7 Teddy Bear Dogs That Make the Cutest Companions
These adorable teddy bear dogs look so much like stuffed animals, you'll do a double-take to make sure they're pets, not toys!
Unbearably cute teddy bear dogs
No, you’re not seeing things. That’s a living, breathing, impossibly cute dog that looks a heck of a lot like the stuffed animals we cherished and toted around when we were kids. But however often you’ve heard the term, “teddy bear dog” isn’t a real breed. “It appears that a ‘teddy bear dog’ is a clever tag slapped on a mishmash of breeds that happen to resemble a plush toy,” says Matthew McCarthy, DVM, a veterinarian at Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in Queens, New York.
What is a teddy bear dog?
Essentially, it’s just a fun and endearing way to describe dogs based on their looks—the same way we might say a big ole Newfoundland is in a group of dogs that look like bears. Like the variety of teddy bears piled up on a child’s bed, these pups are all different. Some have scruffy faces, while others are super fluffy. Some are big, and others are small. But they all have sweet, expressive eyes and cute button noses we can’t resist.
The most popular teddy bear dogs
To get more insight into these cute and cuddly teddy bear dogs, Reader’s Digest talked to Dr. McCarthy and fellow veterinarian Sam Meisler, DVM, founder of PetWellClinic. Ahead, you’ll learn about some of the most popular dog breeds that could pass for teddy bears, along with the characteristics that make them so lovable. Cuteness overload begins now.
Toy poodle
Is it OK to be a grown-up who still totes a teddy bear everywhere? It is when you have a real-life cutie like the toy poodle. (That said, the standard poodle and miniature poodle are just as cute.) The soft curls, soulful yet playful eyes and button nose on this breed make it look like the cuddliest teddy bear ever. And as a bonus, those glorious waves won’t end up all over your floor and furniture. Poodle fur (referred to as hair) can grow without falling out for years, just like human hair. Of course, like all dogs, mama poodles lose their coat after giving birth. But otherwise, these dogs don’t shed much. That’s why they’re a great breed for anyone with allergies.
Samoyed
These oh-so-fluffy snowballs are one of the 14 ancient dog breeds most similar to the wolf. Yet the smiling Samoyed is anything but a wild loner howling at the moon. These dogs love to be with their people and thrive on activity and socialization. They love to run and need a lot of exercise to be happy. Although they shed a lot, and their coat may seem to stick to all your furniture, their fur is nonstick when it comes to dirt. When dirt gets on that gorgeous white coat, it’s quite easy to brush out.
Newfoundland
It’s hard to resist this chonky beast. Some dogs have a lot of fluff but not much body weight. That isn’t the case with Newfies. They are solid masses of cuteness, with cheeks so snuggly, you’ll be looking for ways to work from home so you can spend more time burying your face in all that sweetness. And there’s plenty of sweetness to go around with this large breed, as the dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds! They are some of the friendliest and most docile breeds around and are often dubbed the “nanny breed” because they’re affectionate and protective of the children in their family.
Barbet
Hailing from France, the Barbet is a beloved water dog noted for its savoir-faire in bird hunting and swimming. These dogs are loving and goofy companions that enjoy hiking, doing agility courses and traveling with their people. Like most dogs, this teddy bear dog is happiest when it’s busy with its human family. “Leaving them alone for extended periods may create conditions in which they develop behavioral issues,” says Dr. Meisler. “They thrive on companionship and are happiest when surrounded by family.” And like poodles, they have hair that tends not to shed.
Coton de Tulear
Some dogs that look like teddy bears come with cute names to match their ultra-cute faces. The coton de Tulear is a dog breed you’ve probably mispronounced a bunch, but this sweetheart will forgive you when you pronounce it “coe-TAWN day TULE-ee-r.” This fluffy, white cotton ball is a happy-go-lucky, life-of-the-party pup. Coton is French for cotton, and Tulear is a port city in Madagascar, where these dogs originated. Their irresistibly soft coats and adorable faces make them hard to put down. But when you do, they might stand on their hind legs to get your attention again. They love to do tricks, play inside and snuggle.
Old English sheepdog
This shouldn’t come as a surprise: The Old English sheepdog hails from England, where it was bred to herd and guard sheep. “Today, they are a beloved companion breed known for their friendly disposition and distinctive appearance,” says Dr. Meisler. So go ahead and hug these pups’ shaggy, profuse double coats—they won’t mind.
These are even-tempered dogs that love to be with their humans. And that includes “talking” with them. The Old English sheepdog can be vocal and have a distinctive bark, so you might need to learn how to stop them from barking—without yelling.
About the experts
Reviewed for accuracy by: Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science. She’s the author of 34 books, including Barron’s Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. |
Sources:
- Matthew McCarthy, DVM, veterinarian and founder of Juniper Valley Animal Hospital in Queens, New York; email interview, Jan. 30, 2024
- Sam Meisler, DVM, veterinarian and founder/CEO of PetWellClinic; email interview, Jan. 29, 2024
- American Kennel Club: “10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Smiling Samoyed”
- American Kennel Club: “10 Facts About the Poodle”
- American Kennel Club: “Bichon Frise”