25 Fluffy Dog Breeds That You’ll Want to Pet All Day Long
Some dogs have wiry, hair-like coats that almost feel rough to the touch. Others have fluffy coats that bounce in the breeze and make the dog look more like a marshmallow than a canine. Today, we’re here to appreciate those dogs. The fluffy dog breeds with cloud-like coats that protect them from cold temperatures or keep us warm when we snuggle our pups on the couch. Get ready for an onslaught of the fluffiest dogs you’ll ever see.
(Just because a dog is extra fluffy doesn’t mean they’ll shed more. Some of the most luxurious, labor-intensive looking coats are relatively hassle-free or hypoallergenic!)
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1. Akita
Average Height: 26 inches
Average Weight: 100 pounds
Temperament: Loyal
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
These giant, fluffy dogs have a double coat that won’t shed much until the seasons change. Then, beware of hair all over your house! Akitas love to love you and are all about protecting their families—to the point where they may not be friendly to new people or pets
2. Alaskan Malamute
Average Height: 24 inches
Average Weight: 80 pounds
Temperament: Playful
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Similar to the Akita, Alaskan Malamutes have double coats that will shed a ton twice a year. Their coats are weather- and water-proof, the result of being bred to carry sleds over long expanses of ice and snow. If you’re looking for a social dog with an abundance of energy, look no further.
3. American Eskimo Dog
Average Height: 10 inches (toy), 13 inches (miniature), 17 inches (standard)
Average Weight: 8 pounds (toy), 15 pounds (miniature), 30 pounds (standard)
Temperament: Lively
Shedding Factor: Frequent
Another canine with a double coat to protect them from the cold! The American Eskimo dog comes in three sizes and is truly a puffball of fur. They shed a lot and need plenty of brushing to keep their coat healthy. Get ready for loads of playtime with these sprightly pups!
4. Australian Shepherd
Average Height: 20 inches
Average Weight: 52 pounds
Temperament: Energetic
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Australian Shepherds are born herders and don’t mind spending hours outdoors. Their double coats protect them from the elements. When they shed, brushing them daily helps control how much fur ends up on your couch. They have truly gorgeous coats: long, fluffy white tufts with shocks of blue and red mixed in.
5. Barbet
Average Height: 22 inches
Average Weight: 50 pounds
Temperament: Upbeat
Shedding Factor: Infrequent
One look at the curls on a Barbet is enough to make you fall head over tail for this fluffball! Their coats can be black, brown or gray, sometimes with white spots on the chest or paws. Originally bred to catch birds in France, these dogs are smart and athletic.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Average Height: 25 inches
Average Weight: 93 pounds
Temperament: Affectionate
Shedding Factor: Frequent
Known for being an affectionate family dog, the Bernese Mountain dog is also a fluffy breed who can cuddle like no other. Their double coats shed constantly, so brushing every day will keep them free of knots.
7. Bichon Frise
Average Height: 10 inches
Average Weight: 15 pounds
Temperament: Animated
Shedding Factor: Rarely, Hypoallergenic
These tiny goofballs are like small snowmen ready to frolic wherever the two of you may go. Most notably, the Bichon Frise’s head is covered in a comical sphere of fluffy fur; their bodies are also soft and plush and perfect for snuggling.
8. Bolognese
Average Height: 11 inches
Average Weight: 7 pounds
Temperament: Shy
Shedding Factor: Non-shedding
Similar to the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is a small, white, fluffy-coated companion. Unlike the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is pretty calm, shy around strangers and gets grumpy if left alone for long stretches of time. Many owners trim their Bolognese’s coat for easier maintenance, but if you want to let it fly free, regular trips to the groomer’s might be in order to keep it clean and trim around the face.
9. Chow Chow
Average Height: 18 inches
Average Weight: 57 pounds
Temperament: Serious
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Chow Chows are thick dogs with thick coats. It’s important to brush regularly to keep the fluff around their face from matting. Some Chow Chows have rough fur while others are noticeably smoother. Interestingly, these are pretty serious dogs! They are loyal to their families but don’t always enjoy new people.
10. Collie
Average Height: 24 inches
Average Weight: 62 pounds
Temperament: Sweet
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Like the Chow Chow, there are rough- and smooth-coated collies. The rough coat is the most recognizable one. Collie coats come in a wide variety of colors and shed as the seasons change. These dogs love kids, exercise and learning (hello, obedient family pet!).
11. German Spitz
Average Height: 13 inches
Average Weight: 25 pounds
Temperament: Whimsical
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Twice a year, this tiny ball of fluff will shed like you’ve never seen before, and then it will stop completely (until next time). The German Spitz has a double coat and one of the happiest faces in the animal kingdom. Alert and feisty, they make great, albeit miniature, watchdogs.
12. Golden Retriever
Average Height: 22 inches
Average Weight: 65 pounds
Temperament: Friendly
Shedding Factor: Frequent
Though technically, goldens only shed seasonally, any owner will tell you those long, golden-blonde hairs turn up everywhere on a daily basis. Known for their friendly, easy-going demeanor, golden retrievers do tend to be fluffier as puppies. But their lengthy, luxurious adult coats can be just as soft and cuddly.
13. Great Pyrenees
Average Height: 28 inches
Average Weight: 95 pounds
Temperament: Calm
Shedding Factor: Frequent
A bigger, fluffier version of a golden retriever is the Great Pyrenees. Their double coats are actually weather- and tangle-proof, but brushing will help with all the shedding. Gentle, giant and gorgeous, these dogs make excellent pets for families and less active owners.
14. Havanese
Average Height: 10 inches
Average Weight: 10 pounds
Temperament: Extroverted
Shedding Factor: Infrequent
With their long, fluffy coats and short stature, Havanese pups may appear as bubbly on the outside as they are on the inside. Full of buoyant energy, these dogs thrive on social outings. Their coats need plenty of brushing (probably daily) to keep them free of tangles and knots.
15. Irish Water Spaniel
Average Height: 23 inches
Average Weight: 57 pounds
Temperament: Curious
Shedding Factor: Seasonal, Hypoallergenic
Another curly-haired breed, the Irish Water Spaniel is up for anything and happy to try new adventures. Their coats are also waterproof, a trait developed over time in dogs bred to spend hours in water. It simply means their oil glands are more active and help keep water away.
16. Japanese Spitz
Average Height: 13 inches
Average Weight: 17 pounds
Temperament: Good-natured
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Unlike some seasonal shedders, the Japanese Spitz doesn’t shed a ton throughout the year. These confident, loving and intelligent dogs make excellent companions. Like the German Spitz, these dogs have very fluffy manes and grinning faces.
17. Keeshond
Average Height: 17 inches
Average Weight: 40 pounds
Temperament: Spirited
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
These dogs were bred in Holland to guard barges along the rivers, which turned them into social, loyal canines. Keeshond coats are thick poofs of fur - perfect for running around in cold temperatures or lounging on the couch after a long day.
18. Newfoundland
Average Height: 27 inches
Average Weight: 125 pounds
Temperament: Patient
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Talk about a big working dog! Newfoundlands were bred to work, which turned them into steadfast and patient dogs. They’ve got a lot of hair, too. Get ready to brush weekly (at least).
19. Old English Sheepdog
Average Height: 22 inches
Average Weight: 80 pounds
Temperament: Adaptable
Shedding Factor: Frequent
Perhaps one of the most recognizable dog coats is that of the Old English sheepdog. Shaggy and fluffy, these dogs require lots of grooming. Sure, they may not be low maintenance, but they are affectionate, doting creatures who are always down to walk or play.
20. Pekingese
Average Height: 7 inches
Average Weight: 12 pounds
Temperament: Independent
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Fluffy manes are signature Pekingese traits, as are their short snouts and poofy tails. These dogs were bred as companions for royalty, so forgive them if they tend to be a bit aloof or egotistical. They really do love their humans.
21. Pomeranian
Average Height: 7 inches
Average Weight: 5 pounds
Temperament: Fearless
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Nothing says “Pomeranian” like a fluffy, rust-colored double coat. Poms also come in other colors, but the fiery, orange-red is most reminiscent of their playful personality. Definitely prepare to brush—and play—often with a Pom.
22. Samoyed
Average Height: 21 inches
Average Weight: 50 pounds
Temperament: Sweet
Shedding Factor: Frequent
Samoyeds resemble American Eskimo dogs, with their bright white tufts of fur. However, Samoyeds tend to be gentler and more easy-going, perhaps due to the centuries they’ve spent living and working in the world’s coldest climates. Brushing frequently helps control their constant shedding.
23. Shetland Sheepdog
Average Height: 14 inches
Average Weight: 20 pounds
Temperament: Enthusiastic
Shedding Factor: Frequent
Similar to the collie (their cousin!), Shetland sheepdogs are herding dogs with long, fluffy, rough coats. They’re also super smart and embrace obedience training. With personalities as big as theirs, you’ll forget this dog is actually on the smaller side.
24. Siberian Husky
Average Height: 24 inches
Average Weight: 42 pounds
Temperament: Dedicated
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Smaller than the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Huskies have similar builds and fluffy coats. They’re definitely pack dogs with high prey drives, but this energy can be great for active households with room for the dog to roam.
25. Standard Poodle
Average Height: 21 inches
Average Weight: 55 pounds
Temperament: Smart
Shedding Factor: Rare, Low-Allergen
One of the most intelligent breeds, poodles are also one of the fluffiest. Their coats do require extensive grooming and brushing to ensure they don’t get too matted, but it’s worth it for a dog that is smart, athletic and generally up for whatever comes its way.
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