TOP 10 Lion Like Dog Breeds

10) Löwchen
The word Löwchen can be literally translated as little lion dog. This non shedding breed looks like a lion, especially in the lion cut, where the back legs, front legs, part of the tail and haunches are shaved, while the rest of the body is left with natural coat.

9) Bangar Mastiff
This is the first Indian dog on this list. The Bangar Mastiff was developed from Bhotia dogs, that were especially good at protecting livestock, which was the main purpose of the Bangar Mastiff as well. It is true, that they are protective, but when they are around its family, they act pretty friendly and loyal.

8) Chow Chow
Chow Chow is a dog originating in northern China, where they are called Songshi Quan, which can be translated as Puffy lion dog. And indeed, they definitely resemble lion with their fluffy coat.

7) Newfoundland
The American breed on this list, Newfoundland is a real gentle giant who loves water. This is a working dog breed used for pulling nets for fisherman and hauling wood from the forest. Thanks to their friendly and extremely gentle temperament, the Newfoundlans make excellent family companions.

6) Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso
Maybe the two cutest breeds on this list, that are pretty hard to recognize apart. The Shih Tzu name comes from the Chinese word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as depicted in traditional oriental art" And believe it or not, the Lhasa Apso is very good and fearless watchdog, so they have little bit of the lion heart in them.

5) Gaddi Kutta
Another Indian breed, the Gaddi Kutta is not only similar to the lion with its appearance, but they are also extremely strong and fearless. It is believed, that they are strong enough,to repulse attacks by Snow Leopards. Gaddi Kuttas are most often used by indian shepherds to protect and herd sheeps and goats.

4) Pekingese/Tibetan Spaniel
Pekingese is another breed, whose name can be translated as a little lion. And the Tibetan Spaniel is very similar to them, so i decided to put them on the list together. For centuries, the Pekingese dogs could only be owned by Chinese royalty and it was not until the 19th century and the Opim wars when they were found by Brittish soldiers and brought to other countries.

3) Leonberger
Leonberger is a German dog breed that was, according to the legend, bred as symbolic dog, who would resemble a lion, which is on the coat of arms of their home town, the Leonberg. This a strong and fearless dog with intelligent, playful and loyal temperament.

2) Caucasian Shepherd
This dog is big, actually it is one of the largest dog breeds in the world with weight up to 200 pounds, which is 90 kgs. They are also extremely muscular and strong, fearless, independent and highly territorial. They really have, next to the lion like look, a lot of lion like personality traits.

1) Tibetan Mastiff
This must be a number one on this list. Thanks to their long hairy mane and big strong body they resemble the lion the most. Actually, one Chinese zoo tried to pass a Tibetan mastiff as an African lion to its visitors. The original purpose of these beautiful dogs was to protect livestock and help with herding.