The 10 Most Popular Teddy Bear Dog Breeds

Who doesn’t love a dog that looks like a cuddly teddy bear? If you’re searching for an attractive and lovable pup, these 10 most popular teddy bear dog breeds will serve you right. 

These adorable pups are covered with fluffy coats and they combine sweet expressions and playful personalities into irresistible packages that resemble our favorite childhood stuffed toys.

Besides being up for cuddles and hugs, teddy bear look-alikes (even when fully matured) will always bring a huge smile to your face with their plush affection.

10 Most Popular Teddy Bear Dog Breeds

1.    Bichon Frise

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Size range: 9.5 – 11.5 inches tall
• Weight range: 12 – 18 pounds
• Coat type: Long, double curly coat
• Coat colors: Classic white, white and buff, white and cream, or white and apricot,
• Average lifespan: 14 – 15 years

The Bichon Frise purebred dog is more likely to be confused for a cloud-like white fluffy teddy bear. In terms of personality, these little pups are outgoing and people-oriented.

They love to snuggle up in cozy spots and give their caring owners valuable company whenever possible.

Regular grooming is needed to ensure Bichon’s velvety coat is kept in top condition free from debris, tangles, and mats.

2.    Cavapoo

• Group: Hybrid
• Size range: 9 – 14 inches tall
• Weight range: 7 – 18 pounds
• Coat type: Curly and soft
• Coat colors: Black, white, brown, cream, fawn, gold, and various combinations
• Average lifespan: 10 – 15 years

The Cavapoo (or Cavoodle) designer dog breed is a quintessential canine companion with an alluring teddy bear look that invites more cuddles.

This hybrid mix combines the playful character of the purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intellectual acumen of the Miniature or Toy Poodle.

Cavapoos are highly social and they love spending time with their immediate human families, including young children.

Coming from a lineage of two smart dog breeds, Cavapoos are generally easy to train for command and obedience.

Their energy levels can vary based on dominant parental traits. Some inherit the Poodle’s higher energy while others might be more relaxed like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

3.    Chow Chow

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Size range: 17 – 20 inches tall
• Weight range: 45 – 70 pounds
• Coat type: Dense double coat, either rough or smooth
• Coat colors: Red, black, fawn, blue, cinnamon, cream
• Average lifespan: 9 – 15 years

With historical roots in ancient China, Chows have evolved into one of the most popular family-friendly dog breeds that we have today.

In addition to resembling a charming teddy bear, Chows have a distinctive lion mane that gives them a dignified and bright appearance.

Chow Chows have a relatively low requirement for exercise compared to similar-sized breeds, so they’ll be happy to join you on the couch to curl up.

4.    Cockapoo

• Group: Hybrid
• Size range: 10 – 20 inches, depending on Poodle parent.
• Weight range: 6 – 30 pounds
• Coat type: Soft and curly, low-shedding
• Coat colors: Variety, including black, white, brown, cream, and more
• Average lifespan: 14 – 18 years

Coming from a parentage of Cocker Spaniel and Poodles, the Cockapoo hybrid dog is truly beautiful both from the outside and inside.

Being one of the most established hybrid dogs, Cockapoos are generally healthy with reduced risks of inheriting genetic conditions compared to other hybrid mixes.

With a devoted fan base since the 1950s, Cockapoos have even caught the eye of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Harry Styles, who have their own teddy bear-like furry companions.

5.    Lhasa Apso

• Group: Non-Sporting
• Size range: 10 – 11 inches tall
• Weight range: 12 – 18 pounds
• Coat type: Long, dense, and straight
• Coat colors: Black, white, gold, gray, and more
• Average lifespan: 12 – 15 years

Despite looking innocent from the outside, Lhasa Apsos were originally bred in Tibet to be interior watchdogs.

This means that Lhasa Apsos may not readily welcome strangers into your home, but they are extremely friendly and loyal to their immediate families.

Aside from their regal looks, these teddy bear dogs have intelligent acumen and a funny side that keeps many drawn to them. Be mindful of their independent streak, which can make training a little difficult.

6.    Maltipoo

• Group: Hybrid
• Size range: 8 – 14 inches tall
• Weight range: 5 – 20 pounds
• Coat type: Soft and silky, can be wavy or curly
• Coat colors: White, cream, and brown
• Average lifespan: 10 – 13 years

Maltipoo is a designer dog bred by crossing a Maltese and Toy Poodle. These little teddy bear dogs are calm and patient, making them a favorable choice for many homes.

They have a soft spot for children, which is augmented by their fun-loving side, affectionate nature, and intellectual acumen.

Maltipoos can be very vocal, but they are not inherently aggressive. The best thing about these little pups is the ease with which they can blend into any dog-friendly situation you put them into.

7.    Morkie

• Group: Hybrid
• Size range: 7 – 9 inches tall
• Weight range: 5 – 7 pounds
• Coat type: Medium and smooth
• Coat colors: Black, brown, tan, white, yellow, gray, and various combinations.
• Average lifespan: 10 – 13 years

The Morkie is a hybrid teddy bear dog that comes from the parentage of purebred Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier.

Morkies can be small in stature, but they have high energy levels that need to be channeled into constructive activities such as exercises and training.

Besides the teddy bear resemblance, you’ll also notice that Morkies have a larger-than-life personality with a tendency to get too vocal.

This hybrid dog is highly likely to form special bonds with a family member, thanks to the heritage of both parents.

8.    Pomeranian

• Group: Toy
• Size range: 7 – 12 inches tall
• Weight range: 3 – 7 pounds
• Coat type: Luxurious double coat
• Coat colors: Red, black, white, sable, cream, blue, gray, tan, orange, or brown.
• Average lifespan: 12 – 16 years

These teddy bear look-alikes come from a lineage of spitz-type sled dogs, which may explain their unique fluffy looks.

Pomeranians are well known for their inquisitive, playful, and self-assured personalities. However, it’s important to socialize them early to prevent bad habits or mistrust towards strangers and other dogs.

Despite their small size, adult Poms need moderate exercise (around 50 minutes of activity per day) and their luxurious coat requires grooming at least twice a week.

9.    Schnoodle

• Group: Hybrid
• Size range: 10 – 26 inches, depending on Poodle parent
• Weight range: 6 – 75 pounds
• Coat type: Wiry, can be soft or coarse
• Coat colors: Black, white, brown, gray, and various combinations
• Average lifespan: 10 – 15 years

A Schnoodle hybrid pup comes from crossing two purebred dogs, a Schnauzer and a Poodle (Standard, toy, or miniature).

Besides being a fun name to pronounce, owning a Schnoodle can also be a fun-filled experience for canine lovers.

These hybrid pups are filled with raw energy and a happy personality that blend in an active family. The only downside of having this teddy bear replica is the high requirements for grooming and training.

10. Shih Tzu

• Group: Toy
• Size range: 9 – 10.5 inches tall
• Weight range: 9 – 16 pounds
• Coat type: Long, luxurious double coat
• Coat colors: Black, white, gold, silver, liver, brindle, and many
• Average lifespan: 10 – 18 years

As a purebred cuddly toy breed pup, dog breeders often use Shih Tzus to develop teddy bear hybrid pups.

Besides their outward teddy bear looks, these little pups are highly affectionate and can thrive when given attention from those they love.

Shih Tzus’ exercise requirements are moderate, but the grooming department needs plenty of attention to prevent mats and tangles.

Conclusion

Dogs with teddy bear looks come in various sizes, personalities, and grooming needs, but they all share the irresistible outward appearance of cuddle bugs.

The above list of the 10 most popular teddy bear dog breeds can be a great starting point for people looking to adopt a cuddly pup.

Make sure to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of the puppies, especially when considering mixed-breed dogs.

Written By

Laura Nassoura

Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.