10 Teddy Bear Dog Breeds

The term “Teddy Bear” refers to dog breeds that are typically small in size and have fluffy coats and facial features reminiscent of — you guessed it! — squishy stuffed teddy bears. These dogs are usually the result of crossbreeding two different purebred dog breeds to combine specific traits and they are known for their cute appearances, gentle temperaments, and often hypoallergenic or low-shedding coats. But there are also a few pure dog breeds that have that adorable teddy bear look. Below are some dog breeds that have that ultimate teddy bear sweetness.

10 adorable teddy bear dog breeds

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1. Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and, like both of these breeds, is considered hypoallergenic. Cockapoos can be different colors but are most commonly beige or rusty brown (like a teddy bear). Their coats tend to be curly and require regular brushing and trims to keep from matting. Cockapoos also usually have cute whiskers growing around their mouths and floppy ears. Both Poodles and Spaniels are super smart, and Cockapoos take after their parents. They’re also very affectionate, social, and pretty vocal. They take well to training, so you may achieve slightly less barking with some work.

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2. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are tiny puffballs on legs. They always look like cute puppies with little teddy bear ears, dark round eyes, and a mouth often open in a smile. They’re related to the larger German Spitz but only weigh around eight pounds. Pomeranians are feisty and playful and can be quite vocal. Their double coat sheds all year round, so be prepared to work that brush (but be gentle!). Under all that fluff, they’re actually quite delicate and should be handled carefully, no matter how squeezable they appear.

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3. Morkie

Morkies are a crossbreed between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese. The Morkie has a scraggly low-shed coat and ears high on their tiny heads that seem to move along with their thoughts. They’re super expressive (meaning vocal) and have a lot of energy. They are very devoted pets and love single-person households, but can also be quite social. To help them stay as chill as possible, provide them with exercise and consistent training — especially when it comes to being housebroken. That can be a challenge for them.

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4. Cavapoo

Cavapoos, which are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, are loved for their adorable teddy bear-like appearances and friendly natures. These pups have soft, curly, low-shedding coats, but still need regular grooming to prevent matting. Cavapoos are known for getting along well with people of all ages, including children. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys engage their sharp little minds. They even enjoy participating in training sessions as a challenge to their intelligence.

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5. Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. They can be bigger, like a Sheepdog, and often have the build of a long-legged Poodle with the color markings of a Sheepdog. Sheepadoodles are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which are typically soft, wavy, and often curly. Sheepadoodles are friendly, affectionate, loyal, gentle, and good with kids. They form strong bonds with their people and want to be included in everything. They are quick learners, respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, and love agility activities. They’re often trained for therapy work. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and mental engagement.

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6. Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a rare hypoallergenic dog breed that naturally produces less dander rather than simply being low-shed like most hypoallergenic breeds. Maltipoos are a mix of a Maltese and a Poodle, and the more Poodle-y they are — meaning, the less dander and curlier, lower-shed coats they have — the less likely they’ll be to set off allergies. Maltipoos are on the small side, so they make great apartment dogs. They love people and kids but need to be handled carefully, so make sure they’re supervised around small children and larger dogs. They’re also very smart and playful, making them great companions.

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7. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow may look more like a teddy bear than an actual bear. The breed has a thick double coat that sheds a lot, so they need a fair amount of brushing and grooming. They have tiny pointed ears and a tail that curves up over their back. As cute as they are, Chow Chows are not great for an inexperienced dog person. They can be very independent and need consistent early training and socialization, or their stubbornness can turn into aggression or destructive behavior. Be sure you have the time and know-how to take one of these pups, and you’ll have a loving companion.

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8. Cavachon

The Cavachon is a small and lovable cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Cavachons look like puppies throughout their lives. These dogs have friendly natures, adorable appearances, and affectionate personalities. They also have low-shedding coats, which is an excellent bonus. Cavachons are known for being affectionate, gentle, and great with people of all ages, including children. Cavachons form strong bonds with their people and thrive on human companionship. They’re very intelligent and enjoy training because they want to please you. Give them regular exercise, play, and fun toys so they stay mentally and physically well.

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9. Shih-Poo

The Shih-Poo is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle and is another teddy bear dog who can boast a fluffy hypoallergenic coat. The size of a Shih-Poo can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent, but they’re typically small to medium. Shih-Poos are playful, outgoing, and sociable — they generally get along well with people of all ages. They love feeling like part of the family and want to go everywhere with you. Shih-Poos can excel in obedience training and love learning new things. They’re adaptable to different environments, even smaller apartments, but they need regular exercise to stay well-adjusted.

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10. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos can grow flowing, silky coats that brush the ground, though many pet parents keep them shorn to make grooming a bit easier. If you have the time to maintain a long coat, however, you’ll be rewarded with a dog who looks like a wig on legs. This small breed is originally from Tibet and was initially bred as a guard dog. They can still guard but will likely just alert their pet parents to intruders; they’re quite small, so you’ll need a second larger dog for defense. What they lack in size, however, Lhasas make up for in volume. They are a bit stubborn and need consistent training to learn the finer points of household behavior.

Commonly asked questions

What breed of dog is the teddy bear dog?

Many mixed breed and purebred dogs have been called “teddy bear dogs” because of their adorable facial features and fluffy coats, there is no single teddy bear breed.

How big do teddy bear dogs get?

Teddy bear-like dog breeds vary in size from teeny tiny to super size, depending on the breed. Some breeds such as the Pomeranian, weigh as little as three pounds, while a Sheepadoodle might weigh as much as 85 pounds.

Are teddy bear dogs hypoallergenic?

Not all teddy bear dog breeds are hypoallergenic, but low-shedding breeds and Poodle mixes may cause fewer symptoms for mild allergy sufferers.

Do teddy bear dogs shed?

Some teddy bear dog breeds, such as the Lhasa Apso, Shih-Poo, Maltipoo, Morkie, Cockapoo, Cavachon, and Shichon, are considered low-shedding dogs.

How much do teddy bear dogs cost?

Adopting a teddy bear-like dog from a shelter costs around $300, which covers the expenses of caring for the dog before adoption. In contrast, buying a teddy bear dog from reputable breeders can be very expensive — upwards of $5,000, depending on their breeding.