The Teddy Bear Breeds Craze — Why the Habibi Bear Stands Apart
The Truth Behind Teddy Bear Breeds
Teddy bear breeds have taken the world by storm. Their fluffy coats, soulful eyes, and cuddly charm make them almost irresistible—but not all teddy bear dogs are created equal.
In 1989, while working closely with children with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other developmental needs, I realized that the purebred dogs I had been raising simply couldn’t meet the emotional demands of my students. Though beautiful and beloved, many of these breeds came with high-drive temperaments and a growing list of inherited health issuescaused by inbreeding. They were not the gentle, intuitive companions I needed in my work.
At the time, genetic testing didn’t exist, but I knew from experience that the key to long-term vitality and emotional balance was genetic diversity. While the practice of outcrossing (introducing unrelated breeds) was controversial among breed purists, I saw it as the only way to build something better.
🐻 Creating the Original Teddy Bear Dog Breed
So, I made a bold decision—to step away from tradition and create a new kind of companion. I envisioned a low-drive, hypoallergenic, emotionally attuned dog designed specifically for children and families in today’s world. A true Anam Cara—a soul friend—who would thrive in homes that valued connection and calm over compliance and control.
We began calling them “Teddy Bears” long before the term became trendy. That’s what they were to us—soft, affectionate, grounded companions with a stuffed-animal look and a healing presence.
Over time, my line developed into a predictable, stable type, and to set them apart from the growing number of casual mixes being bred without intention, I gave them their official name: The Habibi Bear.
🏆 The Habibi Bear | The Original Purpose-Bred Teddy Bear Dog
At Habibi Bears, we are proud to be the original creators of the Teddy Bear breed, purposefully developed over 30 years ago with the goal of supporting emotional wellness, connection, and companionship.
Unlike many of the modern teddy bear mixes—like Maltipoos, Cavapoos, Shichons, or Yorkipoos—our dogs were never just about cuteness. They were designed with heart, backed by science, and refined with generational development to ensure consistency in health, temperament, and trainability.
🐶 What Is a Teddy Bear Dog?
“Teddy bear dog” is a nickname used to describe small, fluffy companion dogs that resemble plush toys. These include popular mixes such as:
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Shichon (Shih Tzu + Bichon Frise)
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Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)
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Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle)
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Teddy Bear Pom (Pomeranian mix)
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Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle)
While these teddy bear breeds can be adorable, most are first-generation crosses or bred without long-term vision—leading to wide variation in appearance, personality, and health.
⚠️ Common Challenges with Traditional Teddy Bear Mixes
Many teddy bear dogs on the market today are bred for appearance alone—not emotional stability or lifelong wellness. As a result, families often encounter unexpected challenges:
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Unpredictable Temperament – Traits vary depending on the mix and lineage
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Health Issues – Especially common in dogs bred without DNA testing or genetic diversity
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High Maintenance Grooming – Some coats shed, some mat, and upkeep can be overwhelming
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Behavioral Problems – Lack of early socialization and structure can lead to anxiety or fear-based reactivity
When families expect a calm, cuddly dog and receive a high-strung, reactive one—it creates heartbreak for everyone involved.
💛 The Habibi Bear Difference
The Habibi Bear was developed as a solution to those common issues found in many teddy bear breeds. We didn’t just mix breeds—we crafted a true breed, guided by heart, backed by over 30 years of hands-on experience, and supported by the Habibi Method™—our trauma-informed, developmentally aligned approach to puppy raising.
🌟 Why Families Choose the Habibi Bear:
✅ Hypoallergenic & Non-Shedding
Perfect for allergy-sensitive households.
✅ Health-Screened & Genetically Diverse
We use DNA testing and ethical breeding practices to ensure long-term vitality.
✅ Emotionally Intelligent & Human-Focused
Habibi Bears are bred to naturally attune to human emotions—ideal for children and therapeutic environments.
✅ Calm, Grounded, and Gentle
Not hyper or reactive—just soft, steady, and emotionally balanced.
✅ Raised with Intention
Every puppy is nurtured using the Habibi Method™, providing the perfect foundation for lifelong connection and confident companionship.
🌱 More Than Just a Breed — A Heartfelt Mission
The Habibi Bear isn’t a fad or a product of the designer dog boom. It’s the result of decades of thoughtful breeding, a deep love for dogs and people, and a vision to serve families in a meaningful, lasting way.
We believe in:
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Connection over control
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Co-regulation over compliance
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Soulful partnership over performance
And it shows in every puppy we raise.
👨👩👧 The Best Teddy Bear Breed for Today’s Families
If you’ve met a Habibi Bear in the wild—whether at a coffee shop, in a classroom, or out with the neighbors—you already know there’s something different about them. They radiate peace, joy, and presence. They’re not just cute. They’re extraordinary companions created for real-life families with real-world needs.
So if you’re looking for the best teddy bear breed—one with emotional intelligence, predictable temperament, and deep, soulful connection—the Habibi Bear is your answer.
We didn’t just create a breed.
We created a companion for life.