Teddy bear dogs have recently gained widespread popularity, which is no surprise given that they’re known for an array of heartwarming traits such as being friendly, loyal, and big fans of cuddling. A relatively new dog category that was first recognized in the early 2000s, several of these pups were initially bred to serve as therapy animals for handicapped children, according to The Nest.
What is a Teddy Bear Dog?
There are several teddy bear dogs. Both pure and mixed in their lineage. The teddy bear puppy gets his name from their teddy-like features. They have button noses and eyes and soft, fluffy fur. It’s important to remember that the teddy bear dog breeds might look like toys, but they are still dogs. Don’t be tempted to actually treat them like teddies. No matter how soft and cuddly they might be!
The most popular types of dogs that look like teddy bears include:
A Zuchon teddy bear dog, also known as the Shihchon is a cross between a Bichon Frise and the teddy bear like Shih Tzu. It’s quite a small dog. Most will weigh between 12 and 14 pounds, and grow up to be 12 inches tall. They live for up to 15 years. So like any other dog, they’re a long commitment!
The teddy bear Bichon Shih Tzu are usually playful, loving, active dogs. They can make a great family pet when well trained and socialized. They’re especially good as family pets in homes where someone is around during they day. This is a dog that loves attention. It dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.
All hybrid breeds are vulnerable to the health problems of their parent breeds. Health issues for the Zuchon include canine hip dysplasia, deafness, liver disease and epilepsy. If you choose the Zuchon, make sure you learn about every health issue it is prone to. Plus, his health at its best with regular checks at the vet.
Teddy bear Pomeranians are loved for their thick, fluffy coats, curled tails, small ears and teddy bear-like faces. This teddy dog descended from the Spitz dog family. It was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1900. Teddy bear Pomeranian puppies are curious, playful, confident dogs, but can be shy and cautious around strangers and other dogs if not socialised from a young age.
Pomeranians are also small. But they require daily exercise and grooming at least twice a week. These dogs can be susceptible to certain issues, including patellar luxation (knee dislocation), shoulder luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative disorder that causes blindness), and entropion (abnormal eyelid), among others.
A popular mini teddy bear dog is the teacup pomeranian. Teacup puppies are generally considered to weigh less than 5 pounds and are loved for their tiny, cute stature. Tiny teacup teddy bear dog Pomeranians are even smaller and fluffier than normal Pomeranians! However, teacup puppies aren’t always the best choice for a pet. This is because, they are vulnerable to multiple health issues.
The Poochon is a hybrid between a Poodle and a Bichon Frise. This teddy dog lives for up to 15 years, and is relatively small. They are easy to train, and, although they don’t shed much, they require regular grooming.
Poochons are highly intelligent dogs, and love socialising. But they can suffer from separation anxiety if they’re left alone for too long, so aren’t a great choice if you spend a lot of time away from home. They’re also good with older children. Although their tendency to be boisterous when playing can mean they’re not as suitable for families with younger children.
This teddy bear dog requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. They can also be prone to health diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and more. Although, like any teddy bear dog, these issues are less likely if you have a first generation hybrid.
Teddy bear Shih Poos are a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle (usually either a miniature poodle or a toy poodle). Like the other teddy bear dogs we’ve looked at, the Shih-poo is an intelligent, easily trained dog, that doesn’t particularly like being alone and needs quite a lot of care. They require daily exercise. But their grooming needs depend on what sort of coat they inherit!
Shih-poos come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, cream, red, sable, and white! This hybrid inherits the fun-loving, affectionate personality of the Shih-Tzu and the intelligence of the Poodle! It’s important to start training and socialising these dogs early, to make sure they are happy and confident when they an adult teddy bear dog.
You should be careful with Shih-poos around smaller animals and young children, as they can be boisterous when playing. Shih-poos can live up to 15 years. But may inherit problems from their parents, like respiratory problems, eye issues, Progressive retinal atrophy, ear problems, epilepsy, and more.
If you’re looking for a big teddy bear dog, you might like the Goldendoodle! This is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. These are great choices for family pets. They’re loving, confident and loyal dogs that are easy to train, thanks to their high intelligence, and their naturally social personality! However, their loyalty means they may experience separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Like other hybrids involving poodles, their grooming needs will depend on the type of coat they inherit. This coat can be a variety of colors, from black, grey or red to golden, chocolate, or cream! Miniature Goldendoodles require a lot of exercise, so don’t suit living in small, cramped apartments where they can’t run around. Funnily enough despite the name this is one of the most common black teddy bear dog breeds.
This popular breed usually lives between 10 and 15 years when healthy. But they can experience some health issues, especially if they aren’t a first generation hybrid. They may be affected by hip or elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, ear infections, allergies and more. The Golden Retriever is sadly very prone to cancer. As a result you will want to find a pup from a parent with no family history of this.
Maltipoo teddy bear dog breeds are a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle. These are the most common teddy bear Maltese mix. They are quite small, usually growing up to 14 inches tall at the withers. They are incredibly loving and intelligent dogs, who respond well to training and suit families who can dedicate a lot of time to taking care of it.
Like most of the teddy bear dog breeds we’ve looked at, the Maltipoo forms strong bonds with humans. But this can result in separation anxiety and can make them depressed. They benefit from daily exercise and regular grooming. Especially if they inherit a curly poodle coat. If you are looking for a white teddy bear dog, this is probably your best bet.
Maltipoos can be vulnerable to the health problems of Maltese and Poodle breeds. A few of which include: skin problems, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy and so on. These breeds are a great choice, and can live up to 13 years old when healthy.
Morkies are a hybrid of Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier breeds and are a great choice if you want a mini teddy bear dog! This is an affectionate, social crossbreed, that loves playing with people. Making them perfect for families that have lots of time to spend with their pet. Because they are so tiny, Morkies can be easily hurt. So they need to be looked after carefully, and may be better in families without small children.
Their stature also means they don’t need as much exercise as other teddy bear dogs. They can suit people that don’t have as much space at home, as long as they get a daily walk! Morkies can be quite stubborn, so need lots of patience when being trained! Whilst Morkies are playful and happy, they can have a tendency to bark, especially when left alone.
The health problems this teddy bear dog can potentially face include issues with eyes and ears. As well as patellar luxation and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Their small mouths can also sometimes lead to dental overcrowding and gum disease problems. So you will need to be sure to brush their teeth. A healthy Morkie can live up to 13 years, making them a great family pet!
The teddy bear Schnoodle is a crossbreed between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. Their size varies depending on the type of poodle used. You can get a smaller full grown Schnoodle measuring up to 30cm at the withers, or a larger one, measuring up to twice that high!
Their coat color depends on what they inherit from their parents, as does the length and curl of their coat! They usually require a lot of grooming and attention. They love being surrounded by their families.
Their temperament can differ depending on the characteristics they inherit. But they are generally affectionate, loyal dogs. It’s good to socialise them from a young age so they’re more comfortable around new people, animals, and situations. As long as Schnoodles are well-socialized, they’ll get on well with other dogs in your home. However they can be a little boisterous around younger children. Training Schnoodle is also pretty easy, due to their intelligence!
Cavapoos are a relatively small cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This teddy dog is social, loyal and intelligent. Plus, it responds well to training. Their coats are generally quite high maintenance, and require regular grooming.
When socialised from a young age, Cavapoos get on well with other animals and children of all ages. They can be a great choice for a family pet. Their love for people can lead to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. So it is important to make sure you have enough time for this teddy bear dog. Cavapoos require daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy, as they can be prone to certain health issues.
When healthy, Cavapoos live up to 15 years old. But they can be vulnerable to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, syringomyelia (a serious brain condition common in King Charles Spaniels), diabetes, and many more. We do not advise ever buying even a Cavalier King Charles cross unless the Cavalier parent has been tested clear for this condition.
The Malshi is a mix between a Maltese and Shih Tzu. These teddy bear dogs are small, with charming personalities. They’re loving, and quick to learn, which makes training easy. If Malshis aren’t trained and socialised properly, they can be nervous in new situations, which can lead to excessive barking.
The health conditions that are most common in Mashis include patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues and hypothyroidism. Malshis can live up to 14 years old, especially when looked after properly. In addition to daily exercise, you’ll need to groom a Malshi daily, to prevent knots and tangles and keep their coat silky.
The Cairnoodle is a cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Poodle. This breed is small, even when fully grown. But is affectionate, happy and social, with an independent streak. When trained and socialised early, Cairnoodles make great pets that are obedient and good with other people and animals. However, these teddy bear dogs are prone to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone too long, as a result of the strong bonds they form with their owners.
The potential health issues that the Cairnoodle can inherit includes epilepsy, eye issues, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and more. To keep these dogs as healthy as possible, it is important to attend regular check ups with your vet, feed and exercise your pup daily, and incorporate grooming into your regular routine.
Cockapoos are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. These dogs are hugely popular because of their social, loyal, loving natures. They’re great with children and other animals, making them great family pets! They come in various colors and sizes, meaning each one is unique! They’re easily trained, and require daily exercise. But can be vulnerable to separation anxiety.
Cockapoos can live up to an impressive 18 years when healthy. But can experience some health issues. These hereditary conditions can include luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy, ear problems, and hip and retinal dysplasia amongst others.
The Westiepoo is an adorable combination of West Highland White Terrier and Poodle. They come in a range of colors, but if the parents are both white then you’re likely to get a white puppy too. This mix weighs up to 30lbs and can be as tall as 17 inches, depending upon whether the Poodle parent is Toy or Miniature.
An active mix, you will need to take them for at least one good walk a day and they will benefit from dog activities like agility. Health issues you need to be aware of include hypoadrenocorticism, bloat and dermatitis. But they can potentially inherit any of their parents’ genetic conditions, so make sure they are both tested for conditions relevant to their breed.
The Shorkie combines the lively Yorkshire Terrier with the more laid back Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu are a brachycephalic breed, which means that they have a flat face. This can cause problems with breathing and overheating. It’s possible that your pup will also have a flatter than ideal face, and therefore also be at risk. Unfortunately, for this reason it’s not a mix we can recommend.
Combining a fluffy Pomeranian with a curly Poodle gives you the adorable Pomapoo. Both breeds are generally friendly and fairly active dogs, so expect a pup with a big personality. Depending upon the type of Poodle parent, your Pomapoo will grow from 6 and 10 inches high, and be weighing from 6 to 9 pounds.
Small dogs like Pomeranians are at risk of tracheal collapse, but it’s possible with the bigger Poodle’s genes your chances will be improved. The parents need to be PRA clear and the Poodle parent tested for Addison’s disease.
The Yorkipoo has a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle parent. These tiny teddy bear dogs weigh between four and fifteen pounds, depending upon the Poodle parent. Both Poodles and Yorkies are at risk of joint problems, eye problems and Poodles might inherit blood disorders. Avoid Teacup Yorkie parents as they are at an increased risk of health problems.
The Pomchi combines the Pomeranian with the tiny Chihuahua. This is one of the smallest teddy bear dogs, but they aren’t lacking in personality. They come in a range of colors, and could have the Chihuahua’s fabulous long lifespan.
Unfortunately, being tiny dogs they are prone to some serious health problems such as tracheal collapse. They are also likely to have dental issues due to overcrowding.
The Peekapoo mixes the classic lapdog Pekingese with the active, intelligent Poodle. Although this dog might have a cute look, and an adorable designer doggy name to match, it is unfortunately likely to have health problems. The Pekingese is another brachycephalic dog with a higher than average chance of breathing problems and dental issues. This is therefore sadly not a mix we can recommend.
A cute combination of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise the Cavachon has bags of potential. They combine two small, friendly and active breeds into one package. You just need to make sure you are careful when picking a breeder. The Cavalier parent must have had an MRI scan, heart check and no family history of Syringo Myelia or heart disease.
Because teddy bear puppies are all so different, their prices vary hugely! You can get them for as little as $500, or even as much as $3,000! No matter what price you spend, it’s always important to make sure you use a reputable breeder to minimise health risks.
How Big Do Teddy Bear Dogs Get?
A full grown teddy bear dog is normally a Toy to Small breed. But because teddy bear dogs include many different breeds and breed mixes, there is no single size. All are smaller than average dogs, and some are very small indeed. To find out how big your teddy bear puppy will grow, you’ll need to decide which type of teddy bear dog you are going to adopt. An adult teddy bear dog is not a set size.
So What Are Mini Teddy Bear Puppies?
As we know, Teddy bear puppies are known to be super cute even when they grow up to adulthood. Now, imagine owning a pooch that remains little and cute as a stuffed teddy bear throughout his life. That’s what a mini teddy bear puppy looks like.
Teddy bear puppy breed is bred to be small and adorable. They tend to maintain their puppy-like characteristics throughout their lives. Mini teddy bear puppies are sure to be ideal for people who don’t want their puppy to seem like he’s all grown up. See also: Bear Looking Dogs
FAQ
How much does a teacup teddy bear cost?
What is the life expectancy of a teddy bear dog?
It’s their soft curls, soulful yet playful eyes, button nose, and wavy hair that make them look like the cuddliest teddy bears ever.
What is the cost of a teddy bear dog?