Dog Breeds That Actually Look Like Teddy Bears

Quick Take

• One breed on this list is officially nicknamed the "teddy bear dog," and it's probably not the one you'd guess. Meet the official teddy bear dog →
• Not all teddy bear dogs are purebreds. In fact, some of the fluffiest options come from an unexpected pairing of two very different breeds. See this unexpected hybrid →
• Some of these dogs look like stuffed animals but behave like watchdogs, which is a personality combo most people don't see coming. Discover the watchdog surprise →
• Several breeds on this list have coats more similar to human hair than animal fur, and that distinction changes everything about how you care for them. Explore the hair-like coat →

A teddy bear dog isn’t one particular breed. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be a purebred. Some teddy bear dogs are designer breeds developed by crossing two purebred dogs. Teddy bear dogs are small, fluffy pups with button noses and sweet round faces that look like the fuzzy stuffed animal. They typically have long fur that can be cut into a “teddy bear” style with even, plush fur all over their bodies. Read on to discover some of the dog breeds that look like teddy bears.

1. Toy and Miniature Poodles

Poodles come in three sizes accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but only toy and miniature poodles are really small enough to have the teddy bear aesthetic. Toy poodles stand no more than 10 inches tall and weigh 4-6 pounds, while miniature poodles stand 10-15 inches tall and weigh 10-15 pounds.

Their coats are long and curly and continue to grow throughout their lives. However, because their fur grows more like human hair, it sheds very little. Shaved or clipped poodles don’t need to be brushed as often, but longer fur should be brushed daily to prevent tangles and mats. Poodles are very intelligent, athletic, and affectionate. They are easy to train but can get bored easily, and they are great with kids and other dogs.

2. Maltese

Maltese are a toy breed standing just 7-9 inches tall and weighing under 7 pounds. These pups have continuously growing hair like poodles. They shed very little, but their long, silky hair needs frequent combing. Even dogs with a shorter teddy bear cut require daily brushing to prevent mats.

When it comes to personality, Maltese are playful and affectionate companions. They tend to be little cuddle bugs, but they are also alert watchdogs, and excel at canine sports such as agility. These gentle pups also have a stubborn streak, but training with positive reinforcement yields excellent results.

3. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are also a toy breed, standing 9-10.5 inches tall and weighing 9-16 pounds. Their long, silky fur rarely sheds. However, it needs to be kept short or brushed daily to prevent matted fur. Even short hair needs regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep their coats healthy.

Shih Tzus are friendly, affectionate, and adaptable. They are outgoing pups who get along well with young children and other dogs. They are great pets for apartment dwellers, as these little lap dogs require minimal exercise. Indoor playtime and short daily walks are enough to meet their energy requirements.

4. Pomeranian

There are different face types for Pomeranians: fox-like, baby doll, and teddy bear. However, only the fox-like Poms are recognized by the AKC. Teddy bear Pomeranians have shorter snouts and are groomed to have round, plush faces. These dogs are 6-7 inches tall and weigh just 3-7 pounds. They have dense double coats that require frequent brushing, regardless of how it is cut. They should be brushed down to the skin weekly to prevent matting.

These active pups have plenty of personality and are very affectionate with their families. They are intelligent and alert, making them good little watchdogs. Poms are easily trained, but housebreaking can be challenging unless you are consistent. They can learn many different games and tricks, and they excel at canine sports.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, are known for their long, silky hair and the cute hairdos many people give them to keep their fur out of their eyes. These adorable pups are 7-8 inches tall and weigh 7 pounds. Like all long-haired dogs, Yorkies can also be clipped into a short teddy bear cut. Their coats are more like our hair than animal fur, so they shed very little, but they still require regular brushing even with their hair clipped short.

Yorkshire terriers are playful, affectionate, and friendly pups. These dogs love to make friends with everyone, including young children. Although they are open to strangers, they are also vigilant, protective little watchdogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, so they are easy to train with loving, positive reinforcement.

6. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are known for their plush, white coats. The rounded hair on their heads gives them a natural teddy bear look, especially with their dark eyes and noses. They should be brushed several times a week, or daily if possible, to remove shed caught in the undercoat. They require clipping at least once a month to keep their signature look. Bichons stand 9.5-11.5 inches tall and weigh 12-18 pounds.

These pups are lively and playful, and they are very affectionate with their families. They do well with young children and other dogs, and they are open with strangers. They can be tricky to housebreak, but they are generally easy to train and learn tricks easily. Bichons love being with their people, and they struggle with being left alone for long periods.

7. Shichon (Zuchon)

The Zuchon, a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu, is actually known as the “teddy bear dog.” These little dogs typically stand under 12 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 15 pounds. Their fur can be wavy or curly, but they all have a similar plush texture. They are low-shedding, but require regular grooming to keep their hair fluffy and mat-free.

They are known to be very affectionate and love to cuddle with their humans. Zuchons are loyal and devoted, and they have a cheerful, gentle temperament. They are good with children and tend to get along well with other pets. They can have a stubborn streak due to their Shih Tzu ancestry, but they respond very well to positive reinforcement training methods.

8. Morkie

Morkies are a cross between Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese. They are said to have the friendly nature of the Maltese and the playful personality of the Yorkie. Morkies generally weigh between 4 and 8 pounds and stand around 6-8 inches tall. They have long, silky hair that needs frequent brushing to prevent mats. Even short cuts should be brushed regularly to prevent matting.

These little dogs love being around humans. They are affectionate, smart, and eager to please, so they are typically fairly easy to train. Morkies are active, alert pups and can be prone to barking, so early socialization and training are important. They can also have separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.