Teddy bear dogs have become increasingly popular among dog lovers worldwide. These small and cuddly canines have a teddy bear-like appearance and are known for their friendly personalities and low-shedding coats, making them great pets for those seeking a loyal and affectionate companion. In this article, we will take a closer look at the various breeds that fall under the "Teddy bear dog" umbrella, exploring their diet, behavior, appearance, health risks, and grooming requirements. Whether you're considering getting a Teddy bear dog or simply curious about these charming canines, this guide will provide valuable insights into the world of designer breeds.
Distinctive Features of Teddy Bear Dogs
The teddy bear dog, a crossbreed of small dogs, typically weighs between 12-20 pounds and stands about 12 inches tall. With an average lifespan of 12-16 years, they are considered low shedding dogs but require regular grooming to avoid matting and tangling of their coat. Daily brushing, regular bathing, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are all important grooming activities. The texture of their coat varies from medium-long, long, curly, or straight as they mature.
Most of these dogs reach their adult size between 6-24 months, with smaller breeds generally living longer than larger breeds. Some teddy bear dogs are hypoallergenic, meaning they do not cause allergic reactions in humans, but it's important to confirm the specific mix features with the breeder. While these dogs generally do not have a strong odor, regular bathing is still recommended to keep them clean and healthy.
Their health is influenced by genetics, environment, and nutrition, so it's important to maintain a good balance between diet and exercise. Despite their small size, they require a lot of care and attention to ensure they live a long and healthy life.
What Kind of Dog Breed is a Teddy Bear Dog?
Teddy bear dog is not a specific dog breed, but rather a term used to describe a variety of small and fluffy dog breeds that resemble a stuffed teddy bear. Here are top 35 teddy bear dog breeds:
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, white, fluffy dog breed that is known for its playful and affectionate personality. They are intelligent and easy to train but can be prone to separation anxiety. Bichon Frise requires regular grooming to maintain their hypoallergenic coat.
Bichpoo or Poochon
The Bichpoo or Poochon is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Poodle. They are small, friendly, and intelligent dogs that are great for families with children. They are hypoallergenic and require regular grooming.
Cairnoodle
The Cairnoodle is a mix between the Cairn Terrier and the Poodle. They are intelligent and energetic dogs that make great family pets. They have a wiry coat that requires regular grooming.
Cavachon
The Cavachon is a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. They are small and affectionate dogs that love to be around people. They are great with children and make good family pets. They have a soft, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a mix between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. They are friendly and affectionate dogs that love to be around people. They are good with children and make great family pets. They have a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming.
Chow-Chow
The Chow-Chow is a large, fluffy dog breed that is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They require firm training and socialization from an early age. They have a thick coat that requires regular grooming.
Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. They are friendly and affectionate dogs that are great with children. They have a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a mix between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. They are friendly and intelligent dogs that are great for families with children. They have a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, friendly dog breed that is known for its playful and affectionate personality. They are intelligent and easy to train. They have a soft, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. They are friendly and energetic dogs that are great with children. They have a soft, curly coat that requires regular grooming.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is a small breed of dog originally from Tibet. They have a long and dense coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Lhasa Apsos are known for being loyal and affectionate with their owners, but can be wary of strangers. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Malshi
The Malshi is a hybrid dog breed that is a mix between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. They are small in size and have a soft, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming. Malshis are playful, affectionate, and good with children, making them a great family pet. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Maltese
Maltese are a small breed of dog known for their long, silky white hair. They are playful, friendly, and make great companion dogs. Maltese are also known for being hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. They require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting.
Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Poodle. They are a small, friendly breed that is known for being hypoallergenic and low shedding. Maltipoos are intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. They require regular exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy.
Morkie
The Morkie is a crossbreed between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. They are small in size and have a soft, silky coat that requires regular grooming. Morkies are playful, affectionate, and good with children, making them a great family pet. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Papillon
The Papillon is a small breed of dog known for its butterfly-like ears. They are intelligent, energetic, and loyal dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Papillons are also easy to train and make great family pets. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small breed of dog that was originally bred for herding. They are intelligent, active, and friendly dogs that make great family pets. Corgis have a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. They also require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Pomapoo
The Pomapoo is a crossbreed between a Pomeranian and a Poodle. They are a small, friendly breed that is known for being hypoallergenic and low shedding. Pomapoos are intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. They require regular exercise and grooming to stay healthy and happy.
Pomchi
The Pomchi is a crossbreed between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. They are small in size and have a soft, fluffy coat that requires regular grooming. Pomchis are playful, affectionate, and good with children, making them a great family pet. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are a small breed of dog known for their fluffy coat and outgoing personality. They are intelligent, friendly, and make great companion dogs. Pomeranians require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting. They also require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Poodle
Poodles are highly intelligent, trainable, and elegant dogs that come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are generally friendly, active, and love to be around people. Poodles are also known for their hypoallergenic coat, which requires regular grooming and trimming to maintain its shape.
Porkie
A Porkie is a mix between a Pomeranian and a Yorkshire Terrier. They are small dogs with big personalities, known for their loyalty, playfulness, and affection. They tend to have a longer coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Schnoodle
A Schnoodle is a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer. They are intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs that are known for their hypoallergenic coat. They require regular exercise, training, and grooming.
Sheltie
Also known as the Shetland Sheepdog, Shelties are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate dogs that are known for their loyalty and trainability. They have a long, double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small dogs with big personalities. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, and require regular grooming to maintain their long, flowing coat.
Shihchon
A Shihchon is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. They are friendly, affectionate, and loyal dogs that require regular grooming to maintain their hypoallergenic coat.
Shihpoo
A Shihpoo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle. They are playful, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that are known for their hypoallergenic coat. They require regular exercise, training, and grooming.
Shorkie
A Shorkie is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier. They are small dogs with big personalities, known for their loyalty, playfulness, and affection. They tend to have a longer coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized dog that is known for its playful and affectionate nature. They have a soft, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are small dogs with big personalities. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coat. They require regular exercise, training, and grooming.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, or "Westie," is a small terrier breed with a double coat of white fur that is dense and wiry. They are friendly and confident, with a lively and playful personality. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat, including brushing and trimming every few months. They may be prone to skin allergies and should be monitored for any signs of irritation or infection. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for their health and wellbeing.
Westiepoo
The Westiepoo is a crossbreed between the West Highland White Terrier and a Poodle. This breed may inherit the Poodle's hypoallergenic coat, making it a good choice for people with allergies. They are friendly and affectionate dogs that enjoy being around people. They require regular exercise and grooming to keep their coat in good condition. The Westiepoo is prone to certain health issues, such as skin allergies and eye problems, and should be monitored for any signs of discomfort or illness.
Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. They are small, affectionate dogs that make good companion pets. They may have a curly or wavy coat that is low-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. They require regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, to maintain their coat. The Yorkipoo may be prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and eye infections, and should be monitored for any signs of discomfort or illness.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or "Yorkie," is a small terrier breed with a long, silky coat that is typically blue and tan in color. They are intelligent and energetic dogs that make good companion pets. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat, including brushing and trimming every few months. The Yorkshire Terrier may be prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and collapsed trachea, and should be monitored for any signs of discomfort or illness.
Zuchon
The Zuchon, also known as a Shichon or Teddy Bear, is a crossbreed between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. They are small, affectionate dogs that make good companion pets. They may have a curly or wavy coat that is low-shedding, making them a good choice for people with allergies. They require regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, to maintain their coat. The Zuchon may be prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems and eye infections, and should be monitored for any signs of discomfort or illness.
What to Feed Pet Teddy Bear Dog?
Feeding a teddy bear dog depends on various factors like its age, size, and activity level. As a general rule, it's best to feed them high-quality dry or wet food that is specifically designed for small breeds. Check the label and ensure that the food has adequate amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
It's recommended to feed the dog small portions of food multiple times a day, rather than one large meal. This helps in keeping their blood sugar level stable and also prevents overeating. Freshwater should be available to the dog at all times.
Avoid feeding the dog human food, especially sugary and fatty items, as it can cause digestive problems and weight gain. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions are toxic to dogs and should be strictly avoided.
Consult with the veterinarian about the specific nutritional needs of the dog, especially if it has any health issues or is a picky eater. Additionally, regular exercise and activity are necessary to maintain the dog's weight and overall health.
What are the Health Concerns of Teddy Bear Dog?
Like all dog breeds, Teddy Bear dogs are prone to certain health issues. However, because they are a mixed breed, their health concerns can vary depending on their genetics. Here are some common health concerns to watch out for:
- Dental problems: Teddy Bear dogs have small mouths and crowded teeth, which can make them prone to dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and tartar buildup.
- Respiratory issues: The flat face and short snout of some Teddy Bear dogs can cause respiratory problems such as breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather.
- Obesity: Due to their small size and cute appearance, Teddy Bear dogs may be overfed or given too many treats, leading to obesity and related health issues.
- Hypoglycemia: Teddy Bear dogs may be prone to low blood sugar levels, especially when they are puppies. This can cause lethargy, weakness, and even seizures.
- Allergies: Some Teddy Bear dogs may be prone to allergies, which can cause skin problems, itching, and ear infections.
- Joint problems: Teddy Bear dogs may be prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and other joint problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teddy Bear Dogs
Some of the generally asked questions are answered below:
What People Are Reading:
Do teddy bear dogs bark a lot?
Whether a teddy dog barks a lot will depend on its breed. Some of them do not like to be left alone and bark continuously when left alone. When trained well they get more disciplined and curb their barking habit.
Are teddy bear dogs good with children?
Teddy bear dogs can be good with children, but as with any dog, it depends on their temperament and training. It is important to supervise interactions between dogs and children and to teach children how to properly handle and interact with dogs.
Are teddy bear dogs easy to train?
Teddy bear dogs can be intelligent and trainable, but they may also have a stubborn streak. Positive reinforcement training methods and consistency can help with training.
Where can I adopt or purchase a teddy bear dog?
Teddy bear dogs can be adopted from local animal shelters or purchased from reputable breeders. It is important to do research and ensure that the breeder or shelter is reputable and follows ethical breeding and care practices.
