There’s nothing cuter than a thick, fluffy dog. Some breeds are naturally fluffier, whether it’s cloudy white fur, dense double coats, or dramatic manes. It’s just that the additional fur has a purpose most of the time.
For many breeds, their fur protects them during jobs in extremely harsh cold climates. If you really like dogs with plush coats, it’s also essential that you know what it takes to look after them. For some breeds, brushing several times a week would be desirable.
For other breeds, it’s a must due to their heavy shedding during seasonal coat changes. They can have different exercise requirements, temperaments, and sizes.
If you’re looking for a dog with a particularly fluffy and furry coat, check out these ten breeds and their unique furry coats.
Top Dog Breeds Sporting Plush, Fluffy Fur
1. Samoyed
Samoyed is one of the most easily recognizable fluffy dog breeds. They have a very thick outer coat and undercoat, which assisted them to function in very cold conditions, and are brilliantly white.
The Samoyed was bred by the Siberian Samoyede people to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and to walk with their families. They used their coats to keep them warm in the cold Arctic conditions. The breed also became very close to humans, which may account for its renowned sociability according to the American Kennel Club.
The coat does need weekly brushing, particularly during the shedding season when the dog sheds its undercoat.
Samoyeds are also active, social, and beautiful, so they require daily interaction and exercise.
Ideal for: Active households that are looking for an extremely social and fluffy pet.
2. Chow Chow
Chow Chows have a very thick double coat, making them look rather plush. Their thick fur is particularly prominent around the neck and shoulders, giving the breed a distinctive “mane”.
The Chow Chow’s expression is sometimes reserved, and it has an independent personality, unlike many fluffy dogs that are quite playful. It has a thick coat that can be either rough or smooth, but the rough one is the most commonly recognized fluffy look.
Regular brushing is necessary to keep a healthy coat. Otherwise, the dense hair can collect loose fibers and create matting. Owners should also remember to care for skin under all of that fur.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog with a thick coat suitable for working in the mountains. It has a long outer coat and a dense undercoat, which gives the breed a dramatic furry appearance.
It was not just a show dog breed that was bred to look good. Tibetan Mastiffs were bred to protect houses, animals, and lands in the Himalayan region. The thick coat kept them warm in cold weather, and their size and self-assurance aided in their guarding duty.
Greencross Vets characterizes the breed as reserved, protective, and independent with strangers.
Their coat can be quite demanding to care for, especially during shedding. The Tibetan Mastiff is a very large and very protective dog, and it needs careful, experienced handling.
Ideal for: Advanced owners looking for a big dog with a handsome, thick coat.
4. Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized but very fluffy Spitz breed. It has a thick double coat and a prominent mane around the neck; the tail is thickly feathered, trailing over the back, as noted by PetMD.
The markings on its face are a unique feature of the breed. Their eyes are shaded with a dark color, which makes them look big and wide and makes their face look very expressive.
Keeshond is a fluffy dog that requires professional grooming; however, its size is far less than a giant fluffy breed, making it easier to groom. These dogs are known for their close bonds with their owners.
These dogs are classified as a Non-Sporting dog breed. They are very intelligent and will easily pick up new commands. They also need regular exercise and walks in parks and near homes are preferred.
Ideal for: Families looking for a cuddly, but not gigantic dog.
5. Pomeranian
Pomeranian coat is small in size but gives the Pomeranian an oversized feeling. It has a thick double coat of fur, with a fluffy ruff around its neck and a long tail that arches over its back.
There is a wide range of variation in the breed’s appearance, due to its coat color and patterns. The breed is highly active underneath the coat and can sometimes be assertive.
Pomeranians should be brushed daily to maintain a neat coat and to minimize loose hair. They’re also small, which makes them easier to keep in a home that can’t accommodate a bigger dog.
The Pomeranian is one of the small, fluffy dogs, and coat maintenance is a factor to take into account when selecting a dog with a heavy coat. This breed’s coat attracts dust and debris, which is why frequent brushing is needed for its fluffy coat.
Ideal for: The folks with the need for the most fluffy dog in the smallest package.
6. Old English Sheepdog
It is the Old English Sheepdog’s shaggy coat that is renowned. It can have long hair that almost covers its face, giving the breed its distinctive ‘peek-a-boo’ expression.
This coat was once used for a good reason. The Old English Sheepdog was originally bred to be a working farm dog and required protection when outdoors. The coat is one of its most distinguishing characteristics today.
But don’t underestimate the grooming needs of this breed. Regular brushing is important to prevent matting of long, dense fur.
It can appear slow and fluffy, but this large breed can be active and moving around a lot.
Ideal for: Families willing to spend some time training their big fluffy dog.
7. Rough Collie
The Rough Collie has a long and flowing outer coat with a dense undercoat. It has an elegant, fluffy look thanks to its feathered legs and full tail; however, it doesn’t come on the large side of giant breeds.
The breed is well known for its most famous character, Lassie, but its working history dates back even further. Rough Collies have been bred as working dogs and are clever and attentive.
They require regular grooming of their coat, especially brushing about the mane, behind the ears, and on the feathered sections. The well-groomed Rough Collie has a definite shape that is elegant but functional.
This is a fine representative of one of the fluffy breeds, whose coat is beautiful, but with working-dog ancestry.
Ideal for: Dog owners looking for a graceful and trainable long-haired dog.
8. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a double-coated, waterproof breed that was bred to work outdoors in cold water. It has a full, water-resistant coat and is especially designed for the breed’s original purpose as a working water dog.
Newfoundlands were held in high regard in the fishing industry and were able to assist with boat and water duties. Their heavy bodies and swimming prowess were particularly beneficial qualities.
They shed moderately and need to be regularly groomed. Considering the breed’s large size, grooming can also be time-consuming.
Gentleness is one of the things that the Newfoundland is known for, and its huge size and bulk make it a perfect addition to families that want a calm giant.
Ideal for: Families with a large space for a big fluffy dog breed, and time to provide extensive grooming.
9. Leonberger
The Leonberger sports a long and voluminous coat, especially around its neck and chest. The adult male may have a very prominent mane, thus resembling a lion.
The breed was originally bred in Germany in the 1800s and has been influenced by other breeds, including the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees. Curiously, the creator of the breed chose to breed a large dog with an affectionate and stable temperament.
The Leonberger should be brushed frequently to keep its coat from tangling and shedding. Additionally, its size is a commitment, as compared to grooming a small dog.
Though it might seem dramatic, the Leonberger is characterized by being gentle and family-friendly.
Ideal for: Families looking for a large, floppy, huggable dog.
10. Finnish Lapphund
Although the Finnish Lapphund may not be quite well-known, its coat definitely deserves to be on the list.
This medium-sized Nordic breed is heavily coated with a dense insulating undercoat. The breed has plenty of hair around the hindquarters and backs of the forelegs, and the mane may be very pronounced among males.
The coat was evolved for a purpose. Finnish Lapphunds are believed to have come from the Sami people of Northern Europe, where they were employed to herd reindeer in the cold climates.
They had a thick fur coat, which helped to keep them warm in cold conditions. Weekly brushing sessions using a pin brush can help maintain the coat.
The Finnish Lapphund is not just a fluffy appearance, but an even more impressive dog with a heavy coat. Intelligent, willing, and naturally inclined to work, this is a hard-working breed.
Ideal for: Active families; a true working dog.
Conclusion
There are lots of types of plush coats available. While a fluffy dog is beautiful, it shouldn’t be a determining factor when selecting a breed. Grooming time, shedding, exercise, temperament, and room are all available. Not all fluffy dogs’ thick double coats shed heavily.
Some of these dogs have a soft undercoat, while other dogs have a lion-like mane. Soft fur is usually easier to brush, while curly coats are harder to maintain. Some have fluffy white coats, while others are available in various colors. Their fluffy double coat helps them in harsh conditions.
When deciding which teddy bear-like pup to bring home, take into account how much brushing you can do and how active the breed is.
These lap dogs can be beautiful, sport the personality and working ability that have made their breed so special, and with the correct match and coat care, they can be all of this and more.
