There’s nothing quite like cuddling your dog. They don’t judge you, they’re very forgiving, and they love you unconditionally.
This simple act is beneficial for us, relieving stress and tension, bringing comfort in times of sadness, and just making us feel that all is well. It’s a gift beyond value.
While lap dogs and smaller breeds are great, there’s something about hugging a great big teddy bear that is really satisfying. Beneath all that fluff and fur, they are solid. As well as being comforted, we feel protected.
So, which breeds are we talking about? Are some better than others?
We’re going to answer that question by looking at big fluffy dog breeds to find the biggest and best to snuggle with!
1. The Standard Poodle
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They’re great with kids, active and playful, extremely intelligent, and easy to train. They’re also famous for their hypoallergenic coats!
While the Standard Poodle might seem the perfect family dog, it’s not all plain sailing. Although they are generally okay with other pets and dogs, certain lines can be highly strung, making them timid and nervous. This can cause an aggressive streak, so it’s important to research the bloodline and breeder before buying.
The typical Standard Poodle will be polite with strangers and sociable toward other dogs. Their intelligence makes potty training and obedience training an easy process, but this intelligence can also cause them to become anxious if they don’t have enough mental stimulation.
Although they are a vigorous breed that loves to be active, they generally prefer a calm, quiet environment. Loud noises and tension in the home may lead to stress and anxiety, which could lead to undesirable behavior.
That fluffy coat will need clipping regularly – at least every six weeks. Whether you do this yourself or use a professional groomer is up to you, depending on your budget and whether you have the time to spare.
Don’t worry too much about the style – you don’t have to opt for one of the more ridiculous cuts seen in the show ring! A simple puppy cut, short cut, or teddy bear cut will keep them looking cute and cuddly while making sure that their coat is healthy and manageable.
On average, Standard Poodles measure between 20 and 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45 and 80 pounds, putting them in the medium-to-large dog category.
2. The Samoyed
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Smiling Sammies, as they are affectionately known, are one of the happiest, friendliest dog breeds around. They always seem to be smiling, although this is believed to be a genetic feature they evolved to deal with cold climates rather than the fact that they are perpetually happy!
Even so, it adds to their reputation as friendly, cuddly dogs. They’re not the biggest of the bunch, ranging from 19 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 35 and 65 pounds. However, they still deserve a place on our big fluffy dog breeds list, and they have the bonus of being classed as hypoallergenic.
The Samoyed is a Spitz dog from the Nordic region. These are fox-like animals with pointed features, fluffy coats, and small, pricked ears. They range greatly in size, from the Pomeranian and the American Eskimo to the Alaskan Malamute.
As you may have guessed, there are some potential negative points about the Samoyed. They can possess a high prey drive, so they may chase after small animals, and in some cases, they may grab them, resulting in injury.
They have a strong herding instinct, too, so there’s a chance they may round up animals and small children with the occasional nip. The best way to deal with these problems is through extensive, consistent training and socialization.
They are also very vocal, with a piercing, high-pitched bark. This can become irritating very quickly!
Sammies are extremely people-oriented and will not take kindly to being left alone or being chained up in a yard (this is never fair to any dog breed, and many states are rightly passing legislation to stop this cruel practice).
This dog thrives on being part of the family, joining in with all the activities you enjoy.
3. The Bouvier Des Flandres
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This is a pretty rare dog, so there’s a chance that you’re unfamiliar with the name.
As you will have seen, this dog hails from Belgium (or France, depending on who you believe!), where it has been used as a herder since medieval times. Its survival into the modern era is a remarkable achievement, as the fields and farms where this breed was developed and bred were devastated by the horrors of World War I.
Often called the Bouvier for short, this breed is known for its calm, placid demeanor. These dogs are reliable, loyal, and very intelligent. They are not naturally aggressive, but they do have a strong will combined with a highly developed sense of protectiveness. If they are pushed to do so, they will defend their ‘flock’ using force if necessary.
The Bouvier Des Flandres definitely qualifies for our big fluffy dog breeds list, standing between 23.5 and 27.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 70 and 110 pounds.
Their rough, double-coat is hypoallergenic, which is excellent news for allergy sufferers. However, this will probably require daily brushing, so you’ll need to set aside the time to do this.
4. The Afghan Hound
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The Afghan Hound has a long, silky single coat that flows to the ground and covers its feet unless you keep it clipped. This dog has an unusual look, with slender, pointed features and long, flowing locks. Don’t let its aloof appearance and graceful movement fool you – they can be as goofy as anything when the mood takes them!
They can be sensitive and require gentle handling. With the right care and attention, they are loyal and affectionate companion dogs. They have a lot of energy, and you must ensure they get enough exercise.
Surprisingly, that long coat doesn’t shed very much if it is groomed regularly. However, you’ll need to brush it daily to avoid matting and tangling.
The Afghan Hound is affectionate towards its owners and happy to be around kids. It is highly adaptable and can cope well with apartment living, though you’ll have to make sure its exercise needs are met. It doesn’t do well when left alone, as this may result in destructive behavior.
As for its size, the Afghan Hound measures between 25 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds.
5. The Labradoodle
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With its Poodle parentage, this dog (along with many other Doodle Dogs!) fits into both the low-shedding as well as hypoallergenic category.
This is one very affectionate dog! With the kindness and friendliness of a Labrador and the fun-loving nature of the Poodle, you could say that they are the perfect family dog.
As they generally weigh between 50 and 65 pounds and measure between 21 and 24 inches at the shoulder, they are classed as big dogs. And they are definitely fluffy!
As big fluffy dog breeds go, you’d struggle to find a cuddlier example. And this one has the benefit of being hypoallergenic as well as low-shedding.
6. The Portuguese Water Dog
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These dogs were once loyal companions of intrepid Portuguese fishermen as they sailed the Atlantic, from the more temperate regions right up to the icy waters of Newfoundland in their search for cod. They were used to herd fish into nets and retrieve lost tackle from the frigid waters. And they undoubtedly would have helped to keep sailors’ spirits up during those long, hazardous journeys!
These days, they are more likely to be found as family companions, treasured for their sense of fun and friendliness. One famous Portie is Bo Obama, who became the First Dog of the U.S. during President Obama’s time in the White House.
The Portie only just scrapes into our list, not because it isn’t a cute and cuddly fluff ball, but because it isn’t all that big. They measure between 17 and 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds.
Even accounting for the fact that male dogs are usually heavier and taller than females, the male Portuguese Water Dog can weigh as little as 42 pounds. To qualify as a ‘big dog,’ they need to weigh at least 50 pounds.
Even so, these working dogs are incredibly huggable and always ready to snuggle, which is why we included them on our list of big fluffy dog breeds.
In all honesty, the title of this section is misleading: the bottom line is that all dogs shed to some degree. There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog (just as there is no such thing as a 100% allergy-free dog). The trick is to find a breed that sheds much less than others, and the ones here on our list are a good place to start your search.
You can play your part through regular brushing and feeding your dog a diet of good-quality dog food. This keeps the hair follicles healthy, meaning that they hang onto the hairs for longer, thus reducing the amount of fur that falls out.
Regular grooming is advisable for most dogs and even more so for big fluffy dog breeds. This isn’t always to get rid of loose hair: matting can become a real problem. When long hairs get in a tangle, they pull on the skin. Aside from being painful, it can break the skin, leading to infection.
Brushing also distributes natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it in good condition.
7. The Bernese Mountain Dog
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With a height between 23 and 27.5 inches, the Berner weighs between 70 and 115 pounds (adult males don’t usually go lower than 80 pounds), so they are, without a doubt, a big dog!
They are immensely strong, and their duties as working dogs included herding cattle, protecting farms, and hauling heavy carts.
By nature, they are calm, reserved, and friendly animals. They are always loyal, affectionate, and eager to please. They are great with kids and good around other dogs, although they do have a protective side.
Some males have a tendency to be aggressive towards other males, but this can be fixed through early socialization. The best way to describe Berners is ‘slow and steady.’ They are even-tempered and patient, but they can be a little sensitive.
When training a Berner, you should take care to never use a harsh tone. Encouragement, praise, and kindness will be rewarded more than any other approach.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is considered a good choice for first-time dog owners, which is rare for a dog this large!
8. The Leonberger
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The Leonberger is fairly rare and similar to the Berner in the sense that it is a gentle giant.
Despite its size, measuring between 25.5 and 31.5 inches at the shoulder, it is a wonderfully playful and happy breed that gets on well with kids and will happily tolerate strangers. They seem to express their happiness at both ends continually, with a wagging tail and long tongue that lolls about as the dog laughs everywhere it goes.
This dog just wants to be your friend!
Under all that fluff, there’s a solid dog weighing between 90 and 170 pounds!
This huge dog is a massive cuddling machine and will remain loyal and affectionate throughout its lifetime.
This brings us to the saddest fact, which is its lifespan: Leonbergers rarely live beyond 7 years.
9. The Tibetan Mastiff
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Now we really are into the giant breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) puts the Tibetan Mastiff’s height at 24+ inches. In reality, male Tibetans can grow up to 35.5 inches.
They are affectionate towards family members and good with kids, though they get on better when raised with children. Training and socialization are essential if you wish to keep control over this giant. Adults weigh between 70 and 150 pounds.
When you add the fact that they are intelligent, stubborn, and strong-willed, you can see that this might be a problem if the dog decides to do its own thing rather than listen to you!
Unlike the Leonberger, the Tibetan Mastiff is not good around other dogs. Socialization will help, but you’ll need to supervise them constantly to avoid any unwanted behavior.
They are also intolerant of strangers and very protective of their homes and families. This makes them great guard dogs, but don’t think this rules them out as cuddly dogs. They are big softies when it comes to family!
10. The Great Pyrenees
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As with many of these dogs, the name is a clue to their origins. These large dogs would guard their flocks and humans against predators with legendary courage and tenacity.
They were also infinitely patient, waiting in the cold mountains for days on end as they watched over the sheep. This patient streak is just one of their endearing qualities today, along with a gentle and affectionate nature.
They are similar in height to the Leonberger, standing between 25 and 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 85 and 100 pounds (or more).
Although they are not generally aggressive, they are protective and will defend their home against intruders, including friends or family who don’t visit regularly! Proper training and socialization can help to iron out any ‘misunderstandings.’
These giant dogs are especially fond of kids they grow up with, forming unbreakable bonds of affection. Like most of those on our list of big fluffy dog breeds, they are oversized lap dogs!
11. The Newfoundland
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The average Newfie measures between 26 and 28 inches and weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. This is another dog that thinks everyone is its best friend.
They are very affectionate, and they adore kids. In fact, they have earned a reputation as babysitters or nanny-dogs, as they’ll happily keep watch over small children for many hours to make sure they are safe.
Their sweet and affectionate nature is the key point in the AKC breed standards.
12. The Chow Chow
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We’ve included the Chow Chow in our list of big fluffy dog breeds not because it is immense in size but because it looks so big due to its fluffy coat! Nevertheless, it’s still a solid dog under all that fur, and it’s great to cuddle.
Standing between 17 and 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 45 and 70 pounds, the Chow Chow sits at the lower end of the scale. However, it makes up for it with a dense coat that seems to make it double in size.
Socialization is always important, but especially so for this dog. They tend to be aloof and independent, so you need to ensure that you always have the upper hand, or they will assume control and do their own thing!
Chow Chows can form a biting habit, so you’ll need to train them out of this from an early age. They are not recommended for first-time owners as they need an experienced hand to deal with them. Despite their stubbornness, they do make strong attachments to family and will protect and defend them fiercely.
They are very smart and use their intelligence to discern and detect any threats.
Chow Chows are heavy shedders and require a good deal of grooming. On top of this, you’ll need to set aside at least an hour each day to exercise them. Like most dogs, if they don’t get enough exercise, they will become bored, frustrated, and destructive.
Of all the dogs on this list, they are a bit of an enigma: they look like giant teddy bears, but they aren’t always happy to cuddle! It all comes down to the individual dog.
13. The St. Bernard
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Weighing between 120 and 200 pounds and measuring between 26 and 30 inches at the shoulder, the St. Bernard dog is among the biggest, fluffiest, and loveable pooches you could meet.
They are infinitely patient with kids and have nothing but love to give. Although their size alone is usually enough to make intruders think twice, these are very gentle and placid dogs. However, they will become protective if they sense that their family is in danger.
St. Bernards love to join in with family fun and games and will sulk if they feel left out. They can be stubborn, so you’ll need to train them early as you don’t want a 200-pound dog to make its own decisions!
They are placid, easy-going dogs that don’t need a lot of exercise. This means that they won’t consume as much food as other dogs of a similar size as they don’t expend as much energy. It’s easy to overfeed them, but this can lead to stress and strain on the heart and joints, so you must be careful how much food you give them.
St. Bernards are heavy shedders, and they drool a lot, so you’ll need to be prepared for this if you take one on. Also, you’ll need to expose them to a variety of sights, sounds, experiences, and people when they are young, as this prepares them for adulthood and limits their sensitivity to certain things. Without this, they can become aggressive when confronted with something unfamiliar.
14. The Akita Inu
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This dog measures between 24 and 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 70 and 130 pounds, making it Japan’s biggest dog breed.
Its history as a fighting dog has tarnished this dog’s reputation over the years, and it is still considered best for ‘one-dog families’ as it tends to be aggressive toward other dogs (especially males toward other males).
However, it is extremely loyal and faithful to family members. They are affectionate and will form very strong bonds. It’s likely that they will reserve their cuddles for the person they love and respect the most!
15. The Old English Sheepdog
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With their comical appearance and sense of mischief, the Old English Sheepdog has won the hearts of many dog lovers over the years. They became extremely popular in the 1970s after being used in commercials for a famous paint brand, but this was bad news for the breed. Some breeders cut corners to keep up with demand, resulting in sub-standard dogs that were prone to aggression and disease.
It has taken a few decades to iron out the problems, and it is still essential to train and socialize these dogs as soon as possible. They are not typically thought of as guard dogs, although they do have a sense of protectiveness when it comes to the people they love most.
Their mischievousness is funny to see, though you might not think so at times: they often seem to enjoy seeing their owners’ frustration at their antics!
The main issue with Old English Sheepdogs is their shaggy coat, as it needs constant attention to keep it in good condition. This means daily brushing and frequent baths. Some owners clip the coat short a couple of times a year to make things easier.
These dogs measure between 21 and 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 100 pounds, though they look much bigger because of all that fluff!
16. The Australian Shepherd
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Aussie Shepherds are easy-going and at the same time have boundless energy. Like some of our other dogs here, they are medium-sized rather than big, weighing between 40 and 65 pounds and measuring between 20 and 22 inches.
These dogs love to play with kids and generally get on well with other dogs. They tend to thrive best in the country or with a large, securely fenced yard in which to run around.
Aussies must be kept active, as they are intelligent and energetic. Without proper physical exercise and mental stimulation, they will become destructive and potentially aggressive. They hate being kept apart from their owners and don’t like being left home alone.
This dog is best suited to a close-knit, active family where someone is home most of the time. Although they aren’t regarded as an aggressive breed, they will protect their home and family when necessary.
17. The Bearded Collie
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Known for their quick wit and sense of fun, Bearded Collies take friendliness to extremes. They’ll be sure to alert you to the presence of a stranger by barking furiously, but then welcome the stranger enthusiastically, usually by jumping on them and smothering them with kisses!
This is another fairly big dog that loves to be around kids, though they can be overly exuberant at times. Given their herding background, there may also be a tendency to nip at heels.
Again, these are medium dogs, standing between 20 and 22 inches at the shoulder. They generally weigh between 40 and 60 pounds, but they are prone to obesity if they get too many treats.
Beardies are fussy eaters, so you might need to adjust their diet to find the right balance.
Like many of the other dogs here, Bearded Collies prefer to be busy. Give them a job to do, and they’re in their element! Agility courses, herding competitions, and any other dog sports will keep them happy. Without adequate exercise and stimulation, they will become bored, which will lead to unwanted behavior, including excessive barking and digging.
Early socialization is essential, as is obedience training.
Grooming your Beardie will be a daily task if you want to keep that long coat free of tangles!