The Teddy Bear Dog Community

The Teddy Bear Dog is a popular hybrid companion dog produced by crossing a Shih Tzu with a Bichon Frise, known also as a Shichon or Zuchon. The cross combines two small companion breeds with long histories as lapdogs and companion dogs to produce a gentle, low-shedding and sociable small dog that has attracted considerable interest from owners seeking a manageable, affectionate and relatively hypoallergenic companion. The name Teddy Bear Dog refers to the characteristic soft, rounded appearance of the cross - the round face, large dark eyes, soft wavy coat and compact build that together create the resemblance to a stuffed toy that gives the cross its commercial name. The Teddy Bear Dog is not a registered breed with the Kennel Club. The typical Teddy Bear Dog is a small, compact and soft-coated dog with a gently rounded face, large, dark eyes and a wavy to curly low-shedding coat. Coat colour varies widely - white, cream, gold, brown, black and various combinations all occur. The coat has low to moderate shedding, though truly non-shedding cannot be guaranteed as coat type varies between individuals depending on which parent's traits dominate. Adults typically stand 23 to 30 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 4 to 8 kilograms. The character is gentle, affectionate and sociable - a companion dog in the truest sense, bred from two breeds whose entire purpose was human companionship. The Teddy Bear Dog is typically warm, cheerful and easy to live with. It bonds closely with its family and is good with children, other dogs and often cats when properly introduced. The energy level is modest - daily walks and play sessions meet the cross's exercise needs without demanding the sustained physical activity required by working breeds. The cross does not do well when left alone for extended periods and is best suited to households where someone is present for most of the day. The grooming commitment is meaningful despite the low shedding. The soft, wavy coat mats readily without regular brushing, and professional grooming is typically required every 8 to 10 weeks to keep the coat in good condition. Regular ear checks, dental care and eye cleaning are routine parts of Teddy Bear Dog ownership. Prospective buyers should exercise considerable care in sourcing. The Teddy Bear Dog name is frequently used in puppy farm advertising, and the appeal of the cross to buyers with no prior dog experience can attract unscrupulous producers. Only purchase from breeders who can provide evidence of health testing of both parents, allow visits to see the litter with its mother, and who demonstrate knowledge of both parent breeds. Health considerations include eye conditions from both parent breeds, Patellar Luxation assessment and awareness of brachycephalic tendency in individuals with particularly short muzzles. Avoid purchasing puppies with obviously compromised facial conformation that affects breathing. Purchase prices from responsible breeders range from £800 to £2,000. Monthly running costs average £60 to £100. Shih Tzu Rescue UK and the Bichon Frise Club of Great Britain rescue are the contacts for related animals in rescue.