Teddy Bear Puppies for Sale in Independence, MO

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

Home / Locations / Missouri / Independence / Teddy Bears
Teddy Bear Puppy

Teddy Bear Puppy Breeder Serving Independence, MO

Teddy Bear puppies, also called Shicons and Zuchons can be delivered right to your home

The Teddy Bear is a soft Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise cross our family farm has raised for more than ten years. For buyers searching in Independence, MO, every parent dog is genetically tested before pairing, and every puppy goes through ENS. Adults run eight to fifteen pounds and live twelve to sixteen years on average. City winters across Greater Kansas City call for short outdoor outings on the coldest days, with the rest of the time spent inside with the family. View our current Teddy Bear puppies for sale on the website.

What Independence Families Say About Our Teddy Bear Puppies

Our Teddy Bears Available In Independence, MO

All of our puppies can be delivered to Independence

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

7 Weeks Old

Available: 06/04/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

12 Weeks Old

Available: 04/28/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

14 Weeks Old

Available: 04/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

14 Weeks Old

Available: 04/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

23 Weeks Old

Available: 02/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

23 Weeks Old

Available: 02/10/2026

Breed: Teddy Bear

$1,995.00

Owning a Teddy Bear in Independence

Owning a Teddy Bear in Independence, MO comes with a few simple winter habits and an easy daily routine in a city setting. A doggy sweater on bitter cold mornings, paw wipes after sidewalk salt, and a towel by the door for muddy days cover most of what the four-season climate asks for. The breed needs just 20 to 30 minutes of activity a day, which a couple of neighborhood walks or quick park stops handle easily. Indoor play counts on the worst-weather days. City apartments, condos, and family houses all work for the eight to fifteen pound build, with the dog spending most of the day indoors near the family. A fenced yard helps but isn't required in a city setting. A Teddy Bear fits a normal car, taxi, or rideshare and is welcome at hardware shops, the post office, and most outdoor cafes across Greater Kansas City. Most Teddies do well with kids, cats, and other small dogs in city apartments once introductions are handled slowly. Strong prey drive isn't part of the breed, so cat households tend to settle in within a few weeks once the new dog is no longer a novelty in the home.

Teddy Bear Puppy From The Puppy Lodge

Why Independence 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, sometimes called the Shichon or Zuchon, is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise. Most stand 9 to 12 inches tall and weigh 8 to 15 pounds full grown. The breed was developed in the United States in the early 2000s, aiming to pair the Bichon’s cheerful disposition with the Shih Tzu’s affectionate temperament in a smaller package. Teddy Bears are adorable, social little dogs. They’re patient with kids, generally comfortable around other pets, and frequently work as therapy dogs thanks to how readily they pick up on people’s moods. They’re bright and learn commands quickly, though the Shih Tzu in them will occasionally be stubborn during training. Their biggest selling point for many owners is the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, which is nice for allergy-prone homes. The coat comes in wavy or curly varieties and needs brushing several times a week, plus a professional groom every six to eight weeks to prevent matting. Energy demands are modest, two short walks a day plus some indoor play will usually do it. That low-key disposition and small build suits them to apartments, smaller homes, and quieter households, and they’re a particularly common pick for older owners. With routine vet care, Teddy Bears typically live 12 to 16 years. As a crossbreed, they tend to avoid some of the inherited conditions that affect their purebred parents, though responsible breeding still matters more than crossbreeding alone.

Breed TypeDesigner hybrid, Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise cross
Also known AsTeddy Bear, Shichon, Zuchon
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 Independence, Missouri

Ground transport is a great option for Independence families looking to bring home a Teddy Bear puppy. Our climate-controlled delivery vans bring your puppy straight to your door in Independence, and you’ll get updates along the way. If you’d rather pick up in person, the drive from Independence to our family kennel in Ohio is about 12 to 14 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 Independence. 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 Independence, Missouri. 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 Kansas City International Airport, and Columbia Regional 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 Independence, MO

RegionGreater Kansas City
CountyClay County
Local Climatehot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow
January Average High38°F
July Average High88°F
Annual Snowfall19.9 inches
Annual Rainfall41.1 inches
Sunny Days Per Year213
Elevation879 ft
NearIndependence Missouri bluffs

A Teddy Bear's size makes it one of the easiest small breeds for city life in Independence. At eight to fifteen pounds, the dog fits car rides, taxi seats, rideshare cars, and longer family trips across Greater Kansas City without taking up much room. Carriers and crates stay compact at this size. Elevators and apartment hallways don't require extra planning. Pet-friendly cafes, stores, and small businesses tend to welcome small dogs more readily than larger ones, which makes everyday city life with the dog simpler.

Four-season weather brings a few seasonal habits to plan around. Through cold winters, a doggy coat covers bitter mornings, and paw wipes handle sidewalk salt at the door. Spring brings rain and mud that the wavy or curly coat handles with a towel by the door. Warmer summer afternoons push walks to morning and evening hours since the breed cools more slowly than longer-nosed dogs. The easiest stretch of the year falls in autumn. Twenty to thirty minutes of daily activity covers what the breed needs across the year in a city setting.

Local Dog Parks and Trails

Independence and the surrounding area have solid spots for getting outside with a small dog like a Teddy Bear. Local dog parks and short trails work better than long off-leash hikes for the breed.

A Teddy Bear that gets out regularly is a confident, settled dog. The breed is friendly with people and other dogs by nature, and steady exposure to new sights and sounds in Independence keeps the dog at ease wherever the family goes.

Dog Parks

Sni-A-Bar Dog Area, Independence, MO

Pheasant Fields Dog Park, Independence, MO

Walking Trails

Little Blue Trace Trail, Independence, MO

Fleming Park Trail, 22807 Woods Chapel Rd, Blue Springs

Serving Families Throughout the Greater Independence, Missouri Area

If you’re searching for Teddy Bear puppies for sale near Independence, 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 Greater Kansas City, including and Sugar Creek MO.

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

Find Teddy Bear Puppies In Major Cities Near You:

Find Teddy Bear Puppies In Local Communities

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:How does a Teddy Bear handle the Independence climate?

A:Living with a Teddy Bear in Independence winter means snow gear and a couple of seasonal habits. January highs average around 38 degrees and yearly snowfall hits around 19.9 inches. A doggy coat suits the coldest stretches and a sweater works the rest of winter. Eight-to-fifteen-pound dogs prefer shorter trips through deep snow. City salt comes off with a wipe at the door. Spring through fall, around 213 sunny days yearly gives city families long outdoor stretches. Pheasant Fields Dog Park at Independence, MO handles dog park time.

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 Independence a good place to own a Teddy Bear?

A:City living in Independence, a Kansas City-area historic city, fits a Teddy Bear's profile naturally. The breed doesn't ask for a yard, which is why apartments and condos work so well for the dog. Any size city home suits a Teddy Bear given basic attention and two short walks a day. Missouri city families find the breed adapts to apartment routines rather than the reverse. Independence Greenway at Independence, MO works as a local trail when conditions cooperate.

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 Independence?

A:Getting a Puppy Lodge Teddy Bear puppy to Independence, MO works through three paths. Climate-controlled ground transport runs door-to-door from our Central Ohio farm to your city address. The flight nanny option puts the puppy in-cabin to the nearest major airport, with a handler the whole trip. In-person farm pickup is the third option by appointment. Tuesday departures land most Missouri city puppies 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 with mild to moderate dog allergies often consider Teddy Bears workable for city apartment life. The wavy or curly coat from the Bichon Frise parent holds loose hair and dander rather than releasing it. Apartment living puts more weight on a low-shedding coat than a larger suburban home would. Long indoor stretches through Independence winters make that low-shedding character count even more. For severe allergies, time spent with an adult Teddy Bear before committing is the smart approach.

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. Independence 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.