15 Big Fluffy Dog Breeds That Are Irresistible (With Pictures)

Dogs truly are man’s best friend but they are even better when it feels like you are hugging a giant teddy bear from a nostalgic childhood memory!

We gathered a list of 15 big fluffy dog breeds that you can’t help but say “It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!” when you see them.

While you may have heard about some of these dogs, like the Bernese Mountain Dog, there might be some new ones you’ve never heard of before, so get ready to find a new dream dog.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Big Fluffy Dog Breed

Dogs are wonderful, loyal companions in our everyday lives but that doesn’t mean they come without some strings attached.

You should spend some time seriously contemplating whether or not you are in a suitable place in your life before making a decision on buying or adopting a big, fluffy dog.

One of the biggest aspects of caring for a big, fluffy dog (or any dog for that matter) is that you are responsible for all its needs for its entire lifespan. Many people only think of the upfront cost of buying puppies but this includes vet appointments, medications, and food which all can be costly.

Sadly, many of these big, fluffy dog breeds suffer from a range of health conditions, especially if they are purebred.

Their size makes these dogs more susceptible to things like cancer and cardiovascular problems, meaning they often have a shorter life expectancy compared to other breeds.

Only deal with reputable breeders to make sure your new dog’s quality of life is as high as possible for as long as possible.

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably already considered everyone’s allergies. Most of these big, fluffy dogs are not hypoallergenic, and, depending on where you live, they may shed a lot of fur regularly.

Do you have the time to bathe, comb, and otherwise groom your fluffy dog to keep them happy and healthy?

Although you and your big ball of energy can live together in harmony in a small abode, it is much more difficult and probably won’t make anyone happy. Large dogs like these need some significant space to run around, play, and even just lay down.

Many of these breeds are working dogs, so they have high energy and intelligence. If you have small children, dogs can be great playmates so you can save your energy but accidents can happen and someone could get hurt.

You’ll need to spend plenty of time training and exercising a new, fluffy addition to the family to make sure that they are healthy and behave properly.

15 Big Fluffy Dog Breeds Comparison Table

Position	Breed Name	Height	Weight	Life Expectancy	Temperament	Origin
1	Tibetan Mastiff	At least 24 inches	70-150 pounds	10-12 years	Aloof, reserved, shrewd	Tibet
2	Saint Bernard	26-30 inches	120-180 pounds	8-10 years	Curious, gentle, playful	Switzerland
3	Great Pyrenees	25-32 inches	At least 85 pounds	10-12 years	Calm, intelligent, patient	France
4	Bernese Mountain Dog	23-27.5 inches	70-115 pounds	7-10 years	Calm, mild-mannered, strong	Switzerland
5	Newfoundland	26-28 inches	100-150 pounds	9-10 years	Devoted, kind, tolerant	Canada
6	Samoyed	19-23.5 inches	35-65 pounds	12-14 years	Adaptable, affable, easygoing,	Siberia
7	Leonberger	25.5-31.5 inches	90-170 pounds	7 years	Cheerful, mellow, social	Germany
8	Alaskan Malamute	23-25 inches	75-85 pounds	10-14 years	Affectionate, lively, loyal	Alaska, USA
9	Old English Sheepdog	At least 21 inches	60-100 pounds	10-12 years	Gentle, friendly, versatile	UK
10	Akita Inu	22.5-27.5 inches	55-75 pounds	10-12 years	Attentive, reserved, dignified	Japan
11	Chow Chow	17-20 inches	45-70 pounds	8-12 years	Bright, regal, smart	China
12	Anatolian Shepherd	27-29 inches	80-150 pounds	11-13 years	Aloof, independent, loyal	Turkey
13	Siberian Husky	20-23.5 inches	35-60 pounds	12-14 years	Loyal, mischievous, social	Siberia
14	Collie	22-26 inches	50-75 pounds	12-14 years	Devoted, graceful, proud	Scotland
15	German Shepherd	22-26 inches	50-90 pounds	7-10 years	Confident, courageous, intelligent	Germany

1. Tibetan Mastiff

Although these massive dogs can be intimidating in appearance, their affectionate side is especially apparent in the presence of their family. Ever vigilant, the watchdog nature of a Tibetan Mastiff is strong but that doesn’t mean that all strangers are a threat.

It is entirely possible that Tibetan Mastiffs are misnamed because no one is quite sure where the breed originated – all we can say for sure is that these giants were protectors of monks and merchants in the Himalayas.

It’s also said that Tibetan Mastiffs that were gifted to western merchants are the progenitors of virtually all other Mastiff-type breeds.

Unlike many other dogs that shed throughout the year or have a few periods of intense shedding, Tibetan Mastiffs only lose their coats in a big blowout once a year. This doesn’t mean that they are hypoallergenic though and can still produce allergens like drool and dander.

2. Saint Bernard

The quintessential gentle giant, Saint Bernard dogs first started working as search and rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps during the late-1600s and early-1700s.

However, it wasn’t until the 19th century when the breed was at risk of extinction that the breed became the fluffy goofballs we know today, thanks to outcrossing the remaining individuals with other long-haired breeds.

As the breed grew in popularity and was adopted into domestic lifestyles, the Saint Bernard became known as a “nanny dog” because of their patient and exceedingly gentle demeanor around young children despite their own imposing size.

3. Great Pyrenees

Bred to work as wolf-deterring herding dogs for shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains on the border between France and Spain, these hardy dogs have heavy coats and unparalleled courage.

When you own a Great Pyrenees you can go all out cuddling and hugging these poofy beasts much to everyone’s delight.

Despite being a working dog, Great Pyrenees dogs have adjusted to life in a comfy home surprisingly well. This may be because King Louis the Fourteenth of France declared the breed as the Royal Dog of France and some individuals were able to live life in the lap of luxury.

No matter how they adapted, today, they do well with most pets and children without having to be run ragged every day just to have them behave.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

Lovingly referred to as Berners, the Bernese Mountain Dog is another breed that has come from the sweeping slopes of Switzerland. These majestic dogs are famous for their beautiful coloration and powerful hind legs that allowed them to do all sorts of work centuries ago.

These days, the Bernese Mountain Dog curries favor with many families as a lovey-dovey watchdog but are sometimes too friendly with strangers to do much good!

Some of the most famous examples of the Bernese Mountain Dog are Misneach and Bród, the companions of Irish president, Michael D. Higgins.

5. Newfoundland

Highly regarded as peerless shipboard working dogs by Canadian fishermen, Newfoundlands (or Newfs, for short) are built differently, specializing in the aquatic rescues of the North Atlantic Ocean.

The thick, double coat repelled most water and ice while strong, partially webbed feet provided the power to drag people who had fallen overboard back to safety.

Newfoundlands have demonstrated their dedication to humankind time and again throughout history. In fact, Lewis and Clark were accompanied by a Newfoundland called Seaman on their legendary expedition across continental North America.

Had this courageous dog not run off a buffalo on their trek, the exploration and modernization of America might have been significantly set back.

It is said that Newfoundlands epitomize the best qualities in people without the negative aspects that can be found deep within.

6. Samoyed

Known across the world for their smile, these sled dogs are social pack animals with a mischievous tendency for defying owners that don’t maintain strong leadership. Even so, the breed is well-loved and famous for its brilliant, white coat that is often likened to voluptuous clouds.

Many people enjoy having a larger dog but can’t stand the amount of drool they often produce.

This isn’t an issue for Samoyeds because their smile is cute and functional, stopping drool in its tracks before it would have frozen while transporting people and goods in the frigid temperatures of Siberia.

What is an issue for some people is the upkeep of a Samoyed and many other big, fluffy dog breeds. Grooming, although necessary in some cases, can be extremely time-consuming, expensive, or both.

If you live in a warmer climate that Samoyeds are not accustomed to, you may need to groom and trim their coat much more often than in colder areas to prevent your dog from suffering heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

7. Leonberger

Leonbergers often live in the shadow of German Shepherds – probably the most famous and beloved breed to originate from Germany – but they shine brighter than most when considered as a companion which is exactly what it was bred for!

The regal, lion-like mane of the Leonberger is renowned for catching the eye of prominent figures like Napoleon the Third, King Edward the Seventh, and Richard Wagner.

No doubt that these fluffy pups can attend to you in just the same way since they are eager to please and have relatively low energy for all that quality time spent on the couch.

Most large and giant dog breeds suffer from issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat, a condition where the stomach becomes twisted and gas is trapped inside.

Feeding your Leonberger a healthy diet and proper exercise will help mitigate most issues but even the healthiest Leonberger suffers from more genetic conditions than most other breeds on this list.

When looking for a Leonberger breeder, it is especially important to ask questions about their puppies to make sure they have been screened for disease precursors.

Only deal with reputable breeders that are happy to answer your questions and provide accurate documentation of tests, vaccines, and any training they may have had.

8. Alaskan Malamute

The raw power of Alaskan Malamutes is hard to convey without seeing them pull sleds of goods across the vast terrain of the Arctic Circle.

A thick, sometimes downy coat means the Malamute is not only immune to the ice cold condition they so often work in but also that they are a joy to hug.

Like any number of dog breeds, most Malamutes love to dig. Despite a trainer’s best efforts, these dogs cannot be stopped when the urge arises. Unfortunately, a designated digging spot is the only solution to controlling this innate behavior.

This means that if you don’t have a yard or outdoor space for a Malamute, you might come home to find scratch marks or worse where your dog has been “digging”.

9. Old English Sheepdog

It is a wonder how these mop-like dogs navigate through life with no obvious means of seeing through all their fur. That doesn’t stop these dogs from living to the fullest and sharing that love for life with their human family though.

Old English Sheepdogs have never been overly popular in the eyes of the public which is a shame because they embody many of the characteristics people often look for in a family pet.

Not only that but the breed is immortalized in several media pieces including Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, the movie “Cats & Dogs”, as well as the Beatles’ song “Martha My Dear”.

10. Akita Inu

Not to be confused with the Akita, another dog of Japanese descent, the Akita Inu is fox-like in appearance and behavior.

This means they can be difficult to handle because of their stubborn, independent nature but when properly socialized and trained from a young age, they will shower you with affection and goofy acts of love.

This breed nearly went extinct in postwar periods but fiercely dedicated breeders and fanciers were able to keep the distinctive traits of these hunting dogs alive and well.

Although the cream and white colorings are probably the most recognizable of any Akita Inu, you can bet they are all equally fluffy!

If that wasn’t enough to convince you that Akita Inus can be worth the trouble, world-famous Hachiko was an Akita Inu that waited outside the Shibuya train station for his deceased owner for over nine years!

People from all over the world visit Hachiko’s memorial at the train station to pay respects and thank dogs for their companionship, even if they haven’t owned a dog themselves!

11. Chow Chow

A living relic of ancient China, these dogs have timeless appeal in both appearance and demeanor. Records indicate the breed existed and served as far back as the Han Dynasty (about 200 B.C.) in almost any role or capacity imaginable for a dog.

Some claim that Chow Chows are the cleanest dogs of any breed because they can housebreak quickly and are zealous about maintaining their pristine, dignified look. This translates to the perfect house pet with little to no odor and guilt-free cuddles.

Chow Chows are another breed that needs to be carefully tested and examined to ensure the healthiest possible individuals.

If you were to purchase a dog susceptible to a preventable condition, you could be looking at expensive treatments in the not-so-distant future or even a premature goodbye.

12. Anatolian Shepherd

Perhaps one of the lesser known breeds on this list, the Anatolian Shepherd and its ancestors have been bred and worked for over 6,000 years.

Their role as protector of flocks of any kind hasn’t changed much in that time and is a great fit for dog owners who wish for a hands-off approach after initial socialization and training.

Families with small children should think carefully before getting an Anatolian Shepherd because the herding instinct is so strong that it can result in nips that break delicate skin.

Assuming you can confidently control these habits, an Anatolian Shepherd would likely die before allowing a threat anywhere near a family member.

13. Siberian Husky

If Alaskan Malamutes are the heavy-duty powerhouses of the sledding dog world, Siberian Huskies would be the right mix of quick and nimble you need for covering short distances.

The breed might be best known these days for its incredibly talkative and moody characteristics, captured by owners across the globe and uploaded to social media sites.

However, most people who know anything about the breed’s history would tell you about their critical role in the Nome serum run of 1925 that saved the lives of those who had contracted diphtheria.

Huskies are also infamous for their ability to escape many of their enclosures to chase something that has caught their attention.

A very tall, solid privacy fence is highly recommended to prevent these tricksters from jumping over, digging under, or even chewing their way out of a backyard.

14. Collie

Don’t be fooled if someone refers to a Collie as a “rough” Collie – few dogs compare to the luxuriously soft and thick coat of this breed. The term “rough” is simply used to differentiate full-coated Collies from their brothers and sisters that have a much shorter, “smooth” coat.

Collies make for excellent show dogs, demonstrating a refined personality and swift athleticism alike. Even though they might seem prim and proper.

Collies are quite playful characters and are immensely fond of children. Seeing a child napping in the tufts of a Collie’s coat would not be an uncommon sight with these stupendous family dogs around.

Perhaps the most famous Collie the world has ever known is the fictional Lassie, a character in author Eric Knight’s novel “Lassie Come-Home”.

Lassie’s owners are forced to sell her for money so Lassie endeavors to be reunited after a long, arduous journey. The short story went on to spawn numerous movies and other stories of the loyal Collie.

15. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are by far the most popular breed on this list but they round out the end of our selection because even the long-haired variants just aren’t quite as fluffy as the rest of the breeds here.

That being said, a well-bred and properly trained German Shepherd would be an illustrious sight to behold, fluffy or not.

These all-purpose dogs have earned their place by the side of humankind, working as service and police dogs as well as watchdogs, and have great potential for shows.

Although they are popular and well-loved now, German Shepherds were subject to a great deal of unfounded hatred and persecution because of the name’s association with the Axis powers during World Wars I and II.

Ignore the misinformation that suggests that German Shepherds are naturally more aggressive than other breeds because it simply isn’t true and is more than likely a residual effect of the previous blows to their reputation.

Other Big Fluffy Dog Breeds to Research

Our list is already so long, that we couldn’t include every single big fluffy breed here! Maybe some of the dogs here just aren’t for you but you still want a big, fluffy companion, or perhaps the size of some is a bit intimidating.

Don’t worry because we’ve included some more breeds for you to consider, some are still big and fluffy while others focus on the soft, cloud-like coat:

• Komondor (Hungarian Sheepdog)
• Golden Retriever
• Estrela Mountain Dog
• Cuvac
• Standard Poodle
• Pomeranian
• Keeshond
• Maltese
• Australian Shepherd
• Bichon Frise
• West Highland Terrier

Final Thoughts: Which Big Fluffy Dog Breed Best Fits Your Lifestyle?

Each of these dog breeds can become a fantastic family member but only for the right family. Only you will know if you’re the right fit after some honest consideration.

• Are you willing to spend a few hours exercising your dog daily?
• Are you or a family member allergic to dogs? Can you deal with the high amount of shedding from a fluffy dog?
• Do you have enough space for everyone to live comfortably?

These are not the only things you need to think about before choosing the right dog for you but will help get you into the right mindset.

With a little luck, our curated list has brought you one step closer to finding the perfect companion for you and your family!