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25 Teddy Bear Dog Breeds You’ll Love

Of all the floofs in the world, the breeds with teddy bear looks are among some of the cutest. Who can resist those features we learned to love from childhood?

Everyone is drawn to a certain type of dog aesthetic that just appeals to them. For some people, it’s dogs that look like wolves, and for others, it’s small fluffy dog breeds that look like stuffed toys. This list caters to the latter, where we’ll tackle the sweetest teddy bear beauties the dog world has to offer. 

So what are you waiting for? Here are the best teddy bear dog breeds you can get. 

25 Best Teddy Bear Dog Breeds

A couple of breeds pop up in this list numerous times as genetic contributors to the designer hybrids. There are, however, some purebreds that made the cut for cutest teddy bear looks, too.

1. Maltipoo

Maltipoos are possibly the ultimate teddy bear dog, with shiny black eyes and fur that is infinitely plush and pettable. This teddy bear dog breed is uber-friendly, even though they have a big personality for their size. 

maltipoo-in-field teddy bear dog breeds

A mix of Maltese and athletic Poodle, these floofs can have a lot of energy and love to play, even though they also love being lap dogs. The most popular color is apricot, but they also come in shades of brown, silver, red, black, or white. Their fluffy coat can also vary between wiry, wavy, curly, and silky.

You might enjoy reading my posts on American Staffordshire Terrier Similar Breeds, Low Maintenance Dog BreedsTallest Dog BreedsUgly Dog BreedsFastest Dog Breeds and Dog breeds that don’t smell.

2. Cavapoo

Prepare to have your heart melt over the ultimate cuddle buddy. A cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, this hybrid gives you the best of both dog breeds. It has the social skills of the spaniel while maintaining the poodle’s intelligence, so they train very well and are infinitely companionable. 

cavapoo-face-up-close

Image by pcpant on Pixabay

Don’t miss my article on the closely related Cavapoochon.

3. Morkie

It’s time for another Maltese mix, this time with a Yorkshire Terrier. When you combine two already adorable lap dogs into one, you get an uber-cute and loyal floof with the ultimate teddy bear face and soft, silky hair. 

Different types of morkie dogs

They love to play, but they’re equally content to cuddle up on top of you (good thing they have such a small size) for a relaxing snooze and some affectionate pets. These dogs love nothing more than being with their owners, so you might have a tough time with separation anxiety if you leave them alone. 

4. Shichon

The Shichon is a cross between the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, both of which were individually bred for their companionship. The resultant mixed breed Shichon is an adorable social butterfly who’s super affectionate and loves nothing more than being by your side. 

shih tzu bichon frise

They’re pretty small and have low exercise needs, but they do love some playtime to bond with their human parents. Lots of cuddles go without saying. 

5. Malshi

The offspring of a Maltese and a Shih Tzu turns out to be an adorable bundle of fluff that looks more like a stuffie than a real animal. 

There’s more to these cuties than looks, though. They don’t need a lot of exercise every day, but they love to play indoors and they’re champs at puzzle games. 

Right next to their favorite humans is where you’ll find them most of the time. Don’t be surprised if you find them sleeping at your feet, either. This isn’t a dog you should leave alone for long periods of time frequently. 

malshi-puppy

Image by luckymck23 on Wikicommons

6. Cockapoo

Why not look at the Cockapoo, a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle? They’re smart, affectionate, and supremely loyal. Friendly to a fault, they’re easy to love and make friends with other pets and people alike. 

cockapoo best poodle mix dogs

They can come in a variety of sizes, from lapdog-small to medium-sized. Their coats may come in different colors but tend to be curly. They have hypoallergenic coats so can be a good dog for allergy sufferers. They have an easy-going personality, making them equally happy to relax on the couch with you or do zoomies in the garden. They are also good with small children.

7. Shorkie

Yorkies are quite a popular breed for hybrids thanks to their famously good looks and silky fur. Combine a Yorkshire Terrier with a Shih Tzu, and you get a Shorkie. This Shih Tzu mix is a spunky little breed known for its affectionate nature and smarts. They’re also very loyal. 

Shih Tzu Mixed with Yorkie face

They love being held and enjoy short walks, but their sharp minds benefit from lots of mental stimulation.

8. Cavachon

The Cavachon’s parents are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, and it inherited the best of both teddy bear breeds. It’s a cheerful pup with a love for playtime, but it also exhibits patience and friendliness — what more could you ask for in a canine companion?

cavachon

They’re also snuggle bunnies, so they’ll happily settle into your lap for a cuddle session when they aren’t playing. They do have short attention spans, though, so train them when they’re young in short bursts. 

9. Bichon Frise

bichon-frise-in-doorway

Image by b13923790 on Pixabay

As many hybrids use the Bichon Frise for its teddy bear looks, it makes sense to include the original breed in this list. This white beauty is an extroverted pup that’s silly and playful and loves to make friends. 

Their merry ways will have you videoing them day and night. As a bonus, their tight curly hair doesn’t shed as much as other breeds (your furniture will thank you), and they’re considered to be on the hypoallergenic side. 

10. Shih Tzu

Another OG breed that has those plushie looks is the Shih Tzu. They’re no commoner, though — they’ve been lap dogs for over 1,000 years, including Tibetan monks and Chinese royalty as their owners in times gone by. 

Shih Tzu white and brown dog

They’re a happy breed that loves to play and is very affectionate, so they are primed and ready to be your closest companion. Their silky fur and dark liquid eyes will melt your heart and have you giving them all the cuddles ever. 

Shih Tzu

11. Schnoodle

This breed has a name that’s as cute as it looks. Schnoodles are the curly-haired result of Poodle and Schnauzer parents, and they can vary significantly in size from toy to giant. No matter how big they are, this designer breed is always down for snuggles. 

They’re pretty calm and very smart to boot. They enjoy a good lounging session but also love to keep their minds active. Training will put their sharp brain to work, as well as puzzle toys when you aren’t available to practice tricks. 

schnoodle-on-wooden-patio

Image by Penny on Pixabay

12. Pomchi

Also called a “Chipom”, these small dogs are fluffy as can be thanks in large part to their Pomeranian parent. The other side of this hybrid’s genetic pool is a Chihuahua. Pomchis are spunky little critters, as small dogs tend to be, and they do well with single owners.

pomchi

They have tons of personality, and if you’re having difficulty picturing what they look like, just imagine a fluffy Chihuahua in Pomeranian colors with pointy ears that stand up. These little dogs can be stubborn to train, but they’re excellent watchdogs and very affectionate despite their size. 

13. Yorkiepoo

This Toy Poodle mix has become a classic for its sweet looks and wonderful personality. The Yorkiepoo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Toy Poodle and these adorable pups are small enough to take with you anywhere. 

yorkiepoo

They’re active, fun-loving dogs that adore the company of people, especially their human parents. Thanks to the terrier heritage, they can have more confidence than a dog that size ought to, but Yorkiepoos are typically more easy-going and less demanding. They make for great family pets.

14. Lhasa Apso

They have an innocent demeanor, but the little Lhasa Apsos were initially bred as royal watchdogs. This aspect of their heritage has traveled down their ancestral genes, meaning they’re very protective of their loved ones and not as friendly towards strangers. 

They’re still very warm and affectionate dogs with their families, though. If you want that teddy bear look, you’ll have to ask your groomer to give them a puppy cut.  

lhasa-apso-puppy

Image by kshitijprakash on Pixabay 

15. Peekapoo

Yes, this is a legit hybrid breed. Peekapoos were one of the first hybrids, appearing in the U.S. back in the 1950s after an accidental breeding. From there, people started purposefully breeding them. 

Peekapoo

A Peekapoo is a cross between a Pekingese and a Toy Poodle. They’re super loyal, affectionate, and love attention, although they can be very protective of their loved ones. They can also have a huge bark for a very small dog, so be prepared for a decent amount of doggy chatter. 

16. Pomillon

The Pomillon or Paperanian is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Papillon or butterfly dog. They’re tiny mites, usually weighing 10 pounds or less, and very sweet-natured and friendly. Thanks to their Papillon heritage, they’re very social and will give you hours of entertainment with their fun-loving nature.

paperanian

Even though they love their humans, they’re not very needy and can keep themselves entertained. They have a strong drive to play, so ensure plenty of toys are on hand. 

17. Shihpoo

A Shihpoo is a mix of two popular dogs in the hybrid dog-breeding world — the Shih Tzu and the Toy Poodle. Some call them “Shoodles”, others call them “Pooshies”. They’re the best cuddly companions, totally content to lie in your lap and smother themselves in your affections. That is when you aren’t enjoying the antics of their lively personalities. 

shihpoo-puppy-black-and-white

They make excellent watchdogs as they’re quite protective and live comfortably in apartments. Like many hybrids, they don’t have a set color but can be a range of colors instead. 

18. Cairnoodle

Also known as a “Cairnpoo” and even a “Poocan” (no jokes), this cross between a Cairn Terrier and a Toy Poodle has an adorable result. The Cairnoodle is friendly to strangers and makes a fabulous family pet. It has moderate exercise needs, so a daily walk is a must. 

Cairndoodle

They are more easily trainable than their parent breeds. Mental stimulation is also important for them thanks to the inherited intelligence from the Poodle side of their parentage. So interactive toys and sniff walks are important. 

19. Bernedoodle

If you’re looking for a bigger teddy bear, look no further than the Bernedoodle. These mixed-breed dogs are affectionate, playful, and pretty goofy, but they’re still very intelligent and love attention. 

Bernedoodle

This mix of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle has a very cute bear-like result, especially when they have a puppy cut. Despite all that fur, they’re typically low-shedding dogs; nonetheless, they will require quite a bit of regular grooming. 

20. BoShih

This lively, active hybrid breed comes from a Boston Terrier and a Shih Tzu. They’re inquisitive doggos, but kind and intelligent, too. They may be a bit too exuberant to be around small kids, but they can do well with early socialization. 

boston terrier shih tzu

The BoShih doesn’t need a lot of exercise and can be a great apartment dog. They’re fairly small and will happily follow you around all day when you aren’t indulging in cuddles. This means that they can suffer from separation anxiety, though. 

21. Sheepadoodle

Sheepadoodles are a hybrid of Old English Sheepdogs and Poodles. They can vary in size from 15 – 30 pounds up to 80 pounds — usually depending on the size of the Poodle parent. 

sheepadoodle-puppy-up-close

Image by Jill Verduin from Pixabay

They’re wonderfully sweet and playful, and adorable real bundles of fluff. They love the company of other dogs and enjoy getting attention from their owners.

21. Poochon

This mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy Poodle is a pure delight and very popular not only for their teddy bear looks but also for their lively and loving nature. 

poochon

They’re super affectionate, and their intelligence is high, so they’re very trainable. But Poochons don’t enjoy being left alone for a long time — they might get separation anxiety. They make a great family dog.

23. Pomsky

The Pomsky is another unique cross between a Pomeranian and a Husky. The result? A tiny Husky weighing in at 20 – 30 pounds. These designer dogs are playful, intelligent, and very loyal.

pomsky

However, they can be wary of strangers and will need socialization early on to ensure they’ll be friendly when meeting new people and dogs. 

24. Miniature Goldendoodle

These sweet fur babies are small to medium-sized and are the offspring of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They’ve been popular in America since the 1990s for their looks and sweet natures.

mini goldendoodle white background

They’re ultra-friendly and affectionate and total people-pleasers when it comes to their humans. They can be a bit clingy, so don’t leave this dog on its own often. 

25. Pomapoo

The result of a Pomeranian and Toy Poodle crossbreeding, the Pomapoo is an adorable little floof. Gentle by nature, they’re not typically aggressive but can be standoffish. Early socialization can help with that, though. 

pomapoo-with-tongue-out

Image by dawnie206 from Pixabay

They’re typically tiny dogs and are known for being fabulous companions. They love to be at your side and will bond closely with you. This means they can suffer if you leave them alone for too long. 

No doubt you have a couple of questions about teddy bear dogs, so here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teddy Bear Dogs

What is a Teddy Bear Dog?

They aren’t a breed, per se. Teddy bear dogs received this cute moniker for simply having faces resembling a plush teddy. They’re typically fuzzy or furry, with dark eyes and a nose that are in similar proportions to a teddy bear. Most are smaller dogs, and many are hybrids that are bred to have these adorable features. Some of them can be fragile owing to their small stature, but others can be medium or large. So bear this in mind when considering which breed would suit your home and lifestyle. They’re pretty fashionable on the fur front, with pet parents barking up every tree to find one to call their own. If you’re sourcing from a breeder, make sure they’re the ethical sort that breed for the health of the pup and not simply its looks.

Can Teddy Bear Dogs be Left Alone?

Many of these breeds are people-orientated, meaning they don’t like to be left on their own for long periods of time and may suffer separation anxiety if they are. Some breeds are more clingy than others, but they’re usually best suited for people who work from home or at least are home frequently. 

What is a Teddy Bear Dog’s Lifespan?

It depends on the breed, but hybrid dogs usually live longer than purebreds as they have less chance of inheriting genetic health issues that shorten their lives. They can live anywhere from 10 – 18 years on average. 

mini goldendoodle on bed

Wrap-Up on Teddy Bear Dog Breeds

It takes an iron will to resist a fluffy face with those adorable teddy bear features staring back at you, begging for one extra belly rub. And why should you resist when it makes you and your dog happy? That snack break can wait another minute. 

If you’re looking for teddy bear puppies do take the advice of the American Kennel Club in the United States when it comes to finding a reputable breeder.

Now that you’re familiar with the best teddy bear dog breeds, why not take a look at some of the most gorgeous spotted dog breeds?

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