Key Takeaways
Bichon Frise dogs are hypoallergenic and perfect for people with allergies due to their unique coat.
Shih Tzus have been beloved lapdogs for over 1,000 years, especially cherished by Chinese royalty.
Teddy bear dogs resemble the plushies children cherish. Despite their size, they are irresistible to carry around. Many breeds and mixes have a teddy bear-like appearance due to their fluffy coats, ear shapes, and cute expressions. We consulted a vet to explore these breeds and guide you in choosing the right one. Discover 17 adorable dog breeds that look just like teddy bears.
What Is a Teddy Bear Dog?
Jo Myers, DVM at online veterinary service Pawp, explains that teddy bear dogs are not an actual 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.
Due to their popularity, choosing an ethical breeder for teddy bear dogs is crucial. You should be able to meet the puppies and parents, obtain health records, and understand their suitability for your family. Jo Myers, DVM, emphasizes researching potential matches to ensure they fit well with your lifestyle. Select a breeder focused on minimizing health issues.
Since many teddy bear dogs are small, Myers points out they can also be fragile. If you plan to have a small 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.
Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is an extroverted pup who’s super silly, easygoing, and playful. Up 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 a wonderful 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 better tolerate this breed if his 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.
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.
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!
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 small 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 great for anyone who wants a big, goofy cuddle bug. However, smaller versions occur when one parent is a toy or miniature poodle.
Lhasa Apso
With long, luscious locks like those, it’s no wonder why 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.
Pomeranian
If you’re holding a Pomeranian, someone might actually think you’ve got a teddy bear. That is until their big personality comes out. Poms are bold, smart, 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.
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.
Malshi
The Malshi is a smart, social sweetheart. A winning combination of a Maltese and 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.
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 a smart, 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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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!
