35 Dog Breeds That Are More Fluff Than Tough

What’s better than a cuddle from a fluffy dog?

35 Fluffy Dog Breeds You’ll Want to Cuddle

What’s better than a cuddle from a fluffy dog? Snuggling up on the couch after a hard day’s work or an energetic hike in the woods is all the better if you have a fluffy canine companion by your side (or on your lap).

But when it comes to the fluffiest dog breeds, it can take time and effort to maintain those irresistible coats. Most fluffy pooches have double coats, which require more work. So, unless you’re planning weekly trips to the dog groomer, you best get your tools out.

Here are 35 fluffy dog breeds that you’ll love to cuddle with as well as tips on how to keep their gorgeous coats in prize-winning condition.

Great Pyrenees

A gentle giant of the dog world, the Great Pyrenees is known for its thick, white, double coat. A double coat is basically two different types of coats — a short, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat.

Despite all the fur, the Great Pyrenees coat isn’t high-maintenance because it’s both dirt- and tangle-resistant. According to the American Kennel Club, a thorough brushing at least once a week will help reduce shedding.

Great Pyrenees Overview

Temperament: Smart, Patient, Calm

Height: 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female)

Weight: 100 pounds-plus (male), 85 pounds-plus (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

* All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club.

Bernese Mountain Dog

The big, beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog has a majorly fluffy, moderately long double coat with distinctive breed-standard tricolored (jet black, white and rust) markings.

This breed sheds all year round, but you can keep on top of it by brushing at least once a week.

Bernese Mountain Dog Overview

Temperament: Good-Natured, Calm, Strong

Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)

Weight: 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever gets its name from its thick, lustrous, golden double coat. Goldies shed heavily a couple of times a year and moderately the rest of the time, so regular brushing-out is necessary.

The American Kennel Club recommends a slicker brush to remove as much dead hair as possible.

Golden Retriever Overview

Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted

Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)

Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is proof that not all dogs with long, fluffy coats are high maintenance — thank goodness!

This breed isn’t a heavy shedder, but you’ll still need to brush out once or twice a week to avoid tangles.

Chow Chow Overview

Temperament: Dignified, Serene, Aloof

Height: 17-20 inches

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Life Expectancy: 8-12 years

Samoyed

The Samoyed’s fluffy white coat is a real showstopper. It needs serious maintenance, though, including daily grooming during shedding season.

With the amount of fluff that comes out, you could probably stuff several pillows.

Samoyed Overview

Temperament: Adaptable, Gentle, Friendly

Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 19-21 inches (female)

Weight: 45-65 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Newfoundland

The Newfie is best known for its gentle, loving nature, but it also has an impressive thick coat — worthy of a dog of its stature.

This is another heavy-shedding breed, so a regular brushing regimen is a must.

Newfoundland Overview

Temperament: Patient, Noble, Trusting

Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)

Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 9-10 years

Eurasier

A fairly recent addition to the fluffy dog club, the Eurasier is bred from Keeshonds, Chow Chows and Samoyeds.

Their huge coat is actually pretty easy to look after — provided you brush out a couple a times a week to get rid of dead hair.

Eurasier Overview

Temperament: Confident, Calm, Family-Oriented

Height: 19-24 inches

Weight: 40-70 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Maltese

The Maltese is famous for its floor-length white coat, which requires daily brushing and combing to avoid tangles and matting.

To keep their glorious hair in prime condition, the American Kennel Club recommends regular conditioning.

Maltese Overview

Temperament: Gentle, Playful, Charming

Height: 7-9 inches

Weight: Under 7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Tibetan Mastiff

In the fluffy stakes, the Tibetan Mastiff is up there with the fluffiest. Its amazing mane, which covers its neck and shoulders, is just begging to be stroked. (The rest of its coat is just as appealing.)

Twice-weekly grooming is necessary to get rid of dead hair and prevent tangles.

Tibetan Mastiff Overview

Temperament: Independent, Reserved, Intelligent

Height: Minimum 26 inches (male), minimum 24 inches (female)

Weight: 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Leonberger

The Leonberger’s long, thick coat is one of their many attractive features. This breed sheds a lot, with twice-yearly periods of particularly heavy shedding.

Brushing out is required at least once a week to keep their coat looking its beautiful best.

Leonberger Overview

Temperament: Friendly, Gentle, Playful

Height: 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female)

Weight: 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 9 years

Standard Poodle

While some Poodle owners keep their pooch clipped short, many love the full-coated, fluffy style that the world associates with this breed.

However, the Poodle needs a particular type of grooming, involving brushing and combing daily completely to the skin. Otherwise, the hair will mat at the roots and need to be shaved off.

Standard Poodle Overview

Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart

Height: Over 15 inches

Weight: 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Old English Sheepdog

Described by the American Kennel Club as “the archetypal shaggy dog,” the Old English Sheepdog boasts an impressive double coat.

A thorough grooming down to the skin is required at least once a week to ensure the coat stays looking fabulous.

Old English Sheepdog Overview

Temperament: Adaptable, Gentle, Smart

Height: 22 inches & up (male), 21 inches & up (female)

Weight: 60-100 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Bichon Frise

The Bichon’s plush, velvety coat needs to be brushed three times per week at a minimum, but it should be a daily habit. Many Bichon owners take their dogs to the groomer every four to six week for professional attention.

Although no breed is truly hypoallergenic, the Bichon is considered to be good for people with allergies because it sheds very little.

Bichon Frise Overview

Temperament: Playful, Curious, Peppy

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-15 years

Keeshond

The Keeshond may be a medium-sized dog, but its coat is anything but average. This is something it has in common with other “spitz” type breeds, like the Pomeranian and Samoyed.

Keeshonds do require regular grooming, but going through their coats once a week with a pin brush usually does the job. This will keep the undercoat brushed out and keeps shedding to a minimum.

Keeshond Overview

Temperament: Happy, Friendly, Outgoing

Height: 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female)

Weight: 35-45 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Bearded Collie

The Beardie’s shaggy double coat requires a two-part regimen. First, a daily brushing to get rid of any tangles, then a weekly session with a selection of tools — a pin rake, comb, brush and anti-tangle spray.

It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it to keep the Beardie’s spectacular coat in prime condition.

Bearded Collie Overview

Temperament: Charismatic, Friendly, Willful

Height: 21-22 inches (male), 20-21 inches (female)

Weight: 45-55 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Pomeranian

The Pom’s fluffy double coat, which comes in a wide range of colors, patterns and markings, is one of its most recognizable (and admired) features.

Regular grooming is necessary, including a weekly brush with both a pin brush and a slicker brush down to the skin.

Pomeranian Overview

Temperament: Bold, Curious, Vivacious

Height: 6-7 inches

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Siberian Husky

The beautiful Husky has a dense, fluffy coat that’s just begging to be stroked. This is another double-coated breed, and the undercoat is shed twice a year.

To stop dead hair getting everywhere, it’s important to use a pin brush and metal comb to “rake out” the old coat.

Siberian Husky Overview

Temperament: Loyal, Outgoing, Mischievous

Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)

Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

American Eskimo Dog

The Eskie sheds almost constantly, so a thorough brushing a few times a week is a task that shouldn’t be avoided.

For Eskie owners, the effort is worth it — this breed’s thick, fluffy, snow-white coat is its crowning glory.

American Eskimo Dog Overview

Temperament: Playful, Perky, Smart

Height: 9-12 inches (toy), 12-15 inches (miniature), 15-19 inches (standard)

Weight: 6-10 pounds (toy), 10-20 pounds (miniature), 25-35 pounds (standard)

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Coton De Tulear

The Coton De Tulear is another breed whose name reflects the quality of its coat. In this case, it’s as soft as cotton (or “coton” in its native France).

Some owners keep their Cotons in a short “puppy clip,” which is low maintenance. But if you want your Coton’s coat thick and fluffy, you’ll need to brush it daily, using a comb and brush to go all the way to the skin.

Coton De Tulear Overview

Temperament: Charming, Bright, Happy-Go-Lucky

Height: 10-11 inches (male), 9-10 inches (female)

Weight: 9-15 pounds (male), 8-13 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 15-19 years

Havanese

The beautiful silky coat of the Havanese comes in a range of colors and may be clipped short, kept long and straight, or corded.

If your Hav’s coat is long, you’ll need to brush it daily. The American Kennel Club suggests doing this with a comb or soft brush while your dog is on your lap.

Havanese Overview

Temperament: Comical, Cheerful, Smart

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Pekingese

The Pekingese is famous for its “lion’s mane,” which stands proud around its neck and shoulders. This Toy breed has a thick double coat, which needs to be maintained to stay free from tangles and also reduce shedding.

The American Kennel Club recommends brushing at least once a week, for an hour at a time.

Pekingese Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Sophisticated

Height: 6-9 inches

Weight: up to 14 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Lhasa Apso

Picture a Lhasa and you see a floor-length, center-parted coat. Although some owners stick to the short “puppy clip” into adulthood, others take great pride in the long style.

As you’d expect, it takes effort — regular brushing and a bath at least once a fortnight.

Lhasa Apso Overview

Temperament: Confident, Smart, Comical

Height: 10-11 inches (male), slightly smaller (female)

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Shih Tzu

The American Kennel Club says few dogs are as beautiful as a well-groomed Shih-Tzu, and its owners will agree.

A long haired Shih-Tzu needs to be brushed every day with a good quality wire brush with flexible pins. And don’t forget to comb that mustache!

Shih Tzu Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing

Height: 9-10.5 inches

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Yorkshire Terrier

Another floor-sweeper is the Yorkshire Terrier, whose silky, blue and gold coat is beyond compare. The Yorkie’s coat is very similar to human hair, so it needs the right kind of care.

If the coat is kept long, daily brushing is a must, and it’s important to keep the hair on top of the head either trimmed short or pulled up into a topknot to keep it out of those little eyes.

Yorkshire Terrier Overview

Temperament: Tenacious, Bossy, Loving

Height: 7-8 inches

Weight: 7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 11-15 years

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher’s medium-length shaggy coat comes in several colors and should be groomed twice a week with both a brush and a metal comb.

This breed is prone to matting — the American Kennel Club recommends gently pulling any mats apart with your fingers.

Affenpinscher Overview

Temperament: Confident, Famously Funny, Fearless

Height: 9-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a typical Nordic dog, with its spitz-like face, fluffy curving tail and dense, fluffy double coat that serves an important purpose — it keeps them cool in warm weather and warm when the temperature drops.

Daily brushing is recommended during shedding season, and weekly brushing should suffice the rest of the time.

Finnish Lapphund Overview

Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Agile

Height: 18-21 inches (male), 16-19 inches (female)

Weight: 33-53 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Shetland Sheepdog

The Sheltie has a long, straight coat with a thick undercoat, and it sheds fairly continuously.

Weekly brushing should be enough to remove the dead hair but should be done more often during shedding season.

Shetland Sheepdog Overview

Temperament: Intelligent, Obedient, Playful

Height: 13-16 inches

Weight: 15-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd has a waterproof double coat that comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. A weekly brushing session should be enough to keep the Aussie’s coat in top condition, but more attention is needed during shedding season.

The American Kennel Club recommends using an undercoat rake to get rid of a buildup of dead hair, then going over it with a wire brush.

Australian Shepherd Overview

Temperament: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant

Height: 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)

Weight: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Bouvier des Flandres

Standing tall and proud with a tousled, weatherproof coat, the Bouvier needs twice-weekly brushing with a slicker brush or pin brush and large comb, says the American Kennel Club.

And don’t forget to clean that impressive beard and ’stache!

Bouvier des Flandres Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Courageous, Strong-Willed

Height: 24.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-26.5 inches (female)

Weight: 70-110 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute’s thick, weatherproof coat is well suited to the severe Arctic climate from which the breed hails. This means it needs constant care and attention.

The American Kennel Club recommends daily brushing with a pin brush and metal comb, keeping an eye out for mats. An undercoat rake should be used twice a year during shedding season.

Alaskan Malamute Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Playful

Height: 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female)

Weight: 85 pounds (male), 75 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Papillon

Although the Papillon has long, silky hair, it needs only minimal grooming. This is because it doesn’t have an undercoat.

So, a once-per-month session should do the job, although you should keep an eye out for mats inside the hind legs, behind the ears and on the “culottes” (thigh hair).

Papillon Overview

Temperament: Happy, Elegant, Friendly

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Border Collie

The Border Collie may have a rough or smooth coat, both of which are thick and weatherproof.

Whether your Collie is rough or smooth, though, you should groom twice a week with a pin brush to keep it clean and tangle-free.

Border Collie Overview

Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Energetic

Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)

Weight: 30-55 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd has a medium-length double coat that is fairly easy to look after.

A quick brush a couple of times a week will help get rid of dead hair, and more frequent brushing is necessary during shedding season, once or twice a year.

German Shepherd Overview

Temperament: Confident, Courageous, Smart

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

Caucasian Shepherd

There are two breed types and standards for the Caucasian Shepherd — the Mountain type and the Steppe type.

The Mountain type has a longer coat, which requires more grooming than its Steppe sibling. The American Kennel Club recommends daily brushing for the Mountain.

Caucasian Shepherd Overview

Temperament: Fearless, Bold, Kind

Height: 23-30 inches

Weight: 99-170 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Collie

Like the Border Collie, the Collie may have a rough or smooth double coat — both of which are an impressive sight to behold. Both types need regular grooming to get rid of dead hair from the undercoat during times of shedding.

Rough Collies are more prone to matting, so pay attention to behind the ears and the elbows, and brush out all over weekly.

Collie Overview

Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years