9 Dogs That Look Like Lions: Pictures, Facts & History

The lion is one of the most recognizable animals on Earth. Fascination with the lion and reverence for its appearance and elegance goes back thousands of years. The Romans respected the lion and imported dozens of them into high end menageries. The lion also featured prominently in the famous Medieval heraldry of the time. Today, people still like the look of the lion, and they crave that appearance in their own lives. For those reasons, there are a number of dog breeds that have been developed to look like lions. People are still cutting their dog’s hair to look like bushy manes to evoke the look of a lion despite the fact that dogs and lions aren’t even remotely related.

What Makes Certain Dogs Look Like Lions?

There are three things that make a dog look like a lion. First is the coloring. Dogs can only truly look like lions if they come in a tan or golden color. The second is the coat. Dogs need to have a long coat that can be shaped and shaved to make the breed look like a lion. Last is the face. To look like lions, breeds ideally need to have a smushed or flat face. If the face is too canine, then it will throw off the lion look. All of the dogs on this list have these traits, which is why they can be molded to look like lions.

At the end of the day, no dog can truly look like a lion on its own. Lions are big cats and are completely different from dogs. However, with a good haircut or grooming job, these breeds can be transformed from canines into lions.

The 9 Dogs That Look Like Lions

1. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are the quintessential dog that looks like a lion. That is mainly because Chow Chows have extremely voluminous coats that can easily be trimmed to look like a mane. A well-bred and well-groomed Chow Chow can have a large mane of fur that perfectly surrounds the head and face. Chow Chows also come in colors that are reminiscent of the lion. Chow Chows hail from China, and they originated in the coldest regions of Northern Asia. Chow Chows are big but not huge, incredibly fuzzy, and can be very cuddly for their owners.

2. Pekingese

Pekingese dogs also originate from China. Peking is another name for Beijing and can be found in other names of animals from the region (such as the Peking Duck). Pekingese dogs have fabulous coats that just beg to be trimmed into a lion cut. They are also diminutive in size, and they sport a smushy face. All of these things add up to one adorable dog that can easily look like a tiny lion. Pekingese dogs are very popular for their coats, their size, and their personality. If you ask your groomer to give your Pekingese a classic lion cut, you are in good company. This look is very popular among Pekingese owners.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are large breed dogs with a lot of fur. These dogs were bred in the Himalayan Mountains, and their coats help protect them from bitter cold and wet snow. Tibetan Mastiffs have the benefit of coming in standard tan and gold colors. Their ample fur allows you to cut a beautiful mane for them that frames the face. Tibetan Mastiffs will require a lot of grooming attention to keep them looking like lions, but dedicated owners can maintain the look if they so wish. If you are looking for a large, loving, and loyal protector with the potential to look like a big cat, then you should definitely consider getting a Tibetan Mastiff.

4. Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is one of the most beloved and versatile dogs in the world. These small dogs have big personalities and have luscious coats that can be tailored to fit a number of different aesthetics. Pomeranians make great lion dogs for a number of reasons. First, you can get a Pomeranian in that perfect tan color. Second, these dogs are small, which can make them look more like domestic cats than other large dogs. Lastly, Pomeranians have ample amounts of fur that are able to be easily groomed into a variety of shapes and styles, including a mane or a lion cut.

The best thing about the Pomeranian is if you don’t like the lion cut, you can wait a few weeks and then restyle your dog into a new configuration. If you’ve ever wanted a dog that looks like a lion, the Pomeranian is one of the best choices, hands down.

5. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs are large and shaggy beasts that have ample potential to be lion lookalikes. Newfoundlands were bred to pull fishing nets for hardy fishermen in Canada in generations past. Most Newfoundland dogs are black or dark brown. However, you can find Newfoundlands in beige, which will enhance the lion’s look. You can easily trim a Newfoundland’s thick coat to give them a large and lush mane that looks a lot like a lion’s. With the right groomer and vision, a Newfoundland dog can have a true lion’s mane.

6. Leonberger

The Leonberger is a dog with a lion referenced right in the name. Leo or Leon means lion. The Leonberger was reportedly bred specifically to be a dog that looks like a lion. The Leonberger is a German dog, and the creator of the breed, Heinrich Essig, designed it because he wanted a dog that looked like a lion for his town’s crest. Essig was from Leonberg, another name that referenced lions. Leonberg lends its name to the Leonberger dog. Today, the Leonberger is not very popular, but it still retains a very lionesque look that is hard to deny. Leonberger dogs come in two colors: red and tan. You want to get a Leonberger in tan for the most lion-like look.

7. Löwchen

Löwchen means little lion in German, and sometimes the Löwchen is called the little lion dog. It is not hard to see why. This is a small, shaggy dog that can easily be groomed to look like a lion. The Löwchen comes in dozens of colors, but for the best look, you want to find Löwchens that are golden or tan. Most owners like to keep their Löwchen with a “lion clip” haircut. They also say that these dogs have big hearts and are as brave as a lion despite their diminutive size. These dogs have been popular in central Europe for centuries thanks to their unique appearance and big personalities.

8. Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested Dogs are small breeds that originally came to us from China. These dogs have a unique coat that allows them to look like lions. For the best look, you will want to get a Chinese Crested Dog with an apricot-colored coat. With a quick shave and a scissor cut, these dogs can easily be transformed into lions. The Chinese Crested Dog is also very small, which makes it more similar in size to a house cat, which also enhances the lion look.

9. Bankhar Dog

The Bankhar Dog is a shaggy livestock protection dog that has the ability to look very lionesque. Thanks to its shaggy mane, large size, and brown coloring, it is easy to see how this large breed can be easily transformed into a lion. The Bankhar Dog is from Mongolia and was bred by the native Buryat people. It is sometimes called the Mongolian Mastiff and is regionally related to the Tibetan Mastiff, another lion-like dog. The Buryat people didn’t breed the Bankhar Dog to be a lion look alike, but the results speak for themselves. These dogs are rare, usually found only in Asia.

Final Thoughts

Each of these breeds has the potential to look just like your very own lion. The key to making a dog that looks like a lion is to give it the proper haircut. The lion cut is famous, but it can only be applied to a select number of breeds in an effective manner. Each one of these breeds has ample opportunity to get the perfect lion cut. If you’ve always wanted a dog that looks like a lion, whether a large dog or a tiny dog, consider looking into one of these incredible breeds.

• See Also: Why Do Seals Look Like Dogs? Biological Classification Explained

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