These dogs are full of love!
Teddy bears dogs look just like the cuddly plushies children love and cherish. You’ll want to carry them wherever they go, even if they’re too big for that. Several teddy bear dog breeds and mixes have a teddy bear-like appearance, often thanks to their fluffy coats, ear shapes, and cute expressions.
We spoke with a veterinarian to learn about dogs resembling teddy bears and how to choose the right one for you. Meet 17 teddy bear dogs that look just like the real thing.
What Is a Teddy Bear Dog?
Jo Myers, DVM at online veterinary service Pawp, explains that teddy bear dogs are not an actual teddy bear dog breed. Instead, the moniker describes the dog’s adorable bear-like appearance.
“The term ‘teddy bear breed’ just means these dogs are cute and fuzzy,” Myers says. “Most are small, a couple are large.” Many are hybrids, usually mixed breeds intended to achieve a specific appearance or allergen status.
Because these dogs are in high demand, it is essential to find an ethical breeder. The breeder should let you meet the puppies and the parent dogs, provide health records for the parents, and screen potential owners.
“It’s important to research so you can know what to expect from the type of dog you select, so it’s a good match for your family and lifestyle,” Myers says. “When talking about these types of dogs, it’s essential to make sure you are looking at getting one from a conscientious and responsible breeder who is doing their best to eliminate health issues.”
Since many teddy bear dogs are small, Myers points out they can also be fragile. If you plan to have a small teddy bear dog join your family with children in the house, teach them how to properly interact with dogs to help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
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1. Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is an extroverted pup who’s super silly, easygoing, and playful. To make friends with any human or pet they meet, the bichon frise is oh-so-easy to love. These adorable, white balls of floof are also an excellent option for those with allergies.
“[The bichon frise] has a very tight, curly hair coat that is purported to produce less shedding than many other breeds,” Myers says. “No dog is truly hypoallergenic, [but] people with dog allergies may be able to tolerate this breed better if its skin is kept healthy and clean.”
Bichons have a reputation for being difficult to potty train, so start working on this as soon as you bring your pup home.
2. Shih Tzu
Looking for a dog who’s as loving as they are precious? Meet your new BFF! Myers describes the Shih Tzu (“little lion”) as being “well suited for life as a lapdog and companion.” Loyalty is in their ancestry, as Shih Tzus have been lapdogs for over 1,000 years—and with Chinese royalty to boot. These little darlings are friendly, happy, playful, and affectionate, and can easily make pals with any human or pet. Like many little dogs, potty training can be challenging, so use patience.
3. Shichon
The shichon makes a fantastic canine companion for pet parents of any age. With Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise parents bred for companionship, Shichons are affectionate social butterflies who long to be by your side. While these itty-bitty pups have low exercise needs, their favorite pastimes include playtime and cuddles!
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4. Morkie
Who can resist that bright, fluffy coat and those twinkling, brown eyes? The Morkie, a mix of the Maltese and Yorkshire terrier, is a petite sweetheart who is loyal, affectionate, and energetic. This friendly toy dog loves playtime and, most definitely, lap time. She’s happy to play daily games of fetch or tug-of-war and cuddle up beside you on the couch afterward.
5. Maltipoo
Are you a first-time pet parent? Tenth time? Either way, the Maltipoo is an outstanding companion for those looking for a dog who gets along with everyone, other pets included! A hybrid of the gentle Maltese and athletic poodle, the Maltipoo is a small dog with a big personality! While totally content being a devoted lapdog, Maltipoos are also active and will love burning off their energy by playing fetch or with their favorite toys.
6. Cavapoo
The ever-so-cuddly Cavapoo is sure to steal your heart. Bred for companionship, you get the best of both worlds with a Cavalier King Charles spaniel’s social skills and a poodle’s smarts. An adaptable and gentle mixed breed, you can expect your Cavapoo to shower you with affection and attention (and expect the same in return!). Myers describes these lovable lapdogs as having “pleasant personalities,” making them great for children, adults, and seniors. And if their personalities didn’t already say “teddy bear,” just look at that fluffy coat and floppy ears.
7. Schnoodle
This curly-haired cutie is incredibly bright, loyal, and funny. With schnauzer and poodle parents, schnoodles can range in size from toy to giant. Regardless of size, you can expect your sweet schnoodle to enjoy some snuggles. These teddy bear dogs are beloved for their calm demeanor, high level of intelligence, and low-allergen coats. Schnoodles enjoy lounging as well as reveling in puzzle toys and training to put their wits to work.
8. Sheepadoodle
Their fluffy coats and friendly expressions make sheepadoodles look like oversized stuffed animals. Created by crossing the Old English sheepdog and the poodle, these lovable, friendly dogs are usually on the larger size, which is excellent for anyone who wants a big, goofy cuddle bug. However, smaller versions occur when one parent is a toy or miniature poodle.
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9. Lhasa Apso
With long, luscious locks like those, it’s no wonder that Lhasa apsos are small dogs with a whole lot of confidence. They’re cute, and they know it! Ask your groomer for a puppy cut to give them the teddy bear look. Lhasa apsos are a funny, intelligent, and happy-go-lucky breed that makes excellent family dogs.
Originating in Tibet, the Lhasa was bred to be a watchdog in palaces and Buddhist monasteries high in the Himalayas, and those tendencies come through in their loyalty to their families.
This is another breed said to struggle with potty training, so establish a routine and stick with it.
10. Pomeranian
If you’re holding a Pomeranian, someone might think you’ve got a teddy bear. That is, until their big personality comes out. Poms are bold, intelligent, and active dogs with soft, puffy coats that hide their tiny bodies (they only weigh three to seven pounds). These spunky, outgoing dogs are great for people who love to cuddle but also want to get out and be active with their dogs. Prioritize potty training from a young age, as some Poms need more time to learn this.
11. Pomchi
When the teddy bear-like Pomeranian is crossed with the Chihuahua, you get a tiny dog with a huge personality. Pomchis look a lot like their Pom parents, but they often have smaller frames and silkier coats. And like both their parent breeds, these dogs have energy and sass. They make great companions for active people who take the time to train and socialize them properly.
12. Malshi
The Malshi is a smart, social sweetheart. A winning combination of a Maltese and a shih tzu, Malshis are eager to please and easy to love. Their favorite place is in their guardian’s lap, and they prefer to be in their presence for most of the day. Malshis get along with just about anyone and are a great addition to most families. Although they only require a short amount of exercise every day, Malshis love indoor play and puzzle games.
13. Cockapoo
A single look at this precious face makes it easy to see why the cockapoo is a real-life teddy bear. A mix between the cocker spaniel and poodle, the cockapoo is an intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dog. This hybrid pup comes in various colors and sizes with a curly, low-allergen coat and floppy ears that will make you swoon. Friendly and easy to love, cockapoos can easily make friends with other people and pets, and they’re happy to hang out on the couch or do zoomies in the yard.
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14. Goldendoodle
A combination of a golden retriever and a poodle, the Goldendoodle is one of the most popular doodle breeds. These bear-like dogs have the golden retriever’s happy, affectionate demeanor and the intelligence and curly coat of the poodle. Their size can vary depending on the type of poodle parentage, and their coats are seen in several colors.
15. Cavachon
The Cavachon is a newer hybrid breed rising in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Combine the Cavalier King Charles spaniel’s playfulness and patience with the bichon frise’s cheerfulness and friendliness, and you get one fun-loving pup! This spunky and snuggly pup is always excited at both the chance to play and sit in your lap. Cavachons make a perfect addition to a household with kids and are an all-around great family dog.
16. Chow Chow
You might do a double-take when you see the chow chow because they look an awful lot like real bears. Their plush coats and wrinkled expressions are endearing and somewhat contradictory to their serious, independent nature. Chows are regal and dignified, even appearing aloof at times. While they’re not overly affectionate and may be reserved with strangers, they form close bonds with trusted family members.
17. Shorkie
Shorkies are small, spunky dogs who wish for nothing more than for all eyes to be on them. (And who could blame them?) With shih tzu and Yorkshire terrier parents, the shorkie has the teddy bear look perfected. These tiny pups are affectionate, loyal, and brilliant. Shorkies love being held, playing with interactive toys, and going for short walks. Expect to get endless amounts of “awww” as your little one struts down the street!
FAQs
1. What exactly is a “teddy bear” dog?
A teddy bear dog isn’t a specific breed—it’s a nickname for pups that look like cuddly stuffed animals. Think fluffy coats, button noses, and lovable expressions. Many are small mixed breeds, but some bigger ones fit the look, too!
2. Are teddy bear dogs good for families with kids?
Yes, many teddy bear-like breeds are affectionate, gentle, and love being around people—including kids. Just make sure young children know how to handle small dogs gently, especially the more delicate breeds.
3. Do teddy bear dogs require a lot of grooming?
Most do! Those soft, fluffy coats need regular brushing to avoid mats, and many need professional grooming every few weeks to keep that teddy bear look fresh and comfy.
4. Are any of these breeds hypoallergenic?
Some, like the Bichon Frise, Maltipoo, or Schnoodle, may be better for allergy sufferers because they shed less. Just remember—no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but some are more tolerable than others.
5. How do I know which teddy bear breed is right for me?
Think about your lifestyle. Do you want a lap dog or a playful hiking buddy? Do you have kids or other pets? Matching a dog’s temperament and energy level to your routine is key to finding the perfect fluffy fit.
