Breed Info: Teddy Bear Puppies
89The teddy bear dog is a new breed of "designer dog" that was first introduced at the start of the new millenium. Also known as the Zuchon or Shuchon, this dog has earned its place as one of the cutest companion dogs. Technically a mixed breed, Teddy Bear puppies are cross bread from Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise parents. It is said that the American Kennel Club will give the Teddy Bear official recognition as a breed in its own right (to be officially named the Zuchon) after more generations are born and raised.
The search for cuddly companion dogs has seen the popularity of teddy bear puppies skyrocket throughout the United States and other countries. So just what makes this designer breed so popular? Let's investigate some of this dog's qualities.
Appearance
- Teddy bear puppies are small in stature, and remain small even into adulthood, growing to a height of approximately 12 inches. They weight a light 12 to 14 pounds as adult dogs.
- The breed sports a soft, fluffy coat that doesn't shed like most dog breeds. It can be clipped short into a "puppy cut" or left long.
- These dogs have round faces with squashed muzzles and large, endearing eyes, earning them their namesake. They also have medium length droopy ears and short, fluffy tails.
- Their coat can come in virtually any colour, giving each dog its own uniqueness that isn't usually seen in other companion breeds such as the Bichon Frise.
Temperament
Like any dog breed, teddy bear puppies will develop their own behaviours based on their upbringing, including factors like socialization, training and environment. Generally though, the breed has been developed to posess the following temperamental traits:
- They are eager to please and intelligent, making them ideal to train.
- This breed loves the company of their human pack, unlike some of the more independent small dog breeds.
- Teddy bear dogs tend to be less vocal than other small dogs. They will still let you know if there's a visitor, but they aren't usually nuisance barkers.
Health and Care
Teddy bear dogs are relatively healthy compared to their purebred ancestors. This is partially due to the genetic diversity of being a mixed breed, but also due to its small stature.
- Teddy bear puppies are brachycephalic (short-muzzled) dogs, which means that breathing problems or sensitivity to high temperatures may be an issue.
- Cleaning the dog's ears on a semi-regular basis may be required to prevent a buildup of grime and dirt.
- It is important not to neglect this dog's coat. Regular brushing and the occassional trim is required to keep this breed's coat in top shape. A neglected coat can become matted, leading to painful hot-spots on your dog.
For families with allergies, this dog is ideal. Not only does the breed not shed its coat, but it is also very low in dander, making it very hypoallergenic.
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I love all dogs and the teddy bear breeds are extremely cute, thanks for the article and great dog pictures!
If they are anything like my Bichon Frise they must be a great dog!
Those teddybear puppies look adorable. They have those big eyes that make me think of the cat in shrek. If ever I have kids, I might get a teddy bear puppy as the family pet.
George mentioned his Bichon Frise - little water spaniel, which is exactly the breed that I thought of when I saw the photo you provided. Nice hub, I expect to learn a lot about dogs from your writings.
I loved your article on these adorable dogs. Keep up the good work!
Cute pups!
Hi Belinda, sounds like the perfect companion--eager to please and intelligent, loves your company and less vocal...hmmm do these come in human? =:)
These are so cute, I won't let my grand kid look at them because then we would have to bring one home. I am not that mean though I let her have a teddy bear hamster. Not the same.
haha these are everywhere in Korea. They can be super cute. Great article, keep up the good writing
I ADORE my teddy bear Livvy!! She truly lives up to her name...she's so cuddly and loving :)
They are great little dogs! We sure do love having ours in the family!
I have a "Teddy Bear dog named Muffin. She is black and white and so sweet. She will jump in my lap and curl up and go to sleep. My grandchildren love her and when they come over, they take her for walks around the neighborhood. I also have a Maltese that is 10yrs old and he does not play with her. She tries to play with him but Maximus is not interested. So she takes her toys and puts them in my lap so I can play with her. The best dog I have ever owned.
I just bought a Teddy Bear puppy. Named her Sophie. She has so much energy ! Very sweet ! Does anyone have any ideas on house breaking ? I am usually a poodle person, I have an 11 year old, and I just lost a 3 1/2 yr. old. I thought they caught on to house breaking quicker. Any help would be much appreciated !
They are an adorable and kind hearted creatures. But they are vengeful when you make them mad.
I jiust got a Teddy Bear,she is adorable and never had this breed. Learning how to pottie train her!! I have a small poodle and I think she will learn from her.
I am crazy about her....
Where can I get one of these puppies in Australia
I have a teddy bear and they are the best dog ever!!! So easy to train and get a long with! totally goes against everything i've heard about small dogs! not the typical "yappy, jumpy" breed!!
I have a beautiful teddy bear named Carly after the Disney character ICarly. Carly loves her human family almost too much. Just as the article stated she barks to alert us of visitors, welcomed or not. I would recommend this type breed for families. Carly loves her car rides too!
I went to the mall and saw 1of them ! They are the cutesy thing u will ever see! Mine was white so I named him Frosty.
I just got a black and white teddy bear.....too cute! Out of all the dogs at the adoption, he was the quietest and friendliest. Two thumbs up for a great family dog!
I got my "teddy bear" about 6 months ago and he has been a delight ever since. I feel as though I have the perfect companion.
We have had our Toby for 18 months. He is wonderful. He is good with our grandson. A loving little dog with a great personality. Would recommend a Teddie bear.
It takes more than "a few more generations to be born" for AKC recognition. You need a breed club, a written standard, several generations that CONFORM to that standard, a wide population, and a stud book that contains nothing but "teddy bears/zuchons/shichons"
Also Bichons and Shih Tzu have health issues in common to say their mixed offspring is healthier because they are mixed is a fallacy.
I have a 3 year old zuchon. He is all white and very fluffy..he must take more after the bichon. He is around 12 pounds. He tends to be very hyper and have lots of energy. Loves to run and play a lot. He is very alert and curious. Extremely healthy so far. He gets tear ducts around his eyes though. As far as intelligence goes, I think he is average. He's not dumb but he's not extremely smart either. LOL But if you give him treats, he's a quick learner. haha He is very loyal, and affectionate. He is very friendly towards people and other small dogs, but around larger dogs he barks a lot. He has a very loud bark for such a little dog, but he doesn't bark often. He loves to be with me every second and pouts when i leave him. He is very protective of me and follows me around everywhere. He loves to cuddle and sleep with me in my bed. He is a very good companion and I love him a lot. He doesn't shed much either, but he needs to be groomed a lot because his coat gets really thick and fluffy.
Good info. My kids and I have asthma and really bad allergies. I just brought a Teddy Bear dog. We named him Teddy. Which was an great ideal dog for ower family.
We have a 7 month old Teddy Bear. He's all white and his name is Frankie. He is very smart and easy to train. He really is a great dog. We've always been "big dog" people. When we decided on a small dog we couldn't have chosen better. He has a great personality. If you are considering a small dog definitely consider a Zuchon.
i have one and they are cute@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a two year old teddy bear girl, and she is incredibly social (with people, dogs, cats, birds, bugs...whatever!) and affectionate. She LOVES to be pet. She's wonderfully sweet and full of personality. Like others, my only issue with her has been housebreaking. Still working on it after nearly a year (she was a rescue).
i have a teddy bear dog he is fun to play with in the puppy years they can be hard but when they are three they
would get along with any one.
I just got a Teddy Bear for mothers day. I named him Teddy. He is a wonderful dog. He is good with my kids. He plays and makes them smile alot. In the other hand with me he's mire calm and cuddly. He lays in the bed with me and keeps me company any where I go. He is a very smart dog and was very easy to train. He'll go ouside to do his necessity and he also uses the weewee pads. I recommend this breef to anyone also with allergies. I love my puppy Teddy the best dog ever.
bloggering Level 1 Commenter 16 months ago
I've never heard of these dogs, but they sure are cute! Welcome to the Hub!