In this video, we see the many poses of Shu, the teddy bear face. Many call her the Teddy Bear dog, but actually Shu is a Poodle. She has several siblings that are also Poodles, as well as a Chihuahua and a Maltese in her family.
Perhaps many call Shu a teddy bear dog because of her haircut. A teddy bear dog is actually a hybrid of two breeds, usually between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. Sometimes it’s a cross between a Bichon Frise and Poodle, according to Anne Woods in Pets The Nest.
Characteristics of Teddy Bear dogs
Teddy bear dogs may be especially to individuals who might be allergic to most dogs, and want a companion dog that is small, can live in an apartment or condo, easy to train, has a sweet nature, and can get along with everyone.
Teddy bear dogs shed very little, perhaps not at all. This makes it ideal for those with dog allergies. They might ask the breeder specifically about the hypoallergenic issue.
Why teddy bear dogs make good therapy dogs
Teddy bear dogs joined the dog world fairly recently, since around the year 2000. At first they worked as therapy dogs for children with disabilities. Look at that face that resembles the soft, cuddly teddy bear—big eyes, fluffy hair, short nose. There is nothing threatening about this dog. Unlike the stereotype of small dogs being yappy and hyper, teddy bear dogs are mellow and loving. They are very smart and affectionate. They get along with other animals and children. They are not a one-person dog, so they’ll adore your partner equally. These very same qualities make they great therapy dogs—ease around people, a mellow temperament, loving, affectionate. Even people with allergies to dogs might do all right with a teddy bear dog. You can read more about them here.
If you like this video, here is another one with teddy bear dogs taking a bath together.
Article source: Anne Woods in Pets The Nest
