17 Fluffy Dog Breeds You Can’t Help but Want to Hug

Some dogs just look made for cuddling.

Maybe it’s a cloudlike coat, a fluffy tail curled over their back, or enough fur around their face to make you wonder where the dog ends and the fluff begins. Whatever the reason, fluffy dogs have a way of making people smile.

But all that fluff can come in surprisingly different packages. Some fluffy dog breeds are tiny enough to carry under one arm. Others are enormous working dogs that can take up half the couch without even trying.

And while those beautiful coats are hard to resist, they usually come with something else: grooming.

Here are 17 beautiful fluffy dog breeds, from little lap-sized companions to some seriously big balls of fur.

1. Pomeranian

It’s difficult to talk about fluffy dogs without starting with the Pomeranian.

This tiny breed has an incredibly thick double coat that makes the dog appear much bigger than it actually is. Add a fluffy tail carried over the back and a bright little face, and it’s easy to understand the Pomeranian’s popularity.

Poms tend to be lively, curious and confident. Many seem completely unaware that they weigh only a few pounds.

That magnificent coat needs regular brushing, particularly when the undercoat is shedding.

Size: Toy
Coat: Thick double coat
Known for: Big personality in a tiny, fluffy package

2. Samoyed

The Samoyed may be one of the most recognizable white fluffy dogs anywhere.

Their thick white coat was developed for life in cold climates, and that famous upturned “Sammy smile” makes them look almost permanently happy.

Samoyeds are much more than pretty dogs, though. They have a working heritage and tend to be active, social and intelligent.

Anyone dreaming about that beautiful white coat should also be prepared for plenty of brushing—and plenty of loose white hair.

Size: Medium to large
Coat: Very thick double coat
Known for: White coat and characteristic smile

3. Chow Chow

Few dogs have a more distinctive appearance than the Chow Chow.

Their thick coat forms an almost lionlike ruff around the head and shoulders. Chows can come in several colors, including red, black, blue, cinnamon and cream.

They tend to be more independent and reserved than some of the cuddly-looking dogs on this list. In other words, a Chow may look like a giant teddy bear without necessarily wanting to behave like one.

Early socialization and thoughtful training are important.

Size: Medium
Coat: Dense rough or smooth coat
Known for: Lionlike appearance and independent personality

4. Keeshond

The Keeshond seems to have fluff everywhere.

Its thick gray, black and cream coat stands away from the body, while the heavily plumed tail curls over the back.

One of the breed’s most charming features is the darker shading around the eyes that can resemble little spectacles.

Keeshonden were bred as companion and watchdog-type dogs and generally enjoy being around their families. They’re another breed whose impressive double coat requires regular brushing.

Size: Medium
Coat: Thick double coat
Known for: Spectacle-like facial markings and fluffy coat

5. Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog doesn’t just have a fluffy coat. It can look like a walking mountain of hair.

The breed’s long, shaggy coat often covers part of the face and creates that unmistakable Old English Sheepdog appearance.

Underneath all that hair is a substantial, athletic dog with herding roots.

Their coat requires serious upkeep. Owners need to be prepared for frequent brushing and grooming to help prevent tangles and mats.

Size: Large
Coat: Long and shaggy
Known for: Shaggy appearance and herding heritage

6. Bichon Frise

If the giant fluffy dogs aren’t quite your speed, the Bichon Frise gives you plenty of fluff in a much smaller package.

With proper grooming, a Bichon’s white curly coat can look almost like a little cotton ball.

Bichons tend to be cheerful companion dogs that enjoy spending time with people. Their smaller size can also make them practical for homes where a large dog simply wouldn’t fit.

Their coat continues to require maintenance, however. Regular brushing and professional grooming are usually part of the deal.

Size: Small
Coat: Soft and curly
Known for: Cheerful personality and cloudlike white coat

7. Havanese

The Havanese has a softer, flowing kind of fluff.

Its long coat can be straight or wavy and comes in many different colors and patterns.

These small companion dogs are known for being sociable and affectionate. Many Havanese want to be right in the middle of family life rather than watching everything from another room.

Their long coat needs consistent care, although some owners choose a shorter trim to make daily grooming easier.

Size: Small
Coat: Long, soft and silky
Known for: Affectionate, social personality

8. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu proves that you don’t have to be big to have an impressive amount of hair.

When allowed to grow long, a Shih Tzu’s coat can flow nearly to the floor. Many family dogs are kept in a shorter puppy-style trim that’s easier to maintain.

Shih Tzus were bred as companion dogs, and many are happiest when they’re close to their people.

Their coat requires regular attention, and their eyes and face also benefit from routine care.

Size: Small
Coat: Long and flowing
Known for: Affectionate companion personality

9. Newfoundland

Now we’re moving from small fluffy dogs to very big fluffy dogs.

The Newfoundland is massive, powerful and covered in a thick double coat that helped protect the breed while working around cold water.

Despite their imposing size, Newfoundlands are widely known for their gentle nature.

Living with one means being prepared for a lot of dog, a lot of coat—and often a fair amount of drool.

Size: Giant
Coat: Thick, water-resistant double coat
Known for: Gentle nature and impressive size

10. Great Pyrenees

A Great Pyrenees standing in a snowy field can look as though it belongs there naturally.

That’s because these large white dogs were developed to guard livestock in mountainous regions. Their thick coat provided protection from harsh weather.

Great Pyrenees tend to be calm and watchful, but their guardian heritage also means they can be independent thinkers.

They need room, proper training and owners who understand that a livestock guardian isn’t simply an oversized lapdog.

Size: Giant
Coat: Thick double coat
Known for: Calm, watchful guardian nature

11. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog combines a beautiful fluffy coat with one of the most recognizable color patterns in the dog world.

Their long tricolor coat is primarily black with rust and white markings.

Berners were developed as working farm dogs in Switzerland, and they’re strong, substantial animals. Many are also affectionate dogs that form close bonds with their families.

Their thick coat sheds and needs regular brushing, especially during heavier seasonal shedding.

Size: Large
Coat: Long, thick double coat
Known for: Tricolor coat and affectionate personality

12. Tibetan Mastiff

If you want a dog that can look remarkably like a lion, the Tibetan Mastiff belongs on the list.

This powerful breed develops a particularly heavy coat around the neck and shoulders, giving some dogs an enormous mane.

Tibetan Mastiffs were developed as guardians, and that heritage matters. They can be independent, protective and strong-willed.

Their dramatic appearance may attract attention, but this is a breed that requires careful consideration and an experienced, responsible home.

Size: Large to giant
Coat: Heavy double coat
Known for: Impressive mane and guardian instincts

13. Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund may not be as familiar as some of the other breeds here, but it’s certainly fluffy enough to compete with them.

These medium-sized Nordic dogs have thick double coats, expressive faces and heavily furred tails.

They were traditionally used for herding reindeer, so there’s a working dog underneath that beautiful coat.

Finnish Lapphunds tend to be intelligent and active while still being a manageable size for many households.

Size: Medium
Coat: Thick double coat
Known for: Friendly expression and Nordic working heritage

14. American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog looks a little like a white cloud with pointed ears.

The breed comes in several sizes and has a bright white double coat, plumed tail and alert expression.

These dogs tend to be intelligent and quick learners. They often enjoy training and activities that give them something to think about.

Their beautiful white coat sheds, so regular brushing is essential if you’d rather keep more of that fluff on the dog than around the house.

Size: Toy, Miniature or Standard
Coat: Thick white double coat
Known for: Intelligence and striking white appearance

15. Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie looks like a happy, shaggy bundle of fur with four legs.

Its long, flowing double coat gives this breed a wonderfully tousled appearance, complete with a furry beard that inspired its name.

Bearded Collies were developed as herding dogs in Scotland, and there’s plenty of energy underneath all that hair.

They’re playful, intelligent and enthusiastic dogs that enjoy exercise, games and spending time with their families.

That beautiful coat needs frequent brushing to prevent tangles and mats, so grooming is an important part of living with one.

Size: Medium

Coat: Long, shaggy double coat

Known for: Playful personality and distinctive beard

16. Rough Collie

The Rough Collie has one of the most elegant fluffy coats on our list.

Its long outer coat, abundant mane and feathered tail create the classic Collie appearance many people recognize immediately.

Rough Collies are herding dogs and tend to be intelligent and attentive. Many are strongly connected to their families and enjoy being involved in everyday life.

Their long coat requires routine brushing, particularly around areas where tangles can develop.

Size: Medium to large
Coat: Long, abundant double coat
Known for: Elegant appearance and devoted nature

17. Alaskan Malamute

We’ll finish with a dog built for serious cold weather.

The Alaskan Malamute has a thick double coat, powerful body and heavily furred tail. These dogs were developed to haul heavy loads in demanding Arctic conditions.

Malamutes can be affectionate and playful, but they’re also strong, active dogs that need appropriate exercise and training.

And when that thick undercoat starts shedding?

You’ll quickly discover just how much fluff one dog can produce.

Size: Large
Coat: Dense double coat
Known for: Strength, endurance and cold-weather coat

Fluffy Dogs Come in Every Size

One of the fun things about fluffy dog breeds is how much variety there is.

A Pomeranian and a Newfoundland could hardly look more different in size, yet both can have incredibly thick coats.

There are tiny companion dogs, energetic herding dogs, powerful guardians and enormous working breeds.

That means choosing a fluffy dog shouldn’t start with deciding which one is cutest.

It should start with deciding which dog’s needs fit your life.

All That Fluff Requires Some Work

There’s something important those gorgeous Pinterest-worthy photographs don’t always show:

Fluffy coats require maintenance.

Exactly how much depends on the breed.

Some dogs need brushing several times a week. Others may require professional grooming. Thick double-coated breeds can shed enormous amounts of hair during certain times of year.

Long coats can also develop tangles and mats if they’re neglected.

Before choosing a dog because you love its fluffy appearance, find out exactly what maintaining that particular coat involves.

Choosing the Right Fluffy Dog for Your Family

Coat type is only one piece of the puzzle.

Think about the breed’s adult size, exercise needs, temperament, trainability and typical grooming requirements.

A tiny Havanese and a giant Great Pyrenees might both be wonderfully fluffy, but living with them would be two completely different experiences.

The best dog isn’t necessarily the fluffiest one.

It’s the one whose needs and personality fit comfortably into your everyday life.

Sometimes You Really Do Want to Hug Them

There’s a reason cute fluffy dogs are so hard to scroll past.

Some look like teddy bears. Others resemble little clouds. A few look as though they could keep an entire family warm during a snowstorm.

From the tiny Pomeranian to the enormous Newfoundland, these 17 fluffy dogs show just how many shapes and sizes all that wonderful fur can come in.

Just remember: the fluffier the dog, the more likely it is that some of that fluff will eventually end up on your clothes, your furniture—and probably in places you didn’t even know dog hair could reach. 🐶❤️