What dog is called the Lion Dog? A Comprehensive Guide

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According to Chinese legend, a lion fell in love with a monkey and the lion begged Buddha to be shrunk down in size so that it could be with its love. The legend, according to Dog Time, says that Buddha agreed and from the union of the lion and monkey came the Pekingese. Although the legend might not be 100% accurate, these little dogs definitely look like they could be part lion.

Lowchens are quite literally called the “little lion dog” thanks to the way their hair is traditionally clipped. According to Pet Finder, they also have a long gate and a proud carriage, making them even more lion-like.

Back in 2013, a zoo in China went so far as to put a Tibetan Mastiff in an enclosure and pretended it was a lion, according to National Geographic. But not only does the Tibetan Mastiff look like a lion, historically it has had its fair share of encounters with other predators. According to Dog Time, the breed was originally used in Tibet to guard livestock and protect them against any predatory threats.

If youre considering adding a new four-legged friend to your family and want your pup to be a little (or not so little) fluffy beast, any one of these dog breeds will be a great choice. The hardest part will be choosing just one. And if you really can’t decide, we won’t blame you if you wind up taking home two.

Probably the most well known lion-looking dog, the Chow Chow hails from ancient China. Despite all of its lion-like fur, Chow Chows are incredibly clean dogs, according to the American Kennel Club, meaning they housebreak easily and have very little odor.

Indigenous Mastiff (Himalayan Guard Dog)

Himalayan mastiffs are native Indian dogs from the Himalayan regions, and are thus also known as Himalayan guard dogs.

These dogs can be located in the Laddakh region of Himalaya.

They have an intimidating and aggressive look, but they are calm and lovable, and love to please their masters and his family.

Though they are friendly and gentle dogs, if something goes wrong they can be very ferocious. They are a courageous warriors, who are known to fight till death.

A full-grown male Himalayan mastiff is capable of taking down two wolves by himself.

They have long, dry, double-coated fur and available in black, black with tan, red, dark grey, or grey black.

Their long coat and broad muzzle gives them their lion-like look.

ALL ABOUT LEONBERGER, THE LION DOG

First, the name is pronounced “Shee-zoo,” so quit pronouncing it wrong and snickering. It comes from the Chinese word for “little lion dog,” because they were bred to resemble lions depicted in ancient Buddhist art. True method actors, Shih Tzu act like little lions, with a king-of-the-world attitude. Although raised as royalty for centuries, like any good royal member, they’re willing to mingle with commoners and make your home their castle.