25 Hairiest Dog Breeds (With Pictures) You’ll Want to Snuggle With

Is there anything more adorable than a cuddly, four-legged furball? Whether big or small, you can’t deny that there’s something special and appealing about hairy dog breeds.

With their fluffy manes, poofy tails, and lush coats, some big fluffy dog breeds might require a bit of extra effort to keep them in tip-top shape. These hairy pooches will keep your vacuum cleaner working overtime, but hey, that’s a small price to pay for all the cuddles and love they have to give.

If you’re looking for a new best friend to snuggle with that resembles a teddy bear, you’ve come to the right place. This list of the hairiest dog breeds might just help you find the perfect huggable companion.

25 Hairiest Dog Breeds

So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the world of dog breeds with the fluffiest, silkiest, and shaggiest coats that will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.

1. Afghan Hounds

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With their slender bodies and flowing locks, Afghan hounds are definitely the supermodels of the dog world. They are more than just a pretty face, though – they’re also one of the fastest dog breeds out there. On average, they can clock up to 40 miles per hour, roughly the same speed as racehorses.

Surprisingly, these glamorous dogs were initially bred for hunting in Afghanistan. Their long, silky coat protects them from the country’s harsh elements, so not only is their fur gorgeous, but also practical. Maintaining their good looks takes some work, as their fluffy coat needs lots of grooming and TLC.

2. Tibetan Mastiffs

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Out of all the dog breeds that look like bears, the Tibetan Mastiff is the largest, hairiest, and most powerful. This ancient dog breed hails from the Himalayan mountains and has a thick double coat to protect it from the elements. 

You’ll be happy to hear that they don’t shed too much, but they do need regular grooming to keep their majestic manes under control.

Size-wise, Tibetan Mastiffs make all other dogs seem tiny in comparison. They stand up to 35 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 70 and 150 pounds. Don’t let their intimidating looks fool you, though – these massive dogs are gentle giants at heart.s

3. Komondors

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No one will blame you if you thought this quirky pup was a mop at first glance – the Komondor is a weird dog breed with their thick, white coat and corded locks. They don’t shed, but their unique tresses require special care to keep them clean and parasite-free.

Hailing from Hungary, they were initially bred to watch over sheep and other livestock. Their strange coat not only guards them from the weather but also gives them an upper hand against predators like wolves, acting as a protective layer.

4. Samoyeds

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Samoyeds are hard-working sled dogs that are also gentle and easy-going companions if you stay in a cold climate. This gorgeous wolf dog breed from Siberia is covered in dense, snow-white fur that can withstand temperatures as icy as -60℉.

As you can imagine, these fluffy dogs shed a lot all year round. You’ll have to brush their coats daily for at least 15 minutes to keep them under control. Luckily, their fur is water and dirt-resistant, and they are good at self-grooming, so it won’t be a massive undertaking.

5. Shih Tzus

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With a name that roughly translates to “little lion,” it’s easy to understand why the adorable Shih Tzu and its glorious mane earn a spot on this list. Their coats grow rapidly and need constant grooming to keep them soft and silky.

These cuties were originally bred as companions for Chinese emperors, and their royal roots can still be seen in their elegant manner. They also like to be treated like royalty, so don’t be surprised if your little prince or princess is a bit demanding and high-maintenance at times.

6. Shetland Sheepdogs

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The Shetland Sheepdog is a gorgeous fluffball that’s also one of the smartest small dog breeds. Their heritage traces back to Scotland, where they were bred for sheep and cattle-herding. Lovingly referred to as “Shelties,” these intelligent, energetic, and curious canines excel at dog sports and agility competitions.

A Sheltie’s long, thick coat is water, dirt, and weatherproof and doesn’t tangle easily. They do shed excessively throughout the year, though. You’ll need regular grooming and brushing routines to keep this pretty pup looking silky and your house hair-free.

7. Newfoundlands

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When it comes to working dogs, few are as massive, tough, and powerful as the Newfoundland. “Newfies,” as they are affectionately called, are often used as water rescue dogs or as companions for fishermen. 

They are skilled swimmers, and their coats are thick and water-resistant, so they don’t mind a dip in icy waters – if that’s something you might be into.

Although their size may intimidate you at first, Newfies are gentle and make great family dogs. Be warned, though – they drool and shed a great deal. These lovable giants are a high-shedding breed that needs weekly brushing.

8. Pekingese

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The saying “dynamite comes in small packages” perfectly describes the sassy Pekingese breed. These tiny pups have a brave and bold attitude twice their size. They’re known for their independent, courageous, and often aloof nature, and their silly antics are sure to put a smile on your face.

With their fluffy manes and puffy tails, you can imagine that their hairdos require some effort to keep them looking soft and silky. Your Pekingese needs a proper brush every couple of days, and you might also have to trim the fur above their eyes to help your companion see clearly.

9. Old English Sheepdogs

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With their iconic shaggy coats, the Old English Sheepdog is one of the most recognizable and beloved fluffy big dog breeds. They are intelligent, self-reliant working dogs that are happiest when given a task such as sheep herding.

It probably won’t surprise you that their thick coats shed heavily throughout the year and require a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to brush them regularly, but having one of these charming, gentle companions in your life is worth the effort.

10. Pomeranians

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Smart, alert, lovable, and irresistibly fluffy, the Pomeranian is an absolute favorite among dog lovers. These cuties are descendants of Iceland’s sled dogs, giving them a thick, cuddly coat that’s perfect for warming your lap.

As you might expect, their luxurious manes shed quite a bit. In spite of this, they are relatively easy when it comes to grooming – a regular brushing and occasional bath will keep your little Pom looking silky and elegant.

11. Bergamasco Shepherds

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The Bergamasco Sheepdog is a weirdly unique breed with a wacky hairdo that certainly deserves a spot on this list of hairy dogs. Originating from the Italian Alps, these quirky dogs have strong guarding and herding abilities that make for a serious work ethic.

Their signature shaggy coat is made up of long, coarse outer hair, a cozy undercoat, and wooly strands in the middle. Luckily, their scruffy, hypoallergenic dreadlocks are extremely low maintenance. Bergamascos don’t need to be brushed, they don’t shed, and you won’t have to bathe them more than three times a year.

12. Bearded Collies

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The shaggy Bearded Collie comes from the rugged terrain of Scotland, where they were bred as sheepherders. They are athletic, full of energy, and make great companions. What makes them even more appealing is that they are one of the breeds of big dogs that don’t shed.

Bearded Collies have a distinctive and charming appearance with their wiry and unkempt locks. Their coats have two layers – a straight, coarse outer coat and a soft, fluffy undercoat. Although they are low-shedding dogs, they still require regular grooming to keep their fur from matting.

13. Great Pyrenees

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The Great Pyrenees is a massive and powerful working dog with an abundance of snow-white fur. These gentle giants were bred to keep watch over sheep in Europe’s mountain valleys by themselves, so they are naturally independent, calm, and generally well-behaved.

If you prefer your clothes and furniture hairless, the Great Pyrenees is definitely not the breed for you. These gentle giants are one of the highest-shedding dog breeds in the world. Their dense double-coat sheds all year long, hence why they need weekly brushing to keep it smooth and under control.

14. Lhasa Apsos

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If a small fluffy dog breed is more your style than a massive working dog, the adorable Lhasa Apso will undoubtedly steal your heart. These pups are incredibly hairy, but luckily, they’re also low-shedding, making them ideal for city or apartment living.

Lhasa Apsos emerged from Tibet, where they were used as companions and guard dogs at remote Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. To keep their fur looking its best and prevent tangles, you’ll need to give their coats some extra care. With regular brushing and monthly baths, you’ll keep them irresistibly fluffy.

15. Chow Chows

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With a luxurious coat that resembles a lion’s mane, the Chow Chow has a regal appearance fitting its heritage. This ancient dog breed originated in China during the Han Dynasty as royal companions and guardians.

Chow Chows shed moderately throughout the year, but they become heavy shedders during seasonal transitions. You’ll have to brush your furry friend daily to help loosen and remove excess fur. To do this effortlessly, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality, large slicker brush.

16. Barbets

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You may mistake a Barbet for a permed wig at first glance, but this whimsical dog is much more than just a ball of fur. With their adorable locks, fluffy mustaches, and bushy beards, it might be surprising to know that these dogs are actually a tough, hardworking water breed.

The Barbet’s coat is dense and water-resistant, and they were initially used for hunting birds and waterfowl in France. These cuties don’t shed much and also don’t have too many grooming needs despite their lush bundles of curls.

17. German Spitzs

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If you thought this gorgeous puffball was a Pomeranian, you’re not too far off. The German Spitz shares ancestors with the beloved Pom, but they’re a rarer breed from the colder regions of Germany. These little firecrackers are feisty, fluffy, and undeniably adorable.

This breed has a lush double coat and will inevitably shed all over your furniture, clothes, and floors. This will luckily only happen twice a year, as they are seasonal shedders. During these periods, you can speed up the process with daily brushing. A quality undercoat rake will help you get the job done quickly and easily.

18. Bichon Frises

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The beloved Bichon Frise and its cloud-like coat need no introduction. These soft and lush little teddy bears are perfect for cuddling, so it’s no surprise that they are one of the most popular emotional support dog breeds.

What makes these darling pups even more appealing is that they’re a breeze to take care of. While their curly coat needs a bit of extra TLC and regular brushing, these cuties are hypoallergenic and won’t leave a trail of fur on your furniture.

19. Briards

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With a mane that looks like it belongs in a shampoo commercial, the Briard earns a spot on this list with its long, flowing locks. This rare French dog is covered in hair from snout to tail, giving them a naturally middle-parted hairstyle.

The Briard’s luscious locks are low-shedding, but they do need daily brushing and proper grooming every four to six weeks. To keep that fabulous fur looking its best, groomers recommend that you use a pin brush to maintain its majestic appearance.

20. Alaskan Malamutes

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The majestic Alaskan Malamute is arguably one of the most beautiful dog breeds in the world. These hard-working dogs are powerful and have endless stamina. They’re often used for sledding, tracking, and hunting bears in snowy Alaska.

Their thick double-coat sheds seasonally, meaning your home will be covered in fur from top to bottom only twice a year. Brushing your Malamute at least twice a week will keep their luxurious coats free from loose hair in the time between these two major sheds.

21. Havanese

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Havanese dogs are tiny cuties from Cuba that steal hearts wherever they go. These sweet, extroverted pups have a calm disposition and get along swimmingly with kids and other pets. They are great for apartment living and will happily go to dog-friendly public places with you.

Grooming-wise, Havanese are relatively low-maintenance. Their coats come in various colors and are closer to silky hair than coarse fur, and they don’t shed too much with regular grooming. Brushing them is an easy task as they’ll likely enjoy the attention and rubs.

22. Keeshond

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The charming Keeshond originated in Holland and thrives in colder climates. Because they tend to curl their lips and show off their teeth in a silly grimace, this cuddly canine is affectionately nicknamed the “Smiling Dutchman.” This long-haired dog is caring, playful, and mischievous and will happily make friends with other animals in multi-pet households.

The Keeshond’s fluffy, cloud-like mane is double-coated, consisting of a wooly undercoat and a longer, silkier guard coat. Although they only shed excessively seasonally, you’ll need to brush your furry friend regularly to prevent mats, tangles, and hair everywhere.

23. Puli

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The eccentric Puli definitely turns heads wherever they go with their unique hairdos. Hailing from Hungary, this dreadlocked dog was bred to guard herds of cattle. Besides herding, these shaggy sweethearts are also quite skilled at obedience training and agility courses.

Each Puli’s dreadlocks are one-of-a-kind, with cords ranging from slim and flat to plump and round. Their unusual coats rarely shed, so they’re low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. However, you’ll have to separate and wipe down the locks of this low-shedding dog occasionally to keep them clean and debris-free.

24. Poodle

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Poodles come in all different shades and sizes (standard, miniature, toy), and it’s easy to see why they are one of the most popular companion dog breeds. These little darlings are not only adorable but also intelligent, lovable, affectionate, and sociable.

One of the many interesting facts about poodles is that their fur is similar to human hair. It never stops growing and can start thinning as they get older due to hormonal changes. Their hypoallergenic, puffy coats need regular grooming and brushing. But this bit of extra effort it’s completely worth it as they won’t make you sneeze or shed all over the place.

25. Coton de Tulear

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With their downy, fluffy manes, these pups live up to their name: “Coton” is French for cotton, accurately describing this toy dog’s soft coat. These adorable fluff balls come from Madagascar and are quite a rare breed.

Like the Poodle, their fur is similar to human hair, which gives them the benefits of being hypoallergenic and low-shedding. Their long coat needs to be brushed often, though, and never with a dry coat. You’ll need to gently mist their fluffy white coat until their hair is moist to make sure that the brushing is comfortable for them and doesn’t hurt their delicate skin.

The World’s Hairiest Dog Breeds

So, there you have it – the world’s hairiest pups that will leave fluff all over your home, clothes, and heart. If this list made you consider getting a dog or adding one of these adorable puffballs to your household, just make sure your vacuum cleaner is in good condition and that no one in your home is subject to allergic reactions. It is hard for any dog lover to resist the most popular hairy dog breeds.