Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
applications at leiashope.org--
Apple Crisp
Teddybear (Shih Tzu / Bichon mix)
Female
Location: Decatur, IL
Apple Crisp is a delightful little lady with a big personality. She is tiny, adorable, and absolutely convinced she deserves her own personal staff. If something feels even slightly beneath her, she will let you know—sometimes loudly. Noise-canceling headphones might be a wise investment. She has quickly earned her reputation as the diva of the litter, and she fully owns it.
Despite her flair for dramatics, Apple Crisp is incredibly sweet and very smart. She enjoys learning, loves her people, and thrives when given gentle encouragement to work through new situations instead of being rescued from them. When supported appropriately, her confidence grows and she truly shines. She enjoys cuddling, playing with her siblings, romping with dogs of various sizes, and supervising household activity from a cozy lap whenever possible.
Crisp is great with kids and loves to play, though adopters should be mindful of typical puppy behavior—including those infamous shark teeth. Thankfully, that stage is temporary, and her play will become much more comfortable as she matures. She would do best in a home with a playmate, either a young, playful dog or children who enjoy engaging with an active puppy.
Apple Crisp was born in our care after her mother arrived pregnant and has been raised using Puppy Culture, an evidence-based puppy development program designed to build confident, resilient dogs. Puppy Culture focuses on early socialization, confidence building, problem solving, emotional regulation, and positive communication during critical developmental periods. Because of this strong foundation, we strongly encourage adopters to continue her education. We highly recommend investing in the Puppy Culture program “With Open Arms and a Level Head,” available at puppyculture.com, to help support her continued growth and emotional development.
Apple Crisp was weaned onto a balanced raw diet to support gut health and overall well-being. While remaining on a raw diet is not required, it is preferred for optimal health. Adopters who choose a different diet should select a high-quality option and be mindful of proper nutrition. Like all Teddybears, she will require frequent brushing and routine professional grooming approximately every six weeks to keep her coat healthy and mat free.
She has been examined by our veterinarian and is in excellent puppy health. Apple Crisp is microchipped and has received all age-appropriate puppy vaccines. Rabies will be required when she is old enough. She will not be spayed until she reaches the appropriate age; a spay contract is required and enforced, and Leia’s Hope covers a portion of the spay cost if completed between 6–9 months of age.
Adoption fee: $600
Applications are available at leiashope.org. We are a volunteer-run rescue, and applications take 7–10 business days to process. Approved applications are required before scheduling a meet and greet. Adopters must travel to Decatur, IL to meet and adopt, and all family members, including resident dogs, must be present.
Puppies are a 15+ year lifetime commitment. Apple Crisp may not be rehomed at any point and must be returned to Leia’s Hope Canine Rescue if her adopter can no longer care for her. We do not offer transport and do not allow cargo flights.
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