Have you ever wanted a cuddly teddy bear dog to cuddle? Or have you thought they’d make the perfect companion but they’re too big for your home? Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a guide giving you all the information you could ever want about teddy bear dog breeds.
These dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from large breeds to small breeds so you’ll be able to find the perfect dog to fit in with your lifestyle. Read on below to get up to speed about these fun and loving dog breeds.
What is a Teddy Bear Dog?
There are many different teddy bear dog breeds. Some are purebred and some are mixed breeds. They can come in lots of different sizes and have many different features. However, the most common features of a teddy bear dog are their teddy-like features! They have button noses and eyes and soft, fluffy fur.
How much do Teddy Bear Dogs cost?
Because teddy bear dogs can vary so much, so can their price. Some breed of dogs may only cost you $500, while other designer dogs may cost you upwards of $3000. You should always buy from a reputable breeder. If you can’t afford to buy one, try your local animal shelter to see if there are any teddy bear dogs that need a loving home.
How big do Teddy Bear Dogs get?
Teddy bear dogs can vary in size depending on their breed. Some are tiny enough that you can carry them around with you at all times, whereas others are so big that you can’t have them in the house with young children because they might accidentally hurt them!
Below we have broken down the teddy bear breeds into three categories — small, medium and large. Take a look at the different sizes of these wonderful breeds of dog.
Small Teddy Bear Dog Breeds
Miniature Goldendoodle
The Miniature Goldendoodle is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and Golden Retriever. Although they are a small dog and do not require as much space as other dogs, they still have the same personality as the standard size Goldendoodle.
This pup has a loving and gentle nature and are very sociable pets, making them a great addition to any family. They do love to bark, but with the right training this can be fixed. As their name suggests, they normally come in a golden color but have also been known to be cream, red, black or brown.
Bolognese Dog
The Bolognese Dog is not as well known as it’s cousin the Bichon Frise and, although they are small dogs, they have a big personality. This fluffy dog loves to please their owner and makes a popular family member that can make a great addition to any home.
Without proper socialization from an early age, the Bolognese Dog can develop little dog syndrome and have been known to favor one person and respond negatively to others. They are also prone to eye problems such as cataracts and other health issues such as epilepsy and kidney issues.
Bichon x Poodle Mix
A Bichon Poodle is a caring and friendly dog that absolutely adores playtime. They love to play with their human or with their furry friends and they get along very well with children and other pets which makes them an excellent family dog.
These pups are very smart and entertaining and love to be around you. They will especially love exercising with you as well as curling up on the couch for a cuddle! They’re also adorable to look at, so who wouldn’t want this pup!
Shorkie
This pocked-sized pup is the result of breeding a Yorkshire Terrier with a Shih Tzu. With characteristics and temperaments from both parents, the Shorkie is a tenacious little dog with bravery and loyalty. A great lap dog, this puppy will want to spend their days curled up next to you on the couch and are best suited to a family with no children.
Shorkies are very protective of their owners and therefore good socialization is important from a young age. Their loyalty also means they can suffer from separation anxiety and they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. It is also worth mentioning that this breed is hypoallergenic and doesn’t shed very much, so they are perfect for those with allergies.
Malshi
The Malshi is a Maltese and Shih Zu mix and are loyal and loving, making them the perfect family pup. These dogs are very adaptable and do not mind where they live, as long as you give them lots of cuddles and attention! They can become destructive when left at home by themselves, so make sure you can be with them for a large portion of the day.
Like their Shorkie sibling, the Malshi doesn’t shed very much, making them great for those with allergies. However, the Malshi is much more tolerable of children than a Shorkie is and is much better suited to a family with children. The Malshi usually come in one of three colors: white, black or brown. Each Malshi is different with a unique set of markings and combination of colors.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is also known as the Cavapoodle and is designer mix breed. They are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, which is either a miniature or toy size. Cavapoo’s are small and stand between 9 to 14 inches tall and weigh 7 to 18 pounds, depending on the type of Poodle they are crossed with. These pups can come in a variety of different colors too, including black, white, blenheim or tricolor. However, they are most commonly seen in gold.
The Cavapoo has a kind and loving nature and is known for getting on well with people. They especially get on well with children which makes them an excellent family dog. The Cavapoo is not fussy about where they live so are great for small apartments and large homes. They love to play but they also love to curl up next to you, so they make a great companion!
Cavachon
The Cavachon is a crossbred dog that is the result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. This dog may be one of the fluffiest dogs you will ever see! They have a very loyal and loving nature and are especially sweet towards young children, making them excellent family dogs.
This small dog that stands only 13 inches tall and weighs up to 20 lb makes the perfect companion for those who live in small homes or apartments. They are usually white with tan, apricot or black markings.
Havapoo
Havapoo’s are a teddy bear dog that are known for their teddy bear appearance. Very friendly, these pups love all people and are not known to bark much, which doesn’t make them very good guard dogs! These dogs are a crossbreed with and have either a Toy or Miniature Poodle parent and a Havanese parent.
A Havapoo will want to be with you all the time and get involved in everything you do. They are an adaptable dog that are suited to either a large house or a reasonably sized apartment. They normally weigh under 20 lb and can come in a variety of color combinations, including brown, grey, tan, white and black.
Pomchi
The Pomchi is another crossbreed that is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua and their coats are normally a color cross between blue, tan, black, fawn, cream and chocolate. They are a very small dog and stand between 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh just 5 to 12 lb. However, don’t let their small size fool you — they have a big personality to go with it.
These dogs are very loyal and defend their owners, which can make them a little aggressive if they are not trained and socialized properly and are put in unfamiliar circumstances. However, with the right socialisation, they can be a very loving with other people and other dogs, too.
Medium Teddy Bear Dog Breeds
Samoyed
The Samoyed is one of the most distinctive teddy bear dog breeds in the world because of their thick white fluffy coat. Although they are almost always white, they can actually come in three other colors too — biscuit, cream and white and biscuit. These dogs have a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years and are normally very healthy pups.
The Samoyed is a very playful doggie that gets along well with children and will fit into any family home. Unfortunately, they do require a lot of maintenance and shed their coat very often. This means that they high grooming needs and regular grooming is optimal to keep their fur in good condition.
German Shepherd Labrador Mix
The German Shepherd Labrador mix is the result of breeding two of the most popular dogs in the United States together. These dogs normally stand between 20 and 26 inches tall and usually weigh between 35 to 90 lb. They can be brown, black, tan, golden or white, although their characteristics can depend on their parents.
Often known as the Golden Shepherd or the Sheprador, these dogs are very loyal and intelligent and fit well into any family. They will especially do well in an active family home and love to exercise.
Corgi Husky Mix
The Corgi Husky mix is a cross between a male Welsh Corgi (either Cardigan or Pembroke) and a female Siberian Husky. They can grow to be between 12 and 15 inches tall and should weight anywhere from 20 to 50 lb. They can come in a range of colors based on their parents, including black, brown, grey, red and white.
These dogs are fun loving and loyal but because of their sometimes unresponsive behavior, they are not recommended for first time dog owners or families with young children. They are not always very obedient and can be very boisterous, although they are very cute and fluffy!
Sheepadoodle
The Sheepadoodle is a cross between a male Old English Sheepdog and a female Poodle. Because both their parents are very intelligent, these dogs are naturally intelligent too and therefore love to be active and play games, exercising both mentally and physically.
They are an extremely loyal dog which can make them a great companion, although it can also lead to destructive behavior if they are left on their own for too long. However, with the right training they can be a great addition to any household.
The Shollie Dog
The Shollie Dog is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. An extremely active dog that is bred from two working dog parents, this pup has high exercise needs and requires a home with a large yard. They will need access to large open spaces daily, so will not do well in an apartment.
They can be known to be energetic and boisterous, which is why it is not recommended to leave these dogs alone with small children. However, they can make a great family pet for an active family who wants to play.
Due to being a hybrid dog, they do not suffer with any health problems and can live to be 15 years old on average.
Miniature Golden Retriever
First seen in the early 2000s, the Miniature Golden Retriever, also known as the Comfort Retriever, is not a purebred, but is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Poodle. The result is a smaller version of a standard sized Golden Retriever.
Because they are a smaller size, these dogs are better suited to smaller homes and are therefore perfect for those families who want a dog with the temperament of a Golden Retriever but do not have the space. These dogs love to please their owners so training them is very easy, and they loved to be cared for and doted on.
Miniature German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of America’s best loved dogs, and the miniature version means that more and more people can enjoy them! They look exactly the same as a standard German Shepherd and have the same color combination with a mix of brown, tan, black and may be long or short haired.
Mini German Shepherd dogs are extremely active and will do best with a family who has the time to exercise them properly and play games with them. They can be prone to some health issues, especially hip dysplasia and bloat, so this is something to be aware of.
Large Teddy Bear Dog Breeds
Bernedoodle
The Bernedoodle can come in variety of different sizes, depending on the size of the parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is the result of breeding a Poodle with a Bernese Mountain Dog, but their size differs depending on whether the parent is a Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodle.
Nonetheless, these dogs are happy and playful and love to go for walks. They are intelligent dogs and love to be the center of attention, which means they can struggle when they are left alone. This means that a Berenedoodle might not be the right dog for those who are out of the house for long periods of time everyday.
Russian Bear Dog
The Russian Bear Dog is a large teddy bear dog that stands between 23 to 30 inches tall and weighs a giant 170 lbs. Don’t let their size put you off though — these dogs are gentle giants that make the perfect companion to any home that is big enough to house them.
They are very loyal and protective dogs which can make them an excellent watchdog for the house. They are very cautious around strangers and animals they don’t know. While they are a great family dog, they are not suited to first time dog owners or families with young children, purely because of their size and their needs! A family with older children who have experience in looking after dogs will be the perfect fit for these pups.
Summary
Teddy bear dogs come in all shapes and sizes and it will be up to you to decide which one is going to be best for your home and family. All with different personalities, temperaments and needs, these cute and cuddly pups are unique in their own way but will all thrive if put into a loving environment from a young age. Which of these teddy bear dogs do you think is right for you?