Born from affectionate parent breeds, the Shichon/Teddy Bear naturally inherits a warm and cuddly nature, paired with an enduring love for playfulness reminiscent of puppyhood. When properly introduced to various social environments, they effortlessly befriend children, other pets, and strangers, forming deep bonds with their human families. Given their petite size, especially during their puppy stage, they are vulnerable to accidental harm from enthusiastic children or rough play, highlighting the importance of teaching gentle interaction and closely supervising playtime. Early socialization is key to fostering a friendly and self-assured demeanor in Teddy Bear puppies as they mature into well-adjusted adult companions.

The Shichon is a dog that can live happily in different places like apartments or houses. They love being around people, so they’re great for all kinds of families, whether it’s just one person, older people, or families with kids. They don’t like being alone too much.

They’re okay in most types of weather, but they can get too hot or too cold easily because they’re small. In summer, you need to be careful they don’t get too hot, and in winter, it’s a good idea to dress them warmly for walks.

It’s important to be aware of potential health issues that could affect Teddy Bears, such as patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, cataracts, portosystemic shunt, hip dysplasia, and respiratory problems. Responsible breeding practices play a crucial role in ensuring the health of Shichon puppies.

Reputable breeders take measures to screen their dogs for preventable health issues to avoid passing them on to puppies. When considering adopting a Shichon, inquire about the health and genetic history of both parents. Additionally, ask the breeder about any health tests or clearances that have been carried out.

The Teddy Bear is a breed known for its intelligence. While they can quickly learn commands and enjoy pleasing their owners, they can also exhibit stubborn tendencies, which might pose a challenge for inexperienced owners. For first-time dog owners, it’s recommended to attend obedience and puppy training classes. Teddy Bears are sensitive creatures and respond best to consistent training methods that focus on positive reinforcement and praise.

Moreover, like many small breeds, house training can be tricky, but with perseverance, patience, and effective house training strategies, you can achieve success.

The “Teddy Bear Dog” is a fluffy buddy loved for its soft coat, which comes in different colors like silver, tan, chocolate, and more. They don’t shed much, so you won’t find hair everywhere, but you still need to groom them. Brushing a few times a week, giving them a bath sometimes, and taking them to a groomer a couple of times a year keeps their coat nice. You also need to take care of their nails, ears, and teeth. Trimming nails every month, checking ears weekly, and brushing teeth daily helps keep them healthy. Starting these routines when they’re young makes grooming easier as they grow up.

Teddy Bears are friendly dogs that like being with you and will usually match how active you are. They’re not super hyper, but they do enjoy playing and walking every day to stay happy and healthy.

Shichons are also playful and enjoy games like fetch or tag once they’re grown up. If you like being active, they’ll join in, but keep an eye on them so they don’t get too tired trying to keep up.

Adult Teddy Bear dogs typically reach a height of 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 10 to 15 pounds.

On average, Teddy Bears typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, it’s not uncommon for some of these dogs to live beyond 18 years.