How Much Does a Teddy Bear Dog Cost?
Teddy bear puppies aren’t a breed of their own. Instead, they are a result of mixing several small dog breeds, like the Shh Tzu with the Bichon Frise, for example, as a way of creating a teddy bear-looking dog.
Combining these two breeds will get you a puppy that looks like a teddy bear, bearing a name that will usually be a combination of the breed names of its parents.
So a perfect example of this would be a breeder trying to breed A Bichon Frise with a Poodle. The correct name of the resulting pups would be Poochon in this situation.
This might be confusing, so below you will find a list with some of the most common teddy bear breeds that are currently on the market. Other combinations outside these are still possible, so just because the pup you’re trying to buy didn’t come from one of the combinations below, it doesn’t mean it isn’t a real teddy bear dog.
As with any other dog breed you’d want to buy, the price of the puppies will depend on factors like the breeder selling the dog, the pup’s history, as well as its quality, gender, and age.
The Teddy Bear Dog Price
The average cost of a teddy bear puppy is somewhere between $500 and $1,800 or more, although the exact price you’ll pay depends on the exact teddy bear breed you are considering. This price can fluctuate depending on how much certain breeds are in demand. The list below will help you understand not only where different teddy bear dog breeds get their name, but also the expected cost of the most popular crossbreeds.
- Maltese + Shih Tzu will make a Malshi. Although this breed will get along well with any other types of pets and children of all ages as it has a really nice temperament, it will need a lot of exercise outside for a happy life. It is one of the largest teddy bear breeds out there, reaching weights of up to 12 pounds. It is also known as a very low shedder. You will spend around $700 to $1,500 for this particular type of dog.
- Maltese + Poodle will make a Maltipoo. Most of the time, all this breed needs to be happy is a periodic good walk. As long as you teach your children how to handle this dog properly, they will get along pretty nicely. Although it isn’t recommended to leave these pets alone for too long, they can still be great for dog lovers that live in smaller houses or apartment-like settings. You can find these puppies for $500 to $1,500 on puppy adoption websites.
- Bichon Frise + Shih Tzu will make a Zuchon, Shichon, or Tzu Frise. As they are a combination of Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, which makes them rather small, these are dogs that you should get if you intend to keep them in a smaller space. As long as you teach them how to handle the Zuchon, your children will get along with it, just like in the case of the Maltipoo. They also have a higher risk for injuries due to their very small size. Grooming and exercise are also needed in limited amounts. You should expect to spend $600 to $1,300 on this particular teddy bear dog.
- Bichon Frise + Poodle will be called a Poochon. This is not only one of the most energetic teddy bear dogs at home, but it is also among the most expensive, being considered a designer dog breed. It will consume its energy by running all around your house, which means it won’t need much exercise outside. They are great in hotter climates as they don’t shed a lot and are great around kids and other pets. You should expect to spend $550 to $1,200 on one of these dogs.
- Shih Tzu + Poodle will create a Shih-Poo. This breed is also known as the Schnoodle. It will be pretty happy in smaller settings although it is very lively. It’s a great dog to get for homes with other pets and younger children. It will look very much like a Shih Tzu or a Poodle. It will be less expensive, at around $400 to $1,000.
- The Teddy Bear Pomeranian is another type of teddy bear and this particular breed likes to be around complete strangers. The downside of this dog is that it has actually been known to bark quite a lot. You should be prepared to spend around $450 to $1,100 for this type of dog.
- Yorkshire Terrier + Maltese will create a Morkie. The Morkie is known to be happy with just a short walk and normally will wish to be around adults and not children. While it isn’t the easiest type of dog to train, it can train well with those who are patient enough. This breed also costs somewhere between $550 and $1,600.
What is going to be included in the adoption cost?
A reputable breeder is likely to include in the adoption cost add-ons like a health checkup from a licensed veterinarian, AKC registration documentation, up-to-date vaccinations, a health guarantee, and a travel cage if you need the pet delivered to your address. Some breeders might also decide to include the needed microchip, spay/neuter, and/or a basic starter kit with sample food, toys, and discount coupons. If the breeder does not include these additions at a minimum, then it’s a good idea to look somewhere else, because all of these will cost extra.
Additional costs
Be prepared to spend an additional $200 to $500 if you need to meet the breeder hundreds of miles away from your home or if you want to have the pet delivered through an airline, depending on how far away the breeder is.
You will also have to consider the usual recurring costs you have with any pet dog, like periodic veterinarian checkups, shelter, accessories, toys, and the obvious food. A healthy dog, typically, can cost $700 to $1,000 annually, however, the expenses can be a lot more if your pet were to come down with a life-threatening disease.
Due to the fluffy coat, regular grooming sessions are very much recommended at least one time per month. If you fail to keep the coat in the best shape, it can usually result in a matted coat, which can be extremely uncomfortable if not taken care of.
You should start the training of the dog as quickly as possible. Whether you wish to train your pet yourself or go for an expert trainer, you should not forget to set aside the necessary money for either the training classes or for the tools and treats to train it yourself. For obedience classes, depending on the training you’re going for and their reputation, will start at around $75 and increase from there.
Tips on adopting teddy bear puppies
Mixed breeds can be found in all sorts of shapes, colors, textures, and thicknesses, and they will significantly differ based on the pup’s parents. If you want to get a better idea of how the pup will look when it reaches adulthood, the best thing you can do is check its parents, as it will most likely borrow a combination of their characteristics.
What we can say with certainty is that most breeds of dogs will look like a stuffed teddy bear you would usually find on a kid’s bed. All of these dogs will be smaller in size and will remain small, even as they turn into full-on adults. Among the characteristics that these dogs share are larger-than-normal eyes, fluffy coats, and a round face.
People that have already had this breed have said that their personality will usually depend on the training they get, as well as the environment they grow in, the level of socialization, and their bloodline. Typically, most of them will be affectionate and eager to please their owner, hanging around all the time.
Also known to be smart, this breed is known to be easier to train and can do rather well with both kids and other animals alike. MiniTeddyBearPuppies notes that these dogs are normally a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu, both of which are exceptionally clingy. When these 2 types are combined, according to the site, they usually get the name “super companion”.
Mixed breed pets, again, depending upon their families and bloodlines, can have a lifespan of up to 18 years if healthy.
Before you should even think about getting any of the breeds we talked about above, it is very important to do your own research on both of the parents’ breeds to make sure it is good for your way of life given that all teddy bear breeds will be pretty different.
When it comes to the teddy bear breed, you should always watch out for people trying to rip you off, as some breeders will try to make a breed that looks like a “teddy bear,” when in essence, it’s a mix of 2 other breeds that won’t lead to a teddy bear dog.
With this being noted, you should also try to talk with other individuals who have adopted a pup from the breeder and check out the reviews online to see what other people write about the process. It is also best to pay attention to the rate. If it sounds too good to be real, then it’s most likely safe to say it is, especially if you’re adopting blindly.
Health conditions will be hard to prepare for without knowing the exact teddy bear type you’re trying to embrace. With a lot of lapdogs, nevertheless, they are prone to breathing problems due to their squished face and/or will have a level of sensitivity problems to high temperatures.
Most of these pet dogs are known to need a great deal of exercise, and if caged for too long, their energy might end up being damaging and even frustrating if you’re not able to take them outside.
Teddy bear pet dogs are known to shed really little fur and will have really small dander, making them best for those who typically experience allergic reactions to animals.
When looking for breeders that have teddy bear puppies for sale, make sure you avoid puppy mills, to ensure that you will get a healthy dog with a nice personality.
Is there any way to save some money?
While you might not find a teddy bear pup in a shelter, per se, you might get your hands on a pet dog that really looks like one. If you’re fortunate enough, there might be a teddy bear rescue group in your location that handles this type of pet.
Adopting is a great way to aid a dog in need and support a great organization in your area that truly wants to help animals that are in need. The issue with a lot of teddy bear breeders is that the majority of them are entirely in it for the cash.
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