Everyone has their own preference when it comes to dogs. Some people like intimidating-looking dogs, like Pitbulls or Dobermans. On the other hand, some pet parents want their dogs to look like living teddy bears. And we can’t judge, because it’s really hard to resist a teddy bear dog with a sweet nature and fluffy fur. But what are the options out there when it comes to teddy bear puppies? Well, as it turns out, there are many different fluffy, cuddly companions that you could adopt.
We made a list of the most popular teddy bear dog breeds. There are purebred dogs, designer breeds, miniature dogs, midsize dogs, and gentle giants that will make all of your living teddy bear dreams come true. So why not dive in and see which of these sweet dogs you should consider as your future pup.
Teddy bear dogs
The term ‘teddy bear dog’ is quite relative. Different people will have a different vision on what these puppies should look like. In most cases, the common features of these fluffy pups are curly coats, button noses and round eyes. Which is why many of them are a hybrid of a Poodle. However, there are also other variations out there. Small dog breeds, standard size and even larger canines can all have that teddy look.
When choosing a dog to adopt into your human family, don’t focus only on good looks and soft coats. There is so much more to look for in a family dog. Friendly personalities, intelligence and affection are much more important characteristics. Like we already explained, each of these dog breeds looks like the next best thing to a living teddy bear. However, each of them is also unique and will have different needs and temperaments. That’s why we made quick overviews to introduce you each and every one of them, at least for a bit.
We will start with the most popular ones, like the crossbreeds of Poodles, and work our way up to more unique ones, that you maybe didn’t even see coming.
Chocolate Labradoodle
A Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle were crossed to create the Chocolate Labradoodle. The “Chocolate” portion alludes to this dog’s coat color. They will carry traits from both parent breeds, just like any other crossbreed.
Chocolate Labradoodles are typically very sociable, playful, and active. Despite the fact that they can be wary of strangers. Poodles frequently exhibit this unique quality as well. But regular social interaction can reduce it. Labradoodles are robust and energetic dogs. Along with governmental service, they are frequently chosen for jobs in farming and hunting. Additionally, Labradoodles make wonderful guide dogs, seeing-eye dogs, therapy dogs, and other service dogs.
If you’re looking for a dog that is energetic and enjoys being active, chocolate Labradoodles are a fantastic breed to think about. However, there may be health complications brought on by the hereditary disorders associated with the chocolate color. It is crucial to only adopt a chocolate Labradoodle from a reputable breeder because of this.
Any health conditions that your dog gets ultimately depend on the genetics of the parents. and the parents’ purebred status. It can be difficult to tell what kinds of health issues your dog might have if they are the offspring of a purebred Labrador and a purebred Poodle. Hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and cardiovascular problems are the most common ones.
Brown Poodle
Poodles are a well-known dog breed. They are available in numerous color combinations and even patterns. The Brown Poodle, however, might be the cutest of the bunch because it resembles a giant live teddy bear. One of the most common names for brown Poodles is Teddy.
Teddy Poodles largely share all of the traits of a typical Poodle and are not a distinct breed. Well, maybe being a tiny bit cuter might be an improvement. Look at a picture of a brown Poodle and tell us you don’t agree.
The purebred Poodle in brown is still a Poodle; it’s simply a different shade of brown. These dogs resemble real-life teddy bears because of their lovely faces and curly coats. However, the American Kennel Club still does not accept the Brown Poodle. They come in a variety of colors, from dark brown, chocolate brown, to light brown, cream.
Brown Poodles are no different from other Poodles in having the same traits. They are renowned for their keen intellect and warm personalities. They become connected to their owners, so beware. Even too attached, according to some. Poodles are not low-maintenance canines by any means. Therefore, this breed is not for you if you don’t have a lot of spare time to devote to your dog.
Poodles are often prone to destructive activity if left alone. Although most Poodles are quiet and well-mannered, all of them need training. Poodles can develop into obstinate and snarly dogs if training and socializing are not started at a young age.
Schnoodle
The Schnoodle is a dog to wish for! They are incredibly upbeat, wise, and devoted. In fact, they are dubbed as the “forever happy” designer dog since they are such joyous bundles!
Nothing would make them happier than to play, hug, and simply spend time with their loved ones! This breed was created purely as a companion animal. The greatest traits of both of its parents were combined to create the Schnoodle. They are playful like the Poodle and faithful like the Schnauzer.
If you decide to bring this dog home, you won’t regret it because schnoodles make excellent pets. They are energetic and devoted canines who will fill your home with happiness. It won’t be long before the Schnoodle captures the attention of the entire household.
Because they enjoy playing with children and being the center of attention, these dogs are excellent for families. Both parent breeds’ dogs get along well with children and are likely to become great friends with all kids. However, keep in mind that all puppies must acclimate to children in order to feel at ease with them as well. When you introduce a five-year-old dog to your child, it’s not the same as when you do it with a young puppy.
In the same way that you should teach children how to approach and pet dogs, you should also keep an eye on any interactions between small children and dogs to make sure that neither party bites the other or pulls on an animal’s ears or tail. No dog, regardless of how nice, should be left unattended with a young person.
Australian Labradoodle
The Australian Labradoodle is a cuddly ball of fur that is great with kids and easy to teach. They are incredibly intelligent, joyful, and sociable. But these teddy bear puppies don’t only look good. The Australian Labradoodle also enjoys helping its owners with their chores and is a quick learner.
Australian Labradoodles are oddball dogs with a humorous side that makes the home amusing. They have the ability to outsmart their pet parents, though, if they think they are the leader of the group. In order to prevent the Australian Labradoodle from taking over your house, pet parents should be the firm but calm pack leader. Despite this, they are friendly, loyal, and non-aggressive.
They are easy to train and have outstanding intelligence that they received from their Poodle father. Labradoodles are extremely food-driven, so they value any goodies their family gives them. You’ll become their dearest friend after a few snacks.
For the Australian Labradoodle, socialization and obedience training are crucial. This type of training can get started as early as eight weeks. To raise a well-rounded dog who is not anxious or stressed in particular situations, they must both be socialized from a young age.
Miniature Goldendoodle
One of the most well-known hybrids out there is the toy Goldendoodle, and it’s not difficult to understand why. They resemble miniature, living teddy bears in general. Additionally, both of their parent breeds are also well-liked. Why then wouldn’t their hybrid be as well? Additionally, you’ll adore this Goldedndoodle size.
The Golden Retriever and the Miniature Poodle were both bred as working dogs, therefore their offspring will also exhibit these traits. Although the Toy Goldendoodle is a little dog, it enjoys working with people. Despite their diminutive stature, these canines are quite intelligent and seek challenges. Typically, they enjoy retrieving and enjoy being near water.
With the Goldendoodle, living with kids and other animals is also not a problem. But only when you socialize and train your dog. However, the good news is that training them is simple. They are great dogs all around that will be devoted to their owners and outgoing with everyone. Toy Goldendoodles are kind, intelligent, and delightful to be around.
Do not undervalue grooming. Depending on the type of fur they inherit, their coat may matt quickly. However, regular brushing or shearing is necessary in both cases. In addition to grooming, the care regimen also includes parasite prevention, claw maintenance, and veterinarian exams.
Bernedoodle
The gentle Bernese Mountain dog and the perceptive Poodle are the parents of the Bernedoodle, a mix between two purebred dogs. The best traits from both parents are passed on to these hybrids. Combining a toy Poodle and a Bernese dog produces the typical Bernedoodle. They tend to be petite, tiny Bernedoodle dogs because of this.
In most situations, the outcome will be a gentle giant that is smart, endearing, and simple to train. They are very nice with kids and adore their family. Additionally, they have adapted the low-shedding coat of the Poodle. Because of this, many individuals think that they are hypoallergenic. Little Bernedoodle puppies resemble their poodle parent and have a curly coat.
The Bernedoodle enjoys playing. Even the tiniest pup couldn’t be sweeter and gentler than the Bernese Mountain dog Poodle mix if you have young children and are unsure about getting a big dog. They adore playing with children, are incredibly kind to them, and will go to great lengths to protect young children.
Standard and Bernedoodle mix dogs would thrive in a home with a yard where they can run off their energy and spend time playing with family. If they do receive their daily exercise, smaller members of the breed can adjust to apartment living rather well.
Saint Berdoodle
A purebred Saint Bernard and a purebred Standard Poodle are combined to create the Saint Berdoodle. He’s probably just another designer dog, in your opinion. But you’re mistaken. Okay, not quite. They are designer dogs. But they are also a dog unlike any other. There may not exist a nicer dog than the St. Berdoodle.
The phrase “gentle giant” sums up this designer canine the best. Although these dogs are enormous, they are also warm and kind. They are also incredibly devoted. They constantly want to engage in activities with you and your family. Whatever it may be, even a quick circle of the block. They enjoy exploring new places and would rather take walks, treks, or runs than take naps.
Social canines like St. Bernards despise being left alone. It would be nice if someone was home with them at all times. Alternatively, avoid leaving them alone for extended periods of time. Training them won’t be difficult because of their high level of intellect.
For families with older children, this breed is a fantastic option. These adorable nanny dogs are loyal, amiable, and entertaining. They are so big that if a little kid tries to play with them, they might accidentally hurt them. Saint Berpoos are therefore ideal for a household with older kids.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo is a dog hybrid breed. It is a hybrid of the Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breeds. This combination is very chatty, playful, and inquisitive. Additionally, they are kind and loving. These puppies appear to have inherited some of the greatest qualities from both parents. Who wouldn’t want a dog like that for their kids?
The Cavapoo is usually a very small dog. They’ll be soft and fluffy, and the majority of them will be perfectly content to live in apartments. Of certainly, if you provide them adequate physical and intellectual activity. However, because they are a mixture, their size can range from little to medium. Their complete size truly relies on the size of the Poodle parent, as we just mentioned in the opening.
Because they desire to please their owners and family, they are incredibly simple to train and teach. The adult Cavapoo dog’s strong attachment to their family is one issue that could, however, occur. Therefore, if they are not properly trained, they may exhibit destructive behavior if left alone. They might begin to chew on your shoes, gnaw on your furniture, bark, or urinate on the carpet.
The Cavapoo is indeed the ideal family dog, to sum up. Without any embellishment! Compared to other dogs, they require less maintenance. They don’t need much maintenance, yet they shower you with love and affection.
Your youngster will develop wonderful friends out of this mixture, which also teaches empathy and responsibility. It goes without saying that you must train your dog. It’s important to work on socializing your Cavapoo from an early age.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frisé, also known as “Bichon à poil Frisé” in French, appears to be a fluffy cotton ball on four legs at first impression. This kind of dog stands between 9.5 and 11.5 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds.
A Bichon Frise has a great personality and charm that will win you over. This dog likes to go everywhere with you and is vivacious and active. You can’t help but smile just by looking at them because of their contagious joy. They can easily do that to the majority of individuals thanks to their small size. Their favorite spot to be is on your lap, where they also want to be caressed.
These dogs make simple, uncomplicated friends who get along with everyone—including other dogs. Additionally, they are typically cordial with outsiders. You should be aware, however, that despite their propensity for alertness, they are never aggressive or excessive barkers.
The Bichon Frise is a typically joyful, inquisitive, energetic, and cheery dog that adores attention. But you shouldn’t disregard the youngster. He likes to be active and is, on the one hand, quite energetic. Even in his advanced age, he is usually playful. On the other hand, he can be difficult to teach and has a tendency to be stubborn.
Cockapoo
The Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle were crossed to create the Cockapoo. The best feature of this combination is that they are incredibly intelligent and incredibly simple to teach, which makes them fully people-oriented and family-friendly pets.
It’s actually a little hard to predict how big they’ll grow in terms of size. In general, there are four sizes available for this hybrid. The size mostly depends on the size of their Poodle parent.
They are intelligent and ready to please their family members anytime and any day. They’ll pick up any command or trick very quickly because of this. All they want to do is make you happy! In addition, Cockapoo pups and adult dogs are affectionate and content! Whether going on walks or just cuddling on the couch, they like spending time with their owners.
They generally get along well with everyone, including strangers! Simply put, they are so filled with joy and love that they ache to spread it to others! These dogs have no problem with making new friends, and they will be popular amongst all of your friends and visitors.
This breed requires little maintenance as well. The Cockapoo lacks a double coat, unlike many other breeds. Actually, Cockapoo puppies have a single, lengthy coat that can be straight or have loose curls or waves. Definitely brush their coat each day to prevent matts from forming.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were originally bred to be companions, and they still aspire to fulfill that role today. They only want to be with you. Therefore, don’t anticipate them to hunt, guard, or retrieve; that’s not how they roll. They thrive on cuddling with you on the couch while you sip on mint tea and watch your favorite shows on Netflix.
Affection is their primary characteristic, and your lap is their favorite place. When they are with their family and are both giving and receiving attention, they are happiest. These small canines really make the perfect family companions.
Despite this, the Shih Tzu is not an entirely sedentary breed. They can bark at visitors to their home because they are vigilant and vivacious. But don’t worry, they’ll get along with your guests the moment they enter.
Shih Tzus may be amazing companions if taught and cared for properly. This breed is perfect for flats and other tiny living places due to its little stature. The Shih Tzu is a brachycephalic breed due of its head shape and short, “smooshed” face, so be prepared for some snoring and snorting. Overall, the majority of Shih Tzu owners will agree that this breed is a really lovely canine.
Pomeranian
Poms are smart, feisty, and fluffy; they are also devoted to their families. But don’t be fooled by their cuteness. These independent, brave dogs are autonomous thinkers. They are perceptive and interested in their surroundings. Unfortunately, they tend to overestimate their size, which can occasionally cause them to bother and even attack much larger dogs.
The courageous and boisterous Pomeranian enjoys playing, but he would do best in a household with older kids who can be trusted to handle him with care. For good reason, a lot of breeders won’t sell puppies to families with extremely young children. Despite his strength, the little Pom is all too easily hurt if a careless child drops or steps on him.
Due to this breed’s little size and endearing Ewok-like face, a very high proportion of Poms develop Small Dog Syndrome, human-induced behaviors in which the dog assumes the role of pack leader to humans. This can result in a wide range of behavioral issues, many of which are not unique to Pomeranians but rather are caused by how people treat them.
Behaviors include, but are not limited to, separation anxiety, becoming impulsive, anxious, bold, and occasionally aggressive, and attacking much larger canines without hesitation.
Bear Coat Shar Pei
Bear Coat Shar Peis are renowned for their deep wrinkles and blue-black tongues. Although they are deeper and more obvious when born, these wrinkles eventually blend into the skin. Despite being one of the oldest dog breeds, the American Kennel Club only officially recognized them as the 134th breed in 1992.
They develop strong attachments to their owner’s family since they have a strong feeling of devotion to them. The Shar Pei does not like or require constant care, in contrast to the majority of other dog breeds. They desire some quiet time to themselves to relax and enjoy their free time.
These dogs are highly autonomous even if we did mention that they are attached to their families. Rarely would a Shar Pie engage in destructive behaviors because he is bored or lacks other things to do. Although they are completely content to be alone, they do prefer to be at least in the same room as you.
The Bear Coat Shar Pei is prone to a variety of different skin disorders because of its thick skin, thick layer of fat, and numerous folds and wrinkles. In order to prevent it from accumulating too much moisture, ensure you routinely scrub the skin between his wrinkles. That can prevent a fungus from overgrowing on its skin.
Final words: Which teddy bear dog should I get?
Now this will depend completely on you and your own preferences. All of these are affectionate dogs that love their owners and stay loyal to their family members. However, you have to be real on how much you can handle. Before getting any teddy bear puppies ask yourself how much time, energy, money and effort you can bring to the table. Some breeds are easier to take care of than others. Larger dog breeds often have bigger exercise requirements and need more food.
However, petite dogs aren’t always easy to care for as well. These little balls of energy also need activity, and many of them can suffer from ‘small dog syndrome’. Don’t let their tiny frame fool you. Because what they lack in size they make up for with their lively personalities. You will also have to take care of training, grooming and vet appointments.
Whichever adorable breed of teddy bear puppies you choose, you have to be aware of how much of a commitment that is. Get to know the nature and basic needs of the breeds you are interested in and see which one would suit your lifestyle the best. Don’t only choose based on looks. Sure, the appearance is important as well, however, there are so many other things that you should put before that.