Upgrade your teddy bear collection by checking out dog breeds that look like your favorite plushies. Most of them are cute in size and appearance, you’ll never get tired of staring at their adorable faces.
This guide is on to giving you 16 of the most in-demand teddy bear puppers that will surely melt your heart. Typically, they share the same descriptions in features like their button noses, sparkling soulful eyes, small faces, and compact bodies.
Some of them are purebred while others are crossed, or labeled as designer dogs. Let’s know each of them and who knows, you might bring one of them home.
1. Poochon
The first teddy bear dog we have is the Poochon, a hybrid of the Poodle and the Bichon Frise which are of the very popular breeds in the world. Just like your regular stuffed toy, the Poochon is lightweight and easy to carry.
With that, he’s a perfect buddy for outdoor activities, especially traveling on the beach or in the city. He’s well-behaved only when he’s trained early on, intelligent, and easy to befriend.
It’s a great stress reliever only by just looking at his innocent and lovely face. The eyes are big and rounded, the nose worthy to be bopped, and the cheeks squishable.
The thing about Poochons, however, is that they don’t fit in a home with barely anyone there. They’re prone to separation anxiety so a companion is extremely a must for them.
2. Shih-Poo
Another Poodle mix that might resemble your childhood teddy is the Shih-Poo- a Toy Poodle and Shih-Tzu mix. Don’t be fooled by this little canine’s size and naive looks as he remains to retain the intelligence that its Poodle parent is known for and the moderate energy levels that come from its Shih-Tzu line.
Just like a teddy bear, a Shih-Poo loves to be around his family all the time. This bundle of energy loves to get involved with anyone’s business and be the center of attention. At times, he can act too boisterous, but this can be mellowed through proper training.
Note that this is a compact dog. Introducing him to kids and other pets needs to be done properly to avoid getting him injured or mishandled.
3. Maltipoo
Poodle crosses are unmistakably popular as designer dogs yet no one, not even us, finds them tiring to see. Maltipoos are another hybrid type that deserves a special mention thanks to their teddy bear-like cuteness that is too much to handle.
Typically, a Maltipoo dog can reach anywhere between 5 to 20 pounds so it’s no hard task to carry him in your arms. He’s also available in virtually any color but the ones that occur most often are apricot, white, and cream.
Should you adopt one, know that a Maltipoo would need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Usually, the coat appears curly, so grooming is necessary. Spending loads of time with him is a no-brainer either.
4. Cavapoo
What’s in a Poodle’s blood? It seems that any dog it mates with produces immeasurably cute puppies like this one which we often call the Cavapoo. He’s another hybrid between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
A dog of this kind laying on a couch behaving without moving can be easily mistaken as a real stuffed teddy bear. His eyes are round, dark, and the nose seems toy-like.
Its thick and sometimes curly coat also contributes to his teddy bear-like appearance. Just as how loving he looks, the Cavapoo has endless affection to show to his families too. With proper care, he can live for up to 15 years.
5. Goldendoodle
Some of us used to like our teddy bears a bit bigger and the Goldendoodle would exactly replicate your childhood toy. The name itself is enough to give you a hint on how he came about. He’s a mix of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle.
You can choose from a wide array of choices when it comes to the coat colors of this teddy bear dog. Essentially, grooming must be done with commitment, but the frequency depends on which parent does he follow more after.
As a fabulous pet, the Goldendoodle exudes intelligence, a high sense of trainability, as well as loyalty. He is certainly not a couch potato, so daily activities are a must to keep him vibrant.
6. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier dog is both practical and beautiful. He is, no doubt, a purebred dog that was trained to go and hunt down foxes. Eventually, most of them now serve as pets and companions to many.
He looks quite rough on the exterior due to how “spikey” his coat appears to be, but his face remains to outshine this prominent feature. His golden-brown eyes sparkle and his usually darker ears give more character to his identity.
Although he’s a seemingly small dog, you won’t believe how active he can get. Potential owners have to be aware of his tendency to dig, run, or chase, so be ready for a challenge.
7. Bichon Frise
A Bichon Frise is a notorious troublemaker that comes in a small package. Whatever he does, though, it’s near impossible to stay mad toward him. He’s literally a real-life teddy bear, immeasurably cute and handsome in every way.
His constant outbursts of energy can be a tell-tale sign that his energy needs to be poured out. Bring him in the yard for a quick play or indulge him with interactive dog toys.
Just like how kids take care of their precious teddies, the Bichon Frise needs the same kind of keeping as well. He’s a sensitive breed, so try not to scold him when he does something, but instead teach him gently how to properly act.
8. Pekingese
You shouldn’t miss out on one of the most unique breeds in the world- the Pekingese. Originally from China, this dog is renowned to have a flat, but tender and endearing face much like the adored stuffed teddy bear.
Bringing him to the groomer will further enhance his teddy bear looks as the right stylist can make his face look even rounder and smoother on the edges. His curious stare, little black nose, and droopy ears are what make him deserve a spot on this list.
9. Lhasa Apso
Who would have known that a minute Lhasa Apso was once trained to be a guard dog in the mountains of Tibet? At times, this breed is thought to be a Shih Tzu or a crossbreed but neither is true. The dog is a breed of its own with a strong resemblance to the stuffed bear.
The way he looks can make anyone think that he needs to be showered with attention all the time or that he must never be left on his own. The contrary is true, however. Independence seems to be a dominant character trait for him.
Like a teddy bear thought to protect a kid during his sleep, a Lhasa Apso is a real-life prince that would alert his owners if someone is lurking nearby the house.
10. Cairnoodle
A full-grown Cairnoodle stays small in the eyes of his owners and we mean it literally. He exhibits both the features and personalities of his Cairn Terrier and Poodle parent, so it’s like having two dogs in a body too.
When trained at a very young age, this dog will be forever loyal much like a stuffed toy you would never give away. Another great thing about teddy bear dogs is that they can interact with you and your emotions thanks to their sensitive nature.
Holding one or even just feeling his coat would feel like caressing a plush bear only that it’s alive.
11. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are one of the most popular teddy bear breeds in various countries like the US. The right haircut can bring drastic changes to his overall appearance.
If you’re aiming for him to bear the semblance of the plush toy, have him groomed by a professional. We have 10 styling tips you can check here.
To add more details on his appearance, the Toy Poodle has a dense curly coat, two large doll eyes, a button nose, and a cheerful expression.
12. Yorkshire Terrier
Have a teddy bear-looking dog asking for your attention all the time by adopting a Yorkshire Terrier. Most owners would share that the breed loves to be in the highlight whenever possible. They can be quirky and extremely interesting which is never disappointing.
His cute looks paired with a terrific personality puts him at par with the rest of the dogs on this list. He can be associated with the term “complete package”. Just be aware though that a Yorkshire Terrier can exhibit hostility toward other people.
13. Samoyed
The Samoyed breed is more like a teddy bear wrapped in a thick pile of clouds. He’s fluffy, huggable, and gentle in the eyes. It can’t be easy not to get tempted to squish his cheeks or pat his broad forehead.
If the regular Samoyed is too much for you concerning the size, a miniature one would be the best alternative. Originally, the breed is a working dog, but with the size of a miniature Samoyed, rigorous tasks might be unsuitable for him.
Being stubborn is present in his nature, nevertheless, training him won’t take forever as long as there are positive reinforcements along the way.
14. Chow Chow
If mini teddy bears are not for you, a large one you’d have to check is the Chow Chow. The Chinese breed is noted for its super fluffy, double coat and distinct blue-black tongue.
Unlike a teddy bear, the Chow Chow isn’t a dog you can leave on the couch to sit the whole day. He’s fairly energetic so at least 30 minutes of daily exercise is required for him.
An ideal family for this fuzzy dog is one that has plenty of time to give in dog training and other essential drills. Leaving him to learn things on his own could encourage him to develop bad habits.
15. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu hails from Asia particularly from Tibet and he’s a toy dog that is worthy of everyone’s attention. His coat is the most obvious feature he carries and by the looks of it, he’s soft, smooth, and gentle to the touch.
Depending on how he’s groomed a Shih Tzu may either look like a young pet with a beard on or a fluffy teddy bear with a ball-shaped head. Just wait until you see him running toward you, you’ll behold an irresistibly adorable pooch.
There are countless reasons why you should bring this dog home. He’s extremely outgoing, playful, intelligent, spunky, and alert. All these can significantly transform the atmosphere in your home.
16. Pomeranian
One of the most recognizable dog breeds people find charming is the Pomeranian. He’s a sweet-looking teddy bear dog with a gorgeous, feathery coat and a heartwarming smile.
True to how he looks, the puffed-up chest really does signify that this small dog is indeed confident in his own right. His curled-up tail wags with delight during playtime, a sight that owners always cherish seeing.
As an intelligent pooch, a Pomeranian knows how to follow commands and training pieces provided these started during puppyhood. With enough socialization skills, he’ll show approachability toward potential friends.
