Dogs come in all sizes, temperaments, and trainability, but it seems that dogs with fluffy, thick coats tend to be more in demand. From hypoallergenic, hair-type coats and ultra-dense, double-layered fur, fluffy dogs are adorable. That being said, just because a dog is fluffy, that doesn’t mean they enjoy cuddling. It’s important to research any potential breeds to make sure they’re a good fit, regardless of the fluff. No matter the reason, if you’re looking into fluffy dog breeds, here are the 15 fluffiest (and cutest!) big and small dog breeds:
The 15 Popular Fluffy Dog Breeds:
1. Bichon Frise
| Height | 9–11 inches |
| Weight | 7–12 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | YES |
| Temperament | Cheerful, sensitive, spirited |
| Energy | High |
Bichon Frise dogs are famous for their very fluffy coats, which grow out long like human hair and require frequent grooming. Although weighing less than 15 pounds, Bichons are highly energetic and athletic for their size.
2. Chow-Chow
| Height | 18–22 inches |
| Weight | 45–72 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Aloof, reserved, dignified |
| Energy | Low to Moderate |
Don’t be fooled by the Chow Chow’s fluffy coat. These dogs prefer to sit next to their owners, not snuggle with them. These fierce, imposing dogs are very protective and need to be socialized early, but they’re not social by nature and are often aloof with newcomers.
3. Coton de Tulear
| Height | 9–12 inches |
| Weight | 7.7–13 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | YES |
| Temperament | Affectionate, loyal, intelligent |
| Energy | Moderate to High |
With similarities to Bichons and Maltese dogs, Coton de Tulear dogs have white, fluffy coats that are hypoallergenic and grow like human hair. They’re the official dog of Madagascar and named after the city of Tulear.
4. American Eskimo Dog
| Height | (Toy) 9–12 inches; (Miniature) 12–15 inches; (Standard) 15–19 inches |
| Weight | 6–10 pounds; 10–20 pounds; 18–35 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Active, lively, intelligent |
| Energy | High |
American Eskimo Dogs are friendly dogs that love to be active. They are known for their fluffy, double-layered coats. These fun, spirited dogs enjoy being outdoors and can make great hiking companions, but their fluffy, light-colored coats stain easily without consistent grooming.
5. Old English Sheepdog
| Height | 20–24 inches |
| Weight | 60–100 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Cheerful, social, intelligent |
| Energy | Moderate to High |
Old English Sheepdogs have distinctive shaggy, fluffy coats that can be difficult to maintain since their fur can trap all sorts of debris from outside. These dogs have great temperaments and moderate energy levels, but they can be stubborn with timid owners.
6. Pomeranian
| Height | 7–12 inches |
| Weight | 3–7 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Extroverted, strong-willed, alert |
| Energy | High |
Naturally athletic and relentlessly alert, Pomeranians are famous for their vocalization when strangers arrive. They’re also popular for their fluffy, double-layered coats, thick “mane” around their necks, and for their plumed Spitz tails.
7. Schapendoes
| Height | 16–20 inches |
| Weight | 26–55 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Focused, affectionate, friendly |
| Energy | Moderate to High |
Schapendoes dogs may not be a well-known breed, but they’re steadily growing in popularity due to their even-tempered personalities. Their fluffy, shaggy double-layered coats are soft to the touch, but they require a lot of grooming to prevent matting.
8. Tibetan Mastiff
| Height | 24–28 inches |
| Weight | 75–150 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Confident, serious, watchful |
| Energy | Moderate |
Tibetan Mastiffs have thick, fluffy coats that give them a bear-like appearance, especially since they weigh around 100 pounds on average. Large and in charge, these massive dogs are affectionate with their owners and reserved with outsiders.
9. Shih Tzu
| Height | 7.9–11 inches |
| Weight | 8.8–16 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | YES |
| Temperament | Lively, independent, clever |
| Energy | Moderate |
Shih Tzus are famous for their long, flowing coats, but they can be trimmed down into a fluffier and more manageable length. Shih Tzus are popular for their loyalty and affection, historically bred solely for royalty in Tibet.
10. Keeshond
| Height | 17–18 inches |
| Weight | 31–40 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Alert, playful, vocal |
| Energy | Moderate to high |
Similar in coat type to Pomeranians, Keeshonds have very fluffy, thick double-layered coats and plumed tails. They’re natural watchdogs and love to bark at anything near their property, so training them to stop barking is essential for apartment living.
11. Poodle
| Height | 7–10 inches (toy), 10–15 inches (miniature), 15+ inches (standard) |
| Weight | 4–6 pounds (toy), 10–15 pounds (miniature), 40–60 pounds (standard) |
| Hypoallergenic | YES |
| Temperament | Intelligent, loyal, agile |
| Energy | Moderate to high |
Regardless of the size variation, Poodles have soft, fluffy coats that range in tightness of the curls and need to be groomed regularly. Known for their reliability as service dogs as well as their athleticism, Poodles are extremely loyal to their families.
12. Maltese
| Height | 8–10 inches |
| Weight | 6.6–8.8 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | YES |
| Temperament | Easygoing, clever, playful |
| Energy | Moderate |
Long, flowing coats and bright personalities are the trademarks of Maltese dogs, though their coats can be trimmed down for a fluffier, shorter style. Despite the breed’s name, Maltese dogs have no known history with the island of Malta; it’s just suspected to be where they come from, although their exact origins are unknown.
13. Bernese Mountain Dog
| Height | 23–28 inches |
| Weight | 79–110 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Good-natured, affectionate, intelligent |
| Energy | Moderate |
Watchful and faithful to their families, Bernese Mountain Dogs are good family pets for those that have enough living space and time for their large size. These mountain-bred working dogs have soft, double-layered coats that need regular grooming.
14. Bolognese Dog
| Height | 10–12 inches |
| Weight | 5.5–8.8 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | YES |
| Temperament | Cheerful, calm, loyal |
| Energy | Low to Moderate |
Related to Bichons and with similar coats, Bolognese dogs have fluffy coats that are hypoallergenic and woollike in texture. Bolognese dogs are excellent companion dogs and have relatively calm temperaments, great for apartment living.
15. Newfoundland
| Height | 25–29 inches |
| Weight | 99–150 pounds |
| Hypoallergenic | NO |
| Temperament | Gentle, intelligent, friendly |
| Energy | High |
Newfoundland dogs are big dogs with huge, thick coats, most commonly in black, which help insulate their bodies as they swim in icy waters. ‘Newfies,’ as they’re called, are great family pets, but they need plenty of exercise and a place to swim to be content.
Final Thoughts
That completes our list of fluffy dog breeds. Did you see one that you might like to bring into your home? If so, make sure to research them well beforehand, as there is a lot more that goes into choosing a dog than just a cute appearance.
Featured Image Credit: Alexas_fotos, Pixabay
