15 Teddy Bear Dog Breeds (with PHOTOS)
Are you hunting for a snuggly, fluffy, adorable, teddy-bear-like companion to add to your home? I don’t blame you. In the world of designer dogs, many breeds have been specially bred for their friendly, outgoing nature and soft, fuzzy coats that make them the perfect snuggle companion.
If you’re not sure which teddy-bear dog breed will be the best for you, we’ve compiled a list of 15 dogs, both pure and mixed breeds, that are all cute as a button. Let’s dive in!
1. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is often the key ingredient to many mixed-breed teddy-bear dogs, but purebreds are equally as cute and friendly. Bred from the Standard Poodle and sized down over time, these pups are just a smaller version of everyone’s favorite show dog.
They are known for being extremely intelligent, easy to train, and friendly with other dogs and people.
The Toy Poodle is the perfect choice if you are looking for a dog that does not shed. They are tiny companions, usually no bigger than 10 inches tall and weighing 6-9 pounds. So cute! Their curly hair is hypoallergenic, making them ideal for people with allergies.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, commonly known as a “Yorkie,” is one of the most affectionate purebred teddy-bear dogs. They form an emotional bond with their owner that is like no other, wanting constant love and affection. You can choose specific haircuts to give them even more of the “teddy bear” look.
These tiny dogs average around 8 inches tall and ideally weigh no more than 7 pounds. Proper training and socialization as puppies are vital, and with such, they can be great family dogs. However, these pups are easy to spoil, making them prone to obesity, health issues, and separation anxiety.
3. Pomeranian
One of the fluffiest dogs around, Pomeranians are a dog of royal stature and have a history of being loyal, hard-working pets. They are often more fur than other dogs, requiring regular brushing and grooming to keep their coats soft and untangled.
These adorable puffballs can be between 8-14 inches tall and weigh 4-7 pounds. Their long coats often make them appear larger than they are. Pomeranians are very easy to train and loyal to a fault. Socialization at a young age is critical to ensure these dogs don’t get wound up around strangers later in life.
4. Maltese
These loveable pups make it into a sub-category of teddy bear dogs; polar bears! Their pure white coats are hypoallergenic and non-shedding and, with the proper haircut, definitely fit the mold for your ideal teddy bear puppy.
Show dogs often keep their coats long, but most owners find it easier to maintain a short haircut.
These little snowballs only grow to be 7-9 inches tall and 2-7 pounds. Small as they are, the Maltese is a hardy and elegant dog, full of energy and excitement. They can be stubborn, but with some positive reinforcement, these dogs are easy to train and socialize.
Keeping them correctly groomed adds to their charm, and watch out for those yucky eye boogers that can stain their pretty white coat.
5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is famous for its fantastic personality and is often mistaken for the Maltese since their appearance is similar.
However, the Bichon is a bit bigger, sitting at 9-11 inches tall and weighing 11-22 pounds. Their coats are also different, being wavy or curly compared to the straight hair of a Maltese.
The Bichon Frise sometimes has trouble with potty training but is otherwise a bright and obedient pup. They can suffer from separation anxiety and destructive tendencies, which can be handled with proper training and activities.
They need regular grooming to avoid matting and tangles, and brushing them daily is best. When properly cared for, these dogs are very loving and friendly, preferring to be where people are.
6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
A bit bigger than your average teddy bear dogs, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier should not be underestimated. They may be less popular than other Terriers, but don’t ask me why.
The dog is the perfect household pet, being medium-sized and lightweight, great with kids, and a good guard dog.
Standing at 16-20 inches tall and weighing 30-40 pounds, their light brown low-shed coat can be trimmed to give you that charming teddy bear look or left long for a more regal appearance. They are very loyal and protective of their owners, including the children in the home.
They will alert you to any unwanted guests on the premise. Training is a breeze with these intelligent pups. They are high-energy but also love snuggling up with you on the couch.
7. Chow Chow
A Chow Chow could be a great option if you’re looking for a lap dog’s charming, sweet demeanor with the robust, muscular build of a grizzly bear.
This loyal yet stubborn dog is better trained with positive reinforcement than harsh methods. Lots of socialization will help them better adjust to people and other dogs.
These compact pups weigh 45-70 pounds and stand 17-21 inches tall. Their thick coats require lots of brushing to avoid matting and should be checked often for fleas and other parasites.
They don’t do well in hot weather, and only moderate exercise is required. They are protective of their owners, but due to their size, they should be watched carefully when around young children.
8. YorkiePoo
A mix between a Toy Poodle and a Yorkshire Terrier, the Yorkiepoo is the best of both worlds regarding these charming breeds.
They are a reasonably new designer breed, only coming on the scene over the last decade. They combine the gentle, sweet demeanor of the Poodle with the somewhat sassy, excitable traits of the Yorkie.
Mixing the Poodle’s intellect with the Yorkie’s need to please, these dogs are generally easy to train. They are a great family dog, good with kids, and easy to transport due to their small size.
They can be anywhere from 7 to 15 inches tall and weigh 3 to 15 pounds. Like their parent breeds, they will need consistent upkeep to keep their coats healthy.
9. Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle. Fully grown, these charming pups get to be around 10-15 inches tall and 5-10 pounds. They more commonly take on the coloring of the Poodle, but it’s not uncommon for them to end up with the white coat of the Maltese.
Both breeds are hypoallergenic, keeping shedding to a minimum. The Maltipoo takes on both parent breeds’ intellect and friendly demeanor, making it an excellent household pet.
10. Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, a medium-sized designer breed with an adorable face and a great personality.
They are known for being goofy, excitable dogs ready for fun and adventure. Where the Cocker Spaniel is not a hypoallergenic dog, this mix may shed a bit more than other Doodle mixes but is still on the low to moderate level.
Cockapoos with a Toy Poodle parent can be as small as 13-20 pounds, or if bred from a Standard Poodle can average 25-40 pounds. Where both parent breeds have a history as hunting dogs, a good game of fetch is a great way to burn off any excess energy.
11. Pomapoo
The Pomapoo is truly the ideal teddy bear dog breed. Whether they take on the straight, fluffy coat of the Pomeranian or the soft, curly waves of the Toy Poodle, you end up with an adorable little lap lover who could fit in your purse.
Their obedient nature and love of praise make them easy to train and even easier to spoil.
Fully grown, the Pomapoo weighs around 5-14 pounds and stands 7-14 inches tall. They shed less than Pomeranians but still require frequent grooming and brushing. Loving and empathetic, this pup is a great addition to any family including those with kids and other pets.
12. Porkie
A cross between a Pomeranian and a Yorkie, the Porkie, also known as Yorkiepom, is a bubbly, energetic little love bug. Their color varies dramatically, with over 18 possible variations recorded so far.
They stand 6-12 inches tall and weigh 3-7 pounds. Porkies are very playful, but it doesn’t take much to tire them out. Grooming every 6-8 weeks and daily brushing is necessary to maintain their long, fluffy coats.
13. Shihpoo
A Shihpoo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle, and though the results can be unpredictable, they are all adorable.
These sweet, petite pups make excellent travel companions and household pets. They’re good with kids and other dogs, are fairly easy to train, and require minimal exercise.
14. Labradoodle
Labradoodles, one of the most famous designer breeds of teddy bear dogs, have taken the breeding community by storm over the last several years.
One of the few mixed breeds to be recognized by the AKC, they are one of the most friendly and loyal breeds we’ve ever known.
Combining the energetic and playful nature of the Labrador with the big brain and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, this giant teddy bear will be your best friend for many years to come.
15. Goldendoodle
Similar to the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle is another medium-large-sized designer breed with a heart of gold. They exhibit all of the best traits of their parent breeds, the Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle.
Playful and energetic, these intelligent dogs have been trained over the last couple of decades as therapy dogs, rescue dogs, and more. Their low-shed coat is great for owners with allergies, and with a bit of maintenance, their coats can stay fluffy and soft.
What is a teddy bear dog?
A teddy bear dog is a breed or mix known for its soft, fluffy appearance and endearing face, closely resembling a teddy bear. These dogs are not only adorable but also tend to have affectionate and gentle temperaments, making them perfect companions.
How big do teddy bear dogs get?
Teddy bear dogs usually range from 8 to 12 inches in height and weigh between 10 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Their compact size makes them ideal for apartment living and for families with smaller living spaces.
What breed is a teddy bear dog?
The term “teddy bear dog” doesn’t pinpoint one specific breed. Often, it’s used to describe a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu, known as a Shichon. Other breeds, like the Maltipoo, Cavapoo, and Pomeranian, can also exhibit the sought-after teddy bear look.
What kind of dog is a teddy bear?
“Teddy bear” is more of a descriptor than a breed name. While the Shichon (Shih Tzu-Bichon mix) is a popular example, several other breeds and mixes, like the Maltipoo (Maltese-Poodle mix) or the Pomapoo (Pomeranian-Poodle mix), can also have that distinct teddy bear appearance. These dogs are cherished for their adorable looks and often, their hypoallergenic coats.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen all the adorable teddy bear dogs that you can choose from, I hope that you have a better idea of which breed is best for you.
Don’t waste any more time! Go out there and find your perfect teddy bear pup!
