Every dog breed is known for its unique physical or behavioral traits. Some are famous for their strong herding instincts, while others make loving companions. Likewise, some pooches are popular among dog lovers for their soft and plush coats.
Long-haired dog breeds make soft and cuddly companions. Their velvety coats combined with their loving personalities make them wonderful partners for many dog lovers. Nothing feels more comforting than petting these fur balls.
There are many types of long coats. Some are thick and dense, while others are silky and fine. Some are even corded. Some long-haired dog breeds require extra grooming and lots of brushing to prevent tangles and mats.
Have a look at these dog breeds with stunning, velvety, and soft coats.
Dog Breeds with Stunning, Velvety, and Soft Coats
1. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a giant dog breed with a hardworking and calm personality. Affectionately known as Newfies, these gentle giants can be easily recognized due to their thick double coat. The outer coat is coarse, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
Their soft coat is water-resistant, insulates them from frigid temperatures, and makes them capable of swimming. It comes in a few different colors, including black, black and white, gray, and brown. According to PetMD, Newfies blow their coat twice a year.
Consistent care is needed to maintain a healthy and fluffy coat. Newfoundland dogs make loyal and loving companions with proper training and socialization. However, Newfies shed and drool a lot. So if you’re planning to adopt a Newfie, keep a vacuum and a towel handy.
2. Samoyed
Samoyed is a gorgeous canine that was originally bred to herd and guard reindeer. These dogs were built for working in extremely cold temperatures and can be easily recognized by their perpetually smiling face and pure white coats.
Their thick double coat comprises a soft undercoat and a longer outer coat of harsh hair. Samoyeds require frequent grooming to keep their luxurious coat healthy. You can use a metal comb or slicker brush to untangle any knots in the coat.
These fluffy dogs shed moderately and drool rarely due to their smiling mouth, explains WebMD. Samoyeds are super social and highly energetic dogs. They need daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. With proper training and socialization, Samoyeds make loving pets.
3. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees is a large, thickly coated, and powerful working dog breed that was originally bred to protect livestock. Their fluffy double coat is all white or white with markings of beautiful shades of gray, tan, reddish brown, or badger.
Their thick coat comprises a longer outercoat and soft undercoat. The soft fur is surprisingly low maintenance as it naturally repels dirt and is resistant to tangles. However, Pyrs are heavy shedders and may need a little more grooming during shedding season.
Great Pyrenees were bred to think independently, and their independent streak has persisted over time. These stubborn dogs may be a little hard to train sometimes. Thanks to their protective and territorial nature, they make calm guard dogs.
4. American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs are highly intelligent and energetic dogs, incredibly loyal to their owners. This fluffy dog breed is loved for its cream or white double coat. The dense undercoat lies below the longer outer coat. A proud member of the Spitz dog family, they combine good looks with a clever mind.
Beauty with brains, the American Eskimo Dog possesses a distinctive smiling face and black nose and lips that convey a keen expression and complement its white coat. Surprisingly easy to clean, Eskies need a thorough brushing two to three times a week.
American Eskimo Dogs are outgoing and active dogs who learn new tasks quickly. With a playful and eager-to-please nature, they make excellent family pets. Eskies are quick and curious dogs who need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
5. Keeshond
Keeshond is a medium-sized dog breed, famous for the distinctive ‘spectacles’ on its foxy face. Known for their affable and outgoing nature, Keeshonds possess a dense, soft, and fluffy coat with three layers: a thick double top coat, a woolly undercoat, and a long outer coat.
Keeshonds shed moderately year-round, with an increase in fur balls during seasonal changes. Their luxurious coat is a mixture of black and another color, ranging from gray to silver, explains Purina. The coat needs frequent weekly brushing to stay in top-notch condition.
Brushing helps remove dead hair and prevent mats and tangles. Occasional professional grooming is also helpful. Keeshonds are eager to please and friendly dogs who get along nicely with children who know how to interact with animals.
6. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute is a strongly built dog with a broad head, erect ears, and a plume-like tail. Originally bred as sled dogs, Mals are heavy-duty workers of the Spitz type. Their thick double coat enables them to adapt to harsh Arctic life.
Their thick coat comprises a coarse and thick outer coat and an oily and woolly undercoat. Alaskan Malamutes require plenty of grooming to stay free from mats and tangles. Regular brushing will work to remove dead hair.
Alaskan Malamutes were bred to work in packs, so they thrive in the company of their loved ones. They are highly intelligent dogs with a high prey drive, but they can be stubborn at times. With proper training and socialization, Mals make loving family pets.
7. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is a medium to large-sized non-Sporting dog breed having a lion-like or bear-like appearance. The distinguishing feature of their bodies is their velvety, soft fur and a lion-like mane. They are also one of the dog breeds with a blue tongue.
Having squished faces, Chow Chows are among the oldest dog breeds in the world. Their thick double coat comprises a dense and woolly undercoat and sheds moderately year-round. It needs to be brushed at least twice a week.
Monthly baths also help keep the coat free from debris. Chow Chows are smart and aloof dogs with an independent personality. They are reserved towards strangers and are protective of their loved ones. Due to these traits, Chow Chows make excellent guard dogs.
Chow Chows may not be the right breed for you if you are a novice pet parent. They are better suited for experienced owners and make great family pets with proper training and socialization.
8. Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz is a playful and easy-to-train dog breed with an affectionate nature. They love spending time with their owners and have a thick double coat. This fluffy dog breed is loved for its loving personality and soft fur.
Their luxurious fur is surprisingly low-maintenance. However, they shed their entire undercoat twice a year. During shedding season, daily brushing is required to keep the coat in top-notch condition. Bathing too often can cause them to lose their natural oils.
Japanese Spitz is a fun and energetic breed that loves to entertain their owners by performing tricks and learning skills. They need moderate daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Japanese Spitz are friendly dogs with an eager-to-please nature.
9. Pomeranian
Miniature versions of powerful Spitz dogs, Pomeranians are small bundles of fluff packed with energy. These tiny dogs have huge personalities and fluffy coats, which make them look much larger than their actual size.
Like other breeds on our list, Poms also possess a thick double coat. The short and thick undercoat is covered by an abundant, coarse outercoat. Poms are instantly recognizable by their fox-like face, thick scruff around the neck, a square body, and a soft velvety coat.
Poms make great companions for a lot of homes. They make good lap dogs, but have an independent streak. So they prefer walking on the ground sometimes instead of being carried in your arms. Poms are smart dogs who respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are loved for their stunning velvety and soft fur. Many of them possess thick double coats and shed moderately year-round. Some are low shedders, while others shed heavily. From the white fluffy dog breed Samoyed to the Newfie, the gentle giant, these dogs have won millions of hearts.
Some of them are surprisingly low maintenance, while others require plenty of grooming, frequent brushing, and regular bathing to keep the coat free from mats and tangles. Some of these dogs also need professional grooming to look good.
