Are you in love with those adorable, fluffy teddy bear dogs?
They’ve become hugely popular in recent years thanks to their irresistible stuffed animal-like looks and sweet, gentle personalities.
But before you rush out to get your teddy bear puppy, it’s important to understand the costs involved.
Getting a dog is a major long-term financial commitment!
How Much Does A Teddy Bear Dog Cost?
This article will break down everything you need to know about the expenses of teddy bear dog ownership.
Teddy Bear Dog Price:
So, how much can you expect to pay for a teddy bear puppy?
The price range is quite wide, from around $500 on the low end to over $3,000 for the most in-demand pups.
Several key factors impact the cost:
- Breeder reputation and location: Top breeders with healthy, high-quality dogs charge more, especially in urban areas with high demand. Expect to pay $1,000-$3,000 from reputable breeders.
- Dog’s lineage: Puppies from champion show dog lines or with rare coat colors are more valuable. An exceptional pedigree can push the price over $3K.
- Supply and demand: Limited supply + high demand = higher prices. You may need to go on a waiting list for the most sought-after pups.
Adopting a teddy bear mix from a shelter or rescue is much cheaper, usually $50-$500.
Their exact lineage will be unknown though.
Other Teddy Bear Dog Mixes and Their Costs
While the original teddy bear dog is a Bichon Frise / Shih Tzu mix, breeders have created many other cute combos with small companion breeds:
| Mix Name | Parent Breeds | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cockapoo Teddy Bear | Cocker Spaniel/Poodle + Shih Tzu or Bichon | $800 – $2,500 |
| Maltipoo Teddy Bear | Maltese/Poodle + Shih Tzu or Bichon | $500 – $2,000 |
| Yorkie Teddy Bear | Yorkshire Terrier + Shih Tzu or Bichon | $700 – $1,800 |
| Poochon Teddy Bear | Bichon Frise/Poodle + Shih Tzu | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Goldendoodle Teddy Bear | Golden Retriever/Poodle + Shih Tzu or Bichon | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Labradoodle Teddy Bear | Labrador/Poodle + Shih Tzu or Bichon | $1,000 – $3,000 |
These designer mixes are still quite new and in high demand, so prices are high and vary a lot based on the breeder.
Adopting is more affordable, starting around $50-$500.
Teddy Bear Dog Breed Overview
What exactly is a teddy bear dog?
Here are the key characteristics of this Bichon Frise / Shih Tzu hybrid (also called a Shichon or Zuchon):
- Small size, typically 8-15 lbs and 9-12″ tall
- A soft, fluffy, hypoallergenic coat that looks like a teddy bear
- Coat colors include white, black, brown, gold
- Energetic, playful, affectionate, gentle personality
- Great for families, good with kids and other pets
- Can make excellent therapy dogs
Since they are a hybrid, it’s especially important to get teddy bear puppies from reputable breeders who health test the parents. Poor breeding practices can lead to health and behavior issues.
Factors That Affect Teddy Bear Dog Pricing
Besides the initial purchase price, some other factors impact the total cost of owning a teddy bear dog:
- Quality of breeding: Well-bred dogs from health-tested lines cost more upfront but save on vet bills in the long run. Cheaply bred dogs often have more health problems.
- Size: Tiny “teacup” sized pups may have higher costs. Larger ones eat more food.
- Grooming needs: Regular professional grooming adds up with these high-maintenance coats.
Ongoing Care Costs for The Teddy Bear Breed
Your adorable new puppy comes with a bunch of recurring expenses.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical ongoing costs for a teddy bear dog:
- Food: $100-$250/year for a quality small-breed dog food. Homemade diets may cost more.
- Treats: $50-$100/year, assuming healthy treats fed in moderation.
- Grooming: $40-$70/month for professional grooming, so $480-$840/year. Frequent brushing between appointments is a must.
- Toys & supplies: About $100-$200/year for safe, durable toys and other supplies.
- Medical care: $200-$400/year for routine vet checkups. Emergency care for an accident or illness could be thousands. Pet insurance helps manage these unpredictable costs.
In total, budget $1,000-$1,500 per year for all your teddy bear dog’s basic needs. Costs often go down after the first couple of years once you’re fully equipped with supplies.
Costs for Training and Socializing a Teddy Bear Dog
Training and socialization is an essential investments in any puppy. Teddy bear dogs are smart and eager to please, but need guidance to reach their full potential.
Some typical training costs:
- Group obedience classes: $100-$200 for 6-8 weekly sessions
- Private lessons: $50-$100 per hour-long session, as needed
- Puppy kindergarten: $100-$300 for socialization classes during the critical first few months
Expect to spend $200-$500+ on training over the first couple of years to set your pup up for success. The benefits of a well-behaved dog are worth every penny!
Is Pet Insurance Worth the Costs for a Teddy Bear Dog?
Accidents, injuries, and illnesses happen, even to the healthiest of pups. Pet insurance helps cover those unexpected vet bills. A comprehensive plan with 90%+ coverage will run you about $30-$100/month.
Look for policies that:
- Cover hereditary and chronic conditions common to teddy bear dogs.
- Have no limits on the dollar amount of claims.
- Offer deductibles of $100-$500 per incident.
For the best protection, aim for premiums around $50/month and shop around for the best rates and coverage.
Having the peace of mind of a pet insurance safety net is a smart choice.
Supplies and Gear for a Teddy Bear Dog
Teddy bear puppies need a bunch of supplies to start.
Here are some typical one-time costs:
- Collar, harness & leash set: $25-$50
- Carrier for vet trips & travel: $30-$100
- Dog bed (or two): $25-$150 depending on size & materials
- Food & water bowls: $10-$50 for a cute set
- Puppy playpen for safe play & housetraining: $75-$200
- Crate for training & transport: $50-$200
- Grooming tools like brushes, clippers, and shampoo: $50-$200
- Puppy pads & cleaning supplies: $20-$50
You’ll likely spend around $300-$800 on gear and supplies to get started. Shop around for sales and prioritize quality to get the most for your money.
Long-Term Financial Commitments
Owning a dog is a 10-15+ year commitment, and those recurring costs add up over a teddy bear dog’s lifespan. According to the AKC, small dogs like teddy bears cost their owners an average of $14,480 – $15,782 over their lifetime.
Some key expenses to plan for:
- Food, treats & chews
- Annual vet checkups & vaccines
- Monthly preventatives for fleas, ticks & heartworm
- Regular grooming sessions
- Dog walker or pet sitter fees for when you’re away
- Emergency vet care or surgery for an accident or illness
- Treatment for any chronic conditions that develop
- Dental cleanings to prevent gum disease
- Senior dog vet care gets pricier as they age
You’re also legally and financially responsible for any damage or injury caused by your dog.
Make sure your current and future budget has room for your teddy bear pup’s needs before committing to one.
Tips for Saving Money on Your Teddy Bear Dog
Owning a dog isn’t cheap, but there are ways to save without skimping on quality care:
- Adopt a teddy bear mix from a shelter or rescue to save on the initial price tag.
- Take advantage of free first puppy vet visits and low-cost vaccine clinics.
- Buy food and supplies in bulk to get discounts, and split big purchases with other dog owners.
- Learn to do some basic grooming and teeth brushing at home between professional appointments.
- Make homemade treats and toys to cut costs and have more control over ingredients.
- Invest in positive training early on to prevent expensive behavior issues down the road.
- Shop around for affordable pet insurance before an accident happens, not after.
With some smart budgeting, you can keep your teddy bear dog happy and healthy without breaking the bank.
Final Words:
Those teddy bear pups sure are hard to resist, but they’re a big responsibility too! Hopefully, this guide gave you a better idea of how much teddy bear dogs cost, both upfront and throughout their lifetime.
By understanding the financial commitment and planning, you can set yourself and your new best friend up for a lifetime of joy together.
Remember, cutting corners isn’t the same as being smart with your money.
Your teddy bear dog deserves top notch care at every stage of their life. Create a budget, start saving, and focus on value to make dog ownership a positive experience for you both.
With some careful consideration, you’ll be ready to welcome one of these sweet, fluffy bundles of love into your heart and home!
