It is likely that you have wondered at some point: what is a Teddy Bear puppy? These dogs fit into almost any lifestyle, demand cuddles from you, and look adorable as well.
As their name suggests, teddy bear dogs are crossbreeds between Shih Tzus and Bichon Frise or Shih Tzus and Maltese.
Depending on their mix of breeds, they are called Zuchons, Shichons, or Mal-shis.
As the designer breed became popular in the 2000s, these dogs captured celebrities’ hearts.
Even though this hybrid breed has been around for a while, the American Kennel Club or any other official body has not recognized it.
Despite their small size, teddy bear dogs have big hearts. Loyalty, love, and capturing the hearts of everyone they meet to make them great.
Check out this article to learn more about Teddy Bear dogs, their personalities and temperaments, and the upkeep costs associated with their health and care.
Table of Contents
What Does a Teddy Bear Dog Look Like?
Teddy Bears are mixed breed dogs that are already small, so it’s no wonder they’re so cute! The teddy bear dog stands 9 to 12 inches tall and weighs between 6 and 14 pounds as an adult. When they’re puppies, they’re palm-sized and weigh nothing!
In addition, some breeders have gone one step further and bred Teddy Bear teacups (also known as miniatures or toys). It’s even smaller than teddy bear dogs; they’re purse-sized and rarely get bigger than 10 inches and 10 pounds.
Teddy bear dogs get their adorable name because they’re so small and fluffy that they look more like stuffed teddy bears that might sit on your child’s bed than dogs.
There’s something so adorable about these pups! They have small faces and very big, round eyes that sparkle with love and fun! Their ears are floppy and large; sometimes, they perk up, but in most cases, they are folded forward!
Lastly, their button noses stick out from their faces, making them look different from typical brachycephalic breeds like the Pug or the Pekingese, even if they may have Shih Tzu parentage.
Temperament, Behavior and Personality
There is something special about teddy bears. He is a friendly and affectionate little dog who loves interacting with families and friends. In general, these dogs get along well with children. It is well known that Shichons are energetic dogs that enjoy playing, which makes them a great choice for active families or families with older children as they are a fun and energetic breed. Pets and other dogs get along well with these dogs because they form strong bonds with their family members. Additionally, they’re good watchdogs and will bark when someone’s at the door. Teddy bear puppies don’t bark much, though.
History
In the 2000s, the trend of breeding dogs for certain qualities continued after the designer breed craze of the 1980s and 1990s. During the early 2000s, lots of new cute breeds were created, including the teddy bear dog.Â
Teddy Bears are a mix of Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu dog breeds, so they have a lot of variations. The Teddy Bear puppy gets different traits from each parent, just like other designer breeds. They’re cute and have hypoallergenic coats, which is why Teddy Bears were bred. Teddy bear dogs have been lovable little furry friends for many families since the early 2000s.Â
Teddy Bear Dog Grooming Needs?
Besides being hypoallergenic, teddy bear dogs don’t shed! You still have to groom them regularly to prevent mats from forming. To keep up their good looks and maintain their skin health, brush them two to three times a week.
A mat is a painful patch of fur that knots together and grows larger as more fur is pulled into the mat. It is important to note that as the mat grows, it pulls on the skin, causing sores to develop. It’s important to keep Teddy Bear’s coat mat-free.
To keep your teddy bear dog’s coat and skin healthy, bathe them once a month! It’s scary to bathe your puppy for the first time, but it’s part of their training. Next, brush your teddy bear dog’s teeth once a week, and clean out their ears too. They can accumulate a lot of dirt and debris because their ears are long and floppy. Depending on your or their preference, you can keep your teddy bear dog’s coat long or short. You’ll have to brush it more often if it has a longer coat.
Do Teddy Bear dogs qualify as service animals?
It’s not a good idea to have a teddy bear dog as a guide dog since they’re pretty small. However, they love to stay in touch with their owner. Besides being highly intelligent, they can sense people’s moods. Those who have anxiety or panic disorders and need tactile reinforcement to keep calm and balanced can use these dogs as emotional support dogs.
Are Teddy Bear dogs expensive?
A teddy bear puppy costs, on average, $450 to $1,500, depending on the breed you’re looking for. It’s important to keep in mind that some are more in demand than others, which raises the price. First-generation Teddy Bear puppies aren’t very expensive, and they’re easy to keep. Since they’re small, they don’t eat much and should live a long time.
Are Teddy Bear dogs good for families?
A teddy bear dog will love having people around if they’ve been socialized properly! Almost any lifestyle can be adapted to these lovable pups with consistent training and socialization!
You can have a teddy bear dog in any home, whether you live alone, with your partner or kids, or even with a big family! Keep in mind that little kids don’t always know how to treat a dog, let alone a tiny dog; they can squeeze and bite and throw around like a toy.
Don’t forget to involve your kids in your puppy’s training if you have small kids! Then they’ll know how to respect your puppy and avoid causing it any pain by teaching them the limits of what it can do.
