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Some dogs look like wolves. Others, like tiny horses. But these? These dogs look like plushies that came to life. If your dream pet is equal parts cuddle, fluff, and chaos, you’re about to meet your perfect match.
Table of Contents
What Is A Teddy Bear Dog, Anyway?
Not a breed. A vibe.
“Teddy bear dog” isn’t an official term. It’s a nickname for small, fluffy dogs with round faces, big eyes, and a look that makes people ask if they’re real.
These dogs come in all kinds of mixes, from trendy doodles to classic purebreds. Some have soft, curly coats. Others have tiny paws and faces that belong in a toy store.
What unites them? Maximum fluff. Built-in cuddle factor.
Tiny Bears, Big Personalities: Meet The Breeds
Here’s your all-access pass to the dogs that look like they belong on a shelf at Build-A-Bear, except these bark, cuddle, and occasionally destroy your slippers.
Bichpoo (Poochon)
This Bichon Frise and Poodle mix brings the best of both worlds: charm, curls, and a coat that rarely sheds. The Bichpoo (Poochon) is a playful and affectionate breed, often forming strong bonds with its owners. They love attention and have just enough sass to keep things interesting.
- Teddy Factor: Curly coat, button nose, big eyes
- Personality: Sweet, sociable, a little clingy
- Why You’ll Love Them: Think of them as the socialite of the teddy bear world who always wants to be included
Cairnoodle
Small but fearless, the Cairnoodle combines the scrappy independence of a Cairn Terrier with the smarts of a Poodle. They’re energetic, clever, and often full of surprises. While they may not be the snuggliest on this list, they certainly bring a lot of personality.
- Teddy Factor: Scruffy-wuffy and compact
- Personality: Feisty, smart, totally underrated
- Why You’ll Love Them: Dorothy’s dog Toto, but fluffier and sassier
Cavachon
A mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise, the Cavachon is characterized by its soft appearance and gentle personality. This breed is known for being gentle, affectionate, and eager to please. Their sweet nature makes them a favorite among families and first-time dog owners.
- Teddy Factor: Wide eyes and permanently baby-faced
- Personality: Gentle, affectionate, emotionally available
- Why You’ll Love Them: Will gaze into your soul like a dog-shaped therapist
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo, a cross between a Cavalier and a Miniature Poodle, is beloved for its soft curls and sunny disposition. These dogs are adaptable and easygoing, often getting along with kids, cats, and everyone in between. If you want a people-pleaser with cuddly looks, this is your pup.
- Teddy Factor: Silky-soft curls and floppy ears
- Personality: Playful, loyal, surprisingly low drama
- Why You’ll Love Them: Built for cuddle marathons and coffee shop patios
Chow Chow
Don’t be fooled by the serious expression. Behind that lion-like mane is a fiercely loyal dog with a surprising teddy bear appeal. Chow-Chows are quiet and independent, often choosing their people carefully. They’re more regal than goofy, but their fluff is unmatched.
- Teddy Factor: Literal lion-bear hybrid
- Personality: Dignified, independent, suspicious of your nonsense
- Why You’ll Love Them: Your aloof, fluffy roommate with royal energy
Cockapoo
One of the original designer dogs, the Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. These pups are cheerful, affectionate, and love to be the center of attention. Their expressive eyes and soft, curly coats give them a classic teddy bear look, complete with plenty of personality to match.
- Teddy Factor: Cuddly with curls for days
- Personality: Goofy, loving, kind of a cartoon character
- Why You’ll Love Them: They have a PhD in making you laugh
Lhasa Apso
With roots in ancient Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso carries itself like royalty wrapped in fluff. They’re loyal to their people but can be skeptical of strangers, often acting more like a watchdog than a lapdog. Their long, flowing coat and soulful eyes give off serious plush toy vibes.
- Teddy Factor: Regal mop of hair with soulful eyes
- Personality: Loyal, stubborn, prefers silk pillows
- Why You’ll Love Them: Small dog, big opinions, excellent foot warmer
Malshi
A Maltese and Shih Tzu mix, the Malshi is the definition of portable cuteness. These dogs are usually easygoing, affectionate, and quick to adapt to apartment living. They stay small and sweet their whole lives, making them ideal lapdogs for all ages.
- Teddy Factor: Teeny with a squishy face
- Personality: Easygoing, snuggly, drama-free
- Why You’ll Love Them: Rarely barks. Already an MVP.
Maltipoo
A Maltipoo is part Maltese, part Poodle, and 100 percent devoted to their people. Their soft, often hypoallergenic coat makes them a good fit for allergy sufferers, and their upbeat personality means they’re usually the life of the party. Don’t be surprised if they become the star of your camera roll.
- Teddy Factor: Curls plus cuteness overload
- Personality: Friendly, fun, never not adorable
- Why You’ll Love Them: Instagram-ready 100 percent of the time
Mini Goldendoodle
This cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle is one of the most popular teddy bear breeds around. They’re friendly, playful, and highly trainable, with a thick coat that begs for belly rubs. Miniature Goldendoodle often do well with kids and thrive on companionship.
- Teddy Factor: Fluff volume set to MAX
- Personality: Goofy, affectionate, great with kids
- Why You’ll Love Them: Golden Retriever vibes in a bite-sized, allergy-friendly package
Morkie
The Morkie mixes the bold spirit of a Yorkshire Terrier with the silky sweetness of a Maltese. This toy-sized pup is packed with personality and thrives on being the center of attention. Expect zoomies, snuggles, and a little attitude from this pocket-sized teddy.
- Teddy Factor: Tiny, silky, and sassy
- Personality: Bold, bossy, full of attitude
- Why You’ll Love Them: Pocket-sized diva with VIP energy
Peekapoo
A cross between a Pekingese and a Poodle, the Peekapoo is compact, loyal, and full of fluff. These dogs form strong bonds with their families and often act like mini watchdogs. Their round faces and plush coats give them a true teddy bear appearance.
- Teddy Factor: Round face, floofy tail
- Personality: Loyal, alert, surprisingly brave
- Why You’ll Love Them: They’re fluffballs with watchdog instincts
Pomapoo
The Pomapoo blends the perky confidence of a Pomeranian with the soft curls of a Poodle. This breed is affectionate, intelligent, and always curious about what you’re doing. Their fluffy silhouette and expressive eyes give them a look that resembles animated toys.
- Teddy Factor: Curly meets poofy
- Personality: Spunky, smart, secretly a genius
- Why You’ll Love Them: Compact and clever, like a cuddly MacBook Air
Pomchi
Small, loud, and loaded with charm, the Pomchi combines the bold Chihuahua with the fluff of a Pomeranian. These pups have tiny bodies and big opinions. If you like a dog that looks like a stuffed animal and acts like it runs the house, this is your match.
- Teddy Factor: Fox face with plush toy size
- Personality: Bold, loud, hilarious
- Why You’ll Love Them: Looks like a stuffed animal, sounds like a siren
Pomeranian
With their signature puffball shape and perky ears, Pomeranians are one of the most iconic teddy bear breeds. Don’t let the size fool you, these dogs are fearless, vocal, and full of personality. Their fluffy coats and expressive faces make them constant show-stealers.
- Teddy Factor: Puffball with a perma-smile
- Personality: Charismatic, dramatic, photogenic
- Why You’ll Love Them: Belongs in your purse and your heart
Schnoodle
A mix of Miniature Schnauzer and Poodle, the Schnoodle combines intelligence with a side of sass. These dogs tend to be highly trainable and alert, with a loyal streak that makes them great companions. Their wiry curls and expressive faces only add to the teddy bear illusion.
- Teddy Factor: Wiry curls and soulful eyes
- Personality: Loyal, clever, always one step ahead
- Why You’ll Love Them: Will learn your routines faster than your smartwatch
Shih-Poo
Gentle and laid-back, the Shih-Poo blends the Shih Tzu’s calm nature with the Poodle’s smarts. They’re a great fit for apartment dwellers or homebodies who want a loyal lap companion. Add their soft coat and round features, and you’ve got a living plush toy.
- Teddy Factor: Soft, squishy, sofa-ready
- Personality: Affectionate, friendly, mellow
- Why You’ll Love Them: Couch potato goals met
Westiepoo
A West Highland White Terrier crossed with a Poodle, the Westiepoo is cheerful, outgoing, and always ready for a stroll. Their fluffy white coat and compact frame give them a cuddly look, but they’ve got enough energy to keep things lively.
- Teddy Factor: Compact and curly with a teddy snout
- Personality: Energetic, sweet, confident
- Why You’ll Love Them: Always down for a walk or a nap
Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is a small but confident mix of Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle. These pups love attention, often strutting their stuff with little dog swagger. Their silky curls and small size give them a toy-like appearance that’s hard to resist.
- Teddy Factor: Petite, expressive, glam
- Personality: Playful, bold, full of spark
- Why You’ll Love Them: Perfect blend of Yorkie sass and Poodle smarts
Zuchon (Shichon)
Arguably the most teddy bear-like dog on the list, the Zuchon is a Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu mix known for being calm, gentle, and incredibly affectionate. Their fluffy face and wide, round eyes make them look like a stuffed animal brought to life.
- Teddy Factor: The most teddy bear-looking of them all
- Personality: Gentle, calm, a born lap dog
- Why You’ll Love Them: The quintessential cuddle pup
Which Teddy Bear Dog Is Right For You?
Let’s be honest: they’re all cute. But not every fluffball fits your lifestyle.
Whether you want a low-shed cuddle machine or a tiny watchdog with opinions, this guide helps you narrow it down fast.
Best For Families With Kids
These teddy bear dogs are affectionate, patient, and generally well-suited for families with children.
- Mini Goldendoodle – Playful, easy to train, great energy match for kids
- Cavapoo – Friendly, gentle, adapts well to noise and chaos
- Cockapoo – Goofy and sociable, loves attention from all ages
- Shih-Poo – Calm, affectionate, great couch companion
- Zuchon – Gentle and sweet-natured, often used as therapy dogs
Best For Apartment Living
Small size and manageable energy levels make these ideal for close quarters.
- Malshi – Quiet and adaptable, low maintenance
- Morkie – Tiny but confident, fits easily in small spaces
- Yorkipoo – Small size, low-shed, and doesn’t need a big yard
- Lhasa Apso – Independent and content with indoor lounging
- Pomchi – Loud at times, but physically perfect for compact living
Low-Shedding / Allergy-Friendly
These breeds often inherit hypoallergenic coats from their Poodle parent.
- Bichpoo (Poochon) – Curly coat, minimal shedding
- Maltipoo – Very low-shed and soft
- Pomapoo – Moderate shedding, better than a pure Pom
- Schnoodle – Wavy to curly coat, often low-dander
- Westiepoo – Less shedding than a traditional Westie
Easiest To Train
Smart, responsive, and eager to please.
- Mini Goldendoodle – Inherits Golden and Poodle smarts
- Cavapoo – Easy to train and eager for treats
- Schnoodle – Sharp and alert, quick to learn
- Cockapoo – Intelligent and people-motivated
- Yorkipoo – Can be trained easily with consistency
Most Cuddly Lap Dogs
If your vibe is movie night and nonstop snuggles, start here.
- Zuchon – Velcro dog with teddy bear looks
- Shih-Poo – Sofa-ready, mellow companion
- Malshi – Gentle, affectionate, content to curl up
- Cavachon – Soft, snuggly, and emotionally tuned in
- Maltipoo – Sweet and affectionate with soft, plushy fur
Big Personalities In Small Packages
Small dogs with bold energy and loads of charm.
- Pomchi – Loud, funny, dramatic
- Morkie – Confident, sassy, will run your house
- Peekapoo – Loyal and alert with watchdog tendencies
- Pomapoo – Intelligent and curious
- Lhasa Apso – Old-soul dog with strong opinions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still debating if a dog that looks like a stuffed animal is right for you? These are the questions people ask once they stop squealing over the cuteness. We’ve got real answers to help you make an informed (and fluff-filled) decision.
Don’t see your question? Ask us in the comments!
Are Teddy Bear Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Some are. Many teddy bear breeds are Poodle mixes, which often inherit low-shedding, allergy-friendly coats. But no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
If allergies are a concern, focus on breeds like the Maltipoo, Schnoodle, or Bichpoo. Regular grooming and cleaning can also help cut down on allergens, even if your dog sheds a little.
Will A Teddy Bear Dog Stay That Small Forever?
Most teddy bear dogs stay small their entire lives, but their looks can change. Puppy fluff often gives way to a more textured or less poofy adult coat.
Weight-wise, most stay under 20 pounds. But beware the “mini” label. Some designer mixes can surprise you and grow bigger than expected.
Are These Good First-Time Dogs?
Yes, many teddy bear breeds are great for first-time owners. They’re often friendly, trainable, and love being part of the family.
That said, “cute” does not mean “low effort.” Some require regular grooming, daily attention, and training to manage their energy effectively. Be ready for more than just snuggles.
Do They Bark A Lot?
Some do. Teddy bear breeds like the Pomchi or Morkie have prominent personalities and aren’t shy about using their voice. Others, like the Malshi or Zuchon, tend to be quieter.
If barking is a concern, consider breeds with calmer temperaments and start training early. Even the loudest little dog can learn some manners with consistency.
What’s The Average Lifespan?
Most teddy bear dogs live between 12 and 16 years. Smaller dogs tend to live longer, especially when well cared for and regularly seen by a vet.
The lifespan can vary by mix, so be sure to ask about health history if you’re adopting or buying from a breeder.
How Much Do Teddy Bear Dogs Cost?
Prices vary depending on the breed and where you get your pup. Designer mixes like Cavapoos or Mini Goldendoodles can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 from a breeder. Smaller mixes, such as Morkies and Shih-Poos, usually cost less but still fall within the $500 to $2,000 range.
Adopting from a shelter or rescue can be a more affordable and equally rewarding experience. No matter how you bring one home, remember to factor in long-term costs, such as grooming, veterinary care, food, and a constant supply of chew toys.
Do Teddy Bear Dogs Get Along With Other Pets?
Most teddy bear dogs are friendly and adaptable, especially if they’re raised with other pets from a young age. Breeds like the Cavachon, Zuchon, and Maltipoo tend to get along well with both dogs and cats.
Some smaller breeds, like the Pomchi or Morkie, may be more territorial or possessive. Introductions should be slow and supervised to avoid drama. Once they settle in, many of these fluffy companions become loyal members of a multi-pet family.
Looking For A Fluffy Friend Without the Sneezing?
Not all teddy bear dogs are allergy-friendly. If you need a pup with a low-shedding coat and high cuddle appeal, check out our guide to the best hypoallergenic dog breeds to find your perfect match.
