26 of the Fluffiest Dog Breeds
For dog lovers, cuddling a dog is one of the best feelings in the world. Sometimes, the fluffier the dog, the better the cuddle. If you’re a fan of fluffy dogs and don’t mind the extra grooming that often comes with them, here are a few of the fluffiest dog breeds:
1. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is a toy dog breed that tends to only weigh about 7-10 pounds once fully grown. Any bulk they seem to have is due to their fluffy coat. These dogs are known for their loyalty, amusing antics, and neat, but shaggy coats that make them look like little Wookies or Ewoks from Star Wars.
They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Their coat grows slowly, so it should never be shaved or clipped too short. However, a slight trim every few months is good. Other than that, they should be brushed at least twice a week. A pin or slicker brush is a good start. It should be followed with a metal comb. If you find any tangles or mats that are starting to form, gently work them apart with your fingers.
2. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is well known for their long, silky, and luxurious coat. Their tall, elegant appearance and flowing hair make them popular around dog shows. Despite their origins being skilled, athletic, and sturdy hunting dogs, their modern reputation is more in the fashion world.
One of the facts about Afghan Hounds is that many of the features that contribute to their popularity in dog shows and in fashion were not developed for appearance and actually serve valuable functions. Their long, flowing coat kept them warm without slowing them down on a hunt while their long legs and big paws meant they were fast and able to get traction and run across rugged terrain without hurting themselves.
Afghan Hound puppies have a different coat. Their grooming needs are low maintenance as puppies and they grow into the adult coat that the Afghan Hound is so recognized for. Once that happens, their grooming needs become more involved with daily brushing and regular visits to the groomer.
3. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small, fluffy dog that looks like a small Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels, but they are high-energy dogs.
These dogs tend to spend time grooming themselves, but their dense double coat will still need some care. As a note, they should not be shaved unless it’s needed for a medical reason, so make sure you work with a dog groomer that is aware of that if you take them in for a trim.
Brushing their coat a few times a week is enough for this moderate shedder. But, they will shed their undercoat twice a year as seasons change. So, you will also want to add an undercoat rake to your dog grooming brushes.
4. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the fluffiest dog breeds. This large Arctic breed has a dense, fluffy coat and a lot of energy. These dogs are strong, playful, affectionate, and love their families. Highly intelligent and independent, these dogs are usually better suited to more experienced owners. Puppy training classes are highly recommended for first-time or novice dog owners.
The Malamute is a very fluffy snow dog breed. Although their coat is relatively clean and also has waterproof qualities, you’ll need a few grooming brushes to properly care for them. Their coat should be brushed daily. You’ll need both a pin brush and a metal comb.
This will help you remove loose fur and work out tangles. You should check carefully for mats as these can cause skin issues for your Mal. One of the facts about Alaskan Malamutes is that they have a dense undercoat that will shed twice a year. Because of this, you will also want to have an undercoat rake on hand.
5. American Eskimo
The American Eskimo is a small, energetic ball of fluff. These dogs are intelligent, playful, and friendly. Plus, they’re a good fit for owners of all experience levels.
One of the facts about American Eskimo Dogs is that their fluffy double coat is relatively easy to keep clean. Although they only require a bath every few months, they do shed regularly. Brushing them thoroughly a few times a week is usually enough to remove tangles and prevent mats.
6. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a large athletic dog with a long coat. They are friendly and outgoing dogs that can also be independently-minded. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, but puppy training classes can help.
Although they only shed a moderate amount, their coat requires daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. Then, at least once a week, you should also spend a little more time using a rake, comb, and a brush to remove loose fur and tangles. It might also be a good idea to invest in some dog-friendly anti-tangle spray.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, fluffy, and friendly dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding session twice a year.
Daily brushing during seasonal shedding is a good idea. Outside of that, weekly brushing is usually enough. One of the facts about Bernese Mountain Dogs is that an undercoat rake will come in handy during seasonal shedding. A slicker brush or a metal comb are good options to help work out tangles.
8. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small fluffy dog that is known for their low-shedding coat, great personality, and high trainability. As such, they are a popular choice for many mixes and crosses.
One of the facts about the Bichon Frise is that their coat is low-shedding. Although their coat is low-shedding, it does require some work. Brushing them a few times a week is okay, but daily brushing is ideal.
If you don’t want to clip and bath them at home, then you’ll need to plan on visiting the groomer every 4-6 weeks. A standard brush, a comb for working out tangles, and a rake for getting dead fur out of the undercoat are all good tools to have on hand.
9. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is another one of the fluffiest dog breeds. This is an affectionate, high-energy, and strong-willed dog breed. These large and fluffy herding dogs are highly intelligent and tend to be better suited for more experienced dog owners. Puppy training classes are recommended.
One of the facts about the Bouvier des Flandres is that they have a thick double coat and are one of the fluffiest dog breeds. Their thick, shaggy coat will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Brushing a couple of times a week is usually enough to keep their coat looking great. You can use a pin brush, a slicker brush, or a large comb for it.
10. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow belongs on any list of the fluffiest dog breeds. Their fluffy coat and large size certainly help them look the part of a “lion dog”. Fiercely loyal and independent, they are a better fit for more experienced owners. A monthly bath is usually enough for this dog. But, their coat needs to be brushed thoroughly once or twice a week.
One of the facts about Chow Chows is that you’ll need to use a brush and also a comb or a rake that can get to their undercoat. They are prone to forming mats around their head and these can become quite bad if they are not groomed properly. So, make sure you are brushing them frequently enough and that you are working out tangles throughout their double coat.
11. Collie
The Collie is known for their loyalty, devotion, and their fluffy coat. Some facts about Collies are that they are high-energy herding dogs, but they are also highly intelligent and eager to please their owners. This makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels.
A full-coated rough Collie is prone to mats, especially behind their elbows and ears. They’ll shed a bit year-round and heavier during seasonal changes. As long as you’re able to brush through the double coat and get down to the skin to remove tangles, weekly brushing is sufficient for this dog.
12. Keeshond
The Keeshond is a small, intelligent, and playful dog with a fluffy coat. They tend to make great family dogs because they get along well with children and are also a good fit for owners of all experience levels.
Since they have a dense double coat, they will shed a bit year-round and more when the seasons are changing. Brushing weekly with a pin brush, as long as you’re able to get throughout the entire coat, is sufficient for this dog. But, if you don’t handle it at home, you’ll need to visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks for a bath and extra coat care.
13. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small dog with a fluffy coat. Their coat can be kept long or clipped short for easier maintenance.
Some facts about the Lhasa Apso are that these dogs were called “bearded lion dogs” and were considered sacred in Tibet. They can be quite stubborn at times, so puppy training classes are recommended for first-time dog owners.
Because their coat is low-shedding, they are another popular choice for mixes and crosses. But, low-shedding does not mean low-maintenance. A short coat clip, or puppy coat, should be brushed a few times a week, groomed every 4-6 weeks, and bathed between visits to the groomer.
A long coat also requires brushing a couple of times a week with the right tools to reach deep into their coat and remove tangles. They’ll need to be bathed every two weeks, at least, in addition to professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
Regardless of coat length, it’s important to dry this dog’s fur completely and thoroughly after a bath. It will also need to be brushed as well. A Lhasa Apso’s fur will mat when it’s damp even if it’s clean.
14. Maltese
The Maltese is a charming little toy breed with a gentle nature and a sweet disposition. These traits and their low-shedding coat make them another popular choice for mixes and crosses. They’re also a great fit for owners of all experience levels, although puppy training classes are recommended for first-time owners.
One of the facts about the Maltese is that they have a low-shedding, often considered hypoallergenic, coat. However, although these dogs don’t shed much, their long coat needs daily gentle and thorough brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats. If you don’t take care of it at home, you’ll need to plan to visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks.
15. Maremma Sheepdog
The Maremma Sheepdog is a large, white fluffy dog known for their loyalty, protective instinct, and friendly and balanced nature. One of the facts about Maremma Sheepdogs is that they are instinctual guardians. Because they tend to be independent and can be stubborn, they tend to be a better fit for more experienced owners.
Their thick coat will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding seasonally. Daily brushing throughout the coat is recommended as is an undercoat rake for seasonal shedding sessions. Bathing is generally on an as-needed basis.
16. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant dog breed with a friendly, gentle nature and a very fluffy coat. They are among some of the best family dogs, even earning a “nanny dog” nickname. They’re also a great fit for owners of all experience levels, as long as they can handle the Newfy’s size.
Their dense coat will shed a little year-round and lot on a seasonal basis. Brushing thoroughly with a long-toothed comb and a slicker brush on a weekly basis, at least, can help remove loose fur and tangles. During seasonal shedding, you’ll likely need to move to daily brushing and add an undercoat rake.
17. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, loyal, and friendly fluffball. They tend to be a great fit for families and dog owners of any experience level. They have a dense double coat that requires a lot of care, even if it’s kept in a shorter “puppy clip”, and that will shed moderately with heavier shedding seasonally.
On a weekly basis, at least, you will need to brush them thoroughly throughout their entire coat. This is particularly true if you are maintaining a full coat. A shorter clip will still require weekly brushing in between their baths and haircuts, which should happen every 4-6 weeks. Keeping an Old English Sheepdog’s feet clipped can be helpful, but also requires a lot of professional grooming if you don’t do it at home.
18. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a toy-sized fluffball and is another “lion dog” that originated in China. They are loyal, affectionate, and can sometimes be stubborn. So, first-time dog owners may want to enroll in puppy training classes.
Their long, thick coat sheds seasonally and requires a lot of maintenance. Because the coat is long and thick, even though it’s on a small dog, it needs to be worked through at least weekly to remove loose hair, work out tangles, and prevent mats. A slicker brush or metal comb can be great tools for gently working out tangles while an undercoat rake can help you out during seasonal shedding.
19. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a playful, lovable fluffball that can sometimes be a diva if you let them. These little dogs have big personalities and are highly intelligent. As long as you don’t let them use their cuteness to get away with bad behavior, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels.
Their fluffy double coat is one of the most recognizable features of the Pom. They will shed a bit year-round and heavier on a seasonal basis. Their coat needs to be brushed thoroughly at least once a week with a slicker brush and a pin brush to remove tangles and prevent mats. They also need to be fully-groomed every 4-6 weeks.
20. Poodle
The Poodle is a highly intelligent, athletic dog with a lot of energy that also loves their family. They are a good fit for families because they get along with children and are also a good fit for owners of any experience level. Plus, they come in different sizes. There are Standard Poodles, Mini Poodles, and Toy Poodles.
Thanks to their low-shedding coat, they are also a popular choice for several mixes and crosses. But, their coat is not low-maintenance and is prone to mats. A Poodle coat that is kept in a longer clip will need to be brushed thoroughly every day. If the coat is kept in a shorter trim, a thorough brushing a few times a week is sufficient.
It’s important to keep up with brushing their coat and getting down to the skin. If not, their coat tends to mat near the roots and will need to be shaved off entirely to start over with new growth. They will also need to be bathed and groomed every 4-6 weeks.
21. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a medium-sized dog breed that looks like a big white fluffball. In addition to looking like a puffy marshmallow, they also have a great personality and a lot of energy. Although they make a great family dog, they can be strong-willed and stubborn when it comes to training, so puppy training classes are recommended for novice owners.
One of the facts about Samoyeds is that their super fluffy coat will shed year-round and heavier during seasonal changes. Daily brushing is recommended to help remove loose fur, work out tangles, and prevent mats. A metal comb or a slicker brush are good for gently working out tangles. An undercoat rake will also come in handy, especially during seasonal shedding.
22. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small, lovable, and fluffy dog that is a great fit for families and first-time dog owners. Not only are they ones of the fluffiest dog breeds, but they are also intelligent, loyal, playful, and get along well with children.
One of the facts about Shetland Sheepdogs is that they will shed year-round and heavier on a seasonal basis. Outside of seasonal shedding, a thorough brushing on a weekly basis is usually enough to remove tangles and prevent mats. During seasonal shedding, daily brushing is recommended. Their coat is prone to mats under their elbows, the fluffy pants under their tail, and also behind their ears.
23. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another fluffy toy breed known for their low-shedding coat, “lion dog” looks, and lovable personality. Although these dogs tend to be a great fit for first-time owners, they are known to be stubborn at times and aren’t above using their cuteness to push boundaries. So, first-time dog owners may want to enroll in puppy training classes to help build a strong bond, keep training consistent, and help avoid accidentally training undesirable behaviors.
One of the facts about the Shih Tzu is that although this dog’s coat is low-shedding, it is not low-maintenance. Long coats need to be brushed every day. You’ll want a flexible wire brush and will likely need to layer this dog’s fur to be able to brush throughout the entire coat. The fur at the top of the head will need to be cut short or pulled up in a bow so it doesn’t irritate the eyes.
You can keep them in a “puppy trim”, which is a shorter clip, for slightly easier maintenance. A short coat still needs to be brushed thoroughly a few times a week, but you won’t need to layer the fur to get down to the roots. With either coat type, this dog requires a bath around every 3-4 weeks.
24. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is another one of the fluffiest dog breeds. These dogs make great family pets as they are friendly, playful, and get along well with children. They can be stubborn and independent when it comes to training, so first-time owners will want to plan on enrolling in puppy training classes.
One of the facts about Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers is that their soft and silky coat does not shed much, but still requires a good bit of grooming. They will need to be brushed thoroughly every day to properly remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. A pin brush or slicker brush throughout the entire coat and down to the skin is step one.
Step two is using a medium or fine-toothed metal comb to go over the entire coat to find and work out leftover tangles that will mat if left alone. If you find any mats, it’s important to gently pull them apart with your fingers, a brush, or the comb. You never want to cut mats out with scissors on your own as this often leads to more tangles and mats as the uneven fur grows.
25. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, very fluffy dog that can look quite imposing. They can make great family pets as they are affectionate and sweet with their families. But, their guardian background, protective instincts, and strong will make them a better fit for experienced dog owners who can properly socialize and train them.
One of the facts about Tibetan Mastiffs is that, despite their thick, fluffy fur, this dog’s coat is relatively low-maintenance, at least when it comes the fluffiest dog breeds. They will shed a little year-round and much heavier when their undercoat sheds seasonally.
Brushing weekly with a slicker or long pin brush is usually enough outside of seasonal shedding. During seasonal shedding, you will want to increase to daily brushing and add an undercoat rake or a de-shedding tool to your grooming arsenal.
26. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is another one of the fluffiest dog breeds. This small, fluffy dog is also considered the “Holy Dog of Tibet”. They are a great fit for families as they get along with children and have the quintessential companion dog temperament. Overall, they’re a good fit for owners of all experience levels, but they can have a stubborn streak every now and then.
One of the facts about Tibetan Terriers is that their coats will shed a little year-round and heavier on a seasonal basis. If the coat is kept in a shorter “puppy trim”, then brushing a few times a week is usually enough. If it’s kept longer, it will need to be brushed every day to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing and grooming every 4-6 weeks is recommended regardless of coat length.
These are just a few of the fluffiest dog breeds. Although fluffy types of dog coats are often majestic, they also often require a lot of extra care. So, make sure you’re ready for the grooming level and requirements of your chosen fluffy dog breed before you purchase them from a reputable breeder or adopt them from a shelter or rescue.