15 Most Popular Fluffy Dog Breeds [2023 Update]
26.09.2020.
Dogs are not just our best friends but also our snuggle buddies. We are sure that we are not alone when we say that we don't like anything more than just curling with our dog and spending the evening together. If you own a fluffy dog breed then you know exactly what we mean. Their fluffy coat could serve as an additional blanket during cold days.
Fluffy dog breeds come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and if you would like to get one, we will list them all so you can choose the best one for you, but before we do so, let's take a look at what exactly is a fluffy dog.
What is considered a fluffy dog?
A fluffy dog breed is a breed that usually has a medium to long coat that is extremely soft to the touch. Short-coated breeds can also have a soft coat, but we are now focusing on medium-length or long coats.
Fluffy dogs can come in different sizes-small, medium, and large. Depending on your preference, you can choose a fluffy dog that can be easy to pick up and cuddle or a fluffy breed that you can use as a literal blanket that will keep you warm during the cold winter nights.
If you are like us and love to have fluffy dogs around you, you will love these 15 fluffy dog breeds. We divided them by size so you can check the fluffiest dog breeds of all sizes. So let’s start.
Big fluffy dogs
1. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large, white, fluffy dog breed that is as big as they get. They are a protective breed that forms incredibly strong bonds with their owners. This big white fluffy dog will need a lot of exercises and outdoor activities, so make sure that their fluffiness doesn’t blind you if you are thinking of getting one of these giants.
They are protective and can be great family dog who is great with kids as long as their physical needs are met. The Great Pyrenees will be a great, soft, and fluffy dog that will keep you warm even if it is hot outside.
2. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the ultimate family, big black fluffy dog. These big black fluffy balls of hair are gentle giants and are known for their mild character. They are great with kids and their nickname is “nanny dog”. In the Victorian era England they have been entrusted with guarding and keeping an eye on kids.
The fluffy Newfoundland is known for its superior swimming ability and they were originally used for helping local Canadian (Newfoundland) fisherman pull their nets. These dogs have webbed feet that help them swim in the toughest of conditions.
3. Leonberger
The Leonberger is a large, mountain-type dog that was originally bred in the city of Leonberg, Germany. These large fluffy dogs have a double coat that kept them warm and well insulated in the winter. One additional thing that their fluffy coat brought them is extreme fluffiness.
Leonbergers have medium-long hair with distinct mane-like hair around their neck and shoulders which make them extra soft and fluffy. The father of the breed wanted to create a dog breed that resembles the lion - the official animal of the city of Leonberg.
4. Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
The Old English Sheepdog is mostly known for its legendary softness. They have extremely thick, fluffy coats that make these dogs one of the fluffiest breeds in the world. They are usually called “Bobtail” because these fluffy dogs had their tails traditionally docked.
An interesting thing about the fluffy Bobtails is that these dogs have fur growing everywhere. Their face and their eyes will get covered in fur if they are not properly groomed and they do not shed unless you brush them. Proper coat care is necessary for these dogs to remain beautiful and fluffy.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very popular family pet that is known for its friendly character towards other dogs and especially towards children in their own family. Their character is certainly their most impressive trait but one additional thing they have is that they are very fluffy.
If you ever get the chance to meet a Bernese, try touching their coat, especially if it is well-groomed. They are soft and fluffy and you can imagine laying next to them on a soft, fluffy pillow that will most likely give you a big, wet kiss.
Medium-sized fluffy dogs
1. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is actually an American breed whose ancestors came to the US in the time of the widespread gold rush. These dogs are active, friendly, and extremely intelligent. If that wasn’t enough for you, they also have one of the fluffiest and one of the prettiest coats in the whole canine kingdom.
These fluffy Aussies can come in many color varieties. They are closely related to the Border Collie whose is also a fluffy dog. The Australian Shepherd is a great family pet for all active families that can provide these dogs with enough daily activities.
2. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow’s nickname is the “Teddy Bear Dog” and that is a nickname that only a fluffy dog can get. These fluffy Chinese dogs are known for their soft cots and their blue-black tongues. They have protective characters that make them difficult to train and these fluffy dogs are not for everyone.
Chow Chow has become quite a popular dog in the US but a lot of them are poorly bred so if you are interested in getting this fluffy dog, make sure it is from a responsible breeder that will make sure your new fluffy puppy gets the best possible start.
3. Samoyed
Maybe the most famous white fluffy dog in the world is the Samoyed. These dogs have stunning, pure-white coats that are as soft as clouds. They are known as “white fluffy dogs” and it is a nickname that suits them completely. These fluffy white dogs originated in the northern parts of Russia so they had to have a thick, double coat that will protect them from the harsh elements.
The byproduct of having an insulating, thick coat is that it is extremely soft and fluffy. You will fall head over heels when you start snuggling these dogs and you will be in disbelief from how fluffy they actually are.
4. American Eskimo Dog
The fluffy American Eskimo Dog, or just “Eskie”, is a white fluffy dog breed that is closely related to the European spitz-type dogs. These lovely, medium-sized dogs are fairly active and need plenty of daily exercise to keep them completely happy and healthy.
The Eskie is a great family dog that will be the happiest in a home with a large yard that gives them plenty of room to roam and explore but his family is always close by. These fluffy white dogs hate being left alone for too long.
5. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is a fluffy, medium-sized, herding dog breed that will melt your heart. They have a personality of a much larger dog that will always be on guard and let you know if somebody is approaching you. They used to help British shepherds take care of sheep and like the other working breeds, the Sheltie is quite intelligent.
These fluffy dogs are excellent pets that have plenty of energy to follow you on your adventures but will also enjoy having some downtime and snuggling with their favorite humans.
Small fluffy dogs
1. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a little fluffy dog, the best possible companion dog. They are a part of the German Spitz family and all of these family members have a thick, fluffy double coat. The fluffy Pomeranian became extremely popular around the world in the past 20 years so make sure that you get yours from a proper breeder.
These small dogs have lovely personalities and these little fluff balls love spending time in the open. They are quite active despite their small size. Because they are so popular, you will most likely not find one for a cheap price.
2. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan dog breed that is known for its royal statue and its bravery. There are many legends about these dogs and one of them says these fluffy little dogs came to life from a lion. One of the things we do know about these dogs is that they have extremely soft and fluffy coats.
It is interesting to know that these fluffy dogs shed little to nothing. That can be a huge bonus because you can get a small fluffy dog whose loose hair will not give you nightmares.
3. Bichon Frise
The curly Bichon Frise is known for its showmanship as well as show potential. These small, fluffy, white dogs are great for people with allergies because they are not heavy shedders. The Bichon Frise has hair that might not fall off unless you brush it out.
These lovely little dogs can be a lot of fun to be around but you should be prepared to invest a lot of time in brushing and grooming. Once you have one of these dogs, you will see that that time is well spent and you will have a beautiful little fluffy white dog.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
The famous Yorkie is as fluffy as a dog can be. Though it doesn’t have a double coat, it still has an incredibly soft and fluffy coat that is almost like human hair. They require a lot of attention as well as regular baths, grooming sessions, and constant company.
These lovely little dogs are amazing companions that can be pretty protective of their owners and their human family. They are a part of the Terrier family so don’t be surprised if you see your Yorkie running after a smaller animal. These silky-coated dogs don’t like to be alone for too long so make sure that you have enough time to spend with them before you decide to get one.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another companion breed that has a coat that is soft as wool. These dogs were kept by Chinese royalty throughout history and you can clearly see the appeal these dogs have. They are snuggly with beautiful eyes, which makes them hard to resist.
The Shih Tzu also has a lovely temperament, which you might expect from a companion breed, and was purposely bred as a companion for centuries. These dogs will also require a lot of your time and energy, but hey, that is exactly what you might expect from a fluffy companion breed.
Grooming a fluffy dog
The biggest “problem” when owning a fluffy dog is - you need to provide quality coat care so that their coat can remain fluffy and gorgeous. This is not a general rule, but fluffy dogs usually have a double coat, which is why they are so fluffy and soft, and double coats are prone to tangles and mats if they are not regularly groomed and brushed.
Fluffy coats might be soft and cuddly, but they come with a price - shedding. The amount of loose hair during the shedding season is unbelievable, and a good brush could help you keep the mess under control. For double-coated breeds, two products will help you:
They also need to be properly shampooed with products that are safe for your dog and do not contain any harmful chemicals. There are many natural products on the internet or your local pet shops you can check out. Our recommendation would be the Vetnique Labs Furbliss Grooming & Bathing kit. It has everything you will need to take care of your fluffy dog.
Fluffy dog breeds - shedding
Fluffy dog breeds are usually heavy shedders. “With great “fluffiness” come great shedding problems” - OK, that is not a quote, but that doesn’t mean it is not true. Dogs with double coats usually shed year-round, and twice a year, they blow their whole undercoat. That is usually in spring and fall and at that time you will want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that will help you control the inevitable hair chaos that awaits you.
There are some tools and special brushes you can use to help your dog get rid of excess hair as well as dead ones that are still tangled in their coat. Products like de-shedding brushes and brushes with wide-spread bristles will go a long way when you are trying to control loose hair. You can always ask your vet for advice on brushing your fluffy dog.
Some fluffy dog owners hate grooming but love having a fluffy dog. There is no shame in asking a professional groomer for help. They probably have better tools, natural shampoos and conditioners, and a lot more knowledge on how to properly groom a fluffy dog. Plus, they can give your dog a cute haircut and trim the hair when it grows wild without causing any damage to your fluffy pet.
There are a few things that can help with your dog shedding and you can check them here - Shedding Season Must-Haves
World Dog Finder team
Share