Looking for a small dog with a big personality and an even bigger coat? Welcome to the fluffy world of small double-coated dog breeds!
These little charmers are wrapped in a luxurious two-layer coat—an insulating undercoat and a weather-resistant topcoat—that makes them not just adorable, but incredibly resilient. These dogs are perfect for cooler climates and owners who love brushing sessions as bonding time.
But don’t be fooled by their cute appearance—their double coats were designed for working, guarding, or surviving harsh weather, which means these pups often come with spunky personalities and lots of energy.
Whether you’re living in an apartment or have a backyard to roam, there’s a small double-coated dog breed that’ll fit right into your life. Let’s explore some of the best fluffy companions out there, including toy breeds that make their coats unique, and how to care for these tiny, fur-covered dynamos.
Small Double-Coated Dog Breeds
1. Shih Tzu
Let’s start with the Shih Tzu—a breed that was born to be pampered. Originally bred for Chinese royalty, these little lions spent their early years lounging in palaces, getting spoiled, and probably bossing around humans long before it was cool.
With their flowing thick double coats, adorable smooshed faces, and eyes that could convince you to give up your last bite of pizza, Shih Tzus are walking clouds of charisma. They’re affectionate, loyal, and always down for a cuddle—just don’t ignore them unless you want a guilt trip in dog form.
Grooming a Shih Tzu? It’s less of a task and more of a bonding ritual (with occasional wrestling matches disguised as brushing sessions).
According to WebMD, Shih Tzus don’t require a lot of exercise, but regular exercise is still beneficial since they were originally bred as indoor companions. These royal pets were typically kept inside palaces, spending most of their time indoors.
Fun Fact: “Shih Tzu” translates to “little lion,” but don’t worry—they’re far more into cuddles than carnage.
2. Pomeranian
Then there’s the Pomeranian—a cotton ball with a caffeine addiction and a megaphone. These dogs may be small, but they’ve got the heart of a lion and the energy of five espresso shots.
This breed may weigh only 3 to 7 pounds, but don’t be fooled—inside that petite body lives the soul of a lion… or at least a very confident chihuahua.
Their double coat is thick, fluffy, and screams glam, while their personality is a mix of sass, sparkle, and complete delusion that they’re the size of a German Shepherd.
The double coat itself is a masterpiece—dense and soft underneath with a longer, fluffier outer coat that gives them their signature puffball appearance. Yes, they shed. Yes, your lint roller will become your new best friend. And yes, brushing them regularly is essential unless you’re aiming for a look that says, “I woke up in a wind tunnel.”
And we love them for it. Poms strut, they pose, they bark at things 30 times their size—and they’ll do it all while looking like a tiny ball of sunshine and attitude. They’ll bark at anything suspicious (read: the wind, a leaf, or your reflection if it moves too fast), making them surprisingly good little watchdogs.
Fun Fact: Queen Victoria had a Pomeranian. So basically, you’re sharing a breed with royalty. Bow down
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Ah, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. These little dogs are famously associated with royalty (yes, we’re talking about Queen Elizabeth II’s fur-tastic pack). But don’t let that royal connection fool you—Corgis are just as ready to play, snuggle, and occasionally plot world domination (or at least the remote control) as any other dog.
With their signature double coat, they’re not just adorable; they’re also built to endure all kinds of harsh conditions and weather. The outer coat is weather-resistant, and the undercoat keeps them snug in cooler temps. So, if you’re thinking of taking your Corgi on an outdoor adventure (or a stroll to your local coffee shop for a puppuccino), they’ll be ready for anything, just as long as they can also take a nap afterward.
This breed is notorious for being low to the ground, but don’t be fooled by their short stature. These little dogs are surprisingly smart, and Corgis are often found zipping around with a sense of purpose.
And let’s not forget those ears—giant, perky, and always ready to listen to your secrets (or just catch the sound of the treat jar opening).
Fun Fact: Corgis were originally bred as herding dogs, which is why they’re always alert, energetic, and seem to have endless enthusiasm. Don’t be surprised if your Corgi tries to herd your other pets (or you)—it’s in their DNA!
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Next up, the Miniature Schnauzer—a little dog with a big attitude and a wardrobe that screams, “I was born to be stylish.” With their signature beard, bushy eyebrows, and a coat that gives them that “just-groomed” look (even after a rainstorm), these dogs take the phrase “good things come in small packages” to a whole new level.
Like the Corgi, the Mini Schnauzer has a double coat. Their outer coat is wiry and tough, while the undercoat is soft and insulating, keeping them cozy in both chilly and warm weather. They’re the kind of dogs that look like they’ve just stepped out of a doggie fashion show, and they certainly know it. Their bright, alert eyes and playful nature will win your heart in a second.
Despite their small size, Schnauzers are full of energy and love to be the center of attention. They’re often described as confident, stubborn, and determined, so be prepared to enjoy some entertaining (and sometimes cheeky) moments as they demand to be the boss of everything, g—whether it’s the household or your shoe collection.
As per Hill’s Pet, these dogs are a great choice for individuals with allergies since they don’t shed. However, they do require consistent grooming, including regular brushing, trimming of hair and nails, and occasional clipping and stripping to prevent skin issues.
Fun Fact: These pups were originally bred to catch rats and other small pests, so if your socks mysteriously go missing from the laundry, the Miniature Schnauzer is probably the culprit… just kidding, they’re just helping you out!
5. Havanese
Havanese, a small dog with a big heart and a luscious coat that’s perfect for cuddling. Hailing from Cuba (where the weather is warm and the beach is always calling), the Havanese is an affectionate companion with a coat that’s so soft, you’ll find yourself wondering if they’re secretly made of cotton candy.
Their double coat—silky and flowing with a woolly undercoat—requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. But don’t let that scare you off. These dogs love attention and will happily sit in your lap as you give them a gentle brush-down. Plus, their curly tails and sweet expressions are guaranteed to melt your heart every time they look up at you with those big, soulful eyes.
As for their personalities? They’re outgoing, playful, and often seem to have an endless supply of energy, especially when there’s a game of fetch involved (though their attention span might not last as long as your arm).
If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky dog who thrives on human companionship, the Havanese is your go-to pup. They’re living, breathing teddy bears with a knack for making you smile.
Fun Fact: The Havanese is known for its “Havanese smile”. If you catch them grinning, you’ll instantly understand why. It’s their way of saying, “Life is good, and so are you!”
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog—a dog that’s as intelligent as it is beautiful. Picture a mini version of a Collie, and you’ll get the Sheltie. Their striking coat is a mixture of soft undercoat and longer guard hairs, making them a real showstopper (seriously, it’s like they just walked off the doggy runway).
Bred to herd sheep in the rugged Shetland Islands, these dogs are not only smart but also highly trainable. They thrive on learning new tricks, and their work ethic is second to none. But don’t let their herding history fool you—they’re just as likely to herd you into a cuddle session as they are to herd sheep. They’re incredibly loyal and form deep bonds with their families.
Purina says, Shetland Sheepdogs are deeply devoted to their owners but may be slow to warm up to strangers. They’re always on alert and ready to notify their owner of anything that grabs their attention.
With their sweet faces and alert eyes, Shelties have an instinct to protect their loved ones, so they’ll be the first to let you know if something is amiss. However, they also love to be part of the action and will happily join in on family activities. Just be prepared for some serious zoomies around the house!
Fun Fact: Shelties are so smart, they often pick up new commands within minutes. So if you’re looking for a dog to impress your friends with party tricks, this is the breed for you!
7. Miniature American Eskimo Dog
Last but certainly not least, the Miniature American Eskimo Dog (or “Mini Eskie” for short) is a bundle of fluff that will steal your heart with its snowy white, dense double coat and charming personality.
These little dogs are like walking clouds, with a coat so thick and plush, you’ll feel like you’re petting a fluffy marshmallow. While their coat is gorgeous, it does require some upkeep, so regular grooming sessions are a must.
Mini Eskies are known for their intelligence and playfulness. They’re eager to please and love engaging in fun activities like fetch, agility training, or just running around in the backyard like they own the place. They might be small, but they have a big personality—and they’re not afraid to show it! They’re bold, confident, and will always be up for a game or a cuddle session.
These dogs are also known for being social butterflies, getting along well with kids and other pets, making them a fantastic choice for active families. They’re also known to be vocal, so be ready for some adorable howls and barks when they’re excited or want to tell you about their day.
Fun Fact: Mini Eskies love to “talk” and might even try to join in on your conversations. Don’t be surprised if they give you their opinion during your next Zoom call!
Conclusion
Small double-coated dog breeds have a medium length and unique coat made of a water-resistant outer coat and soft undercoat, designed to maintain body temperature and protect the dog’s coat. Breeds with double coats, like the border collie, Bernese mountain dog, and golden retriever, have thick coats, dense undercoats, or thick undercoats that shed year-round.
Because dogs shed, especially in hot weather, it’s essential to remove loose fur, dead hair, and loose hair with a wire brush. Use dog-specific shampoo to keep the skin healthy and never shave double-coated dogs, as it disrupts natural oils and harms their weather-resistant coat and outer layer.
These fluffy dogs often require daily brushing, weekly brushing, or help from a professional groomer for regular brushing to maintain their woolly undercoat and prevent matting. Small double-coated breeds thrive with regular brushing, proper grooming tools, and coat care that respects their natural structure. Keeping them brushed daily supports coat health and ensures their comfort in all climates, helping to keep dogs warm.
