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They’re Soft, Puffy, and Absolutely Cuddly! Here Are the Top Fluffy Dog Breeds That Can Melt Even the Hardest Heart

At A Glance

Happiness is coming home to a snuggle fest with a furry, huggy dog after a long day. It’s like the warmth of sunshine but with the softness of a cloud giving you loads of comfort. If you’re planning to have one by your side, check out this list of super fluffy dog breeds that are every inch downy, dreamy, and delightful with their distinct lush coats and disarming charm.

Also, keep these things in mind before you adopt to make sure you’re a good fit:

  • Your hypoallergenic needs. Make sure that their level of shedding is tolerable for you if you happen to have allergies because most of these fluffy dogs are seasonal shedders that may trigger a reaction.
  • Their grooming requirements. Their dense, lush coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and hygienic. Make sure that you have enough time and resources to provide them with their at-home or professional grooming needs.

Last Updated on: Sep 04, 2023




A pet and a pillow rolled into one – they’re your four-legged wooly woofers with fur overload that can give you endless cuddle times! These fluffy dog breeds come in various forms and sizes but share one substantial trait – dense, divine, hug-inducing coat that adds to their total charm.

Their rich coats are not only attractive and soothing but also serve as their insulation – it keeps them warm during the cold, and protects them from the scorching heat of the sun. It’s like they have a built-in feature that protects them and delights others.

custom oil-painted dog portraits by Poshtraits

Tibetan Mastiff

These massive dark colored dogs that come with voluminous black, black & tan, blue, brown, gray, or red coats were originally bred by Tibetan nomads as working dogs and watchdogs in villages and monasteries, treading the great SSilk Road. They carry a pure and rare bloodline making them one of the most, if not the most expensive dog breed in the world.

Trivia: A red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash holds the record for the most expensive dog sold at 1.5 million US dollars.

One of the big fluffy dog breeds around, these gentle giants weighing 70-150 pounds are burly, athletic, agile, reserved, intelligent, tough, and intimidating but they also have a kind expression and are playful and affectionate with children. They’re like a cozy blanket that’s warm, gentle, devoted, and protective – perfect for when you want to feel safe and cherished.

  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Shedding level: Moderate, once a year shedding
  • Grooming requirements: Daily brushing to prevent mats and a moderate weekly or monthly grooming.

Chow Chow

big fluffy dog breeds - chow chow

They’re like a fluffy teddy bear strutting around with a regal air! Chow Chows are an ancient dog breed that traces their roots to China some thousands of years ago.

These fluffy dogs have a distinct blue-black spot in their tongue and a lion-like look. They have a dense double coat that come in a range of colors from mahogany, red, blue, to cream so when they’re sprawled on the floor, they can look like an expensive shag carpet (careful not to step on them!)

They make good guard dogs with their protective and defensive nature especially around strangers. Off duty, they are laid back, cool as a cat, highly trainable, and love being bathed and groomed. They are quite vain so regular grooming is a must!

  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Shedding level: Seasonal shedding
  • Grooming requirements: They should be brushed weekly between baths to remove shedding and dead hair and prevent matting. Bathe them weekly or monthly and have their coat trimmed especially during summer to prevent trapped dirt, moisture, and skin irritation.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise has a fine undercoat and a soft, curly outer coat making them look plump and textured. This furry breed is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean, particularly Spain and Italy where they served as companions of sailors and traders and then later, of nobles and aristocrats.

These playful, cheerful, and affectionate cotton-like pups are undoubtedly cute and charming. Their wooly looks match their winsome personality and they are great around kids and other dogs too.

Under that lush coat is a sweet character that thrives in forming strong bonds and human interaction whether with kids, adults, or seniors. They are also alert and always on their paws which makes them great companion slash watch dogs.

  • Hypoallergenic: Yes. They produce less dander compared to other fluffy dogs.
  • Shedding level: Low shedder
  • Grooming requirements: Daily brushing keeps matting at bay. Bathing and haircut every 4 weeks helps maintain their coat health and hygiene.

Alaskan Malamutes

large fluffy dog breeds - alaskan malamutes

They originated from, you guessed it, Alaska! This large breed (75-100 pounds) is known for their legendary strength and endurance, muscled physique, and hardworking nature. Alaskan Malamutes have an imposing posture. They have a strong chest, broad body, and straight back thanks to their history as sled-pulling dogs covering long distances in the harsh Arctic climates.

Aside from their power and prowess, Alaskan Malamutes are also known for their thick, dense double coats in gray, black, white or red that protect them from the extreme Alaskan cold.

Another distinct feature they have is their plume-like tail that curls over their back. These wolf-like dogs have a friendly, intelligent, and sharp expression, making them an impressive breed. They are powerful yet playful, social, extremely loyal, and have good work ethics. They work hard and also know how to play hard. They are very affectionate and they love to cuddle!

  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Shedding level: Heavy shedder. They shed year round or almost constantly.
  • Grooming requirements: They need daily brushing but they can go multiple months between baths because they can maintain their cleanliness well.

Rough Collie

The Rough Collie became a pop culture sensation via Lassie, a hit TV series in the ‘50s. This medium to large breed originally came from Scotland and was made famous by Queen Victoria who had a soft spot for this fluffy breed. It has a history of being a sheep herd and family dog and is now considered an all-American family dog thanks to the fictional character and the breed’s real life captivatingly gentle and affectionate character. Rough Collies are also intelligent, strong, and loyal.

They are protective but sweet and sensitive, endearing them to many.

Their voluminous double coat is quite unique: Their outer coat is dense, straight, long, and a bit tough to touch but their under coat is soft. Their coat comes in a wide range of colors including white, blue merle, tricolor, sable merle, and white merle.

  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Shedding level: Moderate to heavy shedder. They shed profusely during winter-summer transitions.
  • Grooming requirements: Brush and comb a few times a week to prevent matting and tangling especially behind the ears. Bathe them only when they are dirty and bring them to professional groomers especially during shedding seasons.

Old English Sheepdog

fluffy dog sitting on the grass

Also called Shepherd’s Dog or Bob-tailed Sheepdog, it’s hard not to get smitten by this dog’s shaggy, fluffy coat, and winsome personality. They may be huge, highly intelligent, hardworking herd dogs originally bred to assist livestock farmers but these dutiful giants also know how to have fun! They are good-natured, easy-going, playful, goofy, and affectionate, making them good to have around even with kids.

Caring for OES, as they are fondly called, entails time, effort, and cost so you have to make sure you can provide them with the proper care they need. Their coat demands thorough care so some owners have their fur clipped or trimmed for easy maintenance.

  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Shedding level: High shedding. They shed almost year round.
  • Grooming requirements: Frequent or daily brushing and combing to keep matting and tangling under control. Bathe occasionally only as needed and groom regularly especially during shedding peaks and when trimming is necessary.

Siberian Husky

Another working sled-dog with thick coat, this breed was originally bred by a nomadic tribe in northern Siberia. From there, they were brought to Alaska in the early 1900s for dog sled races. Their dual-layered coat protects them from extreme temperatures, moisture, and wind.

Their dense, dirt-repellent coat comes in black, red, gray, sable, agouti, and pure white in various patterns like solid, piebald, and other combinations. Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with well-proportioned build, wolf-like appearance, almond shaped eyes, erect ears, plume-like tail, straight legs, compact feet, thick paw pads, and with a light, graceful gait. They are known for their agility, endurance, energy, independence, and adventurous nature. They thrive in cold weather but they have a warm, affectionate, social, and playful side to them.

  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Shedding level: Heavy, year round shedding especially during season transitions.
  • Grooming requirements: Brushing and combing is necessary several times a week especially during peak shedding seasons. They require only occasional baths with vet prescribed shampoo due to their sensitive skin. They require diligent, regular grooming especially during shedding seasons and when they need a precise trim.

The Great Pyrenees

cute white great pyrenees

This large and furry working dog breed was originally from the French side of the Pyrenees Mountains. They were guard dogs that fiercely kept prey off livestock. They are agile and confident, making them look intimidating. Their thick coat magnifies their presence further but off-duty, they are one of the most gentle and calm dog breeds and are adaptable, making them good around kids.

They have dark, almond-shaped eyes, sturdy, well-proportioned build, straight back, and strong legs. They have a double coat that protects them from harsh weather. It consists of a long and coarse outer coat and fine, soft under coat. It’s one of those big white fluffy dog breeds that combine power and gentleness in one furry package.

  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Shedding level: Heavy, year-round shedding
  • Grooming requirements: Daily brushing or multiple times a week, daily combing, occasional bathing, and regular grooming especially during shedding season or when they need a good trim.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Large Dog Breeds Have Fluffy Hair?

Aside from those listed above, some of the large, thick-coated dog breeds also include Leonberger, Newfoundland, Samoyed, Briard, and Bernese Mountain Dog.

What Small Dog Breeds Have Fluffy Hair?

They may be small in size but big on fur, making them look like stuffed toys! These include the Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Pekingese, Havanese, Silky Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Japanese Chin and more.

What Is a Full Fluffy Dog?

The short, sweet answer is, they have a lot of hair! Their fur (general term) or coat (technical term for a layer of hair) is dense, abundant, and soft. Some are straight while some cascade in waves.

They are fluffy and you can’t help but cuddle them. They require regular grooming to keep their coat in good shape and health.

What Is a Shaggy Dog Breed?

These are fluffy dog breeds that have long, untamed hair giving them a scruffy, rustic look. Some of these breeds are Bearded Collie, Otterhound, Briard, Puli, Komondor, Irish Wolfhound, Scottish Deerhound, and Tibetan Terrier.

A Soothing Presence

Dogs, no matter their coat density and texture, bring a soothing presence to our lives. Fluffy dogs, because of their soft, massive coat, adds an extra layer, literally, of warmth and tenderness. They are like an extra dose of softness that helps us get by the rough edges of our days.

Owning these cuddly canines should come with the knowledge and acceptance that they come with an extra responsibility. That is, putting in the effort, time, and resources to keep their coat and overall health in shape through regular grooming and pet care.

Fluffy dogs, especially large, heavy shedders may not be for everyone but. If you or someone you live with has sensitivities to allergens that can usually get trapped in these dogs’ coats, then you might want to think twice before bringing them to your fold. You might want to consider opting for smaller, non to low shedding fluffy dogs like Bichon Frise, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, or Shih Tzu. They may be less in size but still as huggable as their bigger counterparts.

And whatever their size and fur mass, go ahead and hug your dog! They are worthy of your massive love and they can pawsitively turn your day around with their presence as they lie close to you, all nestled and nice!

 




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Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.


Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.