Mishka
Teddy Bear

Breed guide

Get to know the
Teddy Bear

The Teddy Bear puppy is also known as a Shichon or a Zuchon and it is a cross between Bichon Fris and Shih Tzu. the Teddy Bear is a dog "known for his endearing face, large expressive eyes, and his soft teddy-bear coat." The Teddy Bear usually has a longer coat that does not shed very much, if at all. This longer coat may lead to more time for maintenance and grooming. As hypoallergenic dogs, Teddy Bears are generally more suitable for homes with allergy problems amongst the inhabitants, although allergic reactions may still occur. This toy dog is said to have a "great" personality, and it is playful, lively, and well-mannered. They can be a bit stubborn, but when they are trained well, they are a good family pet. The breed has a tendency to bark, but with active training, this can be mastered. They are easily trained. The Teddy Bear is a well-mannered dog known to be social, happy, and gentle. They become devoted to their families but need much attention and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are good therapy dogs. Sometimes the Teddy Bear may be stubborn and in need of training. The Teddy Bear will remain active and playful throughout its life. They make fairly good watchdogs! When necessary, this dog will bark to alert its family that someone is nearby. This breed is typically good with other pets, especially when socialized at an early age. This dog gets along well with children, but it may be a good idea to socialize this breed at an early age as well as to supervise playtime with children to make sure that the dog does not get hurt as a result of its small size. An important feature of the Teddy Bears hybrid breed is its longevity. The average life expectancy of a Teddy Bear is around 12-15 years. The Teddy Bear, like many hybrid breeds, is usually healthy without showing the congenital defects that purebreds can have from inbreeding. Although this breed of dog is relatively new, its popularity and fame are growing quickly. The Teddy Bear is still not thought of as an official breed of dog, only a cross-breed. This may change as the dog is becoming a popular toy dog being classified with all other toy dog purebreds. Organizations that recognize this breed include the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.