Blog / Puppy Breeds / Fluffy Dog Breeds: Small, Large & Allergy-Friendly

Fluffy Dog Breeds: Small, Large & Allergy-Friendly

By Bruce Whittle • November 14, 2023

Dr. Whittle, DVM, first decided upon a career in veterinary medicine when he was 9 years old and his first dog Blackie, a German Shepherd, died of heartworm disease. He wanted to devote his life to teaching people how to take better care of their animals both large and small so veterinary medicine was the obvious pathway. He and his wife met in veterinary school and built a rural veterinary practice immediately upon graduation. Dr. Whittle has worked on a wide variety of animal species but has developed a special interest in dentistry. He continues to find opportunities to educate others about animal care including teaching dentistry to veterinary students at various veterinary colleges. He and his wife have four large dogs and a small cat that share the house with them.

Reviewed and fact checked by Bruce Whittle, DVM

Why are fluffy dogs so popular?

Fluffy, shaggy dogs are incredibly adorable, snuggly, and comforting. Their soft coats and cuddly appearance make them favorites for families and dog lovers alike.

Why do many fluffy dog breeds have thick coats?

Most fluffy dog breeds originated in colder climates or regions with harsh winters. Their thick, fluffy coats helped protect them from extreme weather. Larger fluffy dogs often worked outdoors, while smaller ones were bred as companions and lap warmers.

Are fluffy dogs high maintenance?

Some fluffy dogs require regular grooming, shed heavily, or have double coats that need special care. However, many fluffy breeds are low-shedding and allergy-friendly despite their thick coats.

Low-Shedding and Allergy-Friendly Fluffy Dogs

Bichonpoo

Good apartment dogs
Cross between a Bichon Frise and Miniature Poodle
Sweet and friendly
Small dogs that weigh up to 18 pounds

Browse available Bichonpoo puppies for sale by breeders

Biewer Terrier

Good apartment dogs
Small dogs that weigh between 4 and 8 pounds
Confident and loyal
Quick learners

Browse available Biewer Terrier puppies for sale by breeders

Coton de Tulear

Good apartment dogs
White fluffy dogs
Small dogs that weigh between 8 and 13 pounds
Low exercise requirements
Good with kids and other pets
Thrive on attention

Browse available Coton de Tulear puppies for sale by breeders

Bichon Frise

White fluffy dogs
Good apartment dogs
Good family dogs
Smart dogs
Small dogs that weigh between 12 and 18 pounds
Love attention and are playful and affectionate

Browse available Bichon Frise puppies for sale by breeders

Maltese

White fluffy dogs
Good apartment dogs
Smart dogs
Small dogs that weigh between 4 and 8 pounds
Love to be cuddled
Easy to train

Browse available Maltese puppies for sale by breeders

Large Fluffy Dogs

Portuguese Water Dog

Medium to large dog that weighs between 35 and 60 pounds
Loves being in the water
Loving and loyal

Siberian Husky

Good family dog
Weigh between 35 and 60 pounds
Energetic and friendly
Escape artists
Shed and “blow their coat” twice a year

Browse available Siberian Husky puppies for sale by breeders

Alaskan Malamute

Large dog that typically weighs between 75 and 85 pounds
Intelligent and strong work ethic
Loyal and affectionate with family
Weatherproof coat that should be brushed daily

Samoyed

Good family dog
Social and gentle
Friendly and happy
Powerful, active, and driven
Mischievous attention seekers
Weigh between 50 and 65 pounds

Browse available Samoyed puppies for sale by breeders

Chow Chow

Weigh between 45 and 70 pounds
One of the few breeds to sport a blue-black tongue
Are great city dogs as they don't require a lot of exercise
Coat can be rough or smooth and with a lion's mane
Serious and aloof

Old English Sheep Dog

Large dog that weighs between 60 and 100 pounds
Powerful yet nimble and gentle
Active breed that requires routine exercise
Great with children as they are patient, kind, and protective
Profuse, shaggy coat

Collie (Rough-Coated)

Weigh between 50 and 75 pounds
Available in both rough and smooth coat
Athletic, graceful, and swift
Sweet, friendly, and good with children

Newfoundland

Weigh 120-180 pounds
Gentle and good with children
Double-coated and built to withstand cold temperatures
Natural swimmers and work in water rescue

Small Fluffy Dogs

The breeds listed above that are allergy friendly that are also small are:

In addition, below are some other small fluffy dogs:

Pomeranian

Good apartment dogs
Weigh between 3 and 7 pounds
Curious and playful
Athletic
Can bark a lot
Has a double coat and needs a lot of brushing

Browse available Pomeranian puppies for sale by breeders

Pekingese

Good apartment dogs
Weigh between 8 and 14 pounds
Independent and affectionate
Low activity levels

Browse available Pekingese puppies for sale by breeders

Schipperke

Weigh 10-16 pounds
Affectionate and playful family dog
Alert, independent, and active watchdog
Part of the sheepdog family and not the spitz
Known for their fox-like face and short docked tail

Medium Fluffy Dogs

American Eskimo

They comes in 3 size varieties (toy, miniature, standard) and can weigh between 6-35 pounds
Energetic, playful, friendly, and smart
Affection and great with kids
Clever and very easy to train

Keeshond