Introduction
The teddy bear dog is a relatively new hybrid dog breed that has become increasingly popular over the past couple of decades. This dog was purposefully bred by crossing two purebred dogs – the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise. The goal was to create a small companion dog with a cute, cuddly, puppy-like appearance similar to a stuffed teddy bear. As their popularity has grown, they have become one of the most sought-after hybrid designer dogs.
First created in the early 2000s in the United States, the teddy bear dog has quickly risen to fame around the world. Their cute look, soft fluffy coat, small size, sweet temperament, and hypoallergenic properties make them an ideal house pet. They are often described as the perfect family dog and are especially popular for households with children. While the teddy bear dog has only been around for about 20 years now, it has already become one of the most beloved hybrid dog breeds.
Appearance
The teddy bear dog is known for its adorably cute, teddy bear-like appearance. They have a fluffy, soft coat that makes them look like cuddly stuffed animals. Their fur is medium to long in length and can be wavy or curly. Teddy bear dogs have a round, domed head with large, round, expressive eyes that give them an innocent puppy-dog look. Their muzzles are relatively short compared to other breeds. Overall, their plush coat and facial features give them an endearing, stuffed animal-like appearance that makes them extra huggable.
Size
The Teddy Bear dog is typically a small-to-medium sized dog breed. On average, the Teddy Bear stands between 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 10 to 25 pounds when fully grown.1 Since the Teddy Bear can be a mix between several small dog breeds, like the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, and more, size can vary quite a bit from one dog to the next. Overall though, they tend to be petite, toy-sized dogs that are well-suited to apartment and urban living.
In terms of height, most Teddy Bear dogs stop growing at around 12-16 inches. Weight-wise, the typical Teddy Bear will be on the lighter side, between 10-25 pounds. Those on the smaller end of the scale may only get to 8-12 pounds full grown. And Teddy Bears towards the higher end can reach up to 25-30 pounds. Much depends on what breeds went into the mix. But on the whole, the Teddy Bear dog is known for being a little bundle of fur that is small enough to tote around with you anywhere!
Coat & Grooming
The Teddy Bear Dog has a thick, fluffy, soft coat with medium-length fur. Their coats are designed to be trimmed and shaped into the iconic “Teddy Bear” look. Regular brushing and grooming is required to prevent mats and tangles. A professional groomer can keep the coat trimmed to the ideal length. Daily brushing is recommended, along with regular bathing every 4-6 weeks. The Teddy Bear cut typically involves rounding the face, ears, tail, and feet while leaving longer fur on the body. This creates the adorable plush teddy bear appearance that makes this breed so popular.
Temperament
Teddy Bear dogs are known for their gentle, easygoing temperaments. They are highly affectionate and love to be around people. These petite pups are playful yet gentle, making them an excellent choice for families with children. Teddy Bears are outgoing and eager to please, and make fast friends with strangers and other household pets.
Some of the key personality traits of the Teddy Bear dog include:
- Affectionate – Teddy Bears crave human companionship and love to cuddle.
- Gentle – They have a very easygoing nature and are sweet with children.
- Playful – This breed loves to play and is always up for a game.
- Outgoing – Teddy Bears are very social dogs that get along well with everyone.
- Good with children – Their patient, gentle temperament makes them an excellent family pet.
- Good with other pets – Teddy Bears tend to co-exist peacefully with other dogs and household pets when properly socialized.
Overall, the Teddy Bear temperament is friendly, calm, and loving. Their affectionate personality and small size make them wonderful companions and ideal pets for apartments and smaller living spaces.
Exercise & Training
Teddy bear dogs have moderate exercise needs and are generally easy to train. They should receive 30 – 60 minutes of activity each day, with a combination of short walks and indoor playful activities like fetch. As a small breed, teddy bear dogs should not be over exercised or taken on long walks. They are happy being active one hour daily, then relaxing and cuddling for the rest of the day. Some fun exercise activities for teddy bear dogs include playing tug of war and chasing a ball through the house. Due to their size, teddy bears are ideal for apartment or city living where they can stay active indoors, but do not need extensive space to roam like larger breeds.
Teddy bears are quite responsive to training, and known for being highly intelligent and eager to please. With positive reinforcement training methods that use food rewards and praise, they pick up on commands quickly and are fairly obedient. Teddy bears do well with basic training like sit, stay, come, down, heel, roll over. They also enjoy agility training, learning fun tricks, and even showcasing skills in competitions like rally or obedience. Patience and consistency are key when training a teddy bear dog, as they aim to impress their owners and enjoy engaging in the learning process. With time and proper technique, most teddy bear dogs will be easy to train for the average owner.
According to this article, popular activities for Teddy Bear dogs include playing fetch, learning new tricks, going for short walks, and indoor games to stimulate their minds and bodies. Keeping teddy bear dogs engaged with various exercise and training activities prevents boredom and helps maintain a healthy, active companion.
Health Issues
Generally speaking, the Teddy Bear dog breed tends to be quite healthy. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions.
One issue Teddy Bears may be prone to is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This is common in small breed dogs and puppies. Symptoms include lethargy, muscle tremors, and loss of coordination. It can be managed by feeding regularly timed meals.
Teddy Bear dogs have a lifespan ranging from 10-15 years. With proper care, exercise, and a healthy diet, they can live a full life into their early teens.
Some other conditions the breed could be prone to include luxating patella, eye issues, and ear infections. However, with regular vet checkups, these issues can be caught early and managed if they do occur.
Nutrition & Feeding
Since teddy bear dogs come in a variety of sizes, their dietary needs can vary. As a general guideline, teddy bear dogs should be fed a high-quality dry or wet food formulated for their size and activity level [1]. Most will do well on a food formulated for small or medium breed dogs.
The amount you feed will depend on your individual dog’s age, size, and activity level. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging as a starting point and adjust up or down as needed to maintain a healthy weight. Puppies have different calorie needs than adults, so follow puppy feeding guidelines for the first year [2].
Some quality dog food brands to consider include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, Taste of the Wild, Nutro, and Hill’s Science Diet. Look for a food with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Smaller kibble sizes formulated for toy or small dogs can be easier for teddy bears to chew and digest.
Puppy Prices & Breeders
Teddy Bear puppies typically cost between $1000 to $5000. According to Lancaster Puppies, the average price for a Teddy Bear puppy is around $2000. However, prices can vary depending on factors like the breeder’s reputation, pedigree, location, and whether the puppy is show or pet quality. It’s important to be wary of very low or very high prices, as these can indicate issues with health, genetics or poor breeding practices.
When looking for a reputable Teddy Bear breeder, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Search for breeders who focus on one or two breeds at most to ensure expertise and quality.
- Avoid pet stores or brokers selling puppies – deal directly with the breeder whenever possible.
- Look for health testing on the parents for conditions common in the breed like luxating patellas, eye issues, and heart problems.
- Ask lots of questions and visit the breeding facility in person if possible to ensure humane, sanitary conditions.
- Responsible breeders will ask you questions as well to ensure their puppies are going to good homes.
- Seek referrals from veterinarians, dog shows, breed clubs and other owners.
Taking time to find an ethical, conscientious breeder will help ensure a happy, healthy Teddy Bear for years to come. Avoid impulsive purchases and be wary of red flags like extremely low prices or pressure sales tactics.
Adoption & Rescue
If you are interested in adding a Teddy Bear dog to your family, adoption and rescue is a great option to consider. There are many benefits to adopting a dog:
- Adoptable dogs are often already house trained and socialized
- Adoption fees typically cover initial vet exams, vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping
- You’ll be providing a home to a dog in need
You can search for adoptable Teddy Bear dogs on sites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet. Contact local rescues and shelters in your area to inquire about availability. Be sure to fill out an adoption application, and ask questions about the dog’s personality and needs to ensure they will be a good match for your lifestyle.
Some tips for finding an adoptable Teddy Bear dog:
- Be patient – it may take some time to find the right dog for your family
- Consider an adult dog rather than a puppy if you want to skip the destructive puppy chewing phase
- Ask the shelter about the dog’s history – was it previously house trained? how does it do with children? etc.
- Schedule a meet-and-greet to ensure the dog’s temperament is a good fit
With a bit of patience and persistence, you can likely find your perfect Teddy Bear dog waiting for you at a local shelter or rescue!