Teddy Bear Yorkie: Top 5 Things You Need To Know

Have you ever stumbled upon a listing for teddy bear Yorkies or heard someone raving about a “teddy bear Yorkie puppy”? Don’t be fooled by the adorable name – teddy bear Yorkie isn’t a formal breed, but more of a nickname for very cute Yorkshire Terriers. In this post we’ll explain exactly what people mean by “teddy bear Yorkie,” why that name is used, and key facts you should know before falling in love with one. 

What Is a “Teddy Bear Yorkie”?

First off, a Teddy Bear Yorkie is not an official breed or registry category. It’s simply a term people use for Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies) that have extra-cute, teddy bear–like features. In fact, all Yorkies are one breed with one AKC standard (they should weigh up to about 7 pounds and have long, silky coats). There’s no separate AKC “Teddy Bear Yorkie” standard. Instead, “teddy bear Yorkie” is a pet nickname. Breeders and owners may label a Yorkie “teddy bear” because of its size, face shape, coat, or haircut – anything that makes it look more like a cuddly toy.

In other words, any Yorkie (or Yorkie mix) can be called a teddy bear Yorkie, depending on its appearance. This term has different uses. It might refer to size, face shape, coat texture, color, or hairstyle. This also means there’s no strict definition. Some people use it loosely for tiny Yorkies, others for Yorkies with round puppy faces, and others for Yorkies given a special “teddy bear cut” (short, fluffy trim).

“Teddy Bear Yorkie” simply means “Yorkshire Terrier with teddy-bear looks.” It’s a fun nickname – not a new breed.

Why Are They Called “Teddy Bear” Yorkies?

The cute name actually comes from two sources. First, many Yorkie puppies naturally look a bit like teddy bears when they’re tiny: round faces, big eyes, and fluffy coats. People began calling these extra-fluffy Yorkie pups “teddy bears” because they resemble stuffed toys. The term is often used informally for Yorkie puppies. As we all know, they have a round, puffy and soft appearance. They simply resembles stuffed teddy bears.

Second, the name was popularized by breeders referencing another dog. There’s a style of Pomeranian known as “Teddy Bear Poms” (fluffy Poms trimmed to look like teddy bears). Breeders applied the same idea to Yorkies. 

However, there are no formal rules for what makes a Yorkie a “teddy bear.” One person’s teddy bear Yorkie might just be a Yorkie with a round head. Another might be a Yorkie-Shih Tzu mix with a short snout. The key is: cute and cuddly!

Key Facts About Teddy Bear Yorkies

Here are some quick, important facts (“need-to-know” points) about Teddy Bear Yorkies. 

• Not an Official Breed: Remember, there’s only one official Yorkshire Terrier standard. The term “Teddy Bear Yorkie” is just a cute nickname. A Yorkie listed as “Teddy Bear” is still genetically a Yorkie (unless it’s a mix), but with extra teddy-like traits.
  
• Look and Face: Teddy Bear Yorkies typically have rounder faces and shorter snouts than show-style Yorkies. Their eyes, nose and mouth often look more heart-shaped, which gives them that teddy-bear expression. In short, their little heads can look extra-plump. Their heads are shaped a bit differently and they look more round. We can notice that their eyes are bigger and that their nose, and mouth are like ‘’buttons’’. Thanks to these features, there’s no chance you won’t recognize a teddy bear yorkie.
  
• Coat & Color: Most are still the classic black-and-tan Yorkie colors. So the name isn’t about color. It’s about the texture or cut of the coat. Many Teddy Bear Yorkies have slightly wavier or woollier coats (sometimes due to breeding) and are often given a short “puppy cut” to enhance fluffiness. Breeders claim that this is often the result of crossbreeding and that Yorkies with woolly coat are often called teddies.

If you see a Yorkie listed as “teddy bear” with a curly or fluffy coat, it might be because it was trimmed that way or bred with another fluffy dog. (We’ll talk more about mixes below.)

• Teddy Bear Haircut: One of the most common “teddy bear” traits is simply a haircut! Many owners give Yorkies a short, plush trim – often called a “teddy bear cut” – which makes them look more puppy-like. It’s the most “agreeable” use of the term. Short hair is easier to maintain and makes the dog look chubby and cuddly. 

A short, cute trim… amps up the cuddle factor. It’s practical, tangle-free, and oh-so-adorable.. So if you see a Yorkie with a round face and clipped fur, it’s probably styled to look like a teddy bear.

• Size Variations: Yorkies are a toy breed (usually 4–7 lbs), and breeders sometimes use the term teddy bear Yorkie for very small or teacup Yorkies. But breed standards don’t specify a smaller size. All Yorkies are within that toy range anyway. In other words, calling an undersized Yorkie “teddy bear” is mostly marketing. Technically, any tiny Yorkie is just a small Yorkie. The “teacup” or “toy” tag is a buyer’s label.
  
• Designer Mixes: A lot of “teddy bear Yorkies” on the market are actually designer crosses, not pure Yorkies. For example, a Yorkie crossed with a Poodle (a “Yorkie-Poo”) or with a Shih Tzu (a “Shorkie”) often has a fluffy, teddy-like face. 

If a Yorkie has an unusually round face or curly coat, it’s often because “a Yorkshire Terrier being paired with a Shih Tzu, Maltese or Pekingese,” or even a Poodle. A neat example: a “Shorkie-Poo” (Shih Tzu/Yorkie/Poodle mix) looks very teddy-esque but is not a recognized breed. So if your puppy has those teddy traits, ask the breeder about its mix. Therefore, be cautious. Unethical breeders might cross dogs just to get that look.

• Health and Lifespan: Generally, Teddy Bear Yorkies have the same health profile as any Yorkshire Terrier. Expect around 12–15 years of life. However, tiny toy dogs do come with some common issues. 

Watch for things like luxating patellas (wobbly kneecaps), collapsed trachea, and dental crowding (Yorkies have lots of teeth in a tiny mouth). A key point: if a teddy look came from mixing breeds, check on Poodle or Shih Tzu health traits too. Brushing teeth and trimming nails is crucial – one article notes that fragile bones, heart issues, and teeth problems are something to pay extra attention to.

• Temperament: These pups are still Yorkies at heart. They tend to be bold, energetic, and affectionate. They love snuggles (no surprise, given the name!), and are usually very loyal. Of course, personalities vary. But nothing magical happens to temperament just because a Yorkie looks like a teddy bear.
  
• Price and Rarity: Is a Teddy Bear Yorkie rare? Not in the sense of a unique breed, but finding one with exactly the look you want can be harder than a regular Yorkie. Some years ago “teddy Yorkies” were considered less desirable by show breeders, but now they’re popular. Be prepared: prices are often as high or higher than regular Yorkies. Many good breeders sell Yorkie puppies from $1,200–$3,000, and puppies with sought-after “teddy bear” traits can be at the top of that range or beyond. In fact, some unique Yorkie variants (like Parti Yorkies) have been known to fetch up to $10,000 from dedicated breedersyorkies-gram.com. So yes, a teddy bear Yorkie can be expensive – especially if it’s extremely small, has a special coat, or comes from champion lines. (Always watch out for ridiculously low prices, as they can signal puppy mills or scams.)
  
• Buyer Tips: If you’re shopping for a “Teddy Bear Yorkie,” be a smart buyer. Always ask the breeder exactly why they call the puppy “teddy bear.” Is it the haircut, the face shape, the coloring? A knowledgeable breeder should happily explain the puppy’s traits. One blog even suggests a specific question: “What makes this Yorkie a Teddy Bear variety? Is it the size, the coat, the face?”. If the seller hesitates or can’t explain, be cautious. Remember, the best pets come from ethical breeders who care more about health and temperament than just catchy names.
  

For more on Yorkie variations and what to watch for, check out our posts on other Yorkie types – like Parti vs Biewer Yorkies and Parti Yorkies in general – which explain how those special color coats differ from a standard Yorkie. Teddy Bear Yorkies are a different kind of fun, but knowing your way around all these nicknames will help you find the perfect fluffball.

Teddy Bear Yorkies for Sale & Pricing

You might be Googling “teddy bear Yorkies for sale” right now. Many pet shops and puppy websites advertise “Teddy Bear Yorkie puppies,” but remember: any listing with that name needs scrutiny.

• Pricing: A “teddy bear” label usually drives the price up. Expect to pay at least as much as you would for a quality purebred Yorkie – often $1,500 or more. As mentioned, truly rare color or size traits can push prices into the several thousand range. For example, one reputable site once listed a toy-size Yorkie (with a teddy-face) for $1,800. On the high end, there have been teacup or “designer” Yorkies approaching $10,000 (especially if they’re claimed to have champion bloodlines or are exact “teddy face” specimens).
  
• Expensive? Yes, they can be expensive – especially if breeders hype up the “teddy” aspect. However, beware of deals that seem too good. A $500 “teddy bear Yorkie puppy” ad is a red flag. Either it’s not a purebred Yorkie (maybe it’s a random mixed-breed puppy), or it’s a puppy mill. Spend time finding a reputable breeder.
  
• Sale Warnings: If you see ads like “Teddy Bear Yorkie for sale near me” or “cheap teddy bear Yorkie puppies”, investigate thoroughly. Check the breeder’s reviews, ask for health records, and ideally visit in person (or use a trusted local agent). 

The term “teddy bear” is sometimes just marketing. On the flip side, legitimate breeders might also use it proudly. The key is due diligence. For a sneak peek at how these variants compare, our Yorkie Types article notes that “Teddy Bear Yorkies are not officially recognized,” so always confirm what you’re actually getting.

• Other Expenses: Keep in mind the cost of upkeep. A Teddy Bear Yorkie with a plush coat means more grooming (even with a short cut, they still need brushing) and regular vet checks (all Yorkies can have delicate health). Factor in food, toys, grooming tools, and eventual vet bills when budgeting.
  

Teddy Bear Yorkie-Poos and Designer Mixes

Now, a quick word on “Teddy Bear Yorkie Poo” (or “Yorkie Poo”) and other mixes. You may encounter these terms in ads too.

A Yorkie-Poo is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle. Because Poodles have curly, fluffy coats, a Yorkie-Poo often has a teddy-bear-like curliness and a round face – prime conditions for the “teddy bear” look. 

Some sellers will call a Yorkie-Poo a “Teddy Bear Yorkie-Poo” to highlight this. Similarly, “Shorkies” (Yorkie + Shih Tzu) or “Morkies” (Yorkie + Maltese) are also frequently styled or marketed as teddy bear types.

For example, a popular Shorkie-Poo (Yorkie + Shih Tzu + Poodle mix) is literally described in their guide as having a “Teddy bear” appearance. 

These designer pups can be wonderful pets, but they’re not pure Yorkies. If being a pure Yorkshire Terrier is important to you, be sure you know what you’re getting. Otherwise, those mixed teddy pups often have very gentle, hypoallergenic coats (courtesy of the Poodle or Maltese genes) – which some owners prefer.

Either way, whether pure or mixed, the advice is the same: Do your homework. Ask breeders to describe both parents so you know if your “Teddy Bear Yorkie” is 100% Yorkie or a cuddly hybrid.

Facts Recap

To sum up, here are the key takeaways in bullet form:

• Name Origin: Teddy Bear Yorkie comes from their teddy-like puppy appearance and the influence of Pomeranian “Teddy Bear” styles.
  
• Not a Separate Breed: It’s a nickname, not a breed. All Yorkies follow the same AKC standard.
  
• Appearance: Often round-faced, with heart-shaped eyes/nose, and a soft, fluffy coat (sometimes styled short).
  
• Colors: Typically black-and-tan (standard Yorkie puppy colors). The term doesn’t refer to a special color.
  
• Size: Usually a toy (4–7 lbs). Smaller teacup Yorkies are sometimes called “teddy bear,” but size alone isn’t unique.
  
• Coat Cut: Many owners give a teddy bear cut (puppy cut) – short, even fur that emphasizes roundness.
  
• Health: Same as any Yorkie – watch for dental crowding, knee and spine issues. A gentle coat helps avoid mats, but still, brush and vet-check regularly.
  
• Breeds/Mixes: True teddy bears often come from crossing with fluffy breeds (Shih Tzu, Poodle, etc.). Know your breeder’s breeding plan.
  
• Price: Generally not cheap. Expect at least normal Yorkie prices (~$1,000–$3,000); extremely tiny or show-quality ones can go much higher.
  
• Buyer Tips: Always verify health clearances, ask why the puppy is called “teddy bear,” and be wary of overly low prices or shady breeders.
  

Conclusion

In the end, teddy bear Yorkies are just Yorkies with an extra dose of cuteness. The name reflects their toy-like face and fuzzy coat, not a pedigree difference. If you fall for a puffball with that name, remember the realities: 

they require the same care as any Yorkie, and you should approach buying them with a bit of skepticism (to avoid scams). But when you bring one home – who could resist that teddy-bear gaze?

And if you’re curious about other charming Yorkie varieties, check out our related blog posts on Parti Yorkies vs Biewer Yorkies and all about Parti Yorkies. These will help you spot all the color and coat combinations that make every Yorkie one-of-a-kind.