Dogs with velvet hair, looking like cubs, always cause delight and tenderness. All puppies resemble living plush toys, but some dog breeds retain this appearance all their lives. And these types of dogs are called teddy bear dog breeds.
These teddy bear dogs can be very tiny or huge. They are endowed with a special charm and therefore are very popular.
The Teddy Bear dog breed is a combination of parent breeds that are small in size, it’s no surprise that this teddy bear pup or dog breed is a small ball of fluff!
Even adults, these adorable Teddy Bear dogs will stand at only 9-12 inches at the shoulder in height as well as weigh between 6 to 14 lbs on average. As teddy bear puppies, they’re palm-sized as well as weigh almost nothing!
It’s also significant to mention that many breeders have further stepped forward and have bred teacups (also called toy or miniature) versions of the Teddy Bears!
So, let’s now learn more about most teddy bear dogs in this article below.
What Breeds Are Bear Dogs Breed?
In case you are searching for a dog breed that will perfectly fit into nearly any lifestyle, is of perfect cuddling size, and looks adorable while cuddling, then you might have asked this question at some point in your life: what’s a Teddy Bear puppy?
Well, true to Teddy Bear Dog Breeds’ adorable-sounding name, the Teddy Bear dogs are mainly hybrid dogs or designer dogs bred from Bichon Frise or Shih Tzu or a Maltese and a Shih Tzu, or a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese, or a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, Or a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, or Bichon Frise parents and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, etc.
They are even known as a Shichon/Zuchon, a Mal-Shi, or a Maltichon, and so many more based on their distinguishing mixed breed.
These small breed dogs stole the hearts of many celebrities and also the rest of the world couldn’t help but fell in love with the stuffed teddy bear breed.
Although this hybrid breed with the fluffy coat isn’t yet acknowledged by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and any other authorized breeding body.
These tiny dogs are small in size, but they also make up for the size with their big hearts. These teddy bear dogs are extremely loyal, and loving, and steal hearts with their little teddy bear-like appearance.
Read on to understand how Teddy Bear dogs are different from other dogs, what you can expect from them, etc. in this article below.
List Of Top Bear Dogs Breed
Are you looking for the best little Teddy bears to keep as your pet? Then look no further as we have prepared a list of the top little dogs that have teddy bear coats & color combinations, and make the perfect cuddly companions.
These are mostly decorative breeds of dogs. Very beautiful, graceful, incredibly charming, funny, and intelligent dogs, they are ideal as a cuddly companion and usually do not perform any “working” functions. The most popular teddy bear dogs are as follows:
Pomeranian
A small and very fluffy dog, outwardly resembling a bear cub, appeared in Pomerania – in the south of the Baltic Sea. However, her ancestors, most likely, were sled dogs of the Far North. From them, miniature Spitz inherited a long thick coat, energy, and bravery.
Representatives of the breed are sociable and playful, but at the same time obscure. They are very devoted to their owners and willingly learn all sorts of commands and tricks if you can provide a crate training plan from a very young age.
Interestingly, not all Pomeranian resemble teddy bears. There are three types: teddy bear dogs, fox dogs, and toy dogs. In childhood, everyone looks like teddy bears, but how a puppy will grow up is not clear up until a year, even if both of his parents have bearish characteristics.
Chow Chow
All dogs are classified by breed. The Chinese breed dogs, similar to bear-like small dogs, belong to the Spitz group. Her temper is independent and sometimes stubborn. Chow Chows are wary of strangers and other dogs, although without aggression.
In a human family, they are friendly and affectionate, but they tend to consider one person as an authority with proper training, and they do not like to obey the rest of the family members. Therefore, a professional positive reinforcement course is needed for this extremely intelligent Chow Chow dog breed.
A distinctive feature of the Chow Chow dog is purple or even almost black coat color combinations. Judges at exhibitions even separately pay attention to its color. According to Chinese legend, a unique feature appeared because the Chow Chow licked a shard of the sky that fell to the ground.
The version of scientists is not so unrealistic, but also interesting: probably, a dog that looked like a bear once lived in the Arctic and acquired this mutation due to the lack of oxygen characteristic of the region.
Coton De Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a breed of miniature domestic dog native to the island of Madagascar. They have a very soft white coat, reminiscent of cotton in structure and properties. Hence the name – “Coton” in French means “cotton” in English, and Tulear is the name of the port city in Madagascar, where these teddy bear dogs come from.
The essence of this teddy bear dog breed is a carefree puppy, always ready for fun, wrapped in a fluffy white cotton ball.
The Coton de Tulear is the royal teddy bear dog of Madagascar and is so respected there that its adorable face has been featured on a postage stamp.
And they also love to do tricks, play, and just be close to their owners or fellow tribesmen. These hybrid breeds have more fur that makes them teddy-like but they also need regular grooming to maintain their teddy bear-like appearance.
Miniature (Toy) poodle
Miniature or toy poodle dogs have a button noses, soulful yet naughty eyes, soft curls, and also wavy hair (not wool), making them the cutest teddy bear little pups and certainly different from other animals.
Speaking of coats, generally, poodles grow hair, not fur, and they grow just like humans, which is affected by hormones. Mom poodles may experience thinning of coat textures or hair loss issues after giving birth to puppies, but normally, poodles do not shed much hair, so they’re a good dog breed for an allergy-sufferer dog owner.
Newfoundland
Another bear-like dog appeared on the Canadian island of Newfoundland. Strong hardy helpers of local fishermen have acquired a unique combination of character traits: they are devoid of hunting instinct and aggression towards people, but they are excellent at making independent decisions.
Newfoundlands like outdoor games, communication, and travel. They are very curious and attached to all the family members they live in.
Between the fingers, these dogs have swimming membranes – just like beavers or ducks. And thus, Newfoundlands just love to swim. No wonder in Russia the breed received a second name – “diver”.
The puppies look incredibly cute and extremely plush. Who would have known that such crumbs – teddy bears – grow into such big, big bears?
Samoyed
This dog looks not just like a bear, but like a polar bear. And this is our only compatriot in the review: the homeland of Samoyeds is the northern regions of Russia. Like all breeds that were once sled dogs, these dogs are very energetic and need long walks and serious physical exertion.
At the same time, Samoyeds are “chatty”, love to be the center of attention, and are friendly to all people, small children, and other pets.
By the way, a “smiling” dog that looks like a bear cub does not have to be snow-white. The breed standard allows for a warm, creamy coat, as well. And the rarest color is white with biscuit spots. These dogs make the perfect teddy bear dogs.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a lovely designer mixture of the Toy or Miniature Poodle parents and also the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Both parent breeds are perfect for families. Generally, Poodles are highly intelligent and athletic, while Cavaliers love to cuddle and lie on the owner’s laps. Just remember that in Cavapoo, the characteristics of a newly bred puppy can be surprising.
Both parent dog breeds are small in size. However, the Cavalier dog weighs from 6 to 8 kilograms and has a height of about 32 centimeters at the shoulder. Toy poodle dogs weigh around the same, but are slightly taller. And the toy poodles are even smaller – only 4-5 kilograms and 24-27 centimeters in height at the shoulder.
But no matter what temperament the Cavapoo dog ends up with, it is sure to be one of the cutest mixed-breed dogs you want to have in your home. These small breeds are perfect for any family type out there.
Shihpoo
Although the results of the Shih Tzus and Toy Poodles combination can be unpredictable, all Shihpoos are lovely.
These adorable, tiny pups are wonderful house pets and travel companions with their playful nature. They are relatively simple to train, get along well with children and other dogs, and need little physical activity.
Shihpoos are small to tiny dogs that normally weigh between 8-18 pounds and height between 8-18 inches. They can have a coat that is long, straight, and also silky like Shih Tzus, one that is shorter and curlier like a poodle, or one that is halfway in between. Despite their looks, shampoos have very little shedding (hypoallergenic coats), making them suitable for people with minor pet allergies.
Both parent breeds can be inherited through coloring. Shih Tzu coats can be plain or feature different color patterns and combinations, unlike poodles, which normally have plain coats that are white, black, brown, gray, or apricot. Shoodle coats can resemble any parent’s coloring pattern.
Bichon Frise
Well, this active, loving teddy bear has been a cherished pet dog for millions of years, adorning royal laps as well as royal paintings as early as the 1500s. No wonder any Bichon loves to be the center of attention so much. And this attention, believe me, he deserves!
The Bichon Frise is a happy, little dog breed with a penchant for playfulness and a lot of attention to give. The Bichon almost resembles a toy because of its fluffy white coat and black eyes.
Despite being purebred mixed breeds, you might find these fur babies in shelters or with rescue organizations.
Cockapoo
In our country, it is not very popular, this breed, but in the world as a whole, it is quite.
Back in the 50s, poodles, as well as cocker spaniels, were 2 of the favorite breeds in the Americas. And when you combine two wonderful things, what will you get? That’s right – Cockapoo! Almost ideal.
Both parent dog breeds are familiar for their cheerful and lively personalities, as well as their ease of training and affection. And not only are they great family dogs, but they even get along with strangers and other dogs.
As an adult, they grow up to 10 kilograms but are still lightweight enough for your knees to climb on them and allow you to scratch behind their ears. By the way, about the ears. Do not forget to clean the ears of dogs, whether they are short or long, erect or hanging. This applies to all dog breeds.
FINAL WORDS
As you can see now, there are many different teddy bear dogs available. Our guide’s material can be used to help you identify the dog breed that will work best for your household, way of life, and family.
Keep in mind that the majority of these dog breeds have an average lifespan of around 13 years, however during this time you will be in charge of daily training, exercise, and grooming for your pet. Hence, before you decide to adopt a charming, devoted teddy bear dog breed, give that commitment a lot of thought.
Also, a teddy bear dog may suffer from separation anxiety if you leave it alone for a longer time. So, before you consider owning a teddy bear dog, make sure you or your family has enough time to keep the teddy bear dog company.
Moreover, a teddy bear’s coat needs intense care to maintain its fluffy coat intact. So, it is clear that this designer breed is certainly not a low-maintenance pet. Thus, consider buying these adorable pups only if you have the time, money, and energy to maintain them.
