The 20 Most Popular Big Fluffy Dog Breeds

Newfoundland

Is it true a dog really is man’s best friend? How about big fluffy dog breeds? Do they count, too? Yes, they do. There’s just something about big fluffy dog breeds that make some of them among the most popular canine companions. Already their large stature is impressive enough, but when there’s that thick coat of fur that adds to its majesty, one can’t help but cuddle up to your furry friend.

Granted, these big and fluffy dogs require lots of grooming in order to keep the coat healthy, not to mention neat in appearance. Among what are literally hundreds of different big and fluffy dog breeds, there are twenty that really seem to stick out head and shoulders above the rest. Perhaps your favorite is in the list provided in this article. The ratings are based on the information that’s been gathered from the American Kennel Club, and the Dog Breed List Info, as well as overall public opinion.

Polish Tatras Sheepdog

20. Polish Tatras Sheepdog

Big, white, and fluffy, is the Polish Tatras Sheepdog. The name of the breed gives away the dog’s origin, as does the fact this is a bred for herding and guarding. The thick, fluffy coat helps protect the dog from cold climate conditions. Also known as the Owczarek Podhalanski, this breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

19. Caucasian Shepherd Dog

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is big, fluffy, and not to be taken lightly. Bred as guard dogs, they’re bold and fearless with a confidence level that can easily leave intruders shaking in their boots. As a family dog, they’re among the sweetest animals that can easily win over the hearts of those who appreciate the breed for what it is. For many centuries, the Caucasian Shepherd Dogs were used to protect properties, as well as guard its livestock and residents. it can go toe-to-toe with a coyote or wolf should there be a need for it. For the past century, this breed of dog has been split into two types. The first is the Mountain type, which sports a longer coat and heavier body than the Steppe type. Other names for this breed of dog include the Caucasian Ovcharka, Caucasian Sheepdog, Kawkasky Owtscharka, and Kaukasische Schaferhund. They’re considerably more popular in the West, especially on farmsteads, despite the strong European heritage it has as part of its background.

Estrela Mountain Dog

18. Estrela Mountain Dog

While the Estrela Mountain Dog may not be the first breed that comes to mind as a big and fluffy dog that’s popular, anyone who has ever owned one will likely name it first as a personal favorite. Bred to serve as guardians of livestock and property, these giants are also tremendously gentle with the family. The dominant gene of the Estrela is known to be aggressive so it’s vital that they receive proper socialization and training the moment you bring one home as a puppy. This should be the case with every dog, regardless of breed. The closer of a bond you create with your canine companion, the better friend they will be to you. The Estrela Mountain Dog got its name from the Estrela Mountains in Portugal and it’s believed to be the oldest breed in the territory. Aside from the fluffy coat, the typical physical characteristics of this breed make them absolutely beautiful. The rosed ears, the black mask, and the hook at the end of its tail all serve as attractive attributes.

Slovensky Cuvac

17. Slovensky Cuvac

They’re big, fluffy, and majestic. The Slovensky Cuvac from Slovenia was bred as a guard dog that does extremely well in a rural setting with lots of room to run around. Always ready for action, the Slovensky Cuvac will take on any intruder that isn’t welcome. As an all-white dog, the coat is thick and impressive, which comes in handy as a Slovakian Mountain dog.

Pyrenean Mastiff

16. Pyrenean Mastiff

From Spain, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a giant, fluffy breed of dog that was built as an imposing guard dog. This breed is rare but makes effective guardians, as well as a valued member of the family that has so much to offer. They’re gentle and loving but also love their independence. They’re incredibly courageous, yet good-natured. The fluffy white coat is usually mixed with another color that can be as light as beige or as dark as black.

Kuvasz

15. Kuvasz

Hungary’s Kuvasz is a dog breed with a fluffy white coat that serves as a guardian and as a companion with great majesty. Bred as a working dog with an impressive mix of size and strength, the thick coat of the Kuvasz makes it look even more imposing. They’re incredibly smart and agile as well. While this breed may not seem so commonly mentioned among North American canine fans, they are certain of this with their European owners. It is suspected the original lineage of the Kuvasz dates as far back as ancient Tibet and was a breed favored by nobles and royals. As of 2021, the giant Kuvasz was ranked 177th as the world’s most popular dog.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

14. Bergamasco Sheepdog

If there was ever a dog breed that could rival the hippies of the 1960s just by appearances alone, the Bergamasco Sheepdog would definitely steal the show here. It could even put the dreadlocks belonging to infamous rap stars to shame. The coat is fluffy and shaggy, and surprisingly low maintenance. They’re fantastic with children and are great with other animals. Originally bred as a herding dog of Italian origin, the Bergamasco has three different textures that form naturally as flocks. The strands are woven together, creating layers of felted hair that cover the body and legs. This provides the dog breed ample protection from colder weather, as well as predatory animals of the Italian Alps. As a member of the family, one couldn’t ask for a more loyal companion than this gentle giant.

Tibetan Mastiff

13. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a big, fluffy giant species of dog that commands attention whether you care to give it or not. Built as working dogs, they also make formidable guards that will send unwanted company fleeing in their boots, assuming they can run fast enough to make the getaway. This is one of the oldest breeds of dogs, dating as far back as ancient Tibetan times. These are immensely popular dogs in the East but are extremely rare in the West. They’re incredibly beautiful dogs, sharking the same coat markings as a Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiller, but only much fluffier.

Leonberger

12. Leonberger

Leonbergers are giants, and they’re fluffy. They’re ranked at number ninety-eight in popularity as a dog breed as of 2021, according to the American Kennel Club. In Germany, these are tremendously popular dogs as they make excellent working dogs and watchdogs. Their fluffy coat is lush, adding even more beauty to this charming dog that is well noted for its gentle nature and patience. Don’t be fooled, however, as this is a big and powerful dog that can easily tackle unwanted visitors with its aristocratic abilities and strength. When standing on their hind legs, they can stand as tall as a human being. If there was ever a canine answer to rival the mighty lion, the Leonberger would be it.

Bouvier des Flandres

11. Bouvier des Flandres

They’re big, and they’re black, and they’re fluffy. The Bouvier des Flandres is a dog breed of Belgium origin and was bred as a herding dog. They’re incredibly smart and ready to go to work. They make great farm dogs, guardians, and watchdogs. Bouviers also love to engage in sports, so owners of such a breed should make a point to socialize with one as often as possible and keep them as busy as possible as these are dogs meant to be active.

Chow Chow

10. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow from China isn’t just a big fluffy dog. This is one of the poofiest members of the entire canine family, as well as among the most beloved. Not only are they big and fluffy, but they’re also incredibly mindful and aristocratic. Oddly enough, even as a large dog, it seems as if they’re compact, built like a tank. According to owners of Chow Chow breeds, they claim they’re the cleanest members of the canine family. This likely explains why they’re so well-favored among dog owners and families who live in larger communities. As of 2021, they’re sitting at number eighty-four as the American Kennel Club’s most popular dog.

Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog

9. Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog

The roots of the mighty Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog date as far back as 3000 B.C. as it was originally bred to guard sheep and livestock. They’re big, they’re mighty, and they’re absolutely beautiful with those big and fluffy white coats. Not only are they remarkable guard dogs with exceptional hearing, but they’re also extremely vocal when something has piqued their interest. As an owner, this serves as your warning something’s amiss. As for the potential intruder, this serves as a warning that they’ve picked the wrong property to attempt anything illegal. These are just a few reasons why the Pyrenees are so popular. They’re also fantastic family dogs. If you try to keep one in your apartment, you are doing this big fluffy dog injustice. They love wide open territory as this has been bred into their genetics. According to the American Kennel Club in 2020, the Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog ranks at number seventy overall as the most popular dog as a breed.

Old English Sheepdog

8. Old English Sheepdog

They’re big and they’re fluffy. The Old English Sheepdog currently sits at number sixty-eight as the most popular dog, according to the American Kennel Club. They’re also shaggy and are known for the peek-a-boo hairdo. The 1959 Disney movie, The Shaggy Dog, played an instrumental role in popularizing the breed. The double coat does a clever job hiding the fact this is a boney, yet muscular dog. They’re incredibly nimble on their feet and do an excellent job doing what they’ve been designed to do, which is guard and herd sheep. They’re also great family dogs as they’re known for their calm demeanor and patience.

Alaskan Malamute

7. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamutes are big and fluffy, as well as incredibly strong dogs. These are the breeds you will see as hard-working, heavy-duty dogs that pull arctic sleds as a team. As mighty as they appear in stature, they’re incredibly affectionate dogs. Malamutes are pack animals and respond well in a family environment where you are the leader and everyone else comes together as a team. The fluffy coats for these dogs were bred into the genetics for the obvious reason to withstand the extreme cold they endure when pulling a sled across the snow and ice. In 2020, the Alaskan Malamutes were ranked at number sixty-five as the most popular dog based on the number of registrations that went through by new owners.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

6. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is best known for its soft and fluffy, wheat-colored coat. Hailing from Ireland, these dogs were bred with the focus of helping out on the farm. They’re also usually happy-go-lucky dogs that are deeply devoted to family. The coat colors range from a pale beige to shimmering gold, which resembles wheat as it begins to ripen. These just aren’t fluffy big dogs. They’re soft and fluffy big dogs that have also happened to sport peek-a-boo hairdos and notable goatees.

Samoyed

5. Samoyed

The Russian dog breed, Samoyed, is among one of the fluffiest big dogs among the canine species. The snow-white coat is a high-maintenance dog, especially during shedding season, but it’s worth it if you want a big fluffy dog that’s bound to be your best friend for a long time. Not only will the Samoyed look their best right after a good dog brushing, but they may also even flash you a smile that earned them the nickname of “Sammy Smile.” As of 2021, the Samoyeds were the fifty-eighth most popular dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Akita

4. Akita

When it comes to big fluffy dogs, the Japanese lineage of the Akita was ranked in 2021 at number forty-seven as the most popular dog, at least according to the information shared by the American Kennel Clu. The double coat adds more depth to this muscular breed that’s world-famous for its courage, dignity, and loyalty. Speaking as a former owner of an Akita, I can personally vouch for how friendly they are as a family dog. They’re also equally effective as guard dogs, protecting every member of the family, including other furry friends that happen to be a part of it. They’re big, burly, heavy-boned, and fluffy enough to cuddle with. Akitas love human companionship and are at their best when there’s enough social interaction with their companions.

Collie

3. Collie

Collies are number forty on the list, according to the American Kennel Club, as far as popularity ratings go. Among the big breed dogs with fluffy coats, this ranks them high on the list, and for good reason. Among the Collie, there are full-coated rough varieties, which are the most familiar, and the sleek and smooth. Thanks to pop culture, the popularity of the Collie has soared, as has the name “Lassie” as if paying homage to the classic films that revolved around the infamous dog. Originally bred as working dogs, Collies also make great family companions. They’re also among the favorites at various dog shows and competitions due to their intelligence and athleticism. Their coats, when well-maintenance, is bright and fluffy. It comes as no surprise why Hollywood was so anxious to turn this breed into a superstar.

Bernese Mountain Dog

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

Ranked at number twenty-two as the most popular dog, according to the American Kennel Club records, the Bernese Mountain Dog is also an all-time favorite big fluffy dog on a global scale, and for good reason. Originally from Switzerland, these dogs were bred to serve as versatile working dogs that could herd livestock, pull carts, and serve as protectors of the land. As hard-working as they are, they’re also incredibly affectionate and loyal as a family dog. They’re also the most colorful of the breeds with a mix of black, brown, and white to make those fluffy coats come to life even more. In all honesty, what’s not to love here? They’re best known for their friendly disposition and fun personalities. If more people behaved like this breed of dog, perhaps we’d be living in a world that truly understands what peace means.

Newfoundland

1. Newfoundland

Of all the big fluffy dogs currently known to man, Newfoundland is the breed that has remained the most popular breed for at least three years, according to Dog Breed List Info, a website that lists off all dogs and cats according to popularity levels. They were originally bred as working dogs to help out the fishermen and lumberjacks. Their love for adventure and swimming is as notable as their loyalty to family. This giant dog’s stature becomes even more impressive when its fluffy coat is well cared for. This is necessary as they’re also known for shedding lots of hair.

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