The Ultimate Guide to Teddy Bear Goldendoodle Puppies

There’s no denying the sheer adorableness of teddy bear goldendoodle puppies. With their fuzzy teddy bear looks and friendly, loving personalities, it’s no wonder these hybrid pups have skyrocketed in popularity. If you’re considering adding one of these cuddly canine companions to your family, this comprehensive guide has all the details you need.

What Exactly Are Teddy Bear Goldendoodles?

The teddy bear goldendoodle is a hybrid dog breed, a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. Breeders developed this variety intentionally to combine the two parent breeds’ most desirable traits – the gentle, trainable temperament of the golden retriever with the non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat of the poodle.

While all goldendoodles are goldendoodles, teddy bear goldendoodles are a distinct variation bred specifically for their compact, rounded “teddy bear” appearance.

Their signature look comes from:

• Small to medium size: Typically standing 14-24 inches tall and weighing 30-50 pounds
• Round, teddy bear faces: With a short muzzle, round eyes, and a cute button nose
• Shaggy, teddy bear coats: Available in straighter “hair” versions or curlier “wool” teddy bear textures

Beyond just looks, teddy bear goldendoodles make wonderful family companions thanks to their:

• Affectionate, loving nature: They crave human attention and bond closely with their owners
• Intelligence and trainability: They’re highly intelligent and eager to please, making training easy
• Friendly, social personalities: With early socialization, they get along great with kids, other pets, and strangers

Teddy Bear Goldendoodle Appearance

One of the main draws of teddy bear goldendoodles is their irresistibly cute teddy bear looks. 

Here’s a closer look at their distinctive appearance:

Coat Colors & Textures
Their coats can be variations of:

• Golden shades: cream, apricot, red
• Darker colors: chocolate, cafe, black
• Parti colors: patches of white mixed with another color

The coat texture depends on how much poodle vs golden retriever they inherit. It can range from:

• Straighter, flatter “hair” coat like a golden retriever
• Tighter, curlier “wool” teddy bear coat like a poodle

Coat Grooming & Maintenance
Their coats should receive professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain that perfect teddy bear look. This involves:

• Trimming the fur short around the face to accentuate their round teddy bear features
• Clipping the body coat in a “poodle cut” to maximize the shaggy teddy bear texture

Between groomings, daily brushing is required to prevent matting and keep the coat looking its best.

Other Physical Traits

• Size: Heights between 14-24 inches and weights of 30-50 lbs are typical
• Head & Face: Round teddy bear face with a shorter muzzle and button nose
• Eyes: Large, round eyes ranging from golden to dark brown
• Ears & Tail: Floppy ears and a long, feathery poodle-like tail

Are Teddy Bear Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

One of the biggest selling points of teddy bear goldendoodles is that they are among the most hypoallergenic dogs thanks to their poodle ancestry.

Here’s a closer look at their hypoallergenic qualities:

• Low to no shedding: Like poodles, they have hair coats rather than fur and shed very minimally compared to other breeds
• Less dander: Their hair coats produce less of the sticky dander protein that triggers allergic reactions in people

However, it’s important to note that no dog can truly be considered 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs produce at least some allergens from sources like saliva and urine.

But teddy bear goldendoodles are about as close as it gets to a hypoallergenic hypoallergenic dog. Many people with dog allergies are able to tolerate this breed with few to no symptoms.

That said, it’s still advisable to spend plenty of time around teddy bear goldendoodle puppies before getting one to gauge your allergy reaction.

Caring for Your Teddy Bear Goldendoodle

While their cute teddy bear looks might trick you into thinking they’re plush toys, teddy bear goldendoodles are living, breathing canine companions that require devoted care and attention. Here are some key areas to be aware of:

Grooming Your Teddy Bear Doodle

Maintaining that signature teddy bear look requires commitment to regular grooming. In addition to professional grooming appointments every 6-8 weeks:

• Daily brushing is a must to prevent matting – use slicker brushes and metal combs
• Baths every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat clean and fresh
• Ear cleaning and nail trims as needed

You’ll need the right tools like:

• Slicker brushes
• Metal grooming combs
• Shampoo and conditioner formulated for dogs
• Ear cleaning solution
• Dog nail clippers or grinder

While you can groom at home, many owners opt for professional groomers. Groomers ensure the teddy bear look is executed perfectly while also being experienced in proper dematting and preventing issues like brush burn.

Exercise and Activity Needs

Despite their “teddy bear” name and small-to-medium size, teddy bear goldendoodles are active, energetic dogs that require a decent amount of daily exercise:

• At least 60 minutes per day, split between a few shorter walks/play sessions
• Backyard access to run and play is highly recommended
• They do well with activities like hiking, swimming, fetch, and dog sports

Without enough exercise and activity outlets, teddy bear doodles can become bored and destructive. Their high intelligence means they need plenty of mental stimulation too.

Exercise tips:

• Vary routines with different activities to prevent boredom
• Food puzzle toys are great for mental engagement
• Start exercise gradually for young puppies
• Senior teddy bear doodles may need to scale back intense activities

Training Your Teddy Bear Pup

One of the advantages of teddy bear goldendoodles is that they are tremendously intelligent and eager to please – making them very trainable. However, their people-pleasing nature can also make them prone to separation anxiety.

Keys for training success:

• Positive reinforcement training only – reward-based, no punishment
• Start socialization and obedience training as early as 8 weeks old
• Work diligently on crate training and alone time training from a young age
• Be patient, consistent, and use high-value treats to motivate
• Consider group training classes for socialization

With early training ingrained, teddy bear goldendoodles grow into wonderfully obedient, well-adjusted companions. Their high intelligence also opens doors for advanced training like therapy work, agility, or other dog sports.

Finding a Teddy Bear Goldendoodle Puppy

With their endearing looks and desirable traits, it’s no surprise that demand for teddy bear goldendoodle puppies is high. However, that also means there are many disreputable breeders trying to cash in unethically.

The first key is to only work with responsible, reputable breeders.

Signs of a high-quality teddy bear doodle breeder include:

• They do extensive health and genetic testing on all breeding dogs
• They are extremely knowledgeable about the breed and breeding process
  Puppies are raised in their home in a clean, nurturing environment
• They don’t over-breed any single dog – litters are limited
• They’ll interview you to ensure you’re a good fit for one of their pups
• They provide a health guarantee and are open about any potential issues
• They ask you to sign a contract prohibiting irresponsible breeding practices

What to avoid:

• Puppy mills and commercial breeders
• Backyard breeders with no health/genetic testing
• Breeders that always seem to have puppies available immediately
• Anyone selling “doodle” puppies for bottom-dollar prices

As difficult as it may be, be prepared for a lengthy waiting process of 6+ months to obtain a well-bred teddy bear goldendoodle puppy from an ethical source.

Costs

The average cost for a well-bred teddy bear goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder is $2,000 – $4,000.

Higher prices often correlate with:

• Exceptional breed lines and in-demand coat colors
• Extensive health/genetic testing of parents
• Breeders’ years of experience and reputation
• Costs of responsible breeding practices (vet care, grooming, etc.)

While that price tag is steep, you get what you pay for in a healthy, ethical teddy bear doodle pup with a conscientious breeder’s backing.

Lower prices from questionable sources like puppy mills, back-yard breeders or online ads should be an immediate red flag. These puppies often come from irresponsible breeding practices with zero health/genetic testing.

There are also ongoing costs of owning a teddy bear doodle:

• High-quality food: $40-80 per month
• Annual vet checkups/vaccinations: $300-600 per year
• Monthly preventative meds: $20-50
• Grooming: $60-100 every 6-8 weeks
• Supplies: $300-500 initially for crate, bowls, beds, toys, etc.

Are Teddy Bear Goldendoodles Right for You?

After covering all these details, you might be wondering if a teddy bear goldendoodle makes the perfect pup for your family.

These dogs have many desirable advantages:

✔️ Allergy-Friendly: As one of the most hypoallergenic dogs

✔️ Loving Companions: Affectionate, gentle, and bond closely

✔️ Intelligence/Trainability: Highly trainable for obedience, therapy, and activities

✔️ Family-Friendly Size: A nice small-to-medium size for many homes

However, there are also some potential downsides to consider:

• Grooming Needs: Teddy bear cuts require frequent professional grooming
• Activity Requirements: They have moderate exercise/activity needs daily
• Separation Anxiety: They dislike being left alone for long periods
• Lengthy Waiting Lists: Well-bred teddy bear doodles are in very high demand

Only you can determine if a teddy bear goldendoodle is the right match for your lifestyle, living situation, and ability to provide the needed time, exercise, and financial investment one requires.

But for many families, the joyful companionship of these adorable teddy bear dogs is well worth the commitment. With their cute teddy bear looks, loving dispositions, and allergy-friendly traits, it’s no wonder teddy bear goldendoodles have become such a coveted and popular doodle breed.

Realistic Expectations While teddy bear doodles make wonderful family pets, it’s important to have realistic expectations about their needs:

• They are not plush toys – they are living beings that require daily care and attention
• They will shed lightly and may trigger some allergies despite being hypoallergenic
• Their grooming needs are extensive compared to some other breeds
• They can develop behavioral issues like separation anxiety without proper training

By understanding and being prepared for a teddy bear doodle’s exercise, grooming, training, and social needs, you’ll be setup for a happy lifelong companionship with your loving teddy bear pup.

ALSO READ: GOLDENDOODLES IN SAN DIEGO: THE FRIENDLY PUP’S PERFECT HOME

Find the Perfect Teddy Bear Puppy for Your Family

If you think the advantages of a teddy bear goldendoodle outweigh the commitments, you’re likely wondering where to find one of these adorable pups.

The most important step is connecting with an ethical, reputable breeder who follows best practices:

• Performs extensive health and genetic testing on all breeding dogs to produce the healthiest litters possible
• Raises puppies in a clean, nurturing home environment from birth
• Thoroughly vets potential owners to ensure puppies go to great homes
• Provides detailed documentation and contracts with health guarantees

While puppies from disreputable breeders, puppy mills, and backyard operations may cost less upfront, you could pay the price later with expensive health and behavioral issues.

Responsible teddy bear doodle breeders have waitlists that can extend over 6 months, but prioritize doing things right over profits. Some top teddy bear goldendoodle breeders to explore include:

With patience and perseverance, you’ll eventually find your dream mini goldendoodle teddy bear puppy from a breeder you can trust. And when you gaze into that fuzzy teddy bear face, you’ll know the wait was worth it. Let’s continue exploring everything these wonderful pups have to offer.

Bringing Home Your Teddy Bear Doodle Puppy

After what was likely a long waiting period, the day has finally arrived – your new teddy bear goldendoodle puppy is coming home. This is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to be prepared for those first few critical weeks.

Puppy-Proofing Your Home Just like with human babies, teddy bear puppies will get into everything until you teach them not to. Puppy-proof your home by:

• Using baby gates to block off any off-limit areas
• Putting away anything toxic or valuable that puppies could chew
• Covering wires/cords with plastic covers or taping them to baseboards
• Closing toilet lids and keeping trash cans securely covered
• Removing toxic houseplants that a puppy could nibble on

You’ll also need a cozy, safe space just for the puppy like:

• A properly-sized crate with a comfy bed inside
• Puppy pads/artificial turf for potty training
• Tons of safe, durable chew toys to combat biting/nipping

Supplies for Your Teddy Bear Pup Stock up on these supplies before puppy comes home:

• High-quality age-appropriate puppy food
• Food/water bowls
• Collar, leash, ID tag
• Brushes and grooming tools
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
• Baby gates and pet odor removers
• Plenty of training treats

Potty Training and Crate Training Two crucial aspects in those first weeks are potty training and crate training:

Potty Training Tips:

• Take puppy out at least every 2 hours, as well as after eating/drinking/playing
• Use a consistent potty command and reward heavily when they go outside
• Avoid punishing accidents, which can make them afraid to potty in front of you
• Consider using a bell or scratching post to train them to signal when they need out

Crate Training Tips:

• Crates should only be big enough for the puppy to stand and turn around
• Feed them meals in the crate so they associate it positively
• Don’t use it for punishment – only as a safe, cozy den
• Build up slowly from minutes to hours of time in the crate

While potty training takes patience, consistency is key. With time, your teddy bear pup will learn.

Socialization and Training Between 8-16 weeks old is the prime socialization window. This means exposing your puppy to new people, sounds, sights, and experiences in a positive way. Proper socialization helps teddy bear doodles grow into well-adjusted, confident adults.

It’s also ideal to start basic obedience training as early as possible, while their eager-to-please personalities make it easy. Training options:

• Group puppy classes (also great for socialization)
• Private in-home training sessions
• Virtual training courses you follow at home

Reinforce training with lots of positive reinforcement like praise, playtime, and high-value treats. Avoid any punitive training methods.

Puppy-Proof Your Expectations No matter how much you prepare, there’s no denying that the first few months with a teddy bear goldendoodle puppy will be challenging at times. They’ll have many accidents, destructive chewing phases, and energetic bursts.

Expect it to take 4-6 months for your puppy to be mostly trained. With commitment, consistency, and plenty of patience, you’ll make it through the “puppy uglies.” Just keep the end goal in mind of your loyal, loving teddy bear companion.

Bonding with Your Teddy Bear Pup

Thanks to their eager-to-please, human-focused personalities, teddy bear goldendoodles bond closely with their owners. You’ll quickly develop an inseparable companionship:

“Our teddy bear doodle follows me from room to room. He always wants to be wherever I am and constantly checks in with me. It’s the sweetest thing.”
Angela T., Portland, OR

These dogs truly thrive on human interaction, playtime, and feeling like part of the family “pack.” Plan on spending quality time together through:

• Walks, hikes, and active outdoor adventures
• Learning new tricks and training games
• Cozy cuddle sessions on the couch
• Bringing them along on suitable outings and errand runs

With their affectionate, loving natures, teddy bear goldendoodles make the perfect snuggle buddies.

ALSO READ: THE AMAZING CHARM OF THE BABY MINI GOLDENDOODLE

Teddy Bear Doodle Traits and Personality

As a cross between smart golden retrievers and clever poodles, teddy bear goldendoodles are highly intelligent. They excel in training and can even learn very complex tasks and commands.

“The breeder said my teddy bear doodle was one of the smartest puppies she’d ever seen. I’ve taught him a whole dictionary of commands, plus fun tricks like “shake” and “play dead.”
Sylvia H., Austin, TX

With the right activities and stimulation, these dogs thrive:

• Advanced obedience training and competitions
• Dog sports like agility, rally, flyball, frisbee
• Functioning as service, therapy, or emotional support animals
• Interacting actively through games, puzzles, and new challenges

They have moderate energy levels that pair well with active lifestyles. A teddy bear doodle makes the perfect running, hiking, swimming, or adventure buddy.

Traits of Teddy Bear Doodles:

✨ Affectionate and loving with family
✨ Intelligent and highly trainable
✨ Energetic but with an “off-switch” to relax indoors
✨ Friendly and social with proper socialization
✨ Hypoallergenic with very minimal shedding
✨ Eager to please and bond closely with owners

A Ray of Sunshine in Your Life

Teddy bear goldendoodles earn their place as one of the most coveted doodle breeds on the market today for good reason. Their irresistibly cute teddy bear looks melt hearts everywhere. But beyond their fuzzy teddy bear aesthetic, they make exceptionally loving, loyal companions, enriching families in so many ways.

From their affection and eager-to-please natures to their high intelligence and trainability, teddy bear doodles possess many fantastic traits. They’re energetic enough to join you on adventures while still cuddly couch potatoes at heart.

And with their poodle-like low/no shedding coats, teddy bear goldendoodles are one of the most hypoallergenic dogs. the perfect fit for those with allergies. Most wonderfully, these doodles become cherished, inseparable family members bringing.

Conclusion: 

By now, it should be clear why teddy bear goldendoodles have captured so many hearts and become such a coveted doodle breed. These adorable pups quite literally look like living, breathing teddy bears – but with the added bonus of being loyal, loving companions.

From their irresistible fuzzy teddy bear looks and coats to their friendly, eager-to-please personalities, teddy bear goldendoodles have the full package. They’re affectionate snuggle buddies always craving your attention. Their smarts and trainability mean they excel in obedience, therapy work, and fun activities like agility.

While teddy bear doodles require a commitment to grooming, training, and adequate daily exercise, their hypoallergenic coats and human-centric personalities make the investment worthwhile. You get an allergy-friendly pup that forms an inseparable lifelong bond.

As Doodle owner Jessica G. from Los Angeles says,

“My teddy bear goldendoodle is like the ray of sunshine in my life. No matter how tough my day is, one look at his cute teddy face and wagging tail brightens everything. He’s brought me so much love and joy.”

If you can provide a nurturing home with plenty of love, playtime, and snuggle sessions, a teddy bear goldendoodle puppy could be the perfect fluffy companion. With adolescent antics giving way to a mature best friend, these doodles become truly cherished family members.

So for those seeking a loyal, loving pup with irresistible teddy bear charm, don’t overlook this unique hybrid breed. A teddy bear goldendoodle could be your ideal furry pal and snuggle buddy for life.