Teddy Bear Info - Sniffs -N- Wags

The Teddy Bear Breed

A Little History

Teddy Bears get their name because they share the same features as the treasured toy – the soft coat, cute button nose, and loving eyes. In 2000, the designer breed known as the Teddy Bear was initially integrated into the Canine Circle as a therapy dog for handicapped children. With no surprise, their popularity has grown, given that they`re known for a variety of heartwarming traits like being friendly, loyal, and big fans of cuddling. Unlike the stereotypical small dog temperament (of being hyper and yippy), the Teddy Bears have mellow, loving personalities that make them perfect companions!

The Teddy Bear Design

To make the designer breed of Teddy Bear, it crosses the Shih-Tzu with the Bichon family. There are several lines of the Bichon, like the Havanese, the Coton de Tulear, the Maltese, and of course the Bichon Frise. They all share the same kinds of traits and characteristics. Making the Teddy Bear breed an affectionate, intelligent, and easygoing breed.

Teddy Bears have also gone by a couple of other names like the Shichon, Zuchon, or the Havashu.

We have chosen the Havanese as our Bichon because the Havanese have such a good reputation for both health and companionship. They are gentle, responsive, and intelligent. They are what give the Teddy Bear its curly coat.

Typical Temperaments for Teddies

Teddy Bears are great family-friendly dogs. They are affectionate little tail-waggers that love being around family and they are generally great with kids. Teddy Bears are lively and playful and are good for active families. They also do very well in peaceful and calm environments as they love to cuddle up in a lap and let you pet them until your heart’s content, making them an optimal choice for any age! This breed forms strong bonds with its family members, making them good companions. These dogs also tend to get along well with other animals and pets. They can make good watchdogs but generally are not considered barkers. They will just let you know when there is someone at the door.

Teddy Bear Facts

They are Hypoallergenic!

For families with allergies, Teddy Bears are the ideal choice. Not only does this breed not shed its coat, but it is also very low in dander, making it very Hypoallergenic!

Grooming Needs:

Now because the Teddy Bears do not shed their coats of soft and fluffy hair, they will need to be groomed to prevent their coat from getting tangled and matted. The Teddy Bear coat can be kept long or clipped short into a “Puppy Cut”, however daily brushings and frequent baths are key to maintaining their beautiful mane.

Of course, like all dogs, the basic grooming of nail clipping, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning are necessary to maintain their physical health.

Looks & Sizes:

This breed`s coat is silky and curly to touch. The color range can be vast, between black, white, tan, brown, cream, and grey. They often tend to be bicolor or even tricolor, blending the colors uniquely.

When fully grown they can weigh anywhere from 7-15 pounds.

The Teddy Bear has a long life expectancy, often 12 to 18 years.

Training Ability:

Since the Shih-Tzu and Bichons are all intelligent breeds naturally, so is the Teddy Bear. They are eager to please and to learn, making them generally easy to train. Teddy Bears do very well at picking up commands and tricks, with lots of praise and treats they can become as trained as you want them to be.