There are certain dogs that you fall in love with. Two examples of these lovable dogs are the Shih poo and Teddy bear dogs. These lap dogs will have you smiling all day long! Their cute appearance and gentle demeanor make them favorites among dog owners. But what’s the difference between them? In this article, we’ll review the Shih Poo vs Teddy Bear dog.
Keep reading to learn more!
Before you scroll down this dog breed comparison guide, “Shih Poo vs Teddy Bear (Shichon): Key Differences,” you can check out these other dogs breed comparison guides from our team at We Love Doodles: Bulldog vs Pitbull and Aussiedoodle vs. Sheepadoodle.
Is a Shih Poo a Teddy Bear Dog?
A Shih poo is not a teddy bear dog. It is the result of breeding a Shih Tzu with a Toy Poodle. These dogs are intelligent and affectionate, and dog owners like the fact that their coat is hypoallergenic. Shih poos are small dogs that typically weigh less than 18 lbs and reach between eight and 18 inches in height.
Shih Poos are intelligent but very stubborn, which can be challenging when it comes to training. You should start training your Shih Poo puppy as soon as possible, and because Shih Poos are so intelligent, routine is essential.
You should develop a consistent schedule that allows your puppy to learn proper behaviors. Praise and treats are great for motivation and building your puppy’s confidence. They want to please their owners and will learn quickly from your cues.
Shih poos require about thirty minutes of daily exercise, which you can achieve by active play inside your home or taking your pup for a walk around the block.
You should brush your Shih Poo every day or once a week at the very least. Regular brushing will help decrease the amount of shedding and ensure your dog’s coat stays healthy and tangle-free.
Shih Poos also need their nails trimmed often. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming their nails, you should bring your pet to the groomer’s to have it done professionally.
What Is a Teddy Bear Dog?
The Teddy Bear dog, sometimes referred to as a Shichon, results from breeding a Shih Tzu with a Bichon Frise. Adorable Teddy Bear puppies are tiny and can usually fit in the palm of your hand. They also have soft coats, which are great for cuddles! The name “Teddy Bear” comes from their round faces that resemble teddy bears.
Teddy Bear dogs are very friendly and outgoing. They interact well with children and adults and fit in wonderfully as family pets because they do not choose favorites. These designer dogs will love every family member of your family with all of their energy.
Teddy Bear dogs are often used as therapy dogs because of their patient, gentle, and affectionate demeanor. These characteristics also make them great dogs in any household. They are adaptable and easy to train. They also get along well with other animals. In addition, you will find that the Teddy Bear loves to learn new tricks he can perform for an audience.
The Teddy Bear dog has a hypoallergenic coat and minimal grooming requirements. You only have to bathe your dog every month and brush him every week to prevent tangles.
What Is the Difference Between a Shih Tzu and a Shih Poo?
The main difference between a Shih Tzu and a Shih Poo is that a Shih Tzu is a purebred dog while a Shih Poo is a designer breed. Shih Poos are the result of breeding a Poodle with a Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzus and Shih Poos are very much alike. They are very similar in appearance and temperament. However, Shih Poos also inherit traits from their Poodle parent that may lead to differences in grooming needs and personalities.
Shih Tzus have a beautiful silky coat that you can leave long. Maintaining their fur can be pretty tedious, requiring weekly baths and frequent brushings. Meanwhile, Shih Poos may have slightly curlier, hypoallergenic hair if they inherit the Poodle’s coat.
Shih Tzus tend to bark more than Shih Poos and both breeds are extremely intelligent and easy to train. In addition, Shih Tzus are usually a little bigger than Shih Poos in both weight and height.
What Is the Difference Between a Teddy Bear Dog and a Shih Tzu?
The Teddy Bear, or the Schichon, is about the same size as a purebred Shih Tzu. They weigh up to fifteen pounds, while a Shih Tzu’s maximum weight is usually sixteen.
One difference you will find between these lovable companions is their life expectancies. The Teddy Bear breed typically lives between 12 and 18 years, while a Shih Tzu lives an average of 10 to 16 years.
Shih Tzus usually tolerate being left home alone, while Teddy Bears do not. So, Teddy Bears aren’t ideal if your dog is going to be home alone for long periods when your family is at work and school.
Teddy Bears and Shih Tzus are both friendly and very affectionate. They make excellent companion dogs and a great choice for a new family pet. Families with small children should consider a Teddy Bear because they tend to do better than Shih Tzus.
Shih Tzus do not shed as much as Teddy Bear dogs. You cannot completely stop the shedding process, but regular brushing will decrease the amount. Frequent bathing will also help get rid of excess hair.
Many believe that the smaller the breed, the less exercise they need. This is not true. Every dog needs proper exercise, but the amount and intensity of exercise will depend on the dog. Teddy Bears need a medium activity level, while Shih Tzus require a low level of exercise.
How Big Do Teddy Poos Get?
The Teddy Poo is another designer breed. A Teddy Poo can result from breeding a Teddy Bear (Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise) and a Poodle.
Teddy Poo puppies grow up to weigh between eight and 15 pounds and measure 12 inches tall. As puppies, they will fit in the palm of your hand.
Teddy Poos are very happy and friendly. They are also outgoing and love strangers. They do not work well as guard dogs, but they are pretty intelligent and easy to train. Teddy Poos are gentle and patient, which makes them great pets for families. They also get along amazingly well with other household pets.
You will find that Teddy Poos require minimal exercise to stay healthy and happy. They can manage with daily playtime, a short walk outside, and following their owners around the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Shih Poo is not a Teddy Bear Dog. While a Shih Poo is a mix of a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, a Teddy Bear dog is a mix of the Shih Tzu and the Bichon Frise.
Shih Tzus are purebred dogs, meaning they don’t come from a mix of two separate breeds. Meanwhile, a Teddy Bear dog comes from mixing Shih Tzu genes with the genes of a Bichon Frise.
The two dogs that make a Teddy Bear dog are a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise.
Small Dogs: Which Is Best for You?
A Teddy Bear puppy is one of the most adorable pets you will ever see. But Shih Poos are pretty cute too! However, prospective dog owners must look past appearances and consider a breed’s behavior and temperament. Caring for and training a new pet is a huge investment in time, and you want to ensure that you choose the right breed for your family.
If you’re looking for a small dog that will make a great family pet, both the Shih Poo and Teddy Bear are great options. Hopefully, this article has helped you learn the difference between the two and make your decision!
If you find this dog breed comparison guide, “Shih Poo vs Teddy Bear (Shichon): Key Differences,” helpful, you can check out these other comparison guides from our team at We Love Doodles:
You can learn more about many other different dog breeds by watching “Shih Poo Dog Breed Information – The All-Person Wonder Dog | Shih Poo Dogs 101” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.