Are you as obsessed with fluffy dogs as I am? Today, I’m excited to share some of the world’s hairiest dog breeds with you.
I’ve always been drawn to dogs with lots of fur. As a kid, I would dream about owning the fluffiest dog around. My favorite at the time was the majestic Newfoundland.
There’s just something magical about a dog with a thick, luxurious coat, whether it’s the teddy bear looks of the Chow Chow or the shaggy, lovable charm of an Old English Sheepdog.
Of course, these breeds bring more to the table than their stunning appearance; they each boast a rich history and distinct personality that endears us to them.
Whether you’re considering adding a new furry member to your family or just love learning about different types of dogs, I hope you enjoy discovering these breeds as much as I enjoy talking about them.
Who knows, maybe one of these fluffy beauties will steal your heart like they have mine!
17 Of The World’s Hairiest Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
Breed Overview
- Height: 25-27 inches
- Weight: 50-70 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, fine, and silky
- Colors: Variety including black, cream, or red
- Breed Group: Sighthound
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The Afghan Hound is a breed known for its elegant appearance and flowing coat. Originally from the mountains of Afghanistan, they were bred for their speed and stamina to chase down game over rugged terrain. The Afghan’s fur, which is one of its most distinctive features, requires regular grooming to maintain its silky texture.
Personality-wise, Afghan Hounds are independent, often aloof with strangers but can form deep bonds with their family. They carry an air of dignity and can be both playful and mischievous when the mood strikes.
2. Bearded Collie
Breed Overview
- Height: 21-22 inches
- Weight: 45-55 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, shaggy, and dense
- Colors: Black, blue, brown, or fawn
- Breed Group: Herding
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The Bearded Collie, affectionately known as the “Beardie,” is a lively and charismatic breed with a robust, shaggy coat that’s emblematic of its hardworking heritage. Originally bred in Scotland to herd sheep and cattle in any weather or terrain, their long, dense fur protects them from the elements.
The Bearded Collie is known for its bouncy personality, always ready for action and play. They are friendly, sociable dogs who thrive on companionship and activity, making them excellent family pets.
Intelligent and trainable, Beardies have a joyful demeanor that, combined with their working spirit, makes them as fun to train as they are to watch in action.
3. Rough Collie
Breed Overview
- Height: 24-26 inches (males), 22-24 inches (females)
- Weight: 50-75 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, dense, and straight
- Colors: Sable and white, blue merle, or tricolor
- Breed Group: Herding
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The Rough Collie is perhaps best known for its glamorous appearance and its role as the star of classic films and television. Originating from Scotland, where they were used primarily as herding dogs.
Rough Collies are distinguished by their lush, full coats and elegant stature. Their fur is not just for show; it serves as protection against harsh climates.
Personality-wise, Rough Collies are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle disposition. They are excellent with children and make devoted family members, often displaying a protective nature. Highly trainable and eager to please, they excel in obedience and are always ready to learn new tasks.
4. Old English Sheepdog
Breed Overview
- Height: 21-22 inches
- Weight: 60-100 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, shaggy, and dense
- Colors: Typically gray and white, but may include shades of blue, grizzle, or merle
- Breed Group: Herding
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, robust breed characterized by its distinctive shaggy double coat and bear-like gait. Originally bred for driving cattle and sheep in England, they are easily recognizable by their ample fur and sometimes bobbed tail, earning them the nickname “Bobtail.”
This breed’s coat is weather-resistant, serving well in its historical roles on farms. Known for their adaptable and friendly personality, Old English Sheepdogs are affectionate family pets that bond closely with their owners.
They display a playful nature well into adulthood, combined with a protective instinct that makes them excellent watchdogs. Intelligent and social, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation, along with thorough grooming to maintain their coat.
5. Puli
Breed Overview
- Height: 16-17 inches
- Weight: 25-35 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, corded
- Colors: Black, but can also be white, gray, or fawn
- Breed Group: Herding
- Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
The Puli is a distinctive and unique breed, instantly recognizable by its long, corded coat. Originating from Hungary, Pulis were traditionally used as sheep herding dogs, with their dense, weatherproof coat protecting them from harsh conditions. This coat requires specific care to keep the cords clean and neat.
Despite their somewhat mop-like appearance, Pulis are agile and energetic, known for their quick, darting movements. They have a lively and loyal personality, often forming strong bonds with their families.
Pulis are intelligent and alert, making them excellent watchdogs. They thrive with consistent training and plenty of physical and mental challenges, embodying the quintessence of a working breed with a spirited zest for life.
6. Catalan Sheepdog
Breed Overview
- Height: 17-22 inches
- Weight: 35-40 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, slightly wavy or flat
- Colors: Black, Sable, Gray, with varying amounts of white and black
- Breed Group: Herding
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The Catalan Sheepdog, originating from the Catalonia region of Spain, is a hardworking and versatile herding breed. Known for its shaggy, slightly wavy coat, the dog is equipped to handle both the rough terrain and variable climate of its native land.
The Catalan Sheepdog has a loyal and affectionate temperament, making it a good family companion as long as it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. It is protective yet gentle, always alert and ready to defend its home or herd.
With a strong working heritage, this breed thrives on mental and physical stimulation, requiring regular exercise and engagement to maintain its well-being. Proper socialization and training from a young age are crucial to harnessing its natural herding instincts in a positive way.
7. Komondor
Breed Overview
- Height: 25-27 inches
- Weight: 80-100 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, corded
- Colors: White
- Breed Group: Working
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Komondor, often referred to as the “mop dog,” is a massive, imposing breed known for its distinctive white cords. This breed originates from Hungary, where it was primarily used to guard livestock.
The Komondor’s heavy, felt-like coat serves as armor, protecting it from attacks by predators. This unique coat requires significant maintenance to keep it clean and to prevent matting.
Komondors are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are fiercely independent and can be reserved with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Due to their strong protective instincts, early and consistent training and socialization are crucial.
The Komondor thrives in environments where it can perform a job, showing a deep commitment to guarding and family loyalty.
8. Chow Chow
Breed Overview
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 40-70 pounds
- Coat Type: Thick, dense, and rough or smooth
- Colors: Red, black, blue, cinnamon, or cream
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
The Chow Chow is a breed distinguished by its lion-like appearance and unique blue-black tongue. Originating from China, where it was used as a temple guard dog, the Chow Chow has a compact and sturdy frame covered by a dense double coat that can be either rough or smooth.
This breed’s most notable features include a ruff around the head and shoulders, giving it a mane-like appearance, and its aloof demeanor. Chow Chows are known for their independence and reserved nature, often forming a strong attachment to a single person.
While not overly energetic, they require regular exercise to maintain health and manage weight. Early socialization and firm, consistent training is important for this breed to ensure they develop well-rounded temperaments. The Chow Chow’s protective nature makes it an excellent watchdog, but it also means they need careful handling around strangers and other animals.
9. Tibetan Mastiff
Breed Overview
- Height: 24-30 inches
- Weight: 70-150 pounds
- Coat Type: Thick, heavy, and long
- Colors: Black, brown, gold, or blue-gray, often with tan markings
- Breed Group: Working
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Tibetan Mastiff is a majestic and powerful breed, known for its impressive size and protective nature. Originating from the Himalayan regions of Tibet, this breed was primarily used to guard monasteries and livestock against predators and intruders.
The Tibetan Mastiff possesses a thick, heavy coat that provides insulation against harsh climates, with a mane-like feature around the neck which enhances its imposing presence. Known for its independence and strong will, this breed can be reserved and is highly protective of its family and territory.
Due to its protective instincts, the Tibetan Mastiff requires consistent training from an early age and benefits from a patient, experienced owner. This breed thrives in a home environment with space to roam and a clear role in its pack structure.
10. Newfoundland Dog
Breed Overview
- Height: 26-28 inches (males), 24-26 inches (females)
- Weight: 130-150 pounds (males), 100-120 pounds (females)
- Coat Type: Thick, water-resistant, double coat
- Colors: Black, brown, gray, or black and white
- Breed Group: Working
- Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
The Newfoundland Dog, affectionately known as the “Newfie,” is renowned for its gentle nature and impressive strength. Originating from the Canadian province of Newfoundland, this breed was bred to help fishermen by hauling nets and performing water rescues.
The Newfie’s thick, water-resistant coat is an essential trait, allowing it to perform efficiently in cold waters. These dogs are known for their sweet temperament, patience, and devotion, often referred to as “gentle giants.”
Despite their large size, Newfoundland Dogs are remarkably gentle with children and make excellent family pets. They require regular exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity but are not overly energetic.
Their grooming needs are substantial due to their dense coat, which needs regular brushing to prevent matting and to manage shedding. Early socialization and training are recommended to manage their size and strength positively, making them well-rounded companions.
11. Briard
Breed Overview
- Height: 22-27 inches
- Weight: 50-100 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, wavy, and coarse
- Colors: Black, tawny, gray, and combinations thereof
- Breed Group: Herding
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The Briard is a robust and spirited breed, recognized for its flowing, shaggy coat and distinctive “double dewclaws” on the rear legs. Originating from France, this breed was primarily used for herding and protecting sheep.
The Briard’s long, coarse coat not only makes it stand out in looks but also provides protection against harsh weather and predators. Known for their loyalty and protective nature, Briards are excellent family pets and guardians.
They are intelligent and highly trainable but require a firm, consistent hand in training due to their strong will and independent nature.
Socialization from a young age is crucial to help them become well-adjusted adults. Briards are energetic and need ample exercise to stay healthy and happy, making them best suited for active families or those with a lot of space to explore.
Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles, ensuring their impressive appearance remains in top condition.
12. Lhasa Apso
Breed Overview
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, straight, and dense
- Colors: Various, including honey, black, white, slate, or a mix
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Lhasa Apso is a small but sturdy breed with a long, flowing coat that is characteristic of its aristocratic appearance. Originating from Tibet, where they served as sentinel dogs in monasteries and homes. Lhasa Apsos are known for their keen sense of hearing and instinctual alertness. Despite their small size, they have a bold, confident personality and are known for their loyalty to their family.
The breed’s long, dense coat provides protection from harsh climates and requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty and health. Lhasa Apsos are intelligent and can be independent, often showing a discerning nature when meeting new people.
Early and consistent training and socialization are important for this breed to manage their natural wariness towards strangers.
13. Tibetan Terrier
Breed Overview
- Height: 14-17 inches
- Weight: 18-30 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, thick, and wavy
- Colors: White, gold, tricolor, silver, gray, or black
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
The Tibetan Terrier, often affectionately called the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” is not actually a terrier but was given the name due to its size. This breed was traditionally kept by monks and used as companions and watchdogs in monasteries.
Their double coat, which is long and luxurious, serves as a protective layer against the harsh Tibetan climate. Tibetan Terriers are known for their lively and affectionate nature, forming strong, loyal bonds with their families.
They are intelligent and somewhat independent, requiring consistent training and socialization from a young age. Despite their energetic disposition, they adapt well to various living situations, making them excellent companions for both active individuals and families. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its condition.
14. Shih Tzu
Breed Overview
- Height: 9-10.5 inches
- Weight: 9-16 pounds
- Coat Type: Long, flowing, double coat
- Colors: Various, including black, white, gray, and combinations
- Breed Group: Toy
- Life Expectancy: 10-16 years
The Shih Tzu is a charming and affectionate breed, known for its beautiful, flowing coat and sweet, expressive eyes. Originating from China, where they were prized as royal pets in the Imperial Court. Shih Tzus are true companions, designed to sit on the laps of emperors and warm their owners’ hearts.
Their long, luxurious double coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition and prevent tangles. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus have a sturdy build and a vibrant, outgoing personality. They are known for being particularly affectionate with children and other animals, making them excellent family pets.
Shih Tzus are adaptable to various living situations, thriving equally in apartments and houses as long as they are close to their owners. They enjoy moderate exercise and are more than happy to play indoors or go for short walks. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are important for shaping their sometimes stubborn temperament into that of a well-mannered house pet.
15. Samoyed
Breed Overview
- Height: 19-24 inches
- Weight: 35-65 pounds
- Coat Type: Thick, double, fluffy
- Colors: White, cream, or biscuit
- Breed Group: Working
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The Samoyed is a stunning breed known for its “Sammy smile,” friendly disposition, and luxurious white coat that resembles a fluffy cloud. Originating from Siberia, where they were used by the Samoyede people to herd reindeer and pull sleds. This breed’s thick, weather-resistant coat was essential for survival in harsh Arctic conditions.
Samoyeds are incredibly sociable and friendly, often forming strong, affectionate bonds with their families. They are known for their gentle nature, making them excellent companions for children and other pets.
Despite their beauty, Samoyeds are hardworking and versatile, excelling in jobs that include herding, pulling, and agility. Their fluffy coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and manage shedding.
This breed thrives in active households where they can participate in family activities, as they have high energy levels and a need for regular physical and mental stimulation. Early training and socialization are crucial for managing their enthusiasm and ensuring they grow into well-behaved adults.
16. Yorkshire Terrier
Breed Overview
- Height: 7-8 inches
- Weight: 4-7 pounds
- Coat Type: Fine, silky, and straight
- Colors: Black and tan, black and gold
- Breed Group: Toy
- Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
The Yorkshire Terrier, often referred to simply as a “Yorkie,” is a tiny but mighty breed, renowned for its vibrant personality and beautiful, silky coat. Originating from England, where they were initially bred to catch rats in mines and clothing mills, Yorkies today are cherished as spunky and affectionate companions.
Despite their diminutive size, they possess a bold, adventurous spirit, often acting much larger than they are. Their luxurious coat is one of their most striking features, requiring regular grooming to keep it smooth and tangle-free.
Yorkies are intelligent and quick to learn, making them excellent candidates for training, though they can sometimes be stubborn. Their size makes them well-suited for apartment living, but they are equally at home in larger spaces as long as they remain close to their owners.
Early socialization is important to curb their natural wariness around strangers, ensuring they grow into well-rounded, sociable pets. They thrive on human interaction and are known to form extremely close bonds with their families.
17. Bichon Frise’
Breed Overview
- Height: 9-12 inches
- Weight: 12-18 pounds
- Coat Type: Curly, dense, and soft
- Colors: White, sometimes with shades of apricot, cream, or buff
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful and small breed, famous for its white, puffy coat and playful, affectionate nature. Originating from the Canary Islands, this breed was popular among European nobility in the Renaissance.
The Bichon Frise’s curly, plush coat is considered to be hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for families with allergies. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and maintain its fluffy appearance.
Bichons are known for their lively and sociable personality; they love being the center of attention and excel in families where they can interact frequently with their human companions.
Despite their small size, they are quite energetic and enjoy regular play sessions and walks. Early socialization and consistent training are important for Bichons, as they can be prone to barking and can develop ‘small dog syndrome’ if not properly managed.
They thrive in environments where they can be part of daily activities and are known for their ability to get along well with children and other pets.
Wrap-up
As we wrap up our journey through the world of the hairiest dog breeds, it’s clear that these fluffy companions bring more than just extra fur to our homes—they bring warmth, joy, and boundless affection.
If you’re considering bringing a fluffy breed into your home, remember to prepare for the extra grooming and care they require.
