A "Teddy Bear" dog isn't one specific breed but a nickname for various small, fluffy designer mixes, most famously the Shichon (Shih Tzu + Bichon Frise), also called a Zuchon, but also Poochons (Bichon + Poodle) or Shih Poos (Shih Tzu + Poodle)**, prized for their cuddly, teddy bear-like appearance.
Of dogs that look like teddy bears, there are perhaps the teddy bear-iest. Also known as Zuchons or Tzu Frisé, they're an adorable blend of two others on this list: Shih Tzu and Bichon Frisé. They also take after those breeds as playful and happy pooches.
Shichon. The Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu combine to make a new super teddy bear breed - the Shichon.
They're not part bear, but don't tell them that. Bear dogs are bred to stand their ground against some of nature's most formidable predators. Used to hunt bears, moose and other large game, these working dogs have grit, brains and an instinct for survival.
Shichon (Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix)
The Shichon is also known as a Zuchon. These teddy bear canines are part Shih Tzu and part Bichon Frise, two of the smallest and snuggliest dogs you can find. This hybrid isn't likely to get bigger than a foot tall at the most, so dog owners who live in apartments can rejoice.
The Teddy Bear is the result of a few different designer breeds. The Teddy Bear can be a mix of the Shih Tzu and the Poodle (Shih Poo), the Bichon Frise and the Toy Poodle (Poochon) or the Bichon Frise and the Shiz Tzu (Zuchon).
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.
Pomeranians are reminiscent of teddy bears and real-life bears! Their distinctly furry coat and short, triangular ears earn them a spot on this list—and in the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
A HUGE and Fearless Guardian Dog. Matea Horvatek Getoš the dogs official name still is Yugoslavian shepherd - šarplaninac.
The 14 Cuddliest, Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
Chow Chow. The chow chow is a breed hailing from ancient China. A thick mane (or ruff) makes these dogs appear particularly cute and cuddly (and bear-like), and they are also muscular and deep-chested with an overall furry coat.
Large Dog Breeds That Make Great Companions
Also known as “designer dogs,” Teddy Bears are hybrid crosses between small dog breeds like Bichon Frise and Poodles, Chihuahuas, etc. Breeders are still experimenting with other breeds like Miniature Schnauzers.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
How do they do this? It's biological. All animals have circadian rhythms - physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, responding to light and darkness in the environment. They may also be affected by factors like temperature and social cues.
One minute for a human is 7 minutes for a dog, 1 hour is 7 hours, 1 day is 7 days, 1 week is 7 weeks, and so on.
Most affectionate small dog breeds
Bichon Frise: Bichon Frise means "curly lapdog," and that's exactly what this cuddly dog breed. Bichons are known for their peppy personalities, gentle natures, and unbridled affection. Pug: Pugs are outgoing, mischievous dogs that have very loving dispositions.
Some of the most common dog types referred to as Teddy Bear dogs include:
On average, Teddy Bear puppies for sale in Fort Lauderdale can cost anywhere between $500 to $2,000, depending on the breeder and location.
The Teacup Teddy Bear, a result of crossing a Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu, is also known by other names such as Shih-Chon, Tzu Frise, Rag Doll, Zuchon, BichonTzu, Shichon-Teddy Bear, and Shichon.
The Zuchon, also known as a Shichon, Tzu Frise, or Teddy Bear, is a cross between a Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu. Zuchon or Teddy Bear puppies have hanging ears, round eyes with mostly curly hair; which is also why they got the name Teddy Bear.
Teddy Bear (Shihpoo and Shichon)
At Crockett Doodles, we use the term Teddy Bear puppy specifically to apply to our Toy Poodle x Shitzu cross (aka Shihpoo) as well as our Bichon Frise x Shitzu cross (aka Shichon/Zuchon) and Maltese x Shitzu cross. Teddy Bear puppies are wonderful with children and adults alike.