Big fluffy dog breeds are made for cuddling. There's nothing more comforting than wrapping your arms around them and burying your fingers in their impressive coats, but these coats present an additional challenge - lots and lots of grooming!
There's nothing better than a cuddle from a big, fluffy dog breed. Their wonderfully large size coupled with their oversized coats make them the perfect snuggle companions. But you'll need to make sure you have enough space in your home (and sofa) for one and plenty of time to dedicate to a regular grooming schedule!
If you love pups which are larger than life and have plenty of coat to run your fingers through, these big fluffy dog breeds are sure to be just what you're looking for. You'll be delighted to know that most have the teddy bear personalities to match too and the biggest hearts you could wish for!
1. Pyrenees Mountain Dog
This large and gentle dog breed has roots dating back as far as 3000 B.C. and was originally bred for guarding sheep and livestock. Unforgettable with their beautiful, big white coats, the Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an excellent guard dog with exceptional hearing that's capable of hearing you approach from a serious distance. They're known to be very vocal and will use their impressively loud bark to protect your home. But you'll need to ensure they're well socialised so they don't mistake visiting family or friends to be intruders.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a fluffy dog breed that's known for its family loyalty and affectionate natures. Originating in Switzerland, they were bred to be versatile working dogs and could be found herding cattle, pulling carts and guarding the land.
Today, their happy-go-lucky natures make them the perfect family pets as they love snuggling with their humans. They have impressively fluffy coats which shed all year round, with the heaviest shedding being in spring and autumn.
3. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are big fluffy dog breeds with long, dense coats. Despite their massive coats, they're very low maintenance and don't tend to shed that much. But you'll need to brush these teddy bears a couple of times a week to keep their coats looking beautiful and free of tangles. An interesting characteristic to these breeds is that they have blue-black tongues, which according to Chinese lore, the Chow Chow gained at the time of creation, when they licked up drops of the sky as it was being painted.
4. Samoyed
The Samoyed isn't the biggest dog on the list, but it's certainly one of the fluffiest. With impressive snow-white coats, this fluffy dog breed is very high maintenance and during shedding season, you'll find yourself having to brush every day. The amount of fluff that comes out will astound you too, and you may even think a second Samoyed has slipped into your house! If you have time for all the dog brushing, you'll get plenty of rewards because their kind natures are second to none and they've even gained the nickname 'Sammy smile' because of their big, happy smiles.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a big fluffy dog breed with a sweet and kind personality. Originally bred as working dogs to aid fishermen and lumberjacks, they're naturally strong swimmers and lovers of adventures.
Because of this, they're best suited to families who love the great outdoors and have plenty of time for playing and cuddling. This giant dog breed has a coat to match their great size and they're heavy shedders, so make sure you have a regular brushing regime!
6. Eurasier
Hailing from Germany around 50 years ago, the Eurasier is a relatively new fluffy dog breed. Bred from Keeshonds, Chow Chows and Samoyeds, breeders chose the name 'Eurasier' to reflect the European and Asian heritage of the breed. They're known for their huge coat which is surprisingly easy to groom and will require brushing once or twice a week to remove dead hair. Twice yearly they also have a heavy shedding period which lasts around three weeks.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Named one of the most expensive dogs in the entire world, the Tibetan Mastiff is a big fluffy dog breed that's worthy of the title. With an impressive mane that covers their neck and shoulders and a long, thick coat, these dogs need to be groomed a couple of times a week to remove shed hair and prevent tangles (depending on the climate, they may also shed seasonally). They're excellent guard dogs who are loyal to their loved ones, but this means they can also be very territorial and stubborn, so early puppy training is essential in order to prevent negative behaviours.
8. Leonberger
Leonbergers are giant fluffy dog breeds with very mischievous natures. Boasting a long, thick coat, they shed a lot and experience twice yearly periods of heavy shedding. Apart from that, you'll need to brush at least weekly to maintain their coats. If you're up to the challenge of brushing them, they have excellent natures and get on with a wealth of animals from horses to cats. Plus, they're high energy so they're perfect for those who love to exercise and take long walks.
Big fluffy dog breeds not your thing? Check out our article on tiny dog breeds that stay small instead. Or find your perfect breed with our dog breed selector.
