Dogs That Look Like Ewoks

Ewoks are one of the most popular and adorable creatures in the Star Wars films. Loved by children and adults alike, they made their first appearance in the film Return of the Jedi, where their primitive tribe lives on the moon of Endor. Ewoks stand around a meter tall and walk on two legs.

They have big jewel-like eyes, flat faces, and are covered in fur. And they look quite similar to a handful of special dog breeds. So for all those Star Wars fans out there here are the dogs that look like Ewoks and what you’ll want to know about them.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a toy dog breed from Belgium. It’s also known as the Griffon Bruxellois. And it’s no coincidence that these are the most Ewok-looking dogs of all. George Lucas the famous filmmaker, who was the producer and creator of the Star Wars franchise actually owned a Brussels Griffon.

And when developing the concept of the Ewoks he had well-known makeup artist Stuart Freeborn, use the breed as a model for the creatures. While many changes were made you can easily see the similarities in the facial structure, eyes, and ears. (Interestingly it was another canine pet of George Lucas’s an Alaskan Malamute, which inspired the Wookie character of Chewbacca).

Shih Tzu

These compact and well-built little dogs are a favorite companion breed around the world. And while their long and attractive coat does not shed it does require frequent brushing. To keep maintenance to a minimum many Shih Tzu owners like to keep their pet’s coat cut short.

And it is this combination of a shorter coat along with the breed’s large eyes which can really make them look a lot like Ewoks. In fact, many Shih Tzu’s also naturally have an undershot jaw. And when an underbite is added to the mix it can really make these canines look as if they’ve stepped right out of Return of the Jedi and into your home.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a flat-faced dog that looks like an Ewok. However, don’t expect these canines to be nearly as agile as the furry natives of the moon of Endor in the movies. These independent and sometimes stubborn dogs are more suited to keeping you company or snoozing on your lap.

That’s because they were created to function as companions and lapdogs for Chinese royalty, who were the only people actually allowed to own them. In its homeland of China, this toy breed is often described as looking like a lion because of its large head and mane.

Bichon Frise

Well-known for its cheerful personality, the Bichon Frise is a dog from the Canary Islands, a territory of Spain on the northwestern coast of Africa. And it’s also a dog breed that looks like an Ewok, an all-white Ewok to be exact. These friendly canines have a curly coat that is soft and velvety to the touch.

And they have brown or black skin around their eyes known as halos. The halos help to make their dark Ewok-like eyes really stand out against their all-white coat and at the same time to give them quite a unique expression. In addition, the Bichon is also a fantastic family dog that is great with children.

Border Terrier

These are working terriers that do best with a job to do or at least vigorous daily exercise. The Border Terrier was created to hunt foxes along the border of England and Scotland. They are agile dogs that are able to keep up with hunters pursuing their quarry on horseback.

And similar to many terriers they are incredibly tough for their size and full of grit. These Ewok-like dogs have dark eyes, a short muzzle, a flat skull, and a particularly wiry (and naturally waterproof) coat.

Affenpinscher

This German breed’s name translates to “monkey terrier,” which it got as a result of its monkey-looking face. However, the Affenpinscher also bears a striking similarity to Ewoks as well. Originally it worked as a ratter and vermin killer in stables and later on in indoor kitchens.

This unique breed’s coat is considered hypoallergenic so it would make a fantastic choice for serious Ewok fans with allergies that happen to be looking for a small-size dog. However, the Affenpinscher isn’t typically recommended for homes with young children or those with small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, or other rodents for obvious reasons.

Lhasa Apso

This is an ancient Tibetan breed that was used indoors as a watchdog for monasteries and palaces. While these small guys watched the inside making sure to sound the alarm if there were any threats, the much larger and more ferocious Tibetan Mastiff was often used as a guard outdoors.

And what Star Wars fan wouldn’t want one of these little dogs that look like Ewoks watching over their own palace? Because of their watchdog background, you can expect a Lhasa Apso to be loving and playful with family and close friends yet naturally wary and suspicious of strangers.

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