A lion, the king of animals, belongs to the group of cats, but unlike cats, it cannot be petted.Lions are the most respected animals, owing to their importance in several cultures, literature, and art. Despite your fascination for lions, you can’t own them as pets; but, not to worry, there are a few canine species you can own that look like lions!A lion, formally regarded as the ‘king of beasts,’ is a symbol of courage, strength, royalty, and nobility. It is among the strongest species from the Feline family, second only to the tiger. Its roar can be heard as far as five miles (8 km).The ferocious-looking giant animal has a coat colored in shades of yellow and brown. In comparison, the wild cat is found in the open lands and cannot be spotted around in the urban lands. Just like several dogs resemble animals like wolves and foxes, a few species are known to resemble the feline creatures, including lions. Although lions are not dogs, a lion dog exists! Canine species that have a resembling appearance of a lion are classified as lion-like dogs or lion dogs. Either the dogs naturally look like lions, or some are groomed, bred, or dyed by the breeders to attain a similar appearance that of other animals. Since common ancestors between a dog and a cat lasted million years ago, yet the lion-like dog exists. Several leonine species have golden fur, thick manes, or ferocious temperament, similar to that of a lion. Some dog breeds that look like lions are English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, Boerboel, Tibetan Spaniel, Great Pyrenees, Keeshond, Bear Coat Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Tibetan Mastiff, Caucasian Shepherd, Pomeranian, Leonberger, Chinese Crested, Pekingese, Maremma Sheepdog or Maremmano-Abruzzese, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Golden retriever, Shar-pei, and Dogue de Bordeaux or the ancient French mastiff. Read the complete article to read these roar-some pawfect facts.If you enjoy this article, why not also read about dogs that look like German shepherds and dogs that look like huskies away here on Kidadl.List Of Dogs That Look Like LionsHumans have a fascination with wild creatures, but unfortunately, can’t own them as pets. Thus, it has become a trend for breeders to breed dogs that look like other animals so that if not the actual animal, human beings can own dogs bred to have a similar appearance. Lion dogs are often compared with lions due to their resemblance to wild cats.English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, Boerboel, Tibetan Spaniel, Great Pyrenees, Keeshond, Bear Coat Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Tibetan Mastiff, Caucasian Shepherd, Pomeranian, Indigenous mastiff, Bangar mastiff, Leonberger, Pekingese, Nepali mountain dog, Maremma Sheepdog or Maremmano-Abruzzese, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Newfoundland, Dogue de Bordeaux, Shar-pei, Golden retriever, Chinese Crested, and Löwchen or ’little lion’ are few breeds of dogs that look like lions.Hunting Dogs That Look Like A LionA Rhodesian Ridgeback looks like a lion! Several breeds like Pekingese, Chow Chows, Anatolian Shepherd, Boerboel, Great Pyrenees, Keeshond, Caucasian Shepherd, and Pomeranian, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are the hunting breed of dogs that look like lions.Since Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal and intelligent, thus they can be trained by experienced owners. They are quite aggressive and are known to hunt to feed. You may not know, but Rhodesian Ridgebacks are incredible hunters.Is a Tibetan Mastiff aggressive?The Tibetan Mastiff is a Tibetan breed that was first documented around the 1840s when the Indian Viceroy gifted the dog to Queen Victoria. It is highly trainable to live around humans. Originally, it also had a ferocious and courageous personality that could fight by risking its own life. Since its personality and appearance quite resemble a lion, it is often compared to lions.Unlike lions, if a Tibetan Mastiff is properly trained and groomed, the threat of dogs attacking reduces. The Tibetan Mastiff is a loyal and intelligent breed. If it is provided with appropriate socialization and training, it becomes habitual of living around people and other animals for the rest of its life.In conclusion, it is an aggressive creature, but the danger and anger it possesses can be reduced!Family Dogs That Look Like A LionWhat does a pet owner desire in his or her furry friend? You cannot just own a dog because it has a better coat or fur or desired-for appearance. Instead, you and others look for a caring and loving companion in their pet. They want their companions to be loyal, respectful, and protective. The family dog loves playing with children and is often quite successful in winning their hearts with its energy and considerably large size. Also, it is quite reliable near children, unless the children harm or provoke them. If you are checking for dogs that look like lions, the following can be some of the dog breeds suitable for living conditions in your house and are great companions:Tibetan Mastiff: Tibetan Mastiffs are ancient pets. They are quite large and look like lions and have strength. Also, the Tibetan mastiff is a herding dog that was traditionally used to protect livestock. The Tibetan breed resides around parts of Asia and Europe, including Tibet, China, Nepal, and along the Himalayas. The Tibetan mastiffs are also a symbol of fashion and status in China. Since they are not well adapted to living in an apartment, they require training and a lot of outdoor physical exercise.Indigenous mastiff or Himalayan guard dog: Indigenous mastiffs are originally located in India and neighboring Himalayan mountains. They look like lions and have a long, dry coat, often black and tan-brown in color. Also, the dogs have quite lovable and calm personalities, pleasing dog owners and families. They are ferocious and courageous in nature, known to fight until their last breath.Leonberger: Yes, there is a city named Leonberger, too, in Germany. But, here it is being referred to as a dog breed. The Leonberger breed of dogs looks like lions but is not as ferocious as lions. Although it has a deep bark, Leonberger is well well trained social dog that behaves quite well with families and strangers. It is one of the dog breeds used to protect livestock.Nepali Mountain dog: It is a lion dog found in parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. It is quite intelligent and is one of the incredible guard dog breeds. It is a herding dog and is not quite adapted to living in an apartment.Bangar Mastiff: With the breed name originating from the town, Bangar, the lion dog, is quite groomed for apartment living and has a friendly nature towards other pets and strangers.Newfoundland: It is a giant dog that is sure to impress you with its swimming skills. It makes a good companion found playfully well along with strangers.Chow Chow: Also called the ‘Dog of the Tang Empire’ or Tang Quan, Chow Chows that look like lions originated in Mongolia and northern China. You can spot models of the Chinese lion dog breed around Buddhist monasteries. Chow Chows are laidback but are known for their fastidious cleanliness, similar to their feline relatives.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for dog that looks like a lion, then why not take a look at dogs that look like Pit bulls, or Chow Chow facts?
A lion, the king of animals, belongs to the group of cats, but unlike cats, it cannot be petted.