23 Fluffy Dog Breeds You’ll Love to Pet

• Size: Extra large
• Life expectancy: 10–14 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, playful

The Alaskan Malamute is a big fluffy dog whose dense fur developed to protect them from cold Alaskan winters. Thanks to their far-north origins, this dog loves the snow and might not tolerate heat well.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 13–15 years
• Temperament: Social butterfly, energetic, smart

This white fluffy dog may look delicate, but the American Eskimo Dog was bred for stamina and agility. They need about 30 minutes of exercise every day, but your biggest commitment will be keeping their white fur pristine.

Brush your Eskie every day, using a slicker brush and comb to reduce shedding and matting. But even with regular brushing, pet parents should expect to need a lint roller on hand—Eskies shed a lot.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Energetic, loyal, brainy

Australian Shepherds have a plush, medium-length coat designed to protect them while herding cattle. While they’re not the fluffiest dog on this list, the Aussie’s feathered fur still requires weekly brushing. This fluffy dog thrives with active pet parents who enjoy training and daily exercise.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Cheerful, loyal, social

The Barbet’s woolly, curly coat gives this fluffy dog breed their signature look. Originally bred as a water retriever, these curls helped keep them warm while swimming—one of their favorite activities.

A Barbet needs consistent grooming and trimming to prevent mats, but shedding is (thankfully) minimal.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Bouncy, adventurous, confident

Known for their flowing coat and expressive face, Bearded Collies are friendly fluffy dogs. Their long hair developed to protect them from harsh weather while herding. Daily brushing is a must to keep tangles at bay, especially around the legs and belly.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, confident

The Belgian Sheepdog is a large dog with a thick, long, black double coat. They’re one of four Belgian shepherd breeds (the others are the Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois), and they have the fluffiest coat of the group.

Regular brushing keeps this long-haired dog breed healthy and reduces loose fur around your home.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 14–15 years
• Temperament: Cheerful, affectionate, playful

Often considered one of the fluffiest small dogs, the Bichon Frise has a soft white coat that puffs out beautifully. They look a little like a four-legged cotton ball.  

Despite the fluff, Bichons are often described as “hypoallergenic” dogs and could be a better fit for some people with allergies. While they don’t shed much, their coat needs frequent professional grooming. Some pet parents choose to learn how to trim their dog’s coat at home.

• Size: Extra small
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Devoted, calm, affectionate

The Bolognese is another fluffy little dog with a white coat that grows long. Unlike double-coated breeds, their hair grows more like human hair. Daily brushing is a must to prevent mats and keep them comfortable.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Gentle, loyal, attentive

While smooth Collies have short fur, rough Collies are a big, fluffy dog breed with a can’t-beat personality. They’re often considered one of the best family dogs thanks to their gentle nature and patience with kids, but make sure you can keep up with their grooming and exercise needs before bringing one home.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Calm, friendly, alert

Bred to herd reindeer in freezing conditions, the Finnish Lapphund’s thick double coat makes them a naturally fluffy dog. Their fur repels moisture and cold but sheds heavily. Routine brushing helps manage loose hair and keeps their coat healthy.

• Size: Extra large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Calm, patient, devoted

If you’re looking for a massive white fluffy dog, the Great Pyrenees may be the pup for you. Their weather-resistant double coat was designed for mountain climates and keeps them warm in cold weather. Expect heavy shedding, but also a sweet, calm temperament.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 14–16 years
• Temperament: Social, adoring, cheery

Havanese are fluffy, cute, small dogs with a long, silky coat that helps insulate them in both warmer and cooler weather. Their hair doesn’t shed much, but daily brushing is key to preventing tangles, especially if the coat is kept long.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Friendly, alert, loyal

The Keeshond has a thick mane and plush coat that makes them one of the fluffiest dog breeds. Their double coat requires frequent brushing to manage shedding. This playful pup also needs daily walks and lots of toys to stay mentally stimulated.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Confident, devoted, alert

The Lhasa Apso is a small fluffy dog breed with a long, heavy coat that can grow to the floor. If you keep their hair long, you’ll need to brush them daily. Or, you can give your Lhasa Apso a cute, short haircut for easier maintenance.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Gentle, playful, adaptable

Old English Sheepdogs are big fluffy dogs with a shaggy coat that often covers their eyes. They were originally bred for herding in harsh weather, but today their coat mainly serves as lots of lovable fluff.

• Size: Extra small
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, confident, charming

The Pekingese is a poofy toy breed with a lion-like mane and flat face. Daily brushing prevents their fur from tangling, and extra care around their short muzzle—such as gently cleaning tear stains and facial folds—helps keep them comfortable.

• Size: Extra small
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Lively, bold, affectionate

Talk about fluff! The Pomeranian’s thick double coat makes them look like a walking puffball. But this tiny toy dog isn’t as delicate as they appear—Poms love to play and need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Energetic, devoted, intelligent

This curly-coated breed was developed to assist fishermen by retrieving nets and gear from the water. Because of this, Portuguese Water Dogs are active dogs who love to swim, hike, and run. They need an engaged, active family to thrive.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Friendly, gentle, adaptable

Few dogs are fluffier than the Samoyed. Their thick white double coat was bred for Arctic temperatures. Daily brushing is ideal, especially during heavy seasonal shedding in spring and fall.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Energetic, friendly, playful

Shetland Sheepdogs are fluffy little dogs with long, straight hair. They resemble Collies and the two breeds have a lot in common, including their origins in Scotland.

But Shelties are much smaller than their Collie cousins, making them a better fit for smaller living spaces—as long as they get enough exercise.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 10–16 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, outgoing, playful

Shih Tzu were bred as companion dogs, making them ideal lapdogs who can thrive in many different living situations. Though their hair can grow impressively long, many have shorter haircuts that make grooming more manageable.

• Size: Extra large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Independent, loyal, calm

Weighing up to 150 pounds, the Tibetan Mastiff is a massive fluffy dog breed with a thick double coat designed for cold mountain nights. This dog does best with an experienced pet parent who can dedicate time to grooming, exercise, positive reinforcement training, and proper socialization.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 15–16 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, sensitive, adaptable

Like the Tibetan Mastiff, the Tibetan Terrier is a fluffy puppy originating from Tibet, where their long coat helped protect them from the cold. But these pups are much smaller than their Mastiff relatives, and their easygoing personality can make them a good fit for first-time pet parents.