Are you a Star Wars fan? Then you must be in love with the Ewoks, the sentient furred bipeds who call the moon of Endor their home. About a meter tall, they are curious, sturdy, fearless and capable of surviving in the forest. These hunter-gatherers are intelligent too, and with their primitive technology, they could destroy the imperial shield generator built in their forests.
But did you know how these teddy-bear-like creatures came to be created? George Lucas got the inspiration for these small woodland mammaloid bipeds for the Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi from his pets, the Brussels Griffon breed of dogs. He named them Ewoks by reversing the syllables in Wookie, also a Star Wars character, and rhyming it with Miwok (pronounced: me-walk), a northern California Indian tribe.
7 Dog Breeds That Look Like Ewoks
If you are not only a Star Wars buff but also love dogs and are looking for one that resembles your favorite Ewoks, here is a list that may help you choose one. We have selected a few that not only look like the Ewoks in some way but also have at least one trait like the furry bipeds.
Here we go…
Brussels Griffon
So, naturally, the first in the list of breed of dogs that look like Ewoks would naturally be the Brussels Griffon themselves. This is a toy dog that is intelligent, alert and sturdy. Its body is thickset and short, but its smart carriage gives it a lot of dignity. The Griffons are excellent climbers. Their wide black eyes are set apart with long and black eyelashes. They have a very human expression and their owners swear that their pets talk to them!
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a friendly dog that can also double up well as a watchdog. Ideal for the apartment life, it makes it to the list for not only being absolutely cuddly but also because its alert and curious expression is much like that of the Ewoks. It trains well and has a personality that is charming and intelligent. Its quiet confidence is very endearing, making it popular wherever it goes.
Border Terriers
The Border Terriers are tough, no-frills dogs known for their pluck. Cheerful and affectionate dogs these small pets have an otter-like head. They have longer legs than other small terriers, are tough but also good tempered and affectionate. They are intelligent, making them easy to train. They also are very companionable and love the outdoors, loving the exercise. And if there is a cat or a squirrel in their path, you can see their resemblance to the hunter-gatherer Ewoks becoming more pronounced.
Lhasa Apso
Oh, this absolutely adorable breed of dogs from Tibet has a thousand-year-old history! The Lhasa Apso with its rich coat was used as a sentinel at the palaces and monasteries in the high peaks of Himalayas. Happy to be around their family, these smart and confident dogs take a while to warm up to strangers. Don’t be misled by their small stature, nor underestimate them for their aristocratic bearing for they are very hardy. And like the Ewoks, their eyes from behind their lavish facial hair reveal the depths of their souls.
Pekingese
Like the Ewoks, the Pekingese are compact and stocky toy dogs that look aristocratic and have a rolling gait. They seem to have a lion’s mane as the coat is longest at the neck and shoulders, and comes in colors ranging from a golden red to darker shades. They have large, dark and sparkly eyes set in a short-muzzled head. Charming, confident and loyal, these are highly independent dogs, seemingly opinionated and capable of making their views known to their owners. They are okay with having the kids around, but you won’t catch them roughhousing.
Shih Tzu
This adorable breed with its large melting dark eyes is a delight to own. All hairy and cute, this “lion dog” that has a history dating back a thousand years is full of mischief and laughter. Though small, it is a strong dog and a charmer, particularly fond of children. It is the ideal lap dog, seeking your attention with its cute ways. Those intelligent eyes will remind you of the Ewoks every time you look at them.
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher breed made the list due to their flat face, shaggy fur and stubby nose. They are also called Monkey Dogs or Ape Terriers. We have added them to the Ewok list but some Star Wars fans say they look closer to Wookies than Ewoks. We will let you decide. They have a huge personality which makes them hard to train and some dog trainers simply say you don’t train them, you befriend them.
Related: Top 8 Dog Breeds with Webbed Feet
Choose Well
We know it is hard to choose one from so many adorable breeds that will remind you of the Ewoks. To make it easy for you to identify your perfect fit, you may want to research a little on which one suits your personality best, your living conditions and the care and attention you will be able to give them. But whichever you go for, you will only be bringing home lots of love and joy.