipped.” The chow chow is a spitz family member, including other dogs such as Akita and Samoyed. They are medium-sized dogs with thick coats of fur that can be either black, blue, cinnamon, or cream. The most distinctive feature of the chow chow is its lion-like appearance due to its mane of fur around its head and neck. These dogs are also known for their blue-black tongues.
Chow Chow is considered one of the oldest breeds of dogs, originating in China over 2,000 years ago. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for hunting and guarding. Today, they are more commonly kept as pets.
Chow Chows are very gentle and loving dogs despite their big and intimidating appearance. They make great companions and are loyal to their owners.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
- Temperament: Stubborn, Tenacious, Aloof, Intelligent, Strong Willed, and Protective
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 25-29 inches
- Origin: Tibet
- Colors: Black, Black & Tan, Brown & Tan, Brown, Red Gold, Blue Gray
- Weight: 90–148 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
- Price: $1,500- $6,000
Tibetan Mastiff is a large, powerful dog from Asia’s Tibetan Plateau. These dogs were initially bred to protect livestock from predators such as wolves and lions. They are known for their fearless nature and ability to defend against even the most dangerous animals.
Tibetan Mastiff is an imposing figure, standing up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 100 pounds. This breed has a thick double coat that can be either black, brown, or tan in color and Lion’s Mane-like hair around the neck.
Today, the Tibetan Mastiff is still used as a working dog in many parts of Asia. They are also becoming increasingly popular as companion animals in Western countries. Thanks to their loyal and protective nature, they make excellent guard dogs. However, their size and strength mean they require experienced owners who can provide firm training and socialization from an early age.
4. Pomeranian
- Temperament: Playful, Extroverted, Friendly, Sociable, Intelligent, and Active
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 8 inches
- Origin: Germany and Poland
- Colors: White, Black, Red, Blue, Cream, Grey-shaded, Tan, Orange, and Brown
- Weight: 4-8 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years
- Price: $500 – $6,000
A Pomeranian is a small, Spitz-type dog. The name derives from the historical region of Pomerania in northern Poland and eastern Germany. The breed has been known since the late 17th century and became popularized in Western Europe during the 19th century. Today, Pomeranians are one of the most popular dogs in the United States.
Pomeranians were originally much larger than they are today, weighing up to 30 pounds. They were bred down in size over the years, and their coats became longer and fluffier. Pomeranians are known for being very intelligent and trainable dogs.
They are also one of the most popular breeds of dogs and have been owned by many famous people throughout history, including Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, and Marilyn Monroe.
5. Newfoundland
- Temperament: Sweet-Tempered, Gentle, and Trainable
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 27–28 inches
- Origin: Newfoundland and Labrador
- Colors: Black, Black & White, Brown, and Grey
- Weight: 100–150 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8 – 10 year
- Price: $1,200 – $3,000
Newfoundland dogs are large, lovable canines that were initially bred in Newfoundland. Also known as “Newfs” or “Newfies,” these dogs are known for their gentle dispositions and affinity for swimming. In fact, there are many incidents of them saving people from drowning.
Despite their friendly nature, Newfs were initially bred as working dogs. They were used for hauling nets and lines in the frigid waters off the coast of Newfoundland. Their webbed feet and muscular build make them natural swimmers, and they have a thick coat of fur that keeps them warm in the coldest temperatures.
Today, Newfoundland dogs are still prized for their loyalty, gentle dispositions, and love of swimming. They make excellent companion animals and are a popular breed for families with children.
6. Leonberger
- Temperament: Loyal, Fearless, Loving, Obedient, Companionable, and Adaptable
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 28–31 inches
- Origin: Germany
- Colors: Sandy, Mahogany, Red, and Yellow
- Weight: 90–169 pounds
- Life expectancy: 8 – 9 years
- Price: $1,500 – $2,000
The Leonberger is a giant dog breed that gets its name from the city of Leonberg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The breed was developed in the early 1800s by crossing various other large breeds, including the Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees. The resulting dogs were used as working dogs on farms and eventually became popular among European nobility.
The Leonberger was initially bred as a working dog and was used for tasks such as draft work, carting, and rescue. Today, the Leonberger is still used for these purposes but is also popular as a companion and family pet.
These dogs are large and muscular, with a thick coat of fur that can be either black, brown, or red in color. They have a long tail and mane, which give them a resemblance to lions – hence their nickname “little lions.”
7. Caucasian Shepherd
- Temperament: Strong, Powerful, Alert, Dominant, Quick, and Calm
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 26 – 28 inches
- Origin: Russia, Turkey, Soviet Union, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Circassia
- Colors: White, Fawn, Cream, Rust, Grey
- Weight: 99–170 pounds
- Nicknames: Bombora, CO, and Caucasian
- Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- Price: $1,000 – $3,000
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerful dog breed with a long and storied history. However, they are sometimes called “Mountain Dogs” or “Caucasian Ovcharkas”; they are not actually from the Caucasus mountains but rather from Russia and Central Asia steppes.
These dogs were bred to protect sheep and other livestock from predators such as wolves and bears, and they were also used as guard dogs for homes and businesses. Today, Caucasian Shepherds are still used as working dogs in some parts of the world but are also popular pets.
8. Golden Retriever
- Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Reliable, Kind, Trustworthy, and Confidence
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 22–25 Inches
- Origin: Scotland, United Kingdom, England
- Colors: Dark Golden, Cream, Light Golden, and Golden
- Weight: Female: 66–74 pounds
- Life expectancy: 10 – 12 year
- Price: $1,000 – $3,500
Did you know that Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland? In the 1800s, Lord Tweedmouth wanted a dog to retrieve the game from land and water. So he crossed a Wavy-Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel. The result was a dog with a thick golden coat – hence the name “Golden Retriever.”
Over the years, Golden Retrievers have been used as seeing-eye, search-and-rescue, and even bomb-sniffing dogs. Today, Golden Retrievers are still popular hunting dogs, but they are also beloved family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and trainability and make great companions for children.
Golden Retrievers typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years. They are susceptible to specific health problems, such as hip dysplasia and cancer. But size isn’t the only physical characteristic that makes Golden Retrievers stand out.
They also have a thick, water-resistant coat that can be either golden or cream-colored and a tail that is famously long and muscular. But perhaps their most distinctive feature is their face, which features a broad head, kind eyes, and a warm smile that has made them the iconic “all-American” dog breed.
9. Indian Gaddi Dog
- Temperament: Intelligent, Territorial, Gentle, and Calm
- Height: 22–31 inches
- Origin: India
- Colors: Fawn, Brindle, Piebald, Cream, Brown, and Yellow
- Weight: 88-100 Pounds
- Life expectancy: 9-14 years
- Price: $200 – $500
Gaddi Kutta is a large, shaggy-coated dog in the Himalayan region. Though it may look like a lion, the Gaddi Kutta is a subspecies of the mastiff. This dog is known for its loyalty and courage, and it has been used by locals for hunting and guarding for centuries.
Gaddi Kutta is thought to be descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, and it shares many characteristics with that breed. History of the Himalayan Guard Dog goes back hundreds of years, when they were first used by Tibetan monks to protect their monastery from thieves and robbers.
Since then, these dogs have been prized for their loyalty and strength, and have been used by many different cultures to protect their homes and families.
Gaddi Kutta is a large dog, with males reaching up to 34 inches at the shoulder and females up to 30 inches. They have long and thick coat that protect them from cold Himalayan winters.
10. Shar-Pei
- Temperament: Suspicious, Devoted, Affectionate, Reserved, Independent, and Loving
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 18–21 Inches
- Origin: China
- Colors: Black, Fawn, Lilac, Cream, Sand, and Red
- Weight: Female: 55–65 pounds
- Life expectancy: 9 – 11 years
- Price: $1,200-$2,000
Shar-Pei is a unique and ancient dog breed with many distinct characteristics. One of the most notable things about Shar-Peis is their wrinkled skin. This characteristic is due to a double coat of fur that helps protect them from the elements and keeps them cool in hot weather. Shar-Peis are also known for being fiercely loyal and protective, which makes them excellent guard dogs.
Although they are now popular pets worldwide, Shar-Peis originally came from China, where they were used for hunting and guarding. They were even once used in dog fighting before it was outlawed. Despite their rough history, Shar-Peis are loving and gentle dogs that make great companions.
11. Maremma Sheepdog
- Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, and Loyal
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 24-28 inches
- Origin: Italy
- Colors: White and Cream
- Weight: Male: 77-110 pounds
- Life expectancy: 12 years
- Price: $600-$1,300
Maremma Sheepdog is a large and loyal breed with a long and interesting history. Dating back to ancient times, this breed was used by shepherds in Italy to protect their flock from predators. Today, Maremma Sheepdog is still used for this purpose, but they also make great family pets.
They are also used as working dogs in many other contexts, such as search and rescue, assistance dogs, and even companion animals.
Maremma Sheepdog is a large breed, standing anywhere from 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. They are muscular and powerful, with a thick coat of white or cream-colored fur. This breed is known for being extremely intelligent and loyal, making them great protectors.
12. Great Pyrenees
- Temperament: Affectionate, Fearless, Patient, and Gentle
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 27 to 32 inches
- Origin: France, Spain
- Colors: White, Tan, Grey, Red, and Badger
- Weight: 100-110 lbs
- Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- Price: $1,000-$2,500
The Great Pyrenees is a large, white, fluffy dog from France’s Pyrenees mountains. These dogs were historically used as guard dogs for sheep and other livestock but are now more commonly known as loyal and loving family pets. The great Pyrenees are gentle giants with a calm demeanor and a patient personality.
They are also very intelligent and trainable, making them great service dogs or therapy animals. Though they are not the most active breed, they need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. With proper care and training, Great Pyrenees is a wonderful addition to any home.
13. Dogue de Bordeaux
- Temperament: loyal, courageous, and good-natured
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Height: 24–27 inches
- Origin: France
- Colors: Fawn, Mahogany, Red
- Weight: 125-150 pounds
- Life expectancy: 5 – 8 years
- Price: $1,400-$2,500
Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as French Mastiff, is a large, muscular dog breed with a short, smooth coat.
This breed is believed to have originated in France in the 14th century. They were used as guard dogs and hunting large game such as boar. Today, Dogue de Bordeaux is still used as a working dog in some parts of the world, but they are more commonly kept as companion animals.
Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful dog weighing up to 150 pounds. They have broad heads with short muzzles and wrinkles on their forehead. Their coat is usually red or red-brown in color with some black markings. They are known for being loyal, courageous, and good-natured.