Is there anything better than cuddling up with a fluffy dog on cold winter nights? While short-haired breeds and small pups deserve love just the same, there's something about having big fluffy dogs that brings a smile to anyone's face.
With their adorable faces, soft coats, and massive bear hugs, it's hard to resist their affection!
There are several fluffy dog breeds out there. Whether you're looking for a new addition to your large family or want to find that perfect canine companion to call your own, we've rounded up a list of 17 of the biggest and fluffiest breeds in existence.
* We've separated these breeds into two categories to help you find a dog that you'll love.
17 Big Fluffy Dog Breeds
#1. Golden Retriever
They may not be the fluffiest dog breed out there, but Golden Retrievers certainly fit the mold. Goldies are one of the most popular breeds in the world.
They're incredibly loyal and do well in family settings. Plus, these dogs are very smart. They're relatively easy to train and are considered to be a great breed for beginners.
Golden Retrievers can be born with a few different types of coats. However, long-haired pups are highly sought-after. Thanks to films like Homeward Bound, Air Bud, and most recently, A Dog's Purpose, long-haired Goldies have always been seen as the quintessential family dog.
It won't take you long to fall in love with a Golden Retriever. Puppies are known for being very fluffy and always ready for some affection.
#2. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are often confused with Siberian Huskies. However, they couldn't be more different. The biggest difference you'll notice is their size.
Alaskan Malamutes can weigh upwards of 100 pounds! When it comes to fluffiness, Malamutes don't always have long coats. However, they do have a double coat.
Beneath their outer layer of fur, there's a soft layer of fuzz that they use to regulate their body temperature in the frigid cold. This extra layer adds tons of fluff to their body, making them very huggable.
Alaskan Malamutes are very energetic and independent. They were originally bred to pull sleds, so they have a lot of muscle and power. Despite their independence, Malamutes love to play once they've created that bond with their owners.
#3. Old English Sheepdog
Have you ever seen the movie The Shaggy Dog? If so, you're probably already familiar with this dog breed. Old English Sheepdogs are known for their impressive coat of fur.
Not only is it soft and huggable, but it doesn't stop growing! The fur often covers their face and eyes, requiring regular grooming sessions.
The great thing about Old English Sheepdogs is that they're always down for cuddling. They are very affectionate and aren't afraid to show it. Plus, they have very quirky personalities.
These dogs have a lot of energy and like to play as much as they can. So, be prepared for a lot of runs in the park and wrestling on the living room floor.
#4. Great Pyrenese
Known for being regal and patient, Great Pyrenese is a great addition to any family. These pups were originally bred to protect livestock.
If you've never seen one in person, you'll be surprised at just how large they are. They can weigh up to 100 pounds. Not only that, but their thick coats of fur make them look quite massive. Of course, that thick fur is great for cuddling.
Raising a Great Pyrenese is a rewarding experience. But, they're not always the most affectionate. These dogs like to be independent. However, they're always loyal to their families. With proper socialization at a young age, they open up to strangers without any issues.
#5. Samoyed
Samoyed dogs are one of the fluffiest dog breeds you can get. Their staunch white fur is long and thick. The growth pattern of their fur creates a thick lion-like mane.
Additionally, the hair on their tail is quite long. This creates an attractive little puff of fur whenever their tail is curled.
With all that beautiful fur comes a lot of maintenance. You have to work hard to ensure that their coats stay clean and mat-free. Luckily, most Samoyed dogs hover around 50 pounds. So, they're not too large for most owners to manage.
In terms of personality, Samoyed dogs are very friendly. They enjoy spending time with their family and often develop separation anxiety if they spend too much time apart.
#6. Standard Poodle
If you suffer from allergies, the Standard Poodle is the dog for you. They're a hypoallergenic dog. Basically, this means that they have thick hair rather than standard fur.
The hair is much stronger and doesn't shed too much. So, there's no need to worry about pet dander in the air.
That iconic curly coat feels like a ball of cotton. Due to the curly nature of their coat, regular brushing is a must.
There are several size classifications for Poodles. Toy Poodles are only a few pounds and can be carried in a small bag. However, Standard Poodles can weigh up to 70 pounds.
#7. Elo Dog
You might not have heard of the Elo Dog. This first breed was created in 1987. Breeders sought out to create the perfect family pet.
To do that, they cross-breeding several big fluffy breeds. This includes the Chinese Chow and the Old English Sheepdog.
The Elo Dog maintained the thick fur of its parent breeds. They have thick coats of brown fur and weigh up to 75 pounds when fully grown. Because they were bred for both looks and behavior, you can expect to get a very lovable dog.
They're friendly, happy, and always ready to play. These dogs are also quite active, so you'll need to make sure that they get plenty of exercise.
#8. Kuvasz
Kuvasz dogs look very similar to Golden Retrievers and Labradors. However, they have long coats of fur. Oftentimes, their hair can measure 6 inches or more in length!
These dogs originally came from Eastern Europe, so that thick fur was a crucial part of survival during the winter seasons.
This breed has a long history of loyalty. They were bred to protect kings and cattle. Much of that attitude remains. These dogs are devoted to their families and will go to great lengths to protect them.
Thanks to their intelligence, they can be a bit stubborn sometimes. However, proper training will ensure that they grow up to be nice and social dogs.
#9. Akita Inu
No discussion about fluffy dogs is complete without talking about the Akita Inu. As one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan,
Akita Inus have become a huge part of the culture. It's not uncommon to see the breed in Japanese media.
Akita Inu dogs have relatively short coats. However, like the Alaskan Malamute, they have a double coat. This creates a very dense layer of fur that's as soft as a pillow.
While they might look small in photos, Akita Inus are massive. Adult males can tip the scales at 130 pounds! These dogs can be a handful. But, they will bond with you for life with some careful training.
#10. Chow Chows
Chow Chows can look menacing at first. They're large, muscular, and have dense golden coats. They even have blue tongues, which is a unique trait that not too many dog breeds have.
Once you get past their intimidating size and bulk, you'll quickly realize that these dogs are big teddy bears.
Don't be surprised if your Chow Chow isn't keen on seeking your affection. The breed is known for being very independent. This can actually prove to beneficial for busy dog owners. They're pretty low maintenance and do just fine lounging around the home.
#11. Rough Collie
Rough Collies are another recognizable dog breed. Thanks to the classic TV show Lassie, they have been very popular for several decades.
These dogs have thick coats and an iconic mane. The breed does come in a short-haired variety, called Smooth Collies. however, Rough Collies are much more popular among dog owners.
These dogs are a great addition to any home. They do well with families. They're loyal creatures that love nothing more than sitting by their owners and showing affection.
Dark Big Fluffy Dog Breeds
#12. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are, perhaps, one of the best dogs to hug. They're extremely affectionate and docile. Despite their large size, these dogs do very well with children.
They won't mind you coming up to them for a good bear hug. Plus, they're easy to train. Thus, they're a great option for dog owners who don't have a ton of experience.
This breed can be identified by its thick coat of dark fur. They hail from mountainous regions. The thick coat helped to keep them warm. While they're mostly covered in black, most have some patches of white and great around their heads.
#13. Newfoundland
Don't let the massive size of Newfoundlands fool you. They're surprisingly docile and patient. The breed is well-known for being great with kids.
Most large dogs tend to get a bit fussy when kids coddle them. With Newfoundlands, that's not much of a problem. Furthermore, they're very quiet and well-behaved.
When it comes to appearance, these dogs look like bears. Males can weigh as much as 150 pounds! As if their size wasn't intimidating enough, they're covered in thick shaggy fur. Most of these dogs are gray or dark black in color.
#14. Tibetan Mastiff
Like Newfoundlands, Tibetan Mastiffs often get a bad rep for their scary looks. These dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand 26 inches at the shoulders.
Thanks to their thick dark multi-colored coats, they can look very predatory. In reality, most Tibetan Mastiffs are quite gentle. Of course, this all depends on how the dog was raised.
With proper training, these dogs can become very affectionate towards their owners. They're also great with kids and will not hesitate to give you a hug.
With all that said, these dogs are not for beginners. Their independent nature can be a bit of a challenge. Plus, they're one of the most expensive breeds in the world.
#15. Bouvier des Flandres
Hailing from France, the Bouvier des Flandres is a massive dog breed that can weigh as much as 120 pounds.
They continue to be used as herders and guard dogs around Europe. However, they also make great canine companions.
This dog has a very shaggy black coat. Their fur can get uncontrollable pretty quickly, much like an Old English Shepherd. So, it's important that you stay on top of grooming. The breed's hair is curly and prone to matting. The good news is that they show a lot of love to owners.
#16. Leonberger
Leonbergers originated in Germany. This breed was, allegedly, first created to symbolize a lion, which was on the coat of arms for the city of Leonberger.
Breeders certainly achieved that feat. These dogs have ultra-thick fur that creates a mane around their neck.
The dogs shed quite a bit, so be prepared for daily cleanups. In terms of temperament, Leonbergers are relatively calm. They're not as energetic as some other large breeds. The dogs aren't known for being aggressive either. They're mellow and friendly, which is great for giving hugs.
#17. Giant Snauzer
Like Poodles, Schnauzers come in a few different size categories. Giant Schnauzers are the biggest, weighing in at around 80 pounds.
Most Giant Schnauzers are covered in a thick coat of jet black fur. Like their smaller counterparts, Giant Schnauzers have that signature beard.
These dogs are quite fun to raise. They're energetic dogs that are determined to complete tasks. Whether you have them working or you're simply trying to get them to go through a course, Giant Schnauzers will work hard until they succeed. That determination pays off with training, too.
Conclusion
This is just a small selection of the many big fluffy dog breeds out there. All of these canines make great companions. While they do require a bit of extra work to maintain their coats, it's all worth it when it comes time to cuddle.
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