25 Fluffiest Dog Breeds on the Planet

From puffy little Pomeranians to big, shaggy Sheepdogs, fluffy dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Fluffy dogs make some of the softest, snuggliest companions—and sometimes the hardest working, too.

That’s because in many cases, fluffy dogs were developed as working breeds with double coats to keep them warm in harsh conditions. The protective combination of a soft, downy undercoat and a coarse outer coat gives their fur extra volume. You’ll also find some non-working breeds that have been selectively bred for fluffy coats, too—usually for aesthetic rather than utilitarian purposes.

With world-class snuggling comes a price: to keep your fluffy dog’s coat healthy, you’ll need to put some serious time into brushing, bathing, and trimming (depending on the breed). You may also need to be up for cleaning as an extreme sport, depending on their shedding levels.

If you’re up to the challenge, keep reading to explore our collection of the 25 fluffiest dog breeds on the planet.

1. Akita

Originally bred for hunting large game in the mountains of Japan, the Akita has a thick, double coat for warmth. These dogs are incredibly loyal and often form close bonds with their family. Because they can be a little aloof around strangers, this big, fluffy dog breed requires early socialisation and consistent training. Pet parents will also need to brush their pup’s coat regularly—especially during shedding seasons.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Colours: Black, fawn, red, white, brown, silver, brindle
• Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
• Weight: 100-130 pounds (male), 70-100 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Experienced dog owners, single pet parents, families with older children

2. Alaskan Malamute

When it comes to fluffy dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute stands proud with a thick coat and plumed tail. Developed as sled dogs, Alaskan Malamutes are built for strength and endurance with a double coat that wards off the cold. Even though they’re working dogs, Alaskan Malamutes can always make time for playtime or cuddles. This breed is very loyal to their human pack, and their intelligence makes them highly trainable—especially if you start when they’re puppies.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Colours: All-white or white with grey, black, red, seal, silver, blue, or agouti colour
• Height: 23-25 inches
• Weight: 75-85 pounds
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families with older children

3. American Eskimo Dog

Bred from a northern breed called the German Spitz, the American Eskimo Dog has a double coat for harsh winter conditions. Because they’re so fluffy, these dogs make excellent cuddle companions, but they won’t be content to laze away on the couch all day. American Eskimo Dogs are incredibly clever and need a significant amount of daily exercise. They can be very affectionate with family and tend to do well with kids.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Colours: Always white (sometimes with biscuit markings)
• 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)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families

4. Barbet

Don’t let the Barbet’s carefree disposition fool you—these dogs are agile, athletic, and built to work. The Barbet is a French Water Retriever, which explains the curly coat! The fur traps air against a Barbet’s body, providing insulation to help keep them warm. Fortunately, they’re a low-shedding breed, but daily brushing is crucial to prevent mats and tangles. Some pet parents even choose to trim their Barbet’s coat to make it more manageable.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium to long, curly, or wavy
• Colours: Black, brown, fawn, grey, white
• Height: 19-24.5 inches
• Weight: 35-65 pounds
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active individuals or families with older children

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

One of the most recognisable giant fluffy dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a sturdy build and a silky tricoloured coat. Although they were bred to work, Berners are gentle and affectionate with their family. They’re the ultimate family dog, equally compatible with children and other pets. Potential adopters should be aware, however, that Bernese Mountain Dogs are very active and, as heavy shedders, require frequent brushing.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Colours: Typically black with white and rust or tan markings
• Height: 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
• Weight: 80-155 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families

6. Bichon Frise

Don’t let this dog’s petite size fool you—the Bichon Frise makes an excellent watchdog. They’re alert and intelligent, with a level of confidence that belies their small frame. When it comes to small, fluffy dog breeds, the Bichon Frise stands out with a plush white coat that just begs to be cuddled. Though their grooming requirements are high, these dogs more than make up for it with their charming personalities and eagerness to please.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, curly, double-coated
• Colours: Usually white (sometimes with areas of apricot, buff, or cream)
• Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 12-18 pounds
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Individuals, families, people with allergies

7. Bolognese

Another pint-sized pup with a fluffy white coat, the Bolognese is sometimes described as a smaller, calmer version of the Bichon Frise. These little dogs love nothing more than a long cuddle session with their favourite person. Bolognese dogs are relatively undemanding in terms of exercise and mental stimulation, but their wavy coats require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Just think of it as more quality time you get to spend with your dog!

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and wavy
• Colours: Always white
• Height: 10-12 inches
• Weight: 6-10 pounds
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, people with allergies

8. Chow Chow

Standing in stark contrast to the Bolognese, the Chow Chow is a large, muscular breed characterised by a lion-like mane and a distinctive black tongue. Chows have a refined appearance and a dignified nature to match. Though they can be a little aloof around strangers, they’re intensely loyal and quite affectionate with family. The Chow Chow’s fluffy coat requires weekly grooming at a minimum, with more frequent sessions during shedding seasons.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, smooth or rough, double-coated
• Colours: Cream, red, cinnamon, black, or blue
• Height: 17-20 inches
• Weight: 45-70 pounds
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children

9. Great Pyrenees

Bred for herding in the mountainous regions of Europe, the Great Pyrenees is a giant, fluffy dog breed with a white coat. Despite the length and thickness of their coats, they only have moderate grooming requirements. These dogs may look imposing simply due to their size, but they’re gentle at heart and can be quite affectionate. Great Pyrenees dogs make for loyal family companions, though they may be a better fit for older children.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Colours: Always white
• Height: 27-32 inches (male), 25-29 inches (female)
• Weight: At least 100 pounds (male), at least 85 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children

10. Havanese

Back at the smaller end of the spectrum, the Havanese is one of many tiny, fluffy dog breeds. These little pups come in a wide range of colours, all with long, silky double coats. Havanese dogs are intelligent and outgoing but relatively undemanding in terms of exercise. A daily walk will do for these dogs, but you’ll need to dedicate some of your spare time to brushing at least twice a week. Shedding isn’t a serious concern for the breed, but regular coat trims can help prevent mats and tangles.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky, double-coated
• Colours: Widely varied
• Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
• Weight: 7-13 pounds
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, people with allergies

11. Japanese Spitz

Like the American Eskimo Dog, the Japanese Spitz descended from the German Spitz. They’re known for their white coats, curly tails, and charming personalities. This small, fluffy dog breed needs twice-weekly brushing to prevent mats and help keep shedding under control. Trimming their coat isn’t necessary, however, as it’s designed to help regulate the dog’s body temperature in both hot and cold conditions.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Colours: Always white
• Height: 12-15 inches
• Weight: 10-25 pounds
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents and families

12. Keeshond

With their plush coats and foxlike faces, Keeshonds are sometimes described as wolfish due to their colouration. But there’s nothing wild about these friendly dogs. This breed is whip-smart and highly trainable, making them an excellent fit for pet parents looking to get into dog sports. These pups are relatively high-energy, but their grooming requirements are moderate. Twice-weekly brushing is ideal for their long double coats.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Colours: Black, silver, grey, tawny, white
• Height: 17-18 inches
• Weight: 35-45 pounds
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families

13. Leonberger

If the Keeshond’s appearance is wolfish, the Leonberger is more like a bear. These massive dogs have long, double coats that range in colour from sandy yellow to reddish-brown. The Leonberger may be big, but these dogs are gentle, patient, and good with children. They only have moderate needs for exercise, but their long coats require frequent brushing.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Colours: Sandy, yellow, red, reddish brown
• Height: 28-31.5 inches (male), 25.5-29.5 inches (female)
• Weight: 110-170 pounds (male), 90-140 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children

14. Maltese

If you’re willing to clock weekly hours grooming the Maltese, you’ll find this little dog exudes an air of royalty. A Maltese’s long, silky coat is bright white, which only adds to their impressive, though diminutive, appearance. Maltese dogs make affectionate companions and family dogs, but they may not be the best fit for young children. They sometimes prefer the undivided attention of being the only dog in the household.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and silky
• Colours: White (sometimes with lemon or tan markings)
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: Up to 7 pounds
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

15. Newfoundland

Looking for a loyal family companion with a big heart to match their sizable frame? The Newfoundland may be a breed to consider. This powerful working breed is known for being patient with children and good with other pets. Newfoundlands are sweet to the core, and despite being fairly heavy-shedding, their coats generally only require weekly brushing.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, double-coated
• Colours: Black, brown, grey, beige, black and tan, white and black, white and brown
• Height: 26-28 inches
• Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents and families

16. Old English Sheepdog

No other breed embodies the term “shaggy dog” more than the Old English Sheepdog. Despite their long double coats and impressive size, these dogs are surprisingly nimble. They were bred for herding, after all, and their profuse coats help provide protection and insulation in the field. Though the Old English Sheepdog makes for a patient family companion, they’re fairly high-shedding and will need brushing at least twice weekly.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Colours: Black, white, brown, blue, grey
• Height: At least 22 inches (male), at least 21 inches (female)
• Weight: 60-100 pounds
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents and families

17. Pekingese

This ancient dog breed was developed solely for companionship. Pekingese dogs are sweet and affectionate, which makes them fantastic therapy dogs, as they love nothing more than to curl up in someone’s lap for a lengthy snooze. The key challenges associated with these toy breeds are their short facial structures, which can cause breathing problems, and their long, high-maintenance coats. They shed more than you might expect and require brushing at least twice a week.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Colours: Widely varied
• Height: 6-9 inches
• Weight: Up to 14 pounds
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children

18. Pomeranian

These pint-sized pooches bring a lot to the table in terms of personality. They’re also very fluffy, which means potential adopters should prepare themselves for regular grooming. Pomeranians were bred from larger working Spitz-type breeds, but they’ve primarily been kept for companionship. If you’re looking for a small dog to shower with love, the Pomeranian will gladly accept.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Colours: Widely varied
• Height: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 3-7 pounds
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with older children, urban dwellers

19. Poodle

Popular among pet parents with allergies, the Poodle’s curly coat seems to shed less than some straight-coated breeds. Poodles come in three different sizes and a wide array of colours, but they all have one thing in common—a friendly, people-loving personality. The Standard Poodle was bred as a Water Retriever, though the smaller toy and miniature versions of the breed are mainly valued for their companionship.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and curly
• Colours: White, grey, brown, cream, red, silver, apricot
• Height: Up to 10 inches (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard)
• Weight: 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 40-70 pounds (standard)
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active individuals and families, people with allergies

20. Rough Coated Collie

Also known as the Rough Collie, the Rough Coated Collie is a slightly fluffier version of the Smooth Collie (though technically the same breed). These dogs were bred for herding, so their double coats are designed to regulate temperature in changing outdoor conditions. Even if you’re not planning to train your Collie for herding, they’ll need plenty of daily exercise and at least weekly brushing to keep their long coat in healthy condition.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and rough
• Colours: Various combinations of white, black, tan, sable
• Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
• Weight: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families

21. Samoyed

If you were to make a list of big, white, fluffy dog breeds, the Samoyed deserves the top slot. These Siberian sled dogs have thick, all-white coats, which make them all but impervious to cold. Samoyeds are athletic and energetic, so it’s essential to provide them with plenty of opportunities to expend excess energy. In terms of grooming, however, weekly brushing is generally sufficient to keep their coats healthy (but maybe not frequent enough to control shedding).

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Colours: White, biscuit, cream, or white and biscuit
• Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 19-21 inches (female)
• Weight: 45-65 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Active singles or families

22. Shetland Sheepdog

With their long, plush, double coats, Shetland Sheepdogs look bigger than they are. Known as Shelties, they’re similar to their larger Collie cousins and were bred for herding. If you’re able to meet this high-energy breed’s requirements for daily exercise, you’ll be rewarded with a loving and affectionate family companion. Just be prepared for significant shedding, at least twice-weekly brushing, and alert barking. This breed is vocal!

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long and double-coated
• Colours: Various combinations of white, black, tan, sable
• Height: 13-16 inches
• Weight: 15-26 pounds
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active singles or families, multi-dog households

23. Shih Tzu

With their small size and affectionate personalities, Shih Tzus are popular family pets. Their moderate needs for exercise and mental stimulation make them less demanding than some toy breeds, but their long, double coats can be a challenge to maintain. Shih Tzus require frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Regular trims help shape a Shih Tzu’s luscious locks.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, double-coated
• Colours: Widely varied
• Height: 9-10.5 inches
• Weight: 9-16 pounds
• Trainability: Very trainable
• Best for: Single pet parents, families with children, urban dwellers

24. Siberian Husky

Like the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky is a sled dog with a thick, double coat to help them withstand harsh conditions. Huskies are smart, athletic, and friendly by nature. Although they make great family pets, Siberian Huskies require a substantial amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Fortunately, their coats don’t need trimming, but weekly brushing can help manage shedding.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium length, double-coated
• Colours: All white or white with agouti, black, grey, red, sable, or brown markings
• Height: 21-23.5 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
• Weight: 45-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Active singles and families

25. Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs were developed as livestock guardians, and their protective natures make them a good fit for families. Due to their size, however, they’re best suited to older children. Aside from their big build, a defining characteristic of the Tibetan Mastiff breed is their medium-length double coat. These dogs were bred to work high in the Himalayas, so they prefer cooler climates where their thick fur won’t be a burden.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium length, double-coated
• Colours: Black, brown, red gold, cream sable, blue grey, brown and tan, tricolour
• Height: Over 26 inches (male), over 24 inches (female)
• Weight: 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female)
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Families with older children, cooler climates