How Much Does a Teddy Bear Puppy Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Teddy bear puppies, a fairly new category of dog, are a mix of crossing multiple small dog breeds, such as the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu, to create a dog that looks like a teddy bear.  When these two breeds are combined, they won’t be called a teddy bear puppy, but rather, a name will be given.  For example, if a breeder were to breed the Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu, then the correct name would be a Zuchon.  You can refer to our table below to see the many teddy bear breeds currently on the arket.

The price of the puppies, just like any other dog breed, depends on the age, the gender, the quality, the dog’s history and the breeder selling the dog.

zuchon shichon teddy bear puppy by bisbee blue, on Flickr
zuchon shichon teddy bear puppy” (CC BY 2.0) by bisbee blue

How much does a Teddy Bear puppy cost?

On average, the price of a teddy bear puppy can range anywhere from $450 to $1,500 and will greatly depend on the exact “teddy bear” breed you’re looking to adopt.  Keep in mind that some may be more in demand than others, often raising the price quite a bit.  Refer to our table below to see what some of the most popular crossbreeds cost on the market.

Type of Teddy Bear PuppyDescriptionAverage Price
Bichon Frise + Poodle = PoochonOften known as one of the most expensive teddy bear puppy, this dog can be energetic at home; however, they won't require much exercise outside. They are great with kids, other animals and will be a very low shedder, making them ideal for hotter climates.$500 to $1,000
Bichon Frise + Shih Tzu = Zuchon or Tzu FriseIdeal for smaller spaces, the Zuchon can be okay with children as long as they know how to properly handle a pet. Due to their smaller structure, they are more prone to injuries. Grooming and exercise is minimal.$500 to $1,000
Maltese + Poodle = MaltipooA good walk here and there is ideal for this breed to keep them happy throughout the day. Like the Zuchon, this dog can work well with children but they need to know how to properly handle. They can be great for an apartment-like setting but can't be left alone for long periods of time.$500 to $1,000
Maltese + Shih Tzu = MalshiThis happy breed will demand some exercise outside and can work well with children and other pets. It's known to be a low shedder and can weigh up to 12 pounds, making it one of the larger teddy bear breeds.$500 to $1,300
Shih Tzu + Poodle = Shih-PooAlso known as the Schnoodle, this breed is rather lively and can do well in a smaller setting. THis breed is great with younger children and other pets and can closely resemble the Poodle and Shih Tzu.$400 to $900
Teddy Bear PomeranianThis breed loves to be around strangers; however, out of all breeds on this list, it has been known to bark successfully.$500 to $1,000
Yorkshire Terrier + Maltese = MorkieThe Morkie is known to be happy with just a short walk and usually will want to be around adults only. While it isn't the easiest breed to train, it can train well with those who are patient.$500 to $1,500

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Reputable breeders should include a health checkup via a licensed vet, registration paperwork up-to-date vaccinations, a health guarantee, and if being shipped, a travel crate.  Some breeders may also opt to include a microchip, spay/neuter and/or a simple starter pack with toys, sample food and coupons.  If the breeder doesn’t include these inclusions at a minimum, then it’s best to look elsewhere.

What are the extra costs?

If shipping via an airline or meeting with a breeder hundreds of miles away, this could be an additional $150 to $400, depending on the distance the breeder has to travel.

Recurring costs, just like any other dog, will include the food, toys, accessories, shelter and vet visits.  A healthy dog, on average, can cost $700 to $1,000 per year, but the costs can be much more if your dog were to come down with a threatening illness.

Due to the fluffy coat, routine grooming sessions are highly recommended at least once per month.  Failing to keep the coat in tip-top shape can often lead to a matted coat, which can be very painful if not taken care of.

With any breed, it’s so important to start training as soon as possible.  Whether you want to train your dog on your own or choose a professional trainer, don’t forget to budget for these classes if you were to go this route.  Obedience classes, depending on who you choose, can start at $75 and go up from there.

Tips to know

Most teddy bear puppies, depending on the parents, will often weigh six to 14 pounds and typically measure seven to 12 inches in height.

Mixed breeds will come in all sorts of shapes, colors, textures and thicknesses, and it will greatly vary on the puppy’s parent.  The best way, to know for certain, is simply by researching both of the parent’s characteristics to know what your puppy looks like.  As the name states, however, most breeds, to be considered part of this category, will resemble a stuffed teddy bear you would find on a child’s bed.  All of these dogs will be small in stature and will remain small, even as they mature late in life.  Common characteristics most share will include a round face, fluffy coat, and larger-than-normal eyes.

Those who have owned this breed has often said their temperament tends to be based on their upbringing, ancestry, socialization and the environment.  On average, most will be affectionate and eager to please to their owner, hanging around at every footstep.  Known to be smart, this breed is known to be easy to train and can do quite well with both children and other animals alike.  MiniTeddyBearPuppies.com says these dogs are typically a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu, both of which are extremely needy.  When these two breeds are combined, according to the website, they often receive the term “super companion.”

Mixed breed dogs, again, depending on their parents, can live up to 18 years if healthy.

Before you consider any of the breeds mentioned in the table above, it’s important to research both of the parent’s breeds to make sure it’s suitable for your lifestyle since all teddy bear breeds will be different.

In regards to the teddy bear breed, always be on the lookout for a scam as some breeders often try to create a breed that resembles a “teddy bear,” when in essence, it’s a mix of two breeds that usually isn’t considered to be one.  With this being said, try to talk with other people who have adopted a puppy from the breeder and read the reviews online to see what other people say about the process.  It also best to pay close attention to the price.  If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably safe to say it is, especially if you’re adopting sight unseen.

Health conditions will be hard without knowing the exact teddy bear breed you’re looking to adopt.  With most small dogs, however, they are prone to breathing issues due to its squished face and/or will have sensitivity issues to high temperatures.  SmallDogBreeds.info says as long as the dog is part of the first generation, the dog should be relatively healthy.

These dogs are known to need a lot of exercise, and if cooped up for too long, their energy may become destructive or even annoying if you’re unable to take them outside.

Teddy bear dogs will have very little dander and are known to shed very little fur, making them perfect for those who commonly suffer from allergies.

How can I save money?

While you may not find a teddy bear puppy in a shelter, per se, you could find a dog that closely resembles one.  If you’re lucky, there may be a teddy bear rescue group in your area that handles this category of dog. Adopting is an amazing way to help a dog in need and support a wonderful organization in your area that really wants to help animals that truly need it.  The problem with most teddy bear breeders is that most of them are solely in it for the money, trying to create a breed that shouldn’t be bred in the first place.


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