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Forget stuffed animals, these adorable dog breeds are the real deal! Teddy bear dogs are a group of dog breeds that have become increasingly popular choices for dog owners in recent years.
What is a teddy bear dog, exactly? Much like the stuffed animals they’re named after, these precious pups are typically small with plenty of fluffy fur to go around. A teddy bear dog (sometimes spelled “teddybear dog”) doesn’t refer to just one kind of dog, however. Several different types of canines, including Shih Tzus and Pomeranians, are known as teddy bear dogs.
Teddy bear dogs are often cuddle bugs and form strong attachments with their owners. It’s no surprise that everyone from children to seniors seems to love them!
While it might be tempting to adopt a pup based on their fluffiness alone, a prospective pet parent has a lot more to think about than that downy coat. Some breeds are incredibly energetic, meaning they’re not a great fit for families that cherish their lazy Sundays. Other breeds shed a lot of that gorgeous fur day in and day out, which can be a nightmare for allergy-prone humans.
With countless endearing teddy bear dog breeds out there, how do you narrow down your search for the perfect furry friend? The answer lies in understanding your lifestyle and preferences. Here, we’ll delve into the unique personalities, energy levels, and grooming needs of various teddy bear dog breeds. This will help you make an informed decision and find your ideal canine cuddle buddy.
Common Teddy Bear Dog Breeds
With so many dogs to choose from, you have your pick of the litter when it comes to finding a teddy bear dog breed!
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is at the top of our list for a very good reason. These guys are the quintessential teddy bear puppy thanks to their fuzzy white fur and dark button eyes. Bichon Frises love snuggling with their owners and are tiny enough to sit on your lap.
Weighing 10-18 pounds, this breed only requires moderate amounts of food and exercise. If you have children, keep in mind these itty-bitty pups are better suited for calmer, older kids since their petite frames can be injured if there’s any roughhousing.
Morkie (Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese mix)
Few dog enthusiasts can resist a snuggle from a Morkie! This breed is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese, resulting in adorably tiny dogs with stubby legs and expressive eyes. Because Morkies are a crossbreed, these pooches can inherit different traits from each of the parent’s breeds. For instance, your Morkie might have the silky white hair of a Maltese, or it could have the black and tan coat of some Yorkies.
While your Morkie won’t shed a ton, you’ll still need to brush their coat daily to keep it free from tangles. Taking your pup to the groomer for a short haircut can make coat care easier if you prefer a low-maintenance style.
Morkies are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. They inherit the loyalty of the Maltese and the spunky energy of the Yorkshire Terrier. While they can be quite vocal, especially when alerting you to something new, they are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized.
Maltese
The Maltese is a stunning canine breed that can’t help but make their humans smile. Their lively personalities could mean they’re up to something mischievous, but thankfully, these guys typically use their charming power for good. Malteses make excellent lap dogs, but they’re just as adept at learning tricks as they are snoozing!
In fact, since these dogs weigh less than 10 pounds, it’s vital that you train them. Otherwise, they may attempt to bite off more than they can chew (both figuratively and literally). Tiny teddy bear dogs like these need to know they can’t challenge larger dogs that may react aggressively when provoked.
Maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle mix)
Yes, the Maltipoo is an actual type of dog, not just a silly nickname for a Maltese! As a matter of fact, Maltipoos are part Maltese and part Poodle, resulting in a mixed breed that is beloved for its friendly personality.
Because these dogs have mixed ancestry, they can range greatly in size, weighing anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds. Their teddy bear traits really shine when it comes to children, since they love being around little humans. As with any tiny dog, keep a watch on them around young children to keep them from getting trampled.
Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle mix)
What do you get when you cross a Golden Retriever and a Poodle? Why, a Goldendoodle, of course! These playful pups are sometimes called hypoallergenic, although technically, no dog is truly so. In terms of appearance, some members of this hybrid have more retriever-like features, while some have curls reminiscent of their Poodle heritage.
Goldendoodles make fantastic big teddy bear dogs because they are not only cuddly, but highly intelligent. Training should be a breeze! One downside of owning one, however, is the amount of time you’ll spend cleaning up their fur.
Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix)
Another dog you just might mistake for a stuffed animal is the Cockapoo. These cuties have Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents. As one can imagine, the resulting offspring are incredibly adorable with wavy fur that can vary in color. Cockapoos can be red, blond, chocolate, or black, but they also come in “tuxedo” and other mixed-color varieties.
Most Cockapoos will need to be brushed every day, so be prepared to spend a lot of time grooming. However, these pups usually love human attention, so these grooming sessions shouldn’t be an issue.
Cockapoos are bundles of love and energy. They inherit the playful spirit of the Cocker Spaniel and the intelligence of the Poodle, making them eager to please and quick learners. This happy-go-lucky temperament makes them wonderful companions for families and children, as long as proper supervision is provided due to their playful energy.
Pomeranian
Coincidentally, Pomeranians look a lot like pom-poms! These dogs don’t have the curly coats of many of the other canines on our list, but this Spitz breed does have a magnificently fluffy double coat. These small pooches rarely weigh more than seven pounds, although their poofy appearance can make them look larger than they are.
Pomeranians love to keep their minds sharp, as they’re always alert and active. One thing you'll want to keep in mind with this breed is a not-so cute consideration: accidents in the house. Pomeranians are known for being a little harder to housetrain, but with plenty of support, they should learn over time.
Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle mix)
With a name like “Schnoodle”, it’s probably not difficult to imagine that this type of dog falls into the teddy bear breed category! This Schnauzer-Poodle mix exudes sweetness, and they definitely know it.
With soft, wavy coats, Schnoodles practically scream “pet me.” However, these teddy bear features come at a cost, since owners must frequently invest in hygiene cuts and regular trims for that thick fur.
Lhasa Apso
The regal Lhasa Apso looks like a princess when its silky hair is long, and a charming teddy bear when it’s showing off a shorter haircut. Although these pups look as gentle as can be, they’re known as watchdogs, so they’ll alert you to anything unusual. They love their families but also have an independent streak at times.
Make sure you train your Lhasa Apso from the start. Otherwise, you could end up with a stubborn dog that rules the home. He could be a good fit for homes with children, but kids must understand how to be gentle with a small dog. Otherwise, your Lhasa Apso may nip to put roughhousing to an end.
Malshi (Maltese and Shih Tzu mix)
Another beloved crossbreed, the Malshi is a combination of the Maltese and Shih Tzus breeds. Like other mixed breed dogs, Malshis can differ in their looks thanks to inheriting random traits from their parents’ breeds. This breed typically has a brownish-white coat when they’re puppies, and as they grow older, the coat becomes whiter.
Shih Tzus typically only get up to 16 pounds or so while Malteses weigh even less than that. This means there’s a high chance your little Malshi will remain an especially tiny canine at under 10 pounds!
Shih Tzu
One small teddy bear dog that has a personality all its own is the Shih Tzu. While you may have seen this breed preening and showing off in high-profile dog shows, you’ll be surprised by how affectionate and playful they can be.
They have long, flowing straight locks that can be trimmed into a puppy-cut style if preferred. No matter which hairdo your Shih Tzu rocks, you’ll need to brush their coat once a day to keep it free from tangles and debris.
Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise mix)
Cavachons are a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Frises. From their Cavalier side, Cavachons are prone to being just a bit stubborn and somewhat difficult to housetrain. On the plus side, that same side is responsible for their sweet nature and strong bonds with their owners!
Their Bichon Frise ancestry gives Cavachons their cuddly temperaments and low-dander fur. While it’s impossible to precisely predict any dog’s temperament, it’s likely a Cavachon will do well around older kids who know how to play safely. Young children may take the nickname “teddy bear dog” just a bit too literally!
Chow Chow
One of the larger dogs on this list, the Chow Chow does its best to appear as gentle as possible, with large amounts of ridiculously fluffy fur. Unfortunately, appearances can sometimes be deceiving. Untrained Chow Chows are known for being aggressive and aren’t often good fits for seniors or families with little ones.
Chow Chows have a long history as guard dogs, and their inherent protectiveness makes them devoted companions. With consistent training and early socialization, Chow Chows can form strong bonds with their families.
While Chow Chows may not be cuddle bugs, they are known for their intelligence and dignified personalities. They can be quite playful and thrive on mental stimulation. For those seeking a unique and independent canine partner, a Chow Chow might be the perfect fit.
Shorkie (Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier mix)
Few dogs look as endearing as the Shorkie. This Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier mix plays the stuffed animal part especially well. With small, floppy ears, puppy-dog eyes, and little black noses, Shorkies look every bit as snuggly as they come. Fortunately, this hybrid is an example of “what you see is what you get”! These pups are small and can’t get enough of their owners’ attention.
Be advised that their Yorkshire Terrier side can give them more energy than expected. Make sure you buy them lots of toys to keep their minds occupied. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with one yappy pup.
Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog and Poodle mix)
Another dog whose appearance has earned them the status of teddy bear dog is the famous Sheepadoodle. A cross between an Old English Sheepdog and Poodle, the Sheepadoodle isn’t just known for its fun-to-pronounce name.
This dog breed has won the hearts of many pet owners thanks to its impressively shaggy coat and easygoing attitude. Since these dogs shed only minimally, they’re also beloved for their (somewhat) allergy-friendly fur. Most Sheepadoodles are either black and white or gray and white, but other colors exist, including red and white.
Shichon (Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix)
The Shichon is also known as a Zuchon. These teddy bear canines are part Shih Tzu and part Bichon Frise, two of the smallest and snuggliest dogs you can find. This hybrid isn’t likely to get bigger than a foot tall at the most, so dog owners who live in apartments can rejoice. Their homes should be perfect fits for this miniature canine!
Both Shih Tzus and Bichon Frises are known for being fairly adaptable, so there’s a high chance your Shichon will be as well! These two parent breeds were also originally bred for reasons other than hunting, so there’s less of a risk of your Shichon going after small prey.
Characteristics of Teddy Bear Dogs
As you might have noticed, many of the pups on our list have certain things in common. Perhaps the number one reason people gravitate to teddy bear dogs is that most of them are exceptionally small. Keep in mind that just because a dog is tiny, doesn’t automatically mean it’ll be good with children. However, for the right household, a little lap dog can be the perfect choice!
Another factor that unites teddy bear dogs is their cute facial features. Most of these dogs have floppy ears and doll-like eyes, making them appear cuddly and gentle. They also often have thick, fluffy coats that look warm and huggable.
In general, teddy bear dogs have been bred to be affectionate and friendly to humans, although there is the occasional exception, such as the Chow Chow. Teddy bear dogs also tend to get along with other pets. Additionally, many can adapt to change well. This means they’ll better tolerate your new neighbors and be at ease with that remodeling project going on in your home.
Choosing the Right Teddy Bear Dog
Before you rush off to buy a teddy dog breed, spend some time reflecting on your lifestyle. Which type of dog will best fit your family’s needs? Will a dog that has a high level of energy fit your lifestyle, or will a calm dog that teeters on the lazy side be more suitable?
You’ll also need to be mindful of the breed’s grooming requirements. Coat maintenance can be time-consuming and costly, depending on the type of dog. Additionally, some dogs are better suited for small apartments while others need a large living space so they can run around.
Different breeds are more prone to certain health conditions or behaviors. Preparing for these issues is a must, and one great way to do so is by purchasing health insurance for dogs. When your sweet pup is covered by an insurance policy like the ones offered by Embrace, you can relax about your finances. That means the next time your dog decides to table-surf for scraps, you won’t have to panic-search “My dog ate chocolate!” on the internet. Instead, you can take them directly to the vet.
Finally, the importance of finding a responsible breeder cannot be overstated. Because teddy bear dogs are in demand, dishonest breeders have popped up around the world, looking to make a quick buck. Make sure to research a breeder before you buy from them. If cost is a concern, consider cheap dog breeds from ethical breeders.
Teddy Bear Dogs are Popular for a Reason
From playful pups to loyal companions, the world of teddy bear dogs offers a variety of breeds to suit any lifestyle. Remember, the perfect pup waiting to snuggle on your couch might just be waiting for you at your local animal shelter. With a little research and an open heart, you could trade in your childhood teddy bear for a furry friend who cuddles back!