37 Smallest Fluffy Dog Breeds (With Pictures) You’ll Love

Whoever came up with the phrase, “It’s the little things in life that bring you joy’’, was obviously cuddling up to one of these adorable small dog breeds. Plus, the ones mentioned in this list are so fluffy, you’ll be tempted to run your hands through their thick, soft coats. And honestly, what is more satisfying than that?

An overwhelming majority of fluffy dogs happen to be small, making them easy to fall in love with. Some of the most recognized smallest fluffy dog breeds include the Bichon Frise, Pomeranian, and Maltese.

So, if you are eager to get a fluffy, furry, four-legged friend of your own, take a look at these 37 small fluffy dog breeds and find out what makes them mans best friend.

37 Smallest Fluffy Dog Breeds

1. Bichon Frise

This snowy fluffy showstopper has been described by many Bichon owners as affectionate, silly, and gentle. These little dogs weigh between 10 to 20 pounds and have a soft frizzy coat with a small toy face. These dogs suffer from separation anxiety and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. The Bichon prefers to be your full-time fluffy shadow.

These small nimbus cloud dogs were initially bred to chase away vermin on ships. But, they soon caught the eyes of the public due to their aesthetic appearance and gained a lot of popularity. Their high demand made them the latest accessory and companion around Europe.

​The Bichon Frise breed is hypoallergenic despite the ability of its coat to grow down to the floor. But the teddy bear haircut that this pooch sports, frames their small faces beautifully and is the most popular haircut choice amongst Bichon Frise owners.

2. Shih Tzu

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this royal breed, the Shih Tzu was bred to be a royal palace dog in Ancient China. The Shih Tzu even makes an appearance or two in some of the tapestries of that era.

And it looks like these little charmers know the history of their bloodline because they would rather be seated on your lap than play fetch for hours outside in the heat.

But despite their classy background and their need to be pampered, the Shih Tzu is a playful and sweet little fluff ball with long hair. Their thick, long coat can be groomed in any number of ways from floor-length styles to teddy bear cuts.

Shih Tzu’s are awesome if you want to find yourself a furry best friend as they are one of the most loyal and affectionate dog breeds. However, they can be a bit possessive so early socialization is crucial.

3. The Miniature Australian Shepherd

For the fans of the wildly popular herding legend, the Australian Shepherd, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a mini version too. The Aussie Shepherd is known for its combination of intelligence, happy-go-lucky spirit, lovely personality, and also being quite the looker. Its mini-me is no different.

The miniature Australian Shepherd gets most of its fluff from the long, smooth fur and the double-layered nature of its coat. This requires a bit more effort and time to maintain but if you fancy yourself a barber or you simply don’t mind the challenge, it is definitely worth it.

4. Coton De Tulear

The Coton De Tulear breed lives up to its name. This dog looks like a ball of cotton wool thanks to its soft and fluffy coat.

Cotons are known for their sweet and calm demeanor. But this breed possesses both beauty and brains. They are quite intelligent, so training them will not be too much of a difficult task. While the breed has a cotton ball appearance, they tend to stick by your side like a ball of Velcro

5. Papillon

Weighing no more than ten pounds, the Papillon breed gets their name (which means butterfly in French) from their big, winged ears. This is complemented by their long wispy coat.

This ball of fluff is an awesome breed to consider if you want a lap dog. They thrive on human company and attention. The Papilion pups are known for being happy, alert, and friendly. And will follow their favorite human companions pretty much anywhere.

6. Biewer Terrier

This toy dog breed is actually one of the rarest dog breeds there is. With an average weight of four to eight pounds, it was developed from the Yorkshire Terrier breed with a piebald gene. This gives the Biewer Terrier their unique multi-colored aesthetic.

If you’re looking for a lively, loving, yet low-maintenance dog, the Biewer is your guy. They are fantastic companion pets for any living space. Whether you live in an apartment or a farm, they will adapt very well. The best part is, these fluffy babies don’t shed a lot and are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.

7. Cockapoo

As you may have derived from the name, the Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.

They are incredibly intelligent and sweet, making them easy to train and a ​welcome fit for any family.

The Cockapoo has the ability to bring a smile to your face no matter the occasion. You’ll find it hard not to laugh out loud at their silly behavior. However, their thick furry coat will be where the laughs may stop. Their coat isn’t difficult to maintain but it does require some daily brushing and the occasional bath.

8. Toy Poodle

Poodles come in many different sizes, including the standard, miniature, and toy sizes. However, the 5 to 10 pound Toy Poodle is the smallest (and perhaps also the cutest) of them all. These doggies are also celebrated for being the friendliest and most outgoing of the three poodle variations.

The Toy Poodle is definitely a dog breed worth considering if you want the intelligence and elegance of a poodle in a space-friendly and easy to manage size.

9. Havanese

Havanese have the biggest heart of all. Just know that falling in love with them is instant and that the feeling is mutual.

The Havanese breed is the epitome of a lapdog as they will be glued to your side and look for a warm spot to nap at any given opportunity.

​These dogs are very accommodating and are quite adaptable to your lifestyle. ​But Havanese have extreme separation anxiety and are known to bark and howl while you’re gone, which may make them difficult apartment dogs.

On the other hand, the Havanese can be overly timid. But don’t worry too much about that, some early training and socialization can help curb their anxiety.

10. Pomeranian

Don’t be fooled by this puff ball’s cuddly coat. This fluffy lightweight makes up for their small stature with their big, bold personalities. Pomeranians are known for being smart and alert, which typically makes them easy to train.

The Pomeranian’s playful demeanor will also keep you active with short daily walks. However, this breed tends to be startled by small children’s unpredictability so this type of setting isn’t a match for them. They do, however, thrive in families with older children.

11. Norwich Terrier

These doggies may be small but what they lack in size they more than make up for with their bold personalities. The Norwich Terrier is a fearless 11-pound dog that is not afraid to confront a much larger adversary.

The Norwich Terriers were bred for hunting. These small dogs were great for hunting small animals like rodents and wild rabbits. Today, they have retired from the field and live a more comfortable life as fluffy lap dogs.

12. Cairn Terrier

Weighing around 10-pounds, the Cairn Terrier continues to be a popular small dog breed in Scotland. In Scotland, this breed is used as work dogs in everything from hunting to sheep herding.

The Cairn Terrier has a thick, double coat with a shaggy outer coat. This is perfect for surviving the cold and wet climate of the Scottish highlands’ Their shaggy coats give them their unique charm and personality too.

13. Pekingese

Much like the Shih Tzu dog breed mentioned earlier in this post, the Pekingese dog also has ties to Ancient China. The Pekingese is a unique breed that is courageous and bold. These dogs don’t let their small stature hold them back from anything they want to do.

They’re dignified, independent, and a little aloof. Because of this, these dogs have gained a reputation of coming off as snobbish.

When doing any type of training with the Pekingese, whether it is potty training or commands, they are going to require a lot of patience and ​persistence. ​With that in mind, the Pekingese is not well suited for families with small children, other dogs, or first-time ​owners.

14. Maltese

The Maltese, also known as the “Ancient Dog of Malta,” weighs just under seven pounds and has a showstopping white coat when it’s kept long. Although it’s tough to distinguish between all of the small white dog breeds out there, this one counts as one of the oldest.

The Maltese dog has been considered man’s best friend for years. They’re so lovable that the ancient Greeks even built tombs in their honor. This dog breed is adaptable and also makes for pretty good watchdogs.

15. Tibetan Spaniel

Love, at first sight, is real, especially when you set your sights on a nine pound Tibetan Spaniel. How could you not fall in love with its incredibly cute and heart-melting looks? The Tibetan Spaniel has an oddly shaped dome head, large eyes, and a fluffy body that just makes you want to pick them up for a good snuggle.

The best part is that they absolutely love these kinds of interactions with their humans. The Tibetan Spaniel is more of a lover than a fighter with its super friendly and affectionate nature.

16. Lhasa Apso

Here we have another V.I.P – a very important pup with a history of blue in their veins. The Lhasa Apso was once used to guard royal palaces in Tibet, and still, carries that proud duty to this day.

This breed is a highly independent dog that takes the position of protecting very seriously. So, it’s important to note this characteristic as they can be very unkind to strangers while being fiercely loyal to their families.

​This is a strong-headed breed, and it needs consistent training from a strong leader. Because of their protective nature, they absolutely must have early socialization. Surprisingly, despite their thick, silky coat, these dogs don’t actually shed and are considered hypoallergenic.

17. Volpino Italiano

The Volpino Italiano is a spitz-type, like the American Eskimo dogs and the Japanese Spitz dogs. This fluffy dog breed weighs between 9 and 14 pounds. What sets them apart is their smaller build and the fact that they sometimes come in other coat colors including a foxy red.

And speaking of foxes, the Volpino also has a narrower facial structure that gives them more of a fox-like appearance. This breed is referred to as “the little Italian fox” dog breed because of this.

18. Chinese Crested Dog

When it comes to the Chinese Crested dog, they have such a unique and odd aesthetic that you either love them or you don’t. This hairless pooch is, at most, 14 pounds.

There are actually two types of Chinese Crested Dogs. However, the Powderpuff variety is the one we are appreciating on this list. The Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dog is both small and smooth with long fur as well as their fluffy, double-layered coats.

19. The Pumi

This is the dog you’ve never heard about but it’s high time you did. This breed is a compact, nimble-footed herder of Hungarian origin.

The Pumi breed can be easily spotted thanks to its corkscrew-curled coat, widespread perked-up ears, and distinctive whimsical expression. The breed is famed for its intelligence, agility, and boldness.

20. Japanese Chin

This toy dog, at 11 pounds, was once a very popular lap dog among East Asian and European nobility. Nowadays, they are very much indoor dogs and love nothing more than to cuddle with you at home.

The Japanese Chin breed is a bit of a rare species and is often heralded as an exotic dog breed that is ideal for dog lovers who want something unique. And what makes this dog unique? Their fluffiness of course. This dog breed only has a single coat layer and not two layers.

21. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the perfect embodiment of exactly what a companion lap dog should be. At 18 pounds, these dogs have the whole package, they are small, fluffy, and have the sweetest personalities.

This breed, by far, has one of the most outstanding coats. Their fur is long and smooth and feels amazing to touch. You just have to make sure you brush it about three to four times a week to minimize shedding and matting.

22. Yorkshire Terrier

​Yorkies are the star of their own show, and they know it. They are sassy yet goofy and if any opportunity arises to show that side of their personality, they sure will take it. However, ​they can be ​finicky with who is allowed around their owners and can be unkind to strangers, even children.

​While the Yorkshire Terrier can at times, certainly be a handful, they have no shortage of love for their owners. Just be aware that sometimes jealousy can get their fluffy coat into a knot.

23. Affenpinscher

If evolution never happened then why does the Affenpinscher have so many human-like mannerisms? This curious fluffy breed is highly amusing and will have you holding your sides from making you laugh so much. There’s never a dull moment with the Affenpinscher breed, and they make very affectionate seven pound companions.

24. Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier is a bit larger than some of the other breeds highlighted on this list, weighing in from 18 to 30 pounds. But the Tibetan is every bit adorable with its fluffy coat. It is also another example of just how awesome the shaggy coat aesthetic can be with their long, wavy coats.

This dog breed has held a very special place in their native home being regarded as “the holy dogs of Tibet”. With their intelligence, affectionate personalities, and versatility, the Tibetan Terrier will have a special place in your heart too.

25. West Highland Terrier

The West Highland Terrier is also known as the Westie. This little fellow is one of the most popular small terriers. This breed of dog is known to be charming, alert, and active. Though they may be small, they’re also surprisingly tough. But be careful because they’re likely to chase after anything.

26.Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Most of the fluffiness on this super cute Scottish breed is concentrated at the top of the dog’s head in what is known as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier’s top knot. This 18-pound fluffy friend has a thick, wavy coat.

Another standout feature that sets these doggies apart is their sausage dog build. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier has a long torso and disproportionately short legs. But when you’re curled up next to them for cuddles, you won’t even notice.

27. Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz dog is basically a little cloud with four legs and a face. They are extremely fluffy which is largely due to the way their long fur stands against the skin.

Unfortunately, this 11 pound beauty comes at a cost for Japanese Spitz owners.

This is because this is one of the highest maintenance dog breeds in terms of grooming. They need very regular brushing to get rid of loose fur while also detangling knots.

28. The Sheltie

The name Sheltie is short for Shetland Shepherd. This Scottish 11 to 24 pound breed was kept for several purposes. One of which (you might’ve guessed from the name) was to guide and guard sheep.

They are also known for their long, wispy coats which give them a very unique, fluffy aesthetic. Their coat is especially thick around the neck and the sides of the face.

Shelties are also quite intelligent and are ranked the 6th most intelligent dog breed.

29. The Little Lion Dog

Not to be confused with the Shih Tzu, with a similar nickname, the term Little Lion Dog is used to refer to the Löwchen dog breed. This nine pound pup is one of the rarest breeds in the world with less than 100 registered yearly. This is quite unfortunate considering just how great these doggies are and what they have to offer.

The Löwchens are little bundles of love and joy. And despite the ferocious kings of the jungle they are named after, this breed of dog is a whole lot sweeter.

30. American Eskimo Dog

At first glance, it is very difficult to tell the American Eskimo Dog apart from similar Spitz-type dogs like the Japanese Spitz mentioned earlier. Both of these small fluffy dogs have spitz facial features and fluffy, white coats.

However, the American Eskimo dog breed has numerous subtle differences with the most important being that the American Eskimo dog is a little larger weighing 15 to 40 pounds.

However, In terms of personality and fluffy appeal, these doggies are often intelligent, obedient, loyal, and make great cuddle partners. They get along very well with children and are fantastic family pets.

31. Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonko doesn’t only have a tongue twister name but is the distant Russian cousin of the equally fluffy Bichon Frise. Bolonkas are a breed of curiosity and are intelligent lap dogs that are very popular in Russia.

32. Bolognese

The Bolognese is one of the smallest dogs not only on our list but in the world in general. They also make for the perfect pets for apartment settings as they are very comfortable indoors.

These tiny fluffy dogs have unique coats. Despite being thick and fluffy, it is surprisingly light and easy to run your fingers through. It is also less prone to shedding and matting which makes this dog very low maintenance.

33. Brussels Griffon

A member of the toy group, the Brussels Griffon breed is an alert, curious, and loyal companion with a distinctive mustache. Originally bred to hunt and kill rats, this former Belgian street dog is a peculiar and unusual dog breed. But their charm and looks will have you head over heels.

34. Alaskan Klee Kai

If you love huskies but don’t quite have the space for a medium-sized dog – you’ll be excited to hear that the Alaskan Klee Kai is awaiting your love.

The Alaskan Klee Kai dog looks just like a husky, but will only weigh up to 15 pounds. Although the Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized companion dog that is alert, energetic, and curious, this breed can be reserved with unfamiliar people and situations.

35. Schipperke

The loyal and intelligent Schipperke originated in Belgium. The Schipperke is a small version of a black Belgian sheepdog known as the Leauvenaar. Nothing will get by this lively and alert watchdog. These fluffy small dogs are not at all mean but can be mischievous. They like children but don’t particularly like rough handling.

The Schipperke breed usually comes in the color black and has a soft, shiny coat that could shine in the dark. The Schipperke dog breed is often referred to as a little black devil. It’s a small, fluffy, prick-eared dog with a fox-like face and a wholesome big smile.

36. Silky Terrier

Not to be confused with Yorkies, this breed was developed in Australia. The ancestral types and breeds of the Silky were from Great Britain. The Silky Terriers companions are a bit larger and perhaps more joyful. They’re especially well-suited for city-living due to their small stature and friendliness toward people.

These little fluffy dogs are keen and energetic, so it’s best to keep them occupied. The breed must also be bathed and brushed on a regular basis. Their silky floor-length, tan coat requires additional maintenance to avoid knotting and matting.

37. Yorkipoo

Few small hybrid dogs compare to the spirited and affectionate Yorkiepoo. This breed is a little firecracker of fun with devoted companionship every member of the family can enjoy.

When it comes to its adorability, it’s off the scale. Because the Yorkiepoo is a wonderful mix of Yorkie and Poodle, this breed has a great coat of fur.

The coat texture might vary. Often the Yorkiepoo will have a sleek and fluffy coat but occasionally might sport a coat that is a tad coarse and scruffy or glossy and smooth. Whichever way you get your Yorkiepoo, it’s never a bad hair day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Fluffy Dogs

Final Thoughts on Small Fluffy Dog Breeds

You have to admit, these small, fluffy dog breeds will melt your heart. There are a wide variety of breeds that will bowl you over with their sweet faces and their gorgeous, thick coats. From lap dogs to active little friends, there’s a small ball of fluffy goodness for everyone to snuggle up to.