Dogs come in different shapes and sizes. They’re big, medium-sized, small, and sometimes extra small; (take a look at our fuzzy little friend up there). They’re also any color. But one characteristic of dogs that differentiates them a lot is fur. You’ve got the short-haired breeds, the downright shaggy, and of course the fluffy puppy ones.
The latter is perhaps one of the most sought after; especially with families that have children. So what if you want a dog, and have a preference for that kind of hair? What if you want your very own fluffy puppy?
With the high number of breeds out there to choose from; picking your fluffy puppy might not be as easy peasy as you might imagine. So, you need a little help, which will definitely go a long way. Luckily, as always, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 10 dog breeds to choose your fluffy puppy from.
Grooming Your Fluffy Puppy
…. But before we get on with this list, there is one thing you need to note. It’s not just about the dog’s genetic makeup. You have to consider effective grooming. This is because grooming is a very vital part of the puzzle that is owning a fluffy puppy or dog. You’ll need to maintain your dog’s healthy coat through bathing, brushing, and other forms of grooming; so you can effectively control shedding.
Not to mention, the way it is done. For some breeds, you can easily groom from the comfort of your home; while some other breeds require the delicate and experienced services of a professional groomer.
There’s also the matter of frequency. Some dogs are generally easier to groom since they do not shed at all or rarely do. Some require a lot of care to maintain it all. Then there are those breeds who are naturally fabulous at showing off their long coats. With that comes a very effective power to instill the desire for cuddles with anyone.
Well, now that we have that out of the way, let’s check out our top ten fluffy puppy lists.
Fluffy Puppy: Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is probably the first dog you should consider on the Fluffy puppy list. They are instantly recognizable and of high pedigree. They are also quite popular, ranking 7th out of 191 in AKC’s breed popularity list. Many people know poodles for their styled poms but beneath their fine coat is a very well-muscled body. However, their coats are low-allergen and are susceptible to becoming matted if not brushed frequently.
It is recommended that a daily brushing routine should be adopted to avoid knotting. Once a Poodle’s fur becomes matted near the roots, you’ll have to shave the dog completely to allow for re-growth. You can choose to trim and cut the coat yourself, like some owners; or opt for going to the groomer’s about every four to six weeks.
This fluffy puppy breed is great for individuals that have problems with dog allergies; so they don’t have to deal with shedding. The variety of designs and hairdos make the Poodle one of a kind, but the breed is also recognized for its intelligence and ability to learn quickly. You’ll be getting a big plus with this breed.
Old English Sheepdog
Many people see this breed as a very large one. But that can be a misconception, as it’s not all fur. Underneath all that hair, the Old English Sheepdog can grow to be 60 to 100 pounds; and that’s quite a huge stature. Old English Sheepdogs are known for faces that are mainly covered by fur, along with an all-around shaggy coat.
While the coat is surely a big attraction, potential owners of this fluffy puppy should be ready for serious upkeep. These dogs require a lot of grooming down to the very skin, and you should note that they are double-coated. Recommendations for grooming are to brush weekly or be groomed at a certified shop severally each month.
Additionally, you should consider nail trimming, to prevent any tangling from the long coat. If you fancy the world of show dogs, Old English Sheepdogs are just the right fluffy puppy for that. They possess a welcoming personality, as well as a powerful gait.
Keeshond
The Big. The Brown. The Fluffy. The Keeshond, or Keeshonden for plural, is a descendant of the Pomeranian and Samoyed breeds. The Keeshond has a fox-like face and hails from Holland. This fluffy puppy possesses a history as a symbol of Dutch patriotism. It may look like it requires a lot of regular grooming, but just brushing once a week performs wonders when it comes to preventing excess shedding.
It is important that you bathe and blow-dry the Keeshonden at least every four to six weeks. The Keeshond’s standoff coat is extremely thick around the neck, so if you’re not careful you might think you have a lion on your hands sometimes. Around their hind legs and rump, the coat bears a semblance to trousers.
Collie
There are probably only a handful of people that do not know what a collie is or looks like. The collie breed is perhaps most recognizable thanks to the success of Lassie as a pop culture star. The coat of this fluffy puppy comes in a number of colors, from sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, or pure white. When met with proper training, Collies are known to learn quickly and with ease.
On the matter of grooming Collies, variety matters a lot. The coat of Smooth Collies won’t mat but they definitely need regular grooming thanks to their double coat. Rough Collies, on the other hand, are susceptible to matting, especially behind their ears and undercoat. Weekly brushings eliminate shedding problems in both smooth and rough Collies, but females (if spayed) have a big shed once a year, while males shed around their birthday.
Bichon Frise
If you’re looking for a fluffy puppy with personality, then the Bichon Frise is definitely a breed to look at. They are some of the most popular small dog breeds, measuring just under a foot tall. They get along extremely well with children, as well as other dogs. Bichon Frise is also popular amongst dog lovers with allergies, thanks to their infrequent shedding.
Any hair shed by the Bichons lies beneath their undercoat. It’s important, therefore, that you brush this area regularly, to prevent matting. You should also trim the nails regularly as well. The Bichons share ancestors with the Barbet; and at a point in history were very much associated with circus performances. Because they have an extremely warm personalities, Bichons are great showbiz dogs.
Chow Chow
All the way from ancient China, the Chow Chow stands at a very high 20 inches. They are mostly known for their recognizable ‘lion’ mane; and they also have rough or smooth coats, like the Collie. This fluffy puppy’s coat colors appear in red, black, cinnamon, and cream-colored. Some long-term owners have mentioned that Chow Chows do not require a lot of exercise and are extremely well-mannered.
However, while they might not require a lot of exercise, they do need regular grooming. Chows have a double coat and some owners brush their coat at least twice per week. Since their coat rubs close to their eyes, their eyes and ears require care with each grooming. If not groomed at least once a month, their coats can become matted and the undercoat can become full of knots. You should use a cool air dryer after bath time.
Fluffy Puppy: Samoyed
The Samoyed was a breed originally bred for working alongside locals in some of the coldest environments. It can get very cold in the Siberian town of Oymyakon, with temperatures reaching -60 degrees; but Samoyeds have a coat that can easily withstand these conditions. Their famous “Sammy Smile” helps keep the breed from drooling and from icicles forming around the face during working hours.
They are purposely designed to withstand brutal and bone-chilling temperatures; so Samoyeds have a long, fluffy outer coat, with a wooly undercoat. This breed is known to shed all the time; they are prone to even more shedding during the shedding season. This can take place once or twice per year. Brushing this breed daily will help prevent matting, dirt, debris, and other ailments from raveling in the longer, outer coat.
Pomeranian
These belong to the more popular Toy Group breeds. Toy breeds are short in size, but they definitely have big personalities. Breeds in the Toy group are affectionate, sociable, and adaptable to a wide range of lifestyles. It would be erroneous to judge them by their size though. Neither should you let their winsome expressions fool you? Toy breeds are smart, full of energy and many have strong protective instincts.
Toy dogs are popular with city dwellers because they make ideal apartment dogs and are terrific lap warmers. Pomeranians have a fluffy coat and fox-like smile. They usually weigh in at about no more than seven pounds, but this fluffy puppy sure knows how to command a room. The small, but mighty dog has a double coat and frill covering the chest. The extra-fluffy coat comes in at least two dozen colors but is most commonly recognized in orange and red.
The double coat requires regular brushing to maintain shine and fluffiness. It’s recommended for owners to use a pin brush down to the skin, once a week, to prevent matting. In addition to regular brushing, it’s important to pay attention to a Pomeranian’s teeth and perform regular dental cleanings.
Fluffy Puppy: Siberian Husky
The thick-coated Siberian Husky is a sled dog that was bred to work in packs while pulling sleds over frozen tundra. They are quick-footed and appear to have a mischievous smile. They may only require a few baths a year, but like all breeds, weekly brushings will prevent excessive shedding.
Siberian Huskies have a fluffy double coat that is made of an undercoat and a protection layer. The undercoat faces two big sheds twice a year, and owners should use a comb to rake out the old hair and allow for re-growth of new hair.
American Eskimo Dog
This breed is recognizable for its fluffy white coat. American Eskimo Dogs (Eskies) are incredibly intelligent and can develop social problems if not given a job or cared for properly. Their lion-like mane around their neck and shoulders makes them one of the fluffier breeds. Though Eskies have a white double coat, it’s known for easy maintenance. Eskies shed constantly but with frequent brushing two to three times a week, shedding can be prevented.
Eskies have a special oil within their coat that prevents dirt and debris from sticking and becoming matted; easy enough for a brush to remove. It’s important to note that bathing an Eskie more than once every few months can make their skin dry; and will cause irritation.
