Forget stuffed animals. These adorable dog breeds are the real deal! With fluffy coats, button noses, and sweet little faces, teddy bear dogs look like they stepped straight out of the toy aisle and into your lap.
A teddy bear dog is a nickname for small, fluffy dogs with round faces, button noses, and plush coats that make them look like living stuffed animals.
It’s easy to fall for a fluffy face, but there’s more to choosing a teddy bear dog than cuteness alone. Here’s how the most popular breeds compare, from size and temperament to grooming and health.
What Is a Teddy Bear Dog?
A teddy bear dog isn’t a breed, instead, it’s a nickname for dogs that look like teddy bears.
Some teddy bear dogs are purebred, while others are designer mixes created by crossing two popular breeds.
Regardless of the actual breed, they all have an uncanny ability to convince complete strangers to stop and say, “That dog looks just like a teddy bear!”
What About Teacup Teddy Bear Dogs?
“Teacup” is a marketing term used to describe dogs bred to be much smaller than the typical size for their breed.
Use caution with teacup teddy bear dogs, because sometimes breeders focus on producing the tiniest puppies possible instead of prioritizing health, temperament, and sound genetics.
You may also come across Habibi Bears, a proprietary line of multigenerational companion dogs developed from Miniature Schnauzers and Poodles, with additional breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Havanese, Cocker Spaniel, and Yorkshire Terrier introduced over time.
No matter what they’re called, the healthiest teddy bear dogs come from breeders who prioritize sound temperaments and long-term health over producing the tiniest or fluffiest puppy.
Meet the Most Popular Teddy Bear Dogs
It’s easy to fall in love with a fluffy face. Choosing the right teddy bear dog, though, means looking beyond the cuteness. Every breed has its own personality, care needs, and quirks.
Maltipoo
Personality: Friendly, playful, and happiest when they’re spending time with their favorite people.
Perfect Match: First-time dog owners, families, and apartment dwellers
Energy: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Adult Size: 5-20 pounds
Fun Fact: A Maltipoo’s adult size can vary quite a bit depending on whether its Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Shih Tzu
Personality: Affectionate, outgoing, and perfectly content being the center of your world.
Perfect Match: Anyone looking for a devoted companion who loves to cuddle
Energy: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Adult Size: 9-16 pounds
Fun Fact: Shih Tzu means “lion dog,” and the breed was treasured as a companion by Chinese royalty for centuries.
Bichon Frise
Personality: Cheerful, social, and always ready to make a new friend.
Perfect Match: Families, retirees, and anyone looking for a happy-go-lucky companion
Energy: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Adult Size: 10-18 pounds
Fun Fact: Their fluffy white coat is actually hair rather than fur, so while they shed very little, Bichon Frise need frequent brushing and regular trips to the groomer.
Cavachon
Personality: Sweet, gentle, and eager to make everyone feel like a friend.
Perfect Match: Families with children and owners looking for an easygoing companion
Energy: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Adult Size: 15-20 pounds
Fun Fact: The Cavachon is known for keeping their puppy-like appearance well into adulthood, which is one reason they’ve become such a popular teddy bear dog.
Morkie
Personality: Curious, confident, and completely unaware of their tiny size.
Perfect Match: Owners who want a lively little shadow to follow them everywhere
Energy: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Adult Size: 4-10 pounds
Fun Fact: Morkies often don’t realize how small they are and will confidently take on dogs several times their size.
Pomeranian
Personality: Bold, curious, and convinced they’re the biggest dog in the neighborhood.
Perfect Match: Owners who love a big personality in a tiny package
Energy: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Adult Size: 3-7 pounds
Fun Fact: Queen Victoria’s love of Pomeranians helped popularize the smaller Pom we know and love today.
Cockapoo
Personality: Happy, affectionate, and always up for an adventure.
Perfect Match: Active families and first-time dog owners
Energy: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Adult Size: 12-25 pounds
Fun Fact: Cockapoos are considered one of the original designer dogs, first becoming popular in the United States during the 1960s.
Shichon (Zuchon)
Personality: Gentle, playful, and happiest when they’re with their people.
Perfect Match: Families, retirees, and apartment dwellers
Energy: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Adult Size: 9-15 pounds
Fun Fact: Shichons are often nicknamed the “forever puppy” because many keep their youthful look well into adulthood.
Schnoodle
Personality: Smart, energetic, and eager to learn.
Perfect Match: Active owners looking for an intelligent companion
Energy: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★☆
Adult Size: 10-75 pounds (depending on the Poodle parent)
Fun Fact: Schnoodles excel at dog sports like agility and obedience thanks to the intelligence of both parent breeds.
Maltese
Personality: Gentle, loving, and happiest in someone’s lap.
Perfect Match: Apartment dwellers and anyone wanting a devoted companion
Energy: ★★★☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Adult Size: Under 7 pounds
Fun Fact: The Maltese has been treasured as a companion dog for more than 2,000 years and even appears in ancient Greek and Roman writings.
Lhasa Apso
Personality: Independent, loyal, and surprisingly confident.
Perfect Match: Owners who appreciate a watchful, self-assured companion
Energy: ★★☆☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Adult Size: 12-18 pounds
Fun Fact: Lhasa Apsos were originally bred to serve as indoor watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries and palaces.
Sheepadoodle
Personality: Goofy, affectionate, and full of playful energy.
Perfect Match: Active families with plenty of space
Energy: ★★★★☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Adult Size: 60-85 pounds
Fun Fact: Their shaggy coat often covers their eyes, giving Sheepadoodles their signature teddy bear appearance.
Chow Chow
Personality: Calm, dignified, and deeply loyal to their family.
Perfect Match: Experienced owners who appreciate an independent dog
Energy: ★★☆☆☆
Grooming: ★★★★★
Adult Size: 45-70 pounds
Fun Fact: The Chow Chow is one of only a few dog breeds with a distinctive blue-black tongue.
How Big Do Teddy Bear Dogs Get?
Because “teddy bear dog” describes a look rather than a specific breed, there’s no standard adult size.
If You’re Looking For… | Typical Adult Weight | Teddy Bear Breeds to Consider |
A tiny lap dog | Under 10 lbs | Maltese, Pomeranian, Morkie, Toy Maltipoo* |
A small companion | 10-20 lbs | Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Shichon, Cavachon, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Maltipoo* |
A medium-sized sidekick | 20-50 lbs | Larger Cockapoos, Standard Schnoodles* |
A big fluffy teddy bear | Over 50 lbs | Sheepadoodle, Chow Chow |
*Some Poodle mixes come in different sizes depending on whether they’re bred from a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle.
Are Teddy Bear Dogs Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, although some teddy bear breeds may suit allergy-prone households better than others. According to the AKC, there is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog, including so-called designer breeds. Breeds with low-shedding coats, such as the Bichon Frise and Poodle mixes, tend to produce less loose hair and dander, which is what triggers most dog allergies.
What Do Teddy Bear Dogs Cost?
Teddy bear dog puppies typically cost anywhere from about $1,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the breed, breeder, pedigree, and where you live.
Budget for Grooming
Many teddy bear dogs have coats that require regular brushing and professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks to help prevent mats and keep them looking their best, typically costing $50 to $120 per visit, depending on your dog’s breed, coat type, size, and where you live.
Plan for Routine Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care, including wellness exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental care, can cost $300 to $1,000 or more each year.
Consider Pet Insurance and a Wellness Plan
An emergency visit for a broken bone, swallowed toy, or sudden illness can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, which is why many pet parents choose to protect themselves with pet insurance.
Dog insurance can help cover eligible veterinary expenses for covered accidents and illnesses, while adding an optional wellness plan can help you budget for routine costs like wellness exams, vaccinations, grooming, training classes, and other everyday pet care expenses.
Common Health Issues in Teddy Bear Dogs
Dental Disease
Many teddy bear dogs have small mouths with crowded teeth, making them more prone to plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and scheduling professional dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian can help keep their mouth healthy. It’s important to note that Embrace is one of the few pet insurance plans that include pet dental insurance in every plan.
Luxating Patellas
Small breeds are especially prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. Mild cases may cause occasional skipping or limping, while more severe cases can require surgery.
Tracheal Collapse
Tiny breeds like Pomeranians, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terrier mixes can be predisposed to tracheal collapse, which often causes a persistent “goose honk” cough. Maintaining a healthy weight and using a harness instead of a collar may help reduce pressure on the airway.
How to Choose the Right Teddy Bear Dog
With so many adorable options, it’s easy to choose a teddy bear dog based on looks alone. But the happiest matches happen when you find a breed whose personality, activity level, grooming needs, and size fit your lifestyle.
Consider how much grooming you’re willing to do, how active your household is, how much space you have, and whether you’ll be home enough for a companion breed. Look for a responsible breeder and ask about health testing. If you’re open to adoption, don’t overlook local shelters and breed-specific rescues.
Still exploring your options? You might want to consider the cheapest dog breeds, the most popular dog breeds, or hypoallergenic dog breeds to help narrow down your search.