A woman with two large and fluffy dogs has shared that people often mistake them for bears when they see them on the street. The Newfoundlands, Leo and Teddy, weigh in at 70 and 75 kilos, similar to the average weight of a British woman. Despite towering over their 175cm tall owner, Sanela Becovic, the dogs are known for their gentle demeanor. Sanela purchased Teddy at 10 weeks old for £1,138 and Leo at eight weeks old for £1,576. These lovable giants have become local celebrities in Laholm, Sweden, where they reside with Sanela.

When Sanela takes her dogs for a walk, she often gets stopped by people who recognize them by name in the small town where they live. Despite being well-known in the community, they still attract attention from strangers who can’t resist stopping to chat and pet the dogs. Although they may resemble gentle giants, their bear-like appearance often startles passersby in Laholm.

“Many people mistake them for bears and ask if they are real,” Sanela shared. In fact, Sanela decided to get Teddy because of his striking resemblance to a bear. Interestingly, the librarian, who was originally terrified of dogs, specifically wanted a huge cuddly bear, and Teddy was the closest thing she could find to fulfill that desire. “I used to be petrified of dogs, but during a rough period in my life, I longed for a massive bear to hug.”

Leo and Teddy, the Newfoundland terriers, are often mistaken for bears due to their large size and shaggy fur.

In the photo, Teddy can be seen tipping the scales at 75 kilograms, roughly equivalent to the weight of an average British woman.

Before getting Teddy, Sanela, 44, had a fear of dogs. However, she desired a big fluffy companion to cuddle with, so getting Teddy was the closest thing she could do to achieve that.

Sanela and her husband, Thomas Petterson, share their home in Laholm, Sweden with their beloved dogs. Sanela fell in love with Newfoundlands because of their gentle nature and fluffy appearance. They go above and beyond to spoil their furry companions, even customizing their car to make it dog-friendly. The couple spent a hefty sum of Euro 130,000 on the new vehicle, complete with a ramp for easy access. In addition to the car upgrade, they also rented a larger flat for their dogs, which included an extra bedroom for Euro 400 more per month. Sanela is committed to providing the best for her pups, treating them like her own children. Although she acknowledges the high costs of caring for Newfoundlands, she believes it’s all worth it for the love and joy they bring into their lives.