Description

A “Teddy Bear” dog is not an officially recognized standalone breed. Instead, it is a commercial and popular nickname for specific small designer hybrid crosses—most commonly the Zuchon (or Shichon), which is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise, or similar crosses like the Mal-Shi (Shih Tzu and Maltese) and Cavapoo.
Most users on Facebook agree that the term acts as an umbrella label for fluffy, button-nosed companion dogs rather than a standardized purebred line.

Physical Traits

• Height: 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: 6 to 15 pounds (though some variations range up to 25 pounds)
• Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
• Coat: Soft, dense, and multi-colored (white, cream, brown, black, grey, or apricot) with a curly, wavy, or straight texture
• Shedding: Low-shedding and largely considered hypoallergenic, making them suitable for many allergy sufferers

Temperament

• Personality: Affectionate, gentle, playful, and deeply people-oriented
• Social Skills: Generally patient with children, friendly with other household pets, and well-suited for therapy work or companionship for the elderly
• Energy Level: Low-to-moderate; requires short daily walks or indoor playtime rather than intense exercise