12 Big Fluffy Dogs That Are Perfect for Families

Quick Take

• Despite the name, the Australian Shepherd traces its true origins back to a region most people would never guess. Discover the true origins →
• One of the fluffiest dogs on this list has a coat that's surprisingly dirt-resistant and rarely tangles, which is the opposite of what you'd expect from that much fur. See the surprising coat →
• Skipping one grooming step on a fluffy coat goes beyond causing matting. It can actually create a health hazard for your dog. Learn about mat prevention →
• One breed here was already a renowned hunter in Ireland long before the Roman Empire ever set foot on the British Isles. Explore the ancient hunter →

Big, fluffy dogs are the perfect snuggly pets! They can be high maintenance when it comes to grooming, and often high maintenance for exercise as well, but they’re completely worth it for the right family. In this article, we’ll discuss the most popular big, fluffy dog breeds. Both males and females must weigh 50 pounds or more to make our list. The dogs are ranked based on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds of 2024, the last year for which we currently have data.

1. Standard Poodle

Poodles rank at number 5 on the top breeds list of 2024, and they rarely stray from the top of the list. Originally bred for duck hunting, these intelligent, energetic, and adaptable dogs are also loving family pets who are great with children. Standard poodles measure over 15 inches tall at the shoulder, and males weigh 60 to 70 pounds. Even the females can reach up to 50 pounds.

Many owners opt to keep their poodles trimmed short, as full-coated poodles must be brushed and combed out to the skin. This is because a poodle’s curly hair can become matted at the roots and will have to be shaved off, making a shorter cut more practical. Fortunately, poodles are also a fluffy breed that sheds relatively little.

2. Australian Shepherd

Ranked number 12 on the AKC’s list, Australian shepherds are perennially popular dogs. Despite the name, their origins lie mostly outside Australia. These dogs are descended in part from Basque herding dogs that worked in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Modern Aussies were largely developed in the American West. Basque shepherds first refined their dogs in Australia before later traveling to America. Aussies are intelligent, hard-working, agile livestock herding dogs who are also good with young children. They stand up to 23 inches at the shoulder. Males weigh up to 65 pounds, while females weigh up to 55 pounds.

Aussies have a thick, waterproof, double-layer coat. Weekly brushing generally keeps their coats in shape. However, during shedding season, owners should use the undercoat rake every few days to remove dead hair, followed by the wire brush to keep their coat looking its best.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs, or Berners, rank number 19 on the list of Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024. Berners are known as gentle giants who are affectionate with their families, gentle with children, and good with other dogs. Originating in Switzerland, these working dogs drove cattle and guarded their farms from predators. This giant breed stands 23-27.5 inches tall, with males weighing 80-115 pounds and females weighing 70-95 pounds.

Their thick, relatively long, tri-colored coats are typically black, white, and rust-colored. Brush them weekly throughout the year and daily during shedding season to remove dead hair from their woolly undercoats and keep their coat healthy. A slicker brush or a metal comb will help to remove any tangles.

4. Siberian Husky

Siberian huskies rank number 26 on the AKC’s list of popular pups. The breed was developed in northeastern Asia, where they were family companions and sled dogs. As pack dogs, they love being around their family and get along well with other dogs. Males stand up to 23.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 60 pounds, while females stand 22 inches tall and weigh up to 50 pounds.

Siberian huskies have a thick double coat to keep them warm in the cold and snow. They shed their undercoat twice a year, and it should be raked out with a pin brush and metal comb. Brush them weekly to ensure their coat and skin remain healthy.

5. Collie

Collies rank 39th in popularity in the United States. They’re beautiful herding dogs who originated in the Scottish Highlands. Collies are loyal, intelligent, affectionate, wonderful with children, and easy to train. Male collies stand up to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds, while females stand up to 24 inches and weigh up to 65 pounds.

Collies have two coat varieties: the short, smooth-haired collie and the rough longhair. When most people picture a collie, they imagine the rough-haired variety. It’s important to comb rough collies down to the skin once a week to avoid matting. This can also reduce shedding, as collies are moderate shedders. The areas behind the ears and elbows need special attention to remove the loose undercoat.

6. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are another great breed for giant dog lovers! They stand 26-28 inches tall and weigh 100-150 pounds. These dogs rank 47th on the AKC’s list. Newfies were developed in Canada as shipboard working dogs. With partially webbed feet, they are excellent swimmers. These dogs have an affinity for children, they are affectionate with their family, and they get along well with other dogs.

Newfies have a heavy, mid-length coat that requires a weekly session with a slicker brush and a long-toothed comb to remove dead hair and prevent mats. Spayed and neutered Newfoundlands shed year-round and likely need to be brushed several times a week to keep their skin and coat in good condition.

7. Samoyed

The Samoyed ranks 53rd on the AKC’s list. Samoyeds were bred in Siberia, pulling heavy loads in temperatures that can reach -60°F. They are smart, social, affectionate pups that thrive on structure. Males stand up to 23.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 65 pounds. Females stand up to 21 inches tall and weigh up to 50 pounds.

Samoyeds are known for their abundant, white double coat, which has a long, harsh outer coat and a soft, dense, wooly undercoat. Samoyeds shed year-round, losing even more hair during the once or twice-yearly shedding season. Daily brushing is recommended to remove loose hairs and dirt. A slicker brush or metal comb will remove mats or tangles.

8. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees rank at number 74 in popularity. They’re also the largest dogs on this list! Pyrs stand a whopping 25-32 inches tall. Females weigh over 85 pounds, and males weigh over 100 pounds, with no upper weight limit assigned by the AKC. Great Pyrenees are truly a big fluffy dog breed! These powerful guardians were bred to keep their flocks safe from predators in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain.

Great Pyrenees have a thick, white double coat with a longer outercoat and short, soft undercoat. Despite the abundance of fur, their coats do not tangle easily and are dirt-resistant. Use a pin brush or slicker brush for a thorough brushing at least once a week to reduce any shedding.

9. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is ranked 76th on the AKC’s list. They are the tallest dogs among all AKC breeds. Males stand a minimum of 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 120 pounds. Females stand a minimum of 30 inches tall and weigh up to 100 pounds. These dogs were already long established as big game hunters in Ireland before the Roman Empire ever landed on the British Isles.

Irish wolfhounds have double coats with a rough, wiry outer coat and a softer undercoat. Although they shed throughout the year, it is not excessive, and they typically do not shed their undercoats during a once or twice yearly shedding season. Experts recommend brushing your dog once a week to remove loose hair and dirt.

10. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes look similar to Siberian Huskies, but they are larger and have fluffier tails. They rank number 79 in popularity. Malamutes are muscular, energetic working dogs that are eager to please and protective of their people. These powerful pups were originally developed as sled dogs in the Arctic. Males are around 25 inches tall and weigh around 85 pounds, while females stand 23 inches tall and weigh 75 pounds on average.

Alaskan Malamutes have thick, waterproof double coats that should be brushed daily with a pin brush and metal comb. It’s important to check carefully for mats, which can not only become painful hot spots,, but also harbor fungus. During the twice-yearly shedding season, add an undercoat rake to their daily regimen.

11. Chow Chow

Chow Chows originated in China and are believed to be among the world’s oldest breeds. Artifacts depicting these dogs date back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.). Chows rank 88th in popularity on the AKC’s list. They stand 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 45-70 pounds. Chows are loyal, affectionate with their families, and aloof with strangers.

There are both smooth and rough-coated Chows, but rough-coated are more common. Both types have dense double coats and require a thorough brushing at least twice per week. Comb through the undercoat to remove all mats. The fur around the head can become badly matted if not properly groomed. Monthly baths are recommended to keep both skin and coat in good condition.

12. Old English Sheepdog

Old English sheepdogs rank 89th in popularity. They make excellent family dogs, and are known to be kindly and patient with young children. They make good watchdogs and are happiest when they have a job to do. Old English sheepdogs were developed in the British Isles to drive cattle from farms to markets. Females stand over 21 inches, while males stand over 22 inches, and both sexes weigh between 60 and 100 pounds.

These large, fluffy dogs have long, thick double coats. They should be brushed once weekly down to the skin, and more often during shedding season to keep their coats and skin healthy. This will take some time, as owners need to cover every part of the dog’s body to prevent matting. Many owners keep their dog’s feet clipped to reduce cleanup time.