While some dog lovers look for certain behavioral traits before adopting a dog, others are drawn to their ‘looks.’ There are many cute and plush dog breeds out there that look like real-life stuffed toys. You can’t resist running your hands through their silky coats.
Fluffy dog breeds range in size, strength, and temperament. But all are extremely soft and huggable. They also differ in their energy levels and personalities.
Many fluffy dog breeds are known for their hypoallergenic coats. Some shed throughout the year, while others shed minimally. If you are planning to adopt a fluffy canine, make sure to invest in high-quality grooming products.
Here are the top 9 dog breeds with gorgeous, plush, and silky coats.
Dog Breeds with Gorgeous, Plush, and Silky Coats
1. Silky Terrier
True Terriers with high spirits, Silky Terriers are compact dogs with a straight and glossy coat. Their glorious blue and tan hair feels much like human hair and should be treated accordingly. Silky Terriers resemble Yorkshire Terriers a lot in appearance due to their fluffy coats.
However, Silkies have narrow heads and longer muzzles, while Yorkies are relatively smaller in size. The coat needs a regular grooming routine to keep looking its best. Brush your Silky Terrier’s hair at least twice a week using a pin brush or a soft bristle brush.
Left unattended, mats and tangles may form, which would be uncomfortable for your dog and lead to potential skin problems, explains the American Kennel Club. These energetic dogs are a pleasant addition to any family that can keep up with their grooming needs.
2. Papillon
Papillon is a small, fluffy dog breed with butterfly ears. These beautiful dogs can turn heads with their long, flowing coat. The single coat looks fluffier around their fringed ears and plumed tail. Papillons are friendly, happy, and alert dogs.
Papillons are surprisingly low maintenance dogs as they lack undercoat. Their coat needs to be brushed every few days or so using a comb or soft slicker brush, especially behind the ears and legs. The dog also needs to be bathed every few months or when it gets dirty.
Papillons are one of the oldest and smartest dogs out there. They love spending time with their family and live well with other dogs, kids, adults, and seniors alike. Paps make good cuddly buddies but are no couch potatoes. They need regular exercise and lots of mental stimulation to stay fit.
3. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are small and regal dog loved for their charming character and luxurious fur. This fluffy dog breed seems to be high maintenance due to its flowing coat, but it is surprisingly easy to maintain.
PetMD recommends brushing your Japanese Chin’s coat once or twice a week to prevent mats and tangles. Chins may also need a bath monthly or whenever they get dirty. The silky texture of their coat makes them a pleasure to pet.
Japanese Chins are playful and affectionate dog that loves its owners. These people-oriented canines can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. They get along nicely with children, but their interactions with kids should be supervised due to their small size.
4. Irish Setter
Originally bred for hunting, Irish Setters are named ‘setters’ because of the way they set their tummy on the ground to let their handlers know when the game is found. Irish Setters are recognized by their medium-length, thick double coat and long legs.
This fluffy dog breed can be easily recognized by its mahogany colored coat. The fur can be easily maintained by combing or brushing once or twice a week. Irish Setters also need occasional bathing, clipping, and trimming to keep the coat in top-notch condition.
These large and athletic dogs may also require professional grooming to maintain their coat’s shape and length. They benefit from plenty of exercise every day and thrive on physical and mental stimulation. Irish Setters excel at dog sports like agility, obedience, tracking, and rally, per Britannica.
5. Maltese
Maltese is a cute toy breed with an affectionate nature. Having an adorable appearance, the Maltese is famous for its show-stopping, floor-length coat. Their fur is as soft to touch as it is beautiful to behold. These small white dogs need regular grooming to support coat health.
Maltese breed also needs regular professional grooming every five weeks to avoid mats and tangles. These devoted dogs make great family dogs and are well-suited for first-time dog owners due to their gentle and kind personalities.
These small, fluffy dogs do well with frequent brushing, at least two to three times a week. Their luxurious coat is hypoallergenic and does not shed a lot, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Maltese are lively and playful dogs who love to learn new tricks, explains Purina.
6. Lhasa Apso
Originally bred as a companion and watchdog for Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso is another fluffy dog breed that makes a wonderful family pet. Their long and silky coat is not only an aesthetic feature, but also protects against harsh weather conditions.
The plush and dense double coat requires regular brushing and lots of grooming to stay in top-notch condition. For relatively easier maintenance, you can also cut your Lhasa Apso’s coat into a ‘puppy cut.’ Professional grooming every few weeks is also a must.
You also need to bathe your Lhasa Apso once every two weeks. This small, fluffy breed is full of personality and charm. They have a strong-willed and independent nature to match their dignified appearance. Lhasa Apsos are family comedians but aloof with strangers.
7. Afghan Hound
These big, fluffy dogs are aloof and dignified aristocrats of sublime beauty. Afghan Hounds are distinguished by their thick, fine, and silky coat. This big fluffy dog breed requires at leasta few hours of brushing every week to keep their coat in top-notch condition.
Use a comb or good quality pin brush to groom your Afghan Hound. Regular brushing helps distribute skin oils throughout the coat and remove snarls. The thick coat is not all about aesthetics; it also enables the dogs to survive harsh weather conditions.
Regular bathing using dog shampoo and conditioner is also important. Afghan Hounds are not warm and friendly around new people, but they form close bonds with their family. Their strong prey drive makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets.
8. Havanese
Havanese is an intelligent and outgoing small dog breed with an extended and flowing coat. They love being surrounded by their people and have an affectionate and playful nature. Their long and luxurious coat needs daily brushing to stay free from mats and tangles.
You can gently run a soft brush or a comb through their hair as they rest in your lap. These small, fluffy dogs should be bathed occasionally as needed. Pet parents who want easier grooming can clip their dog’s hair into a short trim.
Havanese are hypoallergenic dogs who shed minimally, so they make great family pets for allergy sufferers. Their coat requires lots of maintenance, but their charm is worth the effort. Havanese require significant professional grooming to maintain coat health.
9. Borzoi
Borzoi are elegant dogs loved for their pace and silky coat. The delicate and flowing coat has an easy texture that feels great to pet. Borzoi shed a bit and require quick brushing every day or two using a pin brush or slicker brush.
About once a year, Borzoi will shed heavily for several weeks. During shedding season, more frequent brushing is needed. Regular baths help keep the dog neat and clean. Borzoi are cherished for their calm and agreeable temperament.
The coat can be of any color except merle and is of medium length with a slight wave. Heavier feathering can be noticed on legs, undercarriage, and tail. They are not guard dogs, but tend to alert their owners if they sense anything unusual in their surroundings.
Conclusion
Dog breeds with gorgeous, plush, and silky coats make lovable and adorable pets. They require regular grooming and frequent brushing to keep their beautiful coats free from mats and tangles. You can use a good-quality brush to groom your pup.
Regular bathing also helps you keep the dog clean and tidy. Some fluffy dog breeds also need professional grooming to keep their coats in top-notch condition. Many dogs with luxurious coats are hypoallergenic, meaning they make ideal pets for allergy sufferers.
