Bichon Frise and Shih Tzu Dogs Available for Adoption in Palo Alto, California

All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, shots current (DHPP, Bordetella and Rabies where applicable), dewormed, flea and tick treated, and microchipped.
* If you are interested in a dog, please first read the biography on the dog (keep scrolling down for the bio!) and then go to our website, www.dpsrescue.com for an application. Our adoption fees vary. Each biography will specifically list the adoption fee.Adoption fee: $800
Meet Teddy Ruxpin — A Living Teddy Bear with a Heart of Gold
Teddy Ruxpin is a 3–4 year old, 8 lb Bichon-Shih Tzu mix with a soft, non-shedding coat and an even softer personality. With his plush little body, soulful eyes, and gentle presence, he truly lives up to his name— he looks and acts like a real-life teddy bear who came to life just to love people.
From the moment he arrived in foster care, Teddy made it clear that his favorite place in the world is right next to a human. He is calm, affectionate, and endlessly sweet, with an easy-going temperament that makes him feel like a peaceful companion in any home.

Daily Routine

Teddy is a relaxed, low-maintenance companion who happily follows the rhythm of the household. He wakes up around 7:00 AM on weekdays and 8:30 AM on weekends, then heads outside for a quick potty break before choosing the coziest available bed for his morning nap.

He enjoys tagging along for school drop-offs and returns home ready for breakfast. He is selective about food—kibble is politely declined, but wet food (especially boiled chicken) is enthusiastically accepted.

Around 10:30 AM, Teddy enjoys a leisurely neighborhood walk, which he returns from ready for a long nap until about 2:00 PM. Later in the afternoon, he joins in family activity time and happily soaks up attention from kids and visitors alike.

A second walk around 5:30 PM rounds out his day. After a bit more relaxing, he settles in comfortably by around 9:00 PM, ready to rest near his people.

Personality: Gentle, Devoted, and Deeply Affectionate

Teddy is one of those rare dogs who seems instantly at peace with everyone he meets. When he first arrived, he immediately flopped over for belly rubs as if he had always lived there. That same sweet, trusting personality has remained constant— if anything, he has simply grown more comfortable showing his affectionate side.

He is a true velcro dog. Teddy wants to be near his humans at all times, often choosing to sleep in whatever room they are in— even if that room is the kitchen. If he wakes from a nap and realizes his person has moved, he will quietly follow them, then resume his rest nearby once reassured. He may not always be in your lap, but he is almost always pressed close or gazing at you with his signature soulful stare.

He enjoys brief bursts of play with toys each day, but his true joy is companionship. Teddy doesn’t demand attention loudly— he simply offers his presence, which is somehow even more endearing.

Social Life: Friendly and Gentle-Tempered

Teddy is calm and polite with other dogs and shows friendly curiosity when meeting them. He does very well with children, including his foster’s teenage daughters, and enjoys snuggling in their beds or participating in gentle training sessions for treats. His demeanor is consistently patient and kind.

Energy Level: Low-Key Companion

Teddy is a low-energy, lounge-loving companion. He enjoys short walks and family activity time, but is equally happy spending much of the day resting near his people. His ideal pace is slow, calm, and cozy.

Training and House Manners

Teddy is fully house trained with zero accidents in foster care. He walks beautifully on leash without pulling and keeps a steady, relaxed pace. He does not bark at passing dogs, squirrels, or general household activity.

He is not a fan of crates or pens and prefers open access to his people— being separated from them causes him distress, as he strongly prefers companionship over confinement.

He is not destructive, does not chew, does not dig, and rarely barks at all.

What Makes Teddy Special

Teddy Ruxpin is more than just a cute dog— he is an experience in softness, calm, and companionship. His most defining feature is his expressive, soulful eyes, which give him a perpetual teddy bear look that melts everyone who meets him.

He is gentle in every sense: gentle in movement, gentle in behavior, and gentle in spirit. He doesn’t bark much, doesn’t demand much, and doesn’t ask for anything complicated—just to be near his people.

Whether he’s quietly following you from room to room or gazing up at you with adoration, Teddy has a way of making life feel a little softer, a little calmer, and a lot more loving.

The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful, and affectionate dog breed known for its delightful demeanor and fluffy white coat. They are highly sociable, intelligent, and adaptable companions, making them ideal pets for families and singles alike. With their playful nature and desire to please, Bichon Frises excel in various activities such as agility and obedience trials. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their signature fluffy appearance, making them a charming and lovable breed for those seeking a devoted canine friend.

The Shih Tzu is a small, affectionate dog breed known for its distinctive appearance, with a luxurious double coat, a short muzzle, and large round eyes. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing, and loving pets. They are known for their playful and charming personality, making them great family pets and suitable for apartment living. With their low shedding coat and adorable face, Shih Tzus are popular among dog lovers worldwide.

We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that was incorporated in 2001. We rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs, cats and even...