The Teddy Bear Puppy:
Everything You Need to Know
A straight-talking guide to Teddy Bear puppies — the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frisé cross that earns its nickname on looks and temperament both.
What Is a Teddy Bear Puppy, Really?
A Teddy Bear puppy is a first-generation cross between a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Bichon Frisé. The formal breed names for this pairing are Shichon or Zuchon, though most people know them simply as Teddy Bears — a name that fits. Teddy Bear puppies are small, soft, round-faced dogs that genuinely look like the stuffed animal they are named after, and that look holds through adulthood.
The cross was not accidental. Breeders in the late 1990s were intentionally pairing these two breeds to capture what each parent does best. The Shih Tzu brings centuries of calm, affectionate companion-dog breeding. The Bichon Frisé brings a resilient constitution, playful energy, and a low-shedding coat that most allergy-sensitive families can live with. Together, the result is a small, gentle, low-shedding companion that bonds tightly to its family and fits into almost any living situation.
At Boundless Horizon Puppies, Dan and Melissa work with a small, carefully selected group of families who raise Teddy Bear puppies the way we require — in their homes, handled daily, socialized from birth. Every Teddy Bear puppy we place comes from a family home, not a kennel.
If you are researching whether a Teddy Bear puppy is the right dog for your family, keep reading. We are going to give you the full picture — the genuine strengths, the honest limitations, what care actually looks like day to day, and what questions you should be asking any breeder before you put money down.
Meet the Parent Breeds
Understanding a Teddy Bear puppy means understanding the two breeds behind it. Both parent breeds were developed over centuries specifically to be companions — not herding dogs, not working dogs, not guard dogs. That shared foundation is why the cross consistently produces what it produces.
The Shih Tzu
One of the oldest toy breeds in existence. Depictions of Shih Tzu-type dogs appear in Chinese art dating back to the 6th century. They were palace dogs — bred for centuries with a single purpose: to be held, loved, and to love back. The result is a dog with a deeply calm, people-oriented personality that largely lacks the high-strung edge you sometimes find in other small breeds.
What the Shih Tzu passes to the Teddy Bear puppy: patience, a calm and gentle disposition, tolerance for handling, and a companion-first personality that extends naturally to every member of the household.
The Bichon Frisé
Originally a sailor's companion in the Mediterranean, the Bichon Frisé made its way into the French and Spanish royal courts in the 16th century. Unlike the Shih Tzu's serene steadiness, the Bichon brings playful energy and a social ease with strangers. A wider geographic breeding history also gave the Bichon a more resilient constitution.
What the Bichon Frisé passes to the Teddy Bear puppy: the low-shedding, soft coat that is the hallmark of the cross, hybrid resilience, playful and adaptable energy, and social ease around new people and other animals.
Why the F1 cross matters: The first-generation cross between two distinct purebred lines produces hybrid vigor — Teddy Bear puppies tend to be healthier and more resilient than either parent breed individually. We work exclusively with true F1 pairings — a purebred Shih Tzu crossed with a purebred Bichon Frisé — rather than Shichon-to-Shichon multi-generation breeding, which does not carry the same advantage.
What Teddy Bear Puppies Actually Look Like
The name Teddy Bear is not exaggeration. The round face, dark expressive eyes set wide apart, short muzzle, soft hanging ears, and full fluffy coat create an appearance that most people find genuinely irresistible — and that look holds through adulthood. Teddy Bear dogs retain a puppy-like appearance well into their adult years.
They are a true toy breed. Adults typically measure 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh 8 to 12 pounds. Ask any breeder for the parent dogs' weights — that is the best predictor of adult size available.
The Teddy Bear coat is soft and wavy to loosely curly, depending on which parent's coat genes dominate in any individual puppy. Hair growth is continuous and needs to be managed through regular trimming, but the very low dander output is what makes this breed work for families with dog allergies.
- ▪Round, wide-set dark eyes — expressive and alert, not bulging
- ▪Short flat muzzle inherited from the Shih Tzu parent
- ▪Soft hanging ears covered in feathered fur
- ▪Sturdy compact body — not as fragile-looking as some toy breeds
- ▪Fluffy tail that typically curves gently over the back
- ▪Continuous coat growth with no seasonal shedding cycle
- ▪Puppy-like appearance maintained well into adulthood
Common Teddy Bear Puppy Colors
Bi-color and tri-color combinations are common in Teddy Bear puppies. Color intensity can shift as the dog matures.
Temperament: What Life With a Teddy Bear Puppy Is Actually Like
Both parent breeds were developed over centuries with one goal: to be excellent companions. The Teddy Bear puppy inherits that purpose fully. Here is an honest look at what that means in practice.
People-First, Always
Teddy Bear puppies do not bond to one person and ignore the rest. They bond to the family as a whole. They follow people from room to room, want to be in the middle of whatever is happening, and are unhappy when consistently left out or isolated.
Patient and Gentle With Kids
The Shih Tzu's centuries of palace breeding produced a dog with a high tolerance for handling and a low threshold for aggression. Teddy Bear puppies inherit that patience reliably. They do well with children of all ages. Young children should still learn correct small-dog handling, but the breed will not snap at rough handling the way some toy breeds will.
Easy With Other Pets
Low prey drive, non-territorial, and social by nature. Most Teddy Bear dogs get along well with other dogs and with cats, particularly when introductions happen during the early socialization window. A multi-pet household is generally a good match for this breed.
Trainable and Eager to Please
Teddy Bear puppies respond well to positive reinforcement and genuinely enjoy the attention that comes with training sessions. Keep sessions short, reward-based, and varied. They are not as driven as a working breed, but they are a genuinely responsive dog.
Generally Quiet
Teddy Bears do not carry the sharp, persistent bark of some toy breeds. They will alert to sounds at the door, but they are not compulsive barkers. This matters in condos, apartments, and any shared-wall living situation.
They Need Company
This is the one we make a point of saying plainly on every call. A Teddy Bear puppy is a companion dog. Being alone for long stretches — eight or more hours most days — is genuinely hard on this breed. Remote workers, retirees, and stay-at-home parents consistently see the best outcomes. If the house is empty all day every day, this is not the right breed for that situation.
Teddy Bear Puppy Care: Grooming, Exercise, Training & Health
Knowing what a breed requires before you bring a Teddy Bear puppy home avoids surprises later. Here is the honest rundown on what day-to-day life actually looks like.
The Teddy Bear coat does not shed in the traditional sense, but it grows continuously. Left unmanaged, it mats. Expect a professional grooming appointment every 4 to 6 weeks. Budget roughly $50 to $75 per visit depending on your area and coat length.
At home, brush two to three times per week with a slicker brush and a metal comb. The comb catches mats at the root that the brush misses. Pay particular attention to the ears, armpits, and the area behind the ears where mats typically start.
The single most useful thing you can do is take your Teddy Bear puppy to the groomer at week 12 — before the coat needs cutting. A puppy introduced to the groomer table, blow dryer, and handling early will be calm and cooperative at every appointment for the next 15 years.
Wipe around the eyes daily. Check ears weekly — hanging ears trap moisture and can develop yeast infections if not kept clean and dry. Brush teeth daily with dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste — dental disease is the #1 health issue in small breeds and is almost entirely preventable with early habits.
Grooming at a Glance
- Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks
- Home brushing 2–3× per week (daily in winter)
- Metal comb catches root mats a brush misses
- First groomer visit at week 12 — before it's overdue
- Eye wipe daily to reduce tear staining
- Ear check and clean weekly
- Nail trim every 3–4 weeks
- Teeth brushed daily — dental disease is #1 risk
- Budget $50–$75 per professional visit
Teddy Bear puppies have moderate energy. Two walks per day — 15 to 20 minutes each — is typically enough to keep them physically and mentally satisfied. They adapt to the household's rhythm: an active family that takes them on longer walks will have a dog that handles longer walks.
Indoor play counts fully. Fetch in a hallway, tug with a rope toy, hide-and-seek with treats — Teddy Bear dogs engage with these activities genuinely and tire mentally as well as physically.
They do not need a yard. Apartment and condo families do consistently well with this breed. What they need is consistent daily movement and human interaction — not square footage.
In cold weather below 25°F, a dog jacket makes a walk comfortable. Wipe paws after winter walks — road salt causes cracking and irritation. In summer heat, early morning and evening walks avoid hot pavement.
Exercise at a Glance
- 2 walks per day, 15–20 minutes each
- Indoor play fully counts toward daily needs
- Mental stimulation as important as physical
- No yard required — adapts well to apartment life
- Dog jacket recommended below 25°F
- Wipe paws after winter walks (road salt)
- Avoid hot pavement in summer heat
- Adjusts naturally to household energy level
Teddy Bear puppies are responsive dogs. They are people-pleasers by nature, and that translates directly to training. Positive reinforcement — treats, praise, and attention — works consistently well. Harsh corrections or punishment-based methods do not suit them and typically produce anxiety or shutdown behavior.
Start basic commands from the first week home. A 10-week-old Teddy Bear puppy can learn sit, stay, come, and down. Short sessions of five to ten minutes, two or three times a day, produce better results than a single 30-minute session.
Crate training from the start makes the first year significantly easier and is genuinely kind when done correctly. For a puppy under 4 months, maximum two to three hours crated at a stretch.
Housetraining requires patience and consistency. A Teddy Bear puppy under 12 weeks needs to go outside every 45 to 60 minutes during waking hours. Consistent schedules and predictable feeding times compress the timeline considerably.
Training at a Glance
- Positive reinforcement only — treats, praise, attention
- 5–10 minute sessions, 2–3 times per day
- Start basic commands in week one at home
- Crate training: kind when done right
- Max 2–3 hours crated under 4 months old
- Housetraining: outside every 45–60 min under 12 weeks
- Consistent schedule shortens housetraining timeline
- Socialize weeks 8–16: sounds, surfaces, people, animals
Teddy Bear puppies benefit from hybrid vigor — the genetic diversity from crossing two distinct purebred lines tends to produce offspring that are healthier and more resilient than either parent breed on its own.
The most common health issues in Teddy Bear dogs include luxating patella (a kneecap that slips out of alignment, common in small breeds generally), dental crowding from the small jaw inherited from the Shih Tzu, and occasional eye conditions. Ear infections can develop if ears are not kept clean and dry. Dental disease is the #1 preventable health issue.
The Shih Tzu parent contributes a brachycephalic tendency — the short flat face can mean some individual Teddy Bear dogs breathe noisily in heat or when excited. Avoid strenuous exercise in high heat and ensure air conditioning access during summer months.
Lifespan is one of this breed's genuine strengths. A Teddy Bear puppy from health-tested parents, regularly vetted, well-fed, and given daily dental care can live 14 to 16 years comfortably.
Health at a Glance
- Hybrid vigor from F1 cross improves overall health
- Watch for: luxating patella, dental crowding
- Dental disease: daily brushing prevents most problems
- Eye conditions: wipe and monitor eyes daily
- Ear infections: keep ears clean and dry weekly
- Brachycephalic: avoid heat and heavy exercise in summer
- Lifespan: 12–16 years; some reach 17–18
- Health-tested parents = stronger long-term foundation
Our Standards & the Families Behind Our Teddy Bear Puppies
At Boundless Horizon Puppies, Dan and Melissa have built our Teddy Bear puppy program around one standard: every puppy comes from a family home — never a kennel. We work with a small, carefully selected group of families who raise Teddy Bear puppies the way we require.
Every Teddy Bear puppy we place — regardless of which family raised it — comes with the same guarantee, the same documentation, and the same standard of care behind it. That is the only way we can stand behind what we sell.
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Genetic Health Testing on All Parent Dogs
Both the sire and dam must be health-screened and cleared before any breeding pair produces a litter for us. It is the foundation of a meaningful health guarantee.
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ENS Protocol — Days 3 Through 16, Documented
Every Teddy Bear puppy must complete the five-exercise Early Neurological Stimulation protocol, once daily from day 3 through day 16. We do not work with families who skip it.
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Early Socialization During the Critical Window
Teddy Bear puppies must be exposed during weeks 3 through 16 to a range of sounds, surfaces, handling, and human contact. We require documented socialization practices from every family in our program.
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Full Veterinary Certification Before Placement
Every Teddy Bear puppy must have a vet-issued health certificate, current vaccinations and dewormings, microchip registered in the buyer's name, and 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance active before going home.
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2-Year Written Health Guarantee on Every Puppy
Every Teddy Bear puppy we place carries a 2-year written guarantee covering hereditary and congenital conditions. A guarantee without tested parents behind it is not a real guarantee, and we do not offer those.
Teddy Bear Puppy Pricing
Based on coat color, markings, and parent lineage.
$200 refundable deposit holds your Teddy Bear puppy.
Nationwide delivery available • Free pick up in Millersburg, OH.
What Every Teddy Bear Puppy Includes
2-year written health guarantee • ENS training days 3–16 • Health-tested parents • Current vaccinations • Registered microchip • 30 days Trupanion pet insurance • Breed-specific care guide • Lifetime support from Dan and Melissa.
📞 Ask About Teddy Bear AvailabilityIs a Teddy Bear Puppy the Right Dog for Your Home?
The most useful thing we can do is help you answer this question honestly before you call. Not every family is the right match for a Teddy Bear puppy.
✓ A Good Match If…
- ✓Someone is home for most of the day — remote worker, retiree, or stay-at-home parent
- ✓You want a Teddy Bear puppy that is genuinely part of the family
- ✓You have children of any age and want a patient, gentle breed
- ✓You live in an apartment, condo, or smaller home without a yard
- ✓You or a family member has mild to moderate dog allergies
- ✓You are a first-time dog owner who wants a trainable, responsive breed
- ✓You want a long-lived companion — 12 to 16 years is realistic for Teddy Bear dogs
- ✓You already have other pets and want a breed that gets along with them
- ✓You want a small dog that is quiet and even-tempered rather than high-strung
⚠ Think Carefully If…
- △Everyone leaves for 8+ hours most days and the Teddy Bear puppy would be consistently alone
- △You want an outdoor working dog, a long-distance hiking partner, or a guard dog
- △You have severe dog allergies — an in-person visit with a Teddy Bear puppy before committing matters
- △You are not willing to commit to professional grooming every 4–6 weeks plus regular home brushing
- △You want a breed that is self-sufficient and content with minimal interaction
- △You live somewhere with extreme summer heat and limited indoor air conditioning
- △You want perfectly predictable adult size every time — hybrid Teddy Bear puppies have natural variation
Not sure if a Teddy Bear puppy is the right fit? Call and tell us about your household. We can give you an honest read — including pointing you toward a different breed if it suits your situation better. (330) 238-8997
The History Behind Teddy Bear Puppies
To understand the Teddy Bear puppy, you need to trace both the ancient lines behind its parents and the modern intention that brought them together.
The Shih Tzu: A Dog Bred for Royalty
Depictions of Shih Tzu-type dogs appear in Chinese art as far back as the 6th century. They were palace dogs — companions of emperors bred for centuries with a single purpose: temperament. Calm, affectionate, devoted, and beautiful. The result is one of the most reliably gentle companion breeds in existence — and the foundation of the Teddy Bear puppy's patient personality.
The Bichon Frisé: From Trading Ship to Royal Court
Believed to have originated in the Mediterranean, the Bichon Frisé arrived in Europe through Spanish and French traders and became a court favorite almost immediately. Like the Shih Tzu, it was bred for companionship. Unlike the Shih Tzu, its wide geographic history produced a more adaptable and resilient dog — resilience that shows up clearly in the Teddy Bear puppy's generally hardy constitution.
The Teddy Bear Puppy Is Born
The intentional cross of the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frisé began in the United States around the late 1990s. Breeders wanted to combine the Shih Tzu's calm temperament with the Bichon's low-shedding coat and adaptable resilience. The result received several informal names: Shichon, Zuchon, and eventually Teddy Bear. The Teddy Bear name stuck, for obvious reasons, once people saw what these puppies looked like.
Rising Popularity and the Importance of Standards
Through the 2000s, demand for Teddy Bear puppies grew steadily as families discovered the cross delivered on its promises. As popularity grew, so did the number of operations producing them, and not all of those operations prioritized quality. Knowing what to look for — health testing, documented care practices, real guarantees — has become more important as the Teddy Bear puppy breed has grown, not less.
Teddy Bear Puppy FAQ
Questions we get on almost every call about Teddy Bear puppies, answered plainly.
What is a Teddy Bear puppy?
A Teddy Bear puppy is a first-generation hybrid (F1) between a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Bichon Frisé. The formal breed names are Shichon or Zuchon. At Boundless Horizon Puppies, every Teddy Bear puppy we place comes from a true F1 pairing raised in a family home.
How big do Teddy Bear puppies get?
Adult Teddy Bear dogs typically reach 8 to 12 pounds and 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder. Occasionally a Teddy Bear puppy from a larger breeding pair lands closer to 13 or 14 pounds, but 8 to 12 pounds is the honest expectation for the vast majority. Ask about the parent dogs' individual weights when you inquire — that is the best predictor of adult size available.
Are Teddy Bear puppies hypoallergenic?
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Teddy Bear puppies shed very little, which significantly reduces airborne dander. Most families with mild to moderate dog allergies do well with Teddy Bear dogs. If your allergy is severe, we recommend visiting and spending time with a Teddy Bear puppy in person before committing.
How long do Teddy Bear dogs live?
Teddy Bear dogs typically live 12 to 16 years. Teddy Bear puppies from health-tested parents, well-cared for and given daily dental care throughout their lives, sometimes reach 17 or 18 years. This is one of the breed's genuine strengths.
Are Teddy Bear puppies good with kids?
Yes, and consistently so. Teddy Bear puppies are patient and gentle, inherited from both parent lines bred specifically for human companionship. They do well with children of all ages. Young children should still learn correct small-dog handling — support the back legs, no grabbing from above.
Do Teddy Bears bark a lot?
Not typically. Teddy Bear dogs will alert-bark at the door or at unfamiliar sounds, but they are not compulsive barkers the way some toy breeds are. A well-socialized Teddy Bear puppy raised in a busy household is generally one of the quieter small-dog options — this matters in condos and apartments with shared walls.
How much grooming does a Teddy Bear puppy actually require?
Teddy Bear puppies require professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks plus brushing at home two to three times per week. The Teddy Bear coat does not shed but grows continuously and will mat without regular maintenance. Take your Teddy Bear puppy to the groomer at week 12, before it needs a full cut, so it learns the equipment and handling early. Budget $50–$75 per professional session in most areas, plus daily teeth brushing at home.
What does every Teddy Bear puppy from Boundless Horizon Puppies include?
A 2-year written health guarantee covering hereditary and congenital conditions. ENS training completed days 3 through 16. A vet-issued health certificate. Current vaccinations and dewormings for age. Microchip registered in your name. 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance active from day one. A $200 refundable deposit holds your Teddy Bear puppy. Nationwide delivery is available to most locations — call (330) 238-8997 for delivery pricing to your area, or free pick up in Millersburg, Ohio.
Can I visit before buying a Teddy Bear puppy?
Yes. We schedule visits Monday through Saturday by appointment. Call or text Dan at (330) 238-8997 to set a time. Many families drive out from Columbus, Cleveland, Youngstown, and Akron to see our Teddy Bear puppies in person before making any decision. You are welcome to come see how we operate and ask every question you have.
What Families Are Saying ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Real reviews from families who brought home a Teddy Bear puppy from Boundless Horizon Puppies
Ready to Find Your Teddy Bear Puppy?
View what is available right now, or call Dan directly. We will tell you what Teddy Bear litters are coming, answer every question you have, and give you an honest read on whether a Teddy Bear puppy is the right fit for your household.