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Animals

15 Teddy Bear Dogs That Look Like Stuffed Animals Come to Life

Bet you can't pick just one favorite!

What is a teddy bear dog? Well, pretty much exactly what it sounds like: dogs that look like teddy bears! But unlike the stuffed animals we had as kids, teddy bear dogs can cuddle you right back. You can’t get much sweeter than that. Keep reading to find out which breeds make great teddy bear dogs and to see photos that are sure to make your day significantly cuter.

What are teddy bear dogs?

Teddy bear dogs can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Sometimes their fur is curly, like they just walked out of the salon with a fresh perm. Other times it’s on the straighter side, but their faces are just so undeniably teddy bear-shaped. Dogs that don’t shed much also frequently fit into this teddy bear category.

You’ll often find these sweet teddy bear puppies come from mixing breeds together. Poodles pop up a lot as teddy bear dog parents, plus Maltese, Yorkshire terriers and Pomeranians. However, there are some breeds that stand out as bear-like without any blending (we’re looking at you, Bichon Frisé).

Keep scrolling for adorable photos and descriptions of teddy bear dogs. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a cutie that you’ll want to make your new best friend!

1. Shichon

brown and white shichon teddy bear dog sitting by pink flowers
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Of dogs that look like teddy bears, there are perhaps the teddy bear-iest. Also known as Zuchons or Tzu Frisé, they’re an adorable blend of two others on this list: Shih Tzu and Bichon Frisé. They also take after those breeds as playful and happy pooches.

2. Maltipoo

Teddy bear dogs Maltipoo puppies
KDdesignphoto/Shutterstock

This teddy bear dog never seems to grow out of her young puppy looks or behavior, as she grows up eternally playful, affectionate and a little bit needy. She prefers being around her family as much as possible — but if you have a Maltipoo, you probably want to be around her as much as possible, too.

3. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier teddy bear dog
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Even full grown, Yorkshire terriers are teddy bear dogs. They’re one of the cutest toy dog breeds out there. But any Yorkie owner will tell you that despite these dogs’ teeny, tiny statures, they pack in a lot of personality — in their silly minds, they’re the biggest dogs around.

4. Maltese

Maltese puppy walking on sidewalk
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This playful, snow white pooch will add so much joy to any home with her charm. Even though this cute pup is sure to make you smile, she can be a bit stubborn when there’s something she’s set her mind to (like getting treats).

5. Morkie

Morkie puppy teddy bear dog
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If you thought you couldn’t get any cuter than a Maltese or a Yorkie on their own, just look at this precious pup that’s a mixture of both! Morkies tend to have a balance of both parents’ personalities, so you’ll have a feisty fur baby on your hands.

6. Lhasa Apso

light brown lhasa apso puppy in the yard
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If you’re dead-set on owning a dog that looks like a teddy bear, look no further than the Lhasa Apso. The AKC describes this intelligent breed as a “family comedian” who adds plenty of laughter to their loved ones’ lives, but may be standoffish with strangers.

7. Shih Tzu

happy white shih tzu dog running in the grass
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Shih Tzus as a breed have been around for a long time — the AKC notes that their ancestry may date back as far as 1,000 B.C. They’re also one of the most popular dog breads and for good reason — these sweet little teddy bear puppies are affectionate and especially great at bonding with young children. 

8. Cavapoo

golden cavapoo puppy
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Doesn’t that face just melt your heart? The mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and poodle is known for being super affectionate, smart and easy to train. Despite their medium size, (they’re between 25 and 40 pounds fully grown), they’re not apartment dogs. “These dogs need to exercise and socialize regularly,” says pet enthusiast Kelly Reci.

9. Schnoodle

black schnoodle puppy
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How fun it is to just say the name of this mixture between miniature Schnauzers and poodles? Schnoodles are the ultimate teddy bear dog — not only do they not shed (a major bonus for allergy sufferers!), but they’re also charming and non-aggressive. Unlike most other teddy breed dogs, though, they also make good watchdogs.

10. Pomeranian

pomeranian dog walking toward camera
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Aside from the Shichon, this breed might be the closest to an actual bear cub you can safely bring into your home. As far as their behavior goes, they tend to bond so closely to their owners that they mimic their energy levels. So whether you’re looking for an adorable adventure partner or a cuddle buddy while you watch TV, the Pomeranian might be the teddy bear dog for you!

11. Chow Chow

Chow Chow outside
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This super-floofy breed is like a Pomeranian times 10 in size, but just as loyal and loving as their tinier lookalikes. Chow chows tend to bond closely with just one owner, so they’re the perfect dog for anyone flying solo.

12. Cockapoo

red cockapoo dog in garden
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These beautiful mixes of Cocker Spaniel and poodle are affectionate, intelligent companions with bright, happy personalities. They love people and are eager to please, making them easy to train. Unlike other hybrid dogs that are newer to the scene, Cockapoos have been popular since the 1960s.

13. Bouvier des Flandres

Bouvier des Flandres dog in grass
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Their breed name might sound super fancy, but these mop-topped cuties will feel right at home snuggling up with their favorite humans whether they live in a castle or regular ol’ home. Their name translates to “cow herder of Flanders,” which is the Belgian town from which they originate. These teddy bear dogs are protective and love having a job to do, which makes them great family guard dogs.

14. Golden Doodle

happy golden doodle on blue chair
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Can’t decide what size teddy bear dog you’d want to adopt? This blend of golden retriever and a poodle ranges in size from mini (about 15 pounds) to large (up to 90 pounds), so you can have your pick! They make wonderful family dogs, too. “They are quite the entertainers who enjoy learning new tricks,” say Kenneth and Norma Schlabach, professional doodle breeders at Mountain Meadow Puppies. “They’re very affectionate and bond with their masters quickly.”

15. Bichon Frisé

bichon frise in blue striped shirt
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These French pups have a teddy bear personality to go with their snuggly, adorable appearance. They’re friendly, curious, entertaining and crave attention from their humans. Bichons are also good with children and other pets, making them a welcome addition to any family.

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