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Teddy Bear Puppies in Cleveland and Akron

The "Teddy Bear" is not a single breed but a term used for small designer mixes — most commonly the Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise (Zuchon) or Shih Tzu x Poodle (Shih Poo).

A Teddy Bear
Size
Small (10 – 25 lbs)
Weight
8–16 lbs
Height
9–12 inches
Lifespan
15–18 years (Zuchon is among the healthiest designer breeds)

At a glance

Is a Teddy Bear right for your family?

Gentle, affectionate, and sociable. Loves being close to family and is good with children and other pets. Playful yet calm — adapts well to various lifestyles. Can experience separation anxiety. Very people-oriented.

Breed levels

  • EnergyModerate
  • SheddingLow

They may be a great fit if you:

  • Want a low-shedding coat
  • Have children at home

They may not be ideal if you:

  • Want a very low-maintenance coat
  • Are away from home for long stretches

Meet the puppies

Available Teddy Bear Puppies

Meet Teddy Bear puppies currently available at our Parma and Strongsville locations.

View all Teddy Bear puppies

Breed guide

Get to know the Teddy Bear

The "Teddy Bear" is not a single breed but a term used for small designer mixes — most commonly the Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise (Zuchon) or Shih Tzu x Poodle (Shih Poo). Named for their stuffed-animal appearance.

Personality

Gentle, affectionate, and sociable. Loves being close to family and is good with children and other pets. Playful yet calm — adapts well to various lifestyles. Can experience separation anxiety. Very people-oriented.

Exercise

Feed twice daily with high-quality small-breed food. Needs light to moderate daily exercise. Regular dental care is important for this small breed. Routine grooming keeps their distinctive teddy bear look intact.

Grooming

Soft, fluffy coat — can be curly, wavy, or straight depending on the parent mix. Low-shedding and considered hypoallergenic. Requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to maintain their plush appearance.

History

Emerged as a designer breed concept in the early 2000s in the United States. The most common Teddy Bear dog is the Zuchon (Bichon Frise x Shih Tzu), bred to combine hypoallergenic, low-shedding traits with a sweet temperament.

Everyday life

Living with a Teddy Bear

Are Teddy Bears good family dogs?

Gentle, affectionate, and sociable. Loves being close to family and is good with children and other pets. Playful yet calm — adapts well to various lifestyles. Can experience separation anxiety. Very people-oriented.

How big do Teddy Bears get?

Height: 9–12 inches. Weight: 8–16 lbs. Lifespan: 15–18 years (Zuchon is among the healthiest designer breeds).

Do Teddy Bears shed?

Soft, fluffy coat — can be curly, wavy, or straight depending on the parent mix. Low-shedding and considered hypoallergenic. Requires daily brushing and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks to maintain their plush appearance.

How much exercise does a Teddy Bear need?

Feed twice daily with high-quality small-breed food. Needs light to moderate daily exercise. Regular dental care is important for this small breed. Routine grooming keeps their distinctive teddy bear look intact.

Where does the Teddy Bear come from?

Emerged as a designer breed concept in the early 2000s in the United States. The most common Teddy Bear dog is the Zuchon (Bichon Frise x Shih Tzu), bred to combine hypoallergenic, low-shedding traits with a sweet temperament.

What are Teddy Bears like to live with?

The “Teddy Bear” is not a single breed but a term used for small designer mixes — most commonly the Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise (Zuchon) or Shih Tzu x Poodle (Shih Poo). Named for their stuffed-animal appearance.

The Petland difference

Why get your Teddy Bear from Petland Cleveland?

  • Health CheckedVeterinary health exam before going home.
  • Health WarrantyWritten warranty for peace of mind.
  • MicrochippedIdentification and registration included.
  • Lifetime SupportWe are here for you after you take them home.
  • Vetted BreedersWe partner with breeders who meet Petland Cleveland standards.

Visit locally

Meet Teddy Bear puppies near you

2 convenient locations serving the Cleveland and Akron area.

Keep exploring

Make a confident Teddy Bear decision

Every puppy is different. These characteristics describe common Teddy Bear tendencies rather than guarantees about any individual puppy.

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