There's something special about being around a big, fluffy dog. Whether it's their soft, plush fur or their cuddly nature, there's no denying the appeal of these lovable pups.
For starters, there's the physical experience of petting a big, fluffy dog. The sensation of running your fingers through their thick coat is incredibly soothing and relaxing. It's no wonder that petting dogs has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels in humans. In fact, studies have found that petting dogs can even lower blood pressure and heart rate.
But it's not just the physical sensation of petting a fluffy dog that's so appealing. These breeds are often known for their gentle, affectionate nature, which makes them wonderful companions. They are often loyal and protective, and love nothing more than spending time with their owners.
Of course, it's worth noting that big, fluffy dogs do require some maintenance. Their coats need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and shedding can be a concern. But for many people, the extra effort is more than worth it for the joy and comfort that these dogs provide.
Now, without further ado, let's take a closer look at 12 big fluffy dog breeds that you're sure to fall in love with.
The Samoyed
Looking for a sociable and intelligent furry friend? The Samoyed may be the perfect dog for you! Originally from Siberia, this breed was bred to be cuddlers, and their humans have relied on them for warmth during frozen Arctic nights. As a result, Sammies are deeply social dogs and crave companionship. They do not do well without their people, so be prepared to spend lots of time playing with and petting your new furry companion.
However, it's worth noting that Samoyeds are not well-suited to hot climates. Their thick, fluffy coats were designed to keep them warm in frigid temperatures, so they can become uncomfortable in hot weather. If you live in a warm climate, you may want to consider another breed that is better adapted to the heat.
In terms of grooming, Samoyeds require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and prevent matting. They shed throughout the year, so daily brushing is recommended to keep shedding under control.
The Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed that is instantly recognizable by its shaggy, long coat. Despite their name, they are not actually sheepdogs, but were originally bred as a drover dog to help move cattle and sheep from place to place. They are known for their friendly and playful nature, and make great family dogs.
One of the defining characteristics of the Old English Sheepdog is their thick, fluffy coat. It requires regular grooming to keep it from becoming tangled or matted, but with proper care, it can be a beautiful and striking feature of the breed. In fact, their coat is often described as "mop-like" or "teddy bear-like", and it's easy to see why they are such an endearing breed.
In terms of temperament, the Old English Sheepdog is known for being gentle, patient, and good-natured. They are great with children and other pets, and love to be part of the family. They are also highly trainable and intelligent, which makes them a popular choice for obedience and agility competitions.
Of course, like any breed, the Old English Sheepdog does have some potential health concerns to be aware of. These can include hip dysplasia, deafness, and eye problems. However, with proper care and regular check-ups from a veterinarian, these issues can often be caught early and managed effectively.
The Newfoundland
Looking for a furry friend that's both sweet and soulful, as well as an excellent swimmer? Look no further than the Newfoundland! This Canadian breed is renowned for its water-resistant coat, massive lung capacity, and webbed toes - all traits that make it an exceptional swimmer. In fact, the Newfoundland originally gained fame as a shipboard dog that was relied upon to perform heroic sea rescues in the frigid Atlantic.
At up to 150 pounds, the noble Newfoundland is a big dog, and its size comes with a few grooming considerations. They have a tendency to shed quite a bit, so regular brushing is a must to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Additionally, they can occasionally drool, so it's a good idea to keep a towel handy.
But despite their size and grooming needs, the Newfoundland is a beloved breed for many dog lovers. They are known for their sweet and gentle temperament, and are often great with children and other pets. They are also highly trainable and love to please their owners, making them a popular choice for obedience and water rescue training.
The Saint Bernard
You may recognize the St. Bernard from his leading role in the classic family film, Beethoven, but this breed is also famous for its heroic history of rescuing lost travelers in Europe's snowy Alps. These very large love bugs can weigh more than 180 pounds and stand 30 inches high, but despite their size, they are known for being understanding, patient, and placid. This makes them a great choice for households with small children, as they are gentle and tolerant of even the most rambunctious kids.
However, it's important to note that St. Bernards are shedding machines! Regular brushing is essential to keep their coat healthy and prevent mats from forming. But with just a little bit of extra grooming, you'll have a loyal and loving companion for life.
The Great Pyrenees
Meet the majestic Great Pyrenees! Bred to guard sheep in the remote European mountain range that gives it its name, this noble beastie is known for its independent nature and stubbornness when it comes to training. However, they are also courageous and calm, and always ready to defend their home and family with their powerful bodies, which can easily reach over 100 pounds and stand upwards of 32 inches tall.
It's important to note that Great Pyrenees are known for their annual spring shedding, which makes way for their summer coats. So, if you're considering this breed, be prepared for some fur to fly! However, weekly brushing sessions can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny.
The Borzoi
Meet the elegant and aristocratic Borzoi! This slender hound once entertained royalty in pre-Revolution Russia by chasing wolves. Even today, Borzois can reach impressive speeds of 40 mph and require daily exercise, so potential owners should ideally have a fenced property with plenty of room for this calm and slightly aloof dog to zoom around in.
It's worth noting that Borzois have long, curly locks that require daily combing to keep them detangled and healthy. However, catching your Borzoi for a grooming session might prove to be a challenge, as they are known for their elusive nature and love of running free.
The Bernese Mountain Dog
Meet the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog! With his silky coat and big, powerful body, this breed must have looked impressive herding cattle and pulling milk carts on Swiss farms where he originated. Whether working in the field or accompanying the family on a long walk, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a hard worker who is happiest when given a job to do.
Despite their impressive size and strength, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They are intelligent dogs with a lot of brainpower to match their brawn, so a gentle touch is best when it comes to training. However, their thick double coat does require regular maintenance, so be sure to set aside time each week for brushing sessions.
The Siberian Husky
Meet the mischievous yet lovable Husky! Although they may look like wolves, these dogs were actually developed by the Asiatic Chukchi people for use as sled dogs - a role they continue to fulfill in the North to this day. Their endurance and running ability are legendary, and they require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Huskies need to be run in a secure space at least a couple of times a week, so potential owners should be prepared to provide plenty of outdoor time for their furry friends. However, once they've had their exercise, Huskies are relatively low-maintenance pets. They only need to be brushed occasionally to keep their beautiful coat looking its best.
Despite their reputation for being high-energy dogs, Huskies are also known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They form strong bonds with their owners and love to be part of the family. So, if you're looking for a furry friend that can keep up with your active lifestyle and bring lots of love and joy to your household, the Husky may be the perfect dog for you!
The Tibetan Mastiff
Meet the majestic Tibetan Mastiff! While not much is known about their origins, it's clear that this breed has been guarding the Himalayas for thousands of years. These dogs are impressively large, standing up to 26 inches tall and weighing over 100 pounds, with strength to match. But despite their imposing size, they have a serene and sweet attitude when with their family members.
It's worth noting that Tibetan Mastiffs "blow out" their coats annually in a major shedding session, which can be a bit messy. However, the rest of the year, they only need to be brushed once a week to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.
The Rough Collie
Meet the iconic Rough Collie, forever recognized and adored as the "Lassie" dog from movies and television! These dogs have long, luxuriant coats that ripple in the breeze as they run, which they love to do thanks to their great energy levels. Rough Collies need about an hour of exercise every day to keep them happy and healthy.
While their coats are certainly beautiful, you won't have to spend hours each day grooming your Rough Collie. In fact, they only need to be brushed about once a week to keep their fur looking healthy and shiny. And in return for your attention, you'll have a deeply devoted and intelligent pup that is a perfect addition to families, even those with small children.
The Akita
Meet the loyal and steadfast Akita! While they may not be big fans of other dogs, they certainly love their people. In their native Japan, Akitas are designated as a national natural monument and are revered for their representation of protection, health, and even happiness.
Akitas have a thick double coat, but they don't shed much throughout the year except for biannual "blow outs," when their fur comes out in clumps. To keep their coat healthy and free of tangles, it's recommended to brush them more frequently during these periods. Otherwise, brushing once a week is usually enough to keep them looking their best.
The Chow Chow
Meet the distinctive Chow Chow! With their squashed face, black tongue, deep-set eyes, and wrinkled body covered in an abundance of fur, they have a unique teddy bear look that sets them apart from other breeds. Chow Chows are known for being somewhat aloof and not the biggest cuddlers, but they can become more affectionate with proper socialization.
Socializing a Chow Chow well and early is critical to ensure they develop into well-adjusted and happy dogs. In addition to socialization, grooming is also important. Chow Chows have a thick coat that requires at least twice-weekly brushing to prevent matting and tangles. It's also essential to pay attention to their eyes and ears to keep them clean and healthy.
Final Thoughts
If you're a fan of fluffy, lovable dogs, there are plenty of breeds to choose from! Whether you prefer the regal elegance of a Borzoi, the playful energy of a Samoyed, or the gentle nature of a St. Bernard, there's a fluffy dog out there that's sure to steal your heart.
Of course, it's important to remember that each breed comes with its own unique needs and requirements, so be sure to do your research before bringing a new furry friend into your home. With proper care and attention, a fluffy dog can be a wonderful addition to any family, bringing lots of love, joy, and fluffy cuddles into your life.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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