25 Fluffy Dog Breeds I've Loved—and You Will Too

• Height: 9-12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature), 15-19 inches (standard)
• Weight: 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-25 pounds (standard)
• Personality: Intelligent, Social
• Activity Level: High
• Shedding Factor: High
• Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
• Trainability: easy to train

Here's a canine with a double coat to protect them from the cold! The American Eskimo dog (which actually originated in Germany) comes in three sizes and is truly a puffball of fur. They shed a lot and need a “thorough brushing two or three times a week” to keep their double, medium-length coat healthy, according to the AKC. Baths every couple of months suffice. Get ready for loads of playtime with these sprightly pups!

• Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 12-18 pounds
• Personality: cheerful, adaptable
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: hypoallergenic
• Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
• Trainability: easy to train

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. Keep in mind, this curly double coat will grow long if it isn’t regularly cut. So, learn to groom your dog or start saving for many visits to the groomer’s.

• Height: 10-12 inches
• Weight: 6-10 pounds
• Personality: affectionate, calm
• Activity Level: low
• Shedding Factor: low
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
• Trainability: easy to train

Though people confuse Bolognese with Bichon Frises all the time, the former are more calm, shy around strangers and can get grumpy if left alone for long stretches of time. But both are certainly small, white, fluffy-coated companions. 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.

• Height: 12-15 inches
• Weight: 24-26 pounds
• Personality: Lively, adaptable
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Shedding Factor: seasonal
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
• Trainability: easy to train

Twice a year for a couple weeks, this tiny ball of fluff will shed like you’ve never seen before, getting rid of its entire undercoat, and then it will stop completely (until next time). During shedding, daily brushing is crucial to help the coat thin out without tangling. 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.

• Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds
• Personality: smart, social
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: low
• Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
• Trainability: easy to train

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 but do love a lap at the end of a long day. Their coats need plenty of brushing (probably daily) to keep them free of tangles and knots.

• Height: 12-15 inches
• Weight: 10-25 pounds
• Personality: playful, intelligent
• Activity Level: moderate
• Shedding Factor: seasonal
• Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
• Trainability: easy to train

Like the German Spitz, the Japanese Spitz sheds their entire undercoat for a couple weeks twice every year. Beyond that, they don’t shed a ton and won’t need much brushing or bathing. Their white, double coat is medium-length and these confident, loving and intelligent Japanese dogs make excellent companions.

• Height: 6-9 inches
• Weight: < 14 pounds
• Personality: proud, loyal
• Activity Level: low
• Shedding Factor: moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Trainability: can be difficult to train

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. The Pekingese Club of America says many Peke parents opt for a “lion clip” on these dogs, which means trimming the coat short but leaving a little extra length around the chest and neck. This can make hot weather more bearable for these dogs.

• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds
• Personality: Lively, Adaptable
• Activity Level: Moderate to High
• Shedding Factor: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
• Trainability: may be stubborn

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. The American Pomeranian Club says regular brushing is key to a healthy coat, but the AKC recommends a full groom with a bath every six weeks or so. Either way, expect lots of playtime and socializing with the lively Pom.

• Height: 13-16 inches
• Weight: 15-25 pounds
• Personality: Playful, friendly
• Activity Level: High
• Shedding Factor: Moderate to high
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
• Trainability: easy to train

Similar to the collie (their cousin!), Shetland sheepdogs are herding dogs with long, fluffy, rough coats. Get ready for plenty of shedding—which the AKC says means lots of brushing to avoid mats and help that fur fall out. Shelties are also super smart and embrace obedience training. With personalities as big as theirs, you’ll forget this dog is actually on the smaller side.

• Height: 18-23 inches
• Weight: 40-65 pounds
• Personality: Smart, Athletic
• Activity Level: High
• Shedding Factor: Seasonal
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
• Trainability: train will with patience

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. Plus, they are one of a few breeds that can have blue eyes! Get ready to provide many outlets for their high energy - including tons of training sessions to ensure they develop good manners.

• Height: 19 - 25 inches
• Weight: 35 - 65 pounds
• Personality: Cheerful, Tireless
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Shedding Factor: Non-shedding
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
• Trainability: easy to train

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. The Barbet Club of America says you’ve got to be dedicated to keeping this breed’s coat, which means investing in a variety of brushing tools, shampoos and conditioners.

• Height: 17 - 20 inches
• Weight: 45 - 70 pounds
• Personality: Stubborn, Loyal
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Shedding Factor: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
• Trainability: can be stubborn during training

Chow Chows are thick dogs with thick coats. It’s important to brush them 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 who love their alone time! They are loyal to their families but don’t always enjoy new people.

• Height: 22 - 26 inches
• Weight: 50 - 75 pounds
• Personality: Devoted, Athletic
• Activity Level: Moderate to High
• Shedding Factor: Seasonal
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
• Trainability: easy to train

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 medium-sized dogs love kids, exercise and learning (hello, obedient family pet!).

• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 55-75 pounds
• Personality: Friendly, Devoted
• Activity Level: Moderate to High
• Shedding Factor: High
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Trainability: trains well

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.

• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 45-68 pounds
• Personality: Playful, alert
• Activity Level: Moderate to High
• Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
• Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
• Trainability: easy to train, may bore easily

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. Expect weekly brushings and a solid trim every few months (start these practices early to get your Irish Water Spaniel used to the process).

• Height: 17-18 inches
• Weight: 35-45 pounds
• Personality: Lively, smart
• Activity Level: Moderate to High
• Shedding Factor: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
• Trainability: highly trainable

These dogs were bred in Holland to guard barges along the rivers, which turned them into social, loyal canines. Keeshond coats are essentially thick poofs of fur—perfect for lounging next to on a cold day. Weekly brushing suffices, though the experts over at the Keeshond Club of America says more frequent brushing can help keep their coats fluffy and clean.

• Height: 19-24 inches
• Weight: 35-65 pounds
• Personality: Adaptable, gentle, social
• Activity Level: high
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
• Trainability: trains well

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. This doesn’t mean they enjoy alone time, though! The AKC says separation anxiety is highly likely if Sammies are left to their own devices all day. Brushing frequently helps control their constant shedding.

• Height: 20-24 inches
• Weight: 35-60 pounds
• Personality: Affectionate, vocal, mischievous
• Activity Level: High
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
• Trainability: trains well

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. Ideally, Huskies will live in a cold-weather climate with a fenced-in yard where they can burn off energy. Without this, they can become destructive.

• Height: 24-28 inches
• Weight: 70-130 pounds
• Personality: Loyal, Protective
• Activity Level: Moderate to High
• Shedding Factor: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
• Trainability: Moderate

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. Like Chow Chows, they are pretty serious dogs and should definitely be socialized early. The extra work you’ll have to put into training makes Akitas more high maintenance than some other breeds. 

• Height: 23-25 inches
• Weight: 75-85 pounds
• Personality: Loyal, playful, willful
• Activity Level: High
• Shedding Factor: high
• Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
• Trainability: can be stubborn and difficult to train

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.

• Height: 23-28 inches
• Weight: 70-115 pounds
• Personality: Calm, Affectionate
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Shedding Factor: High
• Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
• Trainability: easy to train

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. As a mountain dog breed, they thrive in colder climates, which is why their coats are so thick and layered!

• Height: 25-32 inches
• Weight: 85-110 pounds
• Personality: Calm, Sweet
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Shedding Factor: Seasonal
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Trainability: Moderate

A bigger, fluffier version of a golden retriever is the Great Pyrenees. Their double coats are actually weather- and tangle-proof, and the Great Pyrenees Club of America says just 30 minutes of brushing a week will help with all the shedding. Gentle, giant and gorgeous, these dogs make excellent pets for families and less active owners.

• Height: 26-28 inches
• Weight: 100-150 pounds
• Personality: Friendly, Loving, Patient
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
• Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
• Trainability: fairly easy to train

Talk about a big working dog! Newfoundlands were bred in Canada 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) to avoid mats forming. The AKC says spayed and neutered Newfies are going to shed more than seasonally, so invest in some heavy duty brushes and combs for these sweethearts.

• Height: 21-24 inches
• Weight: 60-100 pounds
• Personality: Smart, Sweet
• Activity Level: Moderate
• Shedding Factor: Moderate
• Life Expectancy: 12-12 years
• Trainability: relatively easy to train

Perhaps one of the most recognizable dog coats is that of the Old English sheepdog. Shaggy and fluffy, these dogs require lots of grooming (think: weekly deep clean and full body brushing) In fact, in the early 1900s, some of the wealthiest American families hired crews to care for and groom their Old English sheepdogs, according to the breed’s club. Sure, they may not be low maintenance, but they are affectionate, doting creatures who are always down to walk or play.

• Height: 15 inches
• Weight: 40-70 pounds
• Personality: Intelligent, active
• Activity Level: High
• Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
• Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
• Trainability: easy to train

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. The AKC says many poodle people choose to keep their dogs’ coats clipped short, but it’s up to you (and how well your poodle handles grooming).