Imagine coming home after a long day to a tiny, fluffy pup that looks like it stepped straight out of a storybook—soft, snuggly, and irresistibly cute. That’s the magic of teddy bear breeds.
Classified as a Toy Breed, Teddy Bear dogs typically inherit the petite stature of their parent breeds. While their size may vary slightly between individual dogs, adult Teddy Bear dogs usually stand about 9 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 6 and 14 pounds when fully grown.
These dogs aren’t just cuddly; they’re loyal, affectionate, and bursting with personality. With button noses, round faces, and coats that beg to be hugged, they’re living plush toys that resemble a stuffed animal —but with a whole lot of heart.
We’ll introduce you to the most adorable teddy bear dog breeds out there, explain what makes each one special, and help you find the perfect pint-sized partner for your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a lifelong dog lover, prepare to fall head over heels for these fluffballs with heart-melting looks and loyal spirits.
Teddy Bear Dog Breeds
1. Bichon Frise
If you’re on the hunt for a dog that doubles as a cuddly teddy bear (minus the stuffing and the fear of getting lost in the couch), meet the Bichon Frisé.
They came to the United States around 1950 and have become popular as show dogs, companion dogs, and therapy dogs. Bichon Frises usually measure between 9 and 12 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds.
With their round, fluffy white coats and those big, expressive eyes, these teddy bear appearance pups look like they’ve just stepped out of a storybook—and yes, they’re just as charming as they look.
As per WebMD, Bichons are friendly and sociable, they adapt well to indoor living, and make excellent city dogs. Their small size makes them especially suited for apartment life.
Why You’ll Love a Bichon Frisé:
✅ Cuddle champions: Perfect for anyone who wants a living, breathing teddy bear pup.
✅ Social butterflies: These fluffballs love making new friends—two-legged or four!
✅ Hypoallergenic and handsome: All the fluff without the sniffles.
Bichons are like sunshine in fur form: cheerful, affectionate, and always ready to brighten your day. They’re the kind of dog who will happily snuggle in your lap but also jump up and play fetch like a tiny tornado of joy.
Plus, their hypoallergenic coat means less sneezing and more hugging for allergy sufferers. However, they require regular brushing to keep their fur from matting.
Warning: Be prepared for a cuteness overload—and a dog who expects to be pampered like the little star they are!
2. Cavapoo
If you want a pup who’s a permanent cheerleader for your life, the Cavapoo’s your go-to. This small dog breed adores kids of all sizes and gets along swimmingly with other dogs and cats, making them the social butterflies of the dog world. Just don’t count on them to double as your neighborhood watchdog — they’re more about love than alert barkathons.
Despite their cuddly looks, Cavapoos come with a surprising side hustle: a strong prey drive inherited from their hunting ancestors. That means birds, squirrels, and any speedy critter better watch out—they might inspire an impromptu chase session.
The Cavapoo, also called the Cavoodle, is a small to medium-sized hybrid breed resulting from a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
Known for their friendly temperament and ability to get along well with children, Cavapoos are ideal family pets. However, if not properly trained, they may develop undesirable behaviors like chewing on furniture or shoes and digging through trash when left alone.
This small breed is not a dog that tolerates being alone very much, and they could experience separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained.
Why You’ll Love a Cavapoo:
✅ Kid and pet friendly: A true social butterfly that fits right into the family.
✅ Brainy and biddable: Quick learners who love mental challenges.
✅ Low drama, high love: Sensitive souls who thrive on positive vibes.
Mini or not, Cavapoos are bundles of energy who need daily exercise, plenty of brain-boosting activities, and indoor play to keep stimulated.
Thirty minutes of playtime filled with tricks, puzzles, or a game of fetch will keep these pups happily tuckered out. When you’re away, give them some puzzle toys or chew treats to keep their clever minds busy—and your shoes safe.
Raised by people-focused parents, Cavapoos have a sensitive side. They don’t respond well to harsh training or loud voices, but with positive reinforcement, their smart little brains soak up commands like sponges.
Fun Fact: Cavapoos were one of the earliest designer breeds, combining the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s sweetness with the Poodle’s smarts—and the result is pure puppy perfection!
3. Maltipoo
Floppy ears, button eyes, and a face so sweet it could give you a sugar rush—meet the Maltipoo, the ultimate cuddle companion. This adorable mix of Maltese and Poodle is basically what happens when a marshmallow and a cotton ball fall in love and have puppies.
Lively and petite, Maltipoos make excellent companions for apartment residents, seniors, families with young children, and just about anyone. When fully grown, they typically reach a height of 8 to 14 inches and weigh between 10 and 20 pounds.
While purebred Maltese are snowy white, Maltipoos come in a whole rainbow of fluffy coat colors—white, black, brown, apricot, cream, or even two-toned. Whatever their shade, they’ve all got one thing in common: irresistible teddy bear charm and a teddy bear-like appearance.
Why You’ll Love a Maltipoo:
✔ Hypoallergenic = happy sinuses and fur-free clothes
✔ Cuddly, cheerful, and completely camera-ready
✔ Easygoing and great with kids, seniors, and everyone in between
And here’s the kicker—they’re hypoallergenic, which is a fancy way of saying “your couch might just stay clean.” No shedding, minimal dander, maximum cuddle potential.
Maltipoos often aren’t aware of just how tiny and adorable they are; they tend to take on the role of a watchdog, barking to alert their family whenever they notice something unfamiliar.
Maltipoos are also known for their good health, cheerful personalities, and velcro-dog tendencies. They adore being with their people, whether that means a game of fetch, a walk around the block, or binge-watching dog videos on YouTube (okay, maybe that’s just you—but they’ll happily snooze by your side).
Fun Fact: Despite their pint-sized fluff, Maltipoos are surprisingly intelligent and eager to please, making them as smart as they are snuggly!
4. Zuchon
If a teddy bear could wag its tail and follow you around the house, it would be called a Zuchon. Also known as a Shichon (Shih Tzu + Bichon Frisé), this cloud-like cutie is the definition of a living plush toy—with a personality to match!
Standing at about 9 to 12 inches tall and weighing between 10 to 15 pounds, they’re just the right size for sneaking under the couch or curling up in your favorite reading nook.
Zuchons have a playful streak a mile wide. They’ll happily chase a ball, show off their impressive “zoomies,” and then promptly flop down for some serious nap time. They’ve mastered the art of balancing energy with relaxation, kind of like a doggy yoga guru.
What truly makes Zuchons shine is their sunny disposition. These little pups are loving, gentle, sociable, and delightfully eager to please. They’re basically furry little people-pleasers who want to be your best friend… forever.
Why You’ll Love a Zuchon:
✅ Hypoallergenic + huggable = your dream snuggle buddy
✅ Adaptable dogs—city or country, couch or adventure
✅ Cheerful, smart, and easy to train (with a heart full of love)
Zuchons are wildly adaptable—they’ll happily make their home anywhere, from a downtown studio to a countryside farmhouse. As long as their people are around, they’re in their happy place.
And here’s some excellent news for allergy sufferers: Zuchons are hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Just be sure to comb them regularly, because nothing ruins that teddy bear fluff like a surprise dreadlock.
Fun Fact: Zuchons often retain their puppy-like appearance well into adulthood, so you get an eternal baby face with none of the potty training woes. Score!
5. Pomeranian
Poms may look like tiny plush toys that came to life, but don’t let that floofy exterior fool you—these little dogs have massive personalities packed into a bite-sized body. With their signature foxy faces, bold bark, and a coat that screams “pet me,” Pomeranians are true teddy bears with sass.
Tiny Pomeranians usually weigh between 3 to 7 pounds and stand about 6 to 7 inches tall, but don’t let their size fool you. These little fluffballs have the heart of a lion and the confidence to match.
One of the best things about Poms? Their luxurious double coat. It’s thick, fluffy, and downright fabulous—perfect for snuggling on chilly days or showing off in the park. Just be prepared for a little extra brushing to keep all that fluff looking top-notch. Bonus: their expressive faces and bright eyes can melt even the coldest heart in seconds.
Why You’ll Love a Pomeranian:
✅ Fluffy furball energy: Like carrying a cloud that talks back.
✅ Bold and brave: Fearless in a way that makes you both proud and slightly concerned.
✅ Total attention magnet: Expect lots of “Aww, can I pet your dog?”
They adore attention and won’t hesitate to act like royalty if you give them the throne (aka your lap). Despite their small stature, they’re curious, alert, and often fancy themselves as watchdogs… which is adorable, since they’re barely bigger than a loaf of bread.
They make excellent companions for singles, families, and even seniors who want a dog with personality plus. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for apartment living—just keep an eye on that bark; they’re known to be quite the chatty companions!
6. Yorkipoo
Take a spunky Yorkshire Terrier, mix in the smarts and curls of a Poodle, and you’ve got the Yorkipoo—an irresistibly fluffy companion with a heart as big as their hairdo. These teddy bear-like pups are affectionate, cheeky, and love being the center of your world.
This small hybrid breed, which comes in a range of solid colors like white, black, and golden, as well as bicolor and tricolor patterns, typically stands between 7 and 15 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds.
PetMD says this breed is charming and loving. These pups aren’t shy about expressing themselves, especially when they’re seeking attention.
Why You’ll Love a Yorkipoo:
✅ Compact enough for apartment life, energetic enough for fetch marathons.
✅ Low-shed lovebug: Less fur on your clothes, more time for cuddles.
✅ Great with families: Especially those who appreciate doggy theatrics.
Since these little pups need just 20–30 minutes of exercise daily, they’re perfect for people living in smaller spaces, seniors, and those new to pet ownership.
They’re small, but their playfulness is mighty. Whether they’re zipping around the living room or settling in your lap like a warm, fuzzy burrito, the Yorkipoo brings joy in every wag. Bonus? Their low-shedding coats make them a favorite for allergy sufferers and couch owners alike.
7. Cockapoo
One of the earliest designer dogs, the Cockapoo is a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix with teddy bear charm and a heart full of joy. These dogs are so friendly and cuddly, it’s like someone turned a hug into a dog breed.
Cockapoos vary in size depending on their Poodle lineage, typically falling into three categories: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Toy Cockapoos are the smallest, usually standing around 10 inches tall and weighing under 12 pounds.
Miniature Cockapoos are slightly larger, measuring between 11 and 14 inches in height and weighing between 13 and 18 pounds. Standard, or Maxi Cockapoos, are the largest, generally standing over 15 inches tall and weighing more than 19 pounds.
Purina says that Cockapoos come in a delightful variety of looks depending on whether they’re first-generation mixes or bred from other Cockapoos. That means you never know if your Cockapoo will look more like a curly-coated cartoon dog or a silky-eared sweetheart—but rest assured, both versions are equally snuggle-worthy.
Why You’ll Love a Cockapoo:
✅ Variety is the fluff of life: Every Cockapoo is a surprise package of adorable.
✅ Easy to train: One of the smartest teddy bears around.
✅ Great family dog: Gentle, friendly, and always up for cuddles or chaos.
Cockapoos are incredibly sociable and thrive on human interaction. They’re smart, eager to please, and ideal for families, singles, seniors—you name it!
Crossbreeds like Cockapoos are typically healthy and often have fewer inherited health issues than many purebred dogs. However, owners should still watch for common concerns such as allergies, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal diseases.
Fun Fact: Cockapoos are considered one of the original “designer dogs,” dating back to the 1950s—proving that being adorable never goes out of style.
Conclusion
Teddy bear dog breeds, like the Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, and Toy Poodle, are cute, playful, and make great companions. These mixed-breed pups often have a soft, wavy coat, gentle eyes, and were originally bred for companionship, even by Chinese royalty and in Buddhist monasteries. Whether it’s a teacup teddy bear dog or a standard teddy bear pup, training teddy bear puppies from a young age is key due to their independent nature.
Though not guard dogs, they are friendly with family members and other pets, but may be shy with strangers. With proper care, regular grooming, and daily walks, their life expectancy can be long. Grooming and exercise requirements vary depending on the two breeds involved, but when properly cared for, these furry friends are a wonderful addition to any home, even with the risk of dental problems.
