Teddy Bear Puppies for Sale in Iowa City, IA

Our Teddy Bears can be hand-delivered right to your door.

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Teddy Bear Puppy

Teddy Bear Puppies for Sale in Iowa City, IA

For families in Iowa City, IA searching for a Teddy Bear puppy, The Puppy Lodge has been raising healthy, well-socialized puppies for over a decade. Adults weigh eight to fifteen pounds, and the breed comes from Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise parents. Across Central Iowa, the low-shedding coat is one reason families with allergies pick this breed for the indoor winter months. They are gentle and social, and they bond closely to their household. Browse our current Teddy Bear puppies for sale, and our climate-controlled vans handle delivery.

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Our Teddy Bears Available In Iowa City, IA

All of our puppies can be delivered to Iowa City

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

6 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

11 Weeks Old

Available: 04/28/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

11 Weeks Old

Available: 04/28/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

13 Weeks Old

Available: 04/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

13 Weeks Old

Available: 04/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

22 Weeks Old

Available: 02/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

22 Weeks Old

Available: 02/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

Owning a Teddy Bear in Iowa City

A Teddy Bear's exercise needs in Iowa City land at 20 to 30 minutes a day, split into a couple of neighborhood walks or an indoor play session. The breed cares more about being near people than logging miles, which suits households that want a quiet indoor dog. The four-season climate across Central Iowa shifts walking habits across the year. A sweater goes on for the coldest mornings, paw wipes deal with sidewalk salt, and a towel by the door handles muddy spring days. Summer outings move to comfortable hours. At eight to fifteen pounds, the breed fits apartments, condos, and houses with yards, and indoor time is where the dog wants to be anyway. Around town, the size keeps things easy. The dog fits any car, settles during the drive, and is welcome at most patios and dog-friendly businesses across IA. Errands, vet visits, and weekend getaways all include the dog easily. Housetraining moves along faster with a puppy pad option for cold mornings when going outside means a sweater and boots, and most owners settle into a consistent routine within a few weeks.

Teddy Bear Puppy From The Puppy Lodge

Why Iowa City Families Choose The Puppy Lodge for Their Teddy Bear

Teddy Bears are one of the most gentle, people-oriented breeds you can find, and that sweet temperament is exactly why so many families, seniors, and first-time dog owners are drawn to them. But that naturally affectionate personality still needs to be nurtured from day one. A Teddy Bear puppy that isn’t handled regularly can become timid or clingy. Our kids are in with the puppies every day from the time they’re born, holding them, carrying them, and getting them used to the sounds and activity of a family. With seven kids giving them daily attention, our Teddy Bear puppies grow up confident and social, which is why so many of them go on to be wonderful therapy and emotional support dogs.

Teddy Bears are a designer breed, a beautiful cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise, and the quality of that cross depends entirely on the parent dogs. All of our breeding dogs are healthy and genetically tested before they ever have a litter. We know what we’re producing, and we stand behind every puppy with a 3-year health guarantee. Our vet at Danville Veterinary Clinic visits our kennel every week, and we’re certified through the Purdue University Canine Care Program, one of the few breeders in the country who can say that.

Every puppy goes through Early Neurological Stimulation between days 3 and 16, which strengthens cardiovascular development, builds stress tolerance, and improves immune response. For a smaller breed that can sometimes be sensitive to new environments, ENS helps them adapt more quickly and settle into their new home with less stress.

Our puppies are raised in our climate-controlled kennel, with heated tile floors in winter and geothermal cooling in summer. Our adults and puppies have large outdoor play areas on our five-acre farm in Central Ohio. We’re a family of nine with over 13 years of experience raising dogs, and we love what we do. Every puppy comes up to date on vaccinations, dewormed, microchipped, and with a blanket carrying mom’s scent. We welcome visitors by appointment and deliver puppies nationwide right to your door.

Teddy Bear Puppy

About Teddy Bears (Shichon, Zuchon)

The Teddy Bear, also known as the Shichon or Zuchon, is a designer breed created by cross-breeding a Shih Tzu with a Bichon Frise. They are a small, sturdy breed that usually stands 9 to 12 inches tall and weighs normally 8 to 15 pounds when fully grown. This breed was developed in the United States around the year 2000 with the goal of combining the best traits of both parent breeds into one compact, family friendly companion. Teddy Bears are known for being affectionate, gentle, and very social. They do well with children, get along with other dogs and household pets, and are often used as therapy dogs because of their calm and intuitive nature. They are smart and respond well to training, though they can show a stubborn streak from their Shih Tzu side from time to time. One of the biggest draws of this breed is their hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, which makes them a strong option for households with allergy concerns. Their coat can be either wavy or curly, depending on which parent they take after more, and will need regular brushings and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Teddy Bears have moderate energy levels and do not require a lot of exercise. A couple of short walks a day and some indoor playtime are usually enough to keep them happy and healthy. Their small size and laid back personality make them well suited for apartments, smaller homes, and families of all types, including seniors. With proper care and routine vet visits, Teddy Bears typically live 12 to 16 years, and they benefit from hybrid vigor, which often means fewer inherited health issues than their purebred parents.

Breed TypeDesigner hybrid, Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise cross
Also known AsShichon, Zuchon, Teddy Bear
Height9 to 12 inches
Weight8 to 15 lbs
Lifespan12 to 16 years
Coat TypeWavy to curly, medium length, double coat
SheddingVery low, hypoallergenic
Energy LevelModerate
Exercise Needs20 to 30 minutes daily
TrainabilityGood, responds well to positive reinforcement
Good With KidsYes
Good With Other PetsYes
TemperamentAffectionate, gentle, playful, social, loyal

How Puppy Delivery Works To Iowa City, Iowa

Ground transport is a great option for Iowa City families looking to bring home a Teddy Bear puppy. Our climate-controlled delivery vans bring your puppy straight to your door in Iowa City, and you’ll get updates along the way. If you’d rather pick up in person, the drive from Iowa City to our family kennel in Ohio is about 9 to 11 hours, and flying into Columbus, OH puts you about 1.5 hours from us. Flight nanny service is also available at your nearest airport, where your puppy rides in-cabin with a handler the entire trip.

Once your Teddy Bear puppy is reserved, our team will reach out to schedule delivery to Iowa City. Every puppy receives a final vet check before delivery. Ground deliveries depart each Tuesday morning, so just reserve and schedule by noon on Monday to make that week’s delivery. Whether your puppy arrives by delivery van or flight nanny, most families have their new puppy in their arms within just 3 days.

1. Ground Transport

We use a professional puppy delivery service to deliver your Teddy Bear puppy via a climate-controlled delivery van. These vans are temperature-controlled, and the puppies are well cared for on their journey to your home in Iowa City, Iowa. This is our most popular delivery option, giving your puppy a safe, calm ride right to your door.

2. Flight Nanny Delivery

You can have your Teddy Bear puppy flown into a nearby commercial airport by a professional puppy flight nanny. Your puppy will sit right next to the flight nanny the entire flight and will never be stored with cargo or luggage. As with ground transport, your puppy will be cared for and looked after until you can pick them up at the airport. This option is more expensive but gets your puppy to you as quickly as possible. We can deliver to your nearest airport, including The Eastern Iowa Airport, and Quad City International Airport.

3. In-Person Pickup at Our Kennel

If you are willing to make the trip, you can come right to our home and kennel to pick up your Teddy Bear puppy yourself. This option lets you meet the puppy, their parents, and see our kennel in person. We openly welcome visitors by appointment and love showing people our breeding operation so they can see for themselves why we are a step above your average breeder.

Teddy Bear Climate Fit in Iowa City, IA

RegionCentral Iowa
CountyJohnson County
Local Climatewarm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters
January Average High31°F
July Average High86°F
Annual Snowfall37.5 inches
Annual Rainfall36.8 inches
Sunny Days Per Year199
Elevation686 ft
NearIowa River bluffs

Teddy Bears do well with children when both are raised together with normal supervision. The breed is patient and even-tempered, which makes it a common choice for families in a small community like Iowa City where kids are around the dog every day. Most Teddies walk away from rough handling rather than snap, and the eight to fifteen pound build is solid enough not to feel fragile under reasonable kid behavior. Families with toddlers should still supervise the way they would with any small dog.

Four-season weather doesn't change the breed's fit with kids, just the routine around getting outside. Cold winters mean a doggy coat for bitter mornings and paw wipes after walks through sidewalk salt. Spring brings mud the wavy or curly coat handles without filling the house with hair. Summer walks shift to cooler hours. The year's easiest outdoor stretch lands in fall. Across all of it, the breed's calm temperament and patience with handling make daily life with kids and a Teddy Bear in Iowa City easier than most small breeds offer.

Local Dog Parks and Trails

Iowa City has plenty of options for walking and getting outside with a Teddy Bear. The breed prefers short, social outings over long hikes, and the local landscape works well for that.

One of the best things owners can do with a Teddy Bear is build in regular outings around other dogs and people. The breed is naturally friendly, and consistent exposure to new places in Iowa City keeps that trait strong as the dog grows up.

Dog Parks

Thornberry Dog Park, Iowa City, IA

Waterworks Park Dog Area, Iowa City, IA

Walking Trails

Coralville Lake Trail, Iowa City, IA

Prairie du Chien Trail, Iowa City, IA

Serving Families Throughout the Greater Iowa City, Iowa Area

If you’re searching for Teddy Bear puppies for sale near Iowa City, we deliver to communities all across the surrounding region. Families in nearby cities and towns have the same access to our breeding program, our 3-year health guarantee, and our door-to-door delivery. No matter where you’re located, your puppy comes to you. We proudly deliver Teddy Bear puppies to Central Iowa, including Solon IA, West Branch IA, Lone Tree IA, University Heights IA, Riverside IA, Wayland IA, Hills IA, Stanwood IA, and Ainsworth IA.

We raise more than just Teddy Bear puppies. See all of our breeds and puppies in Iowa City.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How does a Teddy Bear handle the Iowa City climate?

A:Winters in Iowa City aren't mild. Cold January highs averaging around 31 degrees and yearly snowfall around 37.5 inches set the season. Teddy Bears manage four seasons with a few habits. Doggy coats handle the coldest days. Shorter walks suit the deep-snow stretches given the eight-to-fifteen-pound breed size. With around 199 sunny days yearly on average, families in Iowa City get long comfortable stretches outside through warmer months. Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park at 1867 Foster Rd, Iowa City is a useful local dog park when weather plays along.

Q:What does a Teddy Bear coat look like and how much grooming does it need?

A:Teddy Bear coats are wavy to curly and medium length, with a double coat that sheds very little. Most puppies inherit a coat with the texture of the Bichon Frise side. A smaller number lean toward the Shih Tzu side and carry a slightly silkier feel. Either way, the breed is on the low-shedding end of dogs, which is one of the reasons families who have struggled with shedding from past dogs do well here. Coat type doesn't change the grooming schedule. A Teddy Bear needs professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. Brushing several times a week between appointments keeps mats from forming around the ears, legs, and face where tangles tend to start. The area around the eyes and muzzle needs regular trimming since the hair grows into those spots. Beyond brushing and grooming, nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care complete the routine.

Q:Is Iowa City a good place to own a Teddy Bear?

A:Small-community life in Iowa City, a Hawkeyes college city, suits a Teddy Bear's pace well. A big yard isn't a requirement, which matters where snow sits on the ground for months. The breed settles into any size home as long as someone is around and short outings happen daily. Families across Iowa usually find the dog adjusts to their routine rather than asking them to rebuild it. The trail at Hoover Nature Trail, Iowa City, IA sees local foot traffic when conditions allow.

Q:What health testing does The Puppy Lodge do on their Teddy Bears?

A:Every parent dog at The Puppy Lodge is health tested and genetic tested before we ever pair them. Testing covers genetic conditions seen in both Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise parent breeds. We also look at each parent's overall build, coat, and disposition before pairing, since temperament and structure both pass through the generations. Each Teddy Bear puppy goes home with a 3-year health guarantee covering genetic and congenital conditions. Our vet at Danville Veterinary Clinic comes to the kennel weekly, and every litter gets examined multiple times before puppies go home. Every puppy leaves the farm vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped on schedule.

Q:How can I get a Puppy Lodge Teddy Bear puppy delivered to Iowa City?

A:Getting a Puppy Lodge Teddy Bear puppy to Iowa City, IA happens one of three ways. Climate-controlled ground transport from our Central Ohio farm runs door-to-door. A flight nanny option puts the puppy in-cabin on a commercial flight to your nearest airport, with a handler the whole trip. Pickup at the farm by appointment is the third choice. Tuesday departures typically land puppies in Iowa homes within three days.

Q:What is Early Neurological Stimulation and why does The Puppy Lodge use it?

A:Early Neurological Stimulation is a set of gentle handling exercises done on each puppy from day 3 to day 16, while the nervous system is still developing. The US Military developed the protocol in the 1970s for working dogs, and researchers have studied it since. Studies show ENS puppies grow up with stronger hearts, better stress response, and stronger immune systems than puppies who skipped the protocol. Every puppy we raise at The Puppy Lodge goes through ENS. For a calm, social breed like the Teddy Bear, ENS puppies tend to be less reactive to new sights and sounds, which makes the first weeks at home calmer for the whole family. Socialization still matters, but ENS lays the groundwork that makes socialization more effective. This is part of why our puppies settle into new homes so quickly.

Q:Are Teddy Bears good for people with allergies?

A:Families dealing with mild to moderate dog allergies often find Teddy Bears workable. The wavy or curly coat from the Bichon Frise side holds loose hair and dander instead of distributing it through the home. The breed isn't fully hypoallergenic since that doesn't exist for any dog, but it lands far on the low-shedding side. Long winters in Iowa City where dog and family share indoor space for stretches make the low-shedding coat matter more. Severe allergies warrant time spent around an adult Teddy Bear before any decision.

Q:Does a Teddy Bear have any breed-specific care needs in hot weather?

A:A few simple habits go a long way with this breed in warm weather. The Teddy Bear has a shorter muzzle from the Shih Tzu side, which means the dog cools more slowly than longer-nosed breeds. On hot or humid days, walk in the early morning or in the evening when temperatures have dropped, and let the dog spend the hottest hours indoors with AC. Hot pavement on small paws is something else to watch in summer. None of this is hard. These are just smart defaults for the breed. Keeping fresh water available, avoiding heavy exertion in heat, and watching for early signs of overheating like heavy panting or slowing down are the main things to keep in mind. The rest of the year, the breed handles weather without much fuss.

Q:Can I visit The Puppy Lodge before committing to a puppy?

A:Visits to our Central Ohio farm are available by appointment only. Reach out and we'll get a visit scheduled. The farm is a working family property in Coshocton County. On the visit you'll see our climate-controlled kennel with heated tile floors, the outdoor play areas across our 5 acres, and the adult dogs and current litters. You'll also meet our family of nine, including our five girls and two boys who handle every puppy from the day it's born until it heads home. Iowa City families who want to see the farm before picking a puppy are welcome to set up a visit. For anyone who can't make the drive, we're glad to do video calls and send additional photos or video of any puppy you're looking at.

Q:What makes The Puppy Lodge different from other Teddy Bear breeders?

A:Several things make The Puppy Lodge stand out. Every parent dog is health and genetic tested before any pairing happens, and we have been raising this breed for over 13 years on our family farm. Every puppy gets Early Neurological Stimulation from day 3 to day 16, and our Danville Veterinary Clinic vet visits the kennel weekly, examining each litter several times before puppies head home. We're Purdue University Canine Care certified, a program that evaluates breeder facilities and practices against standards few breeders meet. Each puppy leaves with a 3-year health guarantee, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. Being a family of nine on a 5-acre property in Central Ohio means every puppy is handled from birth and socialized to kids, household noise, and family life before it leaves us. Nationwide delivery is available and farm visits work by appointment.