Looking for an adorable pooch that can serve both as a companion and a decor for your living room? We have the best options for you!
These small fluffy dog breeds are some of the cutest around, and they are easy to cuddle, much like teddy bears. All thanks to their fluffy coat.
Not everyone wants a trophy dog who would do nothing more than look classy and shadow you all day.
But if that’s your definition of pet parenting, then you’ve come to the right place.
These dogs that are small and fluffy have similar coats and share some traits in common, but they are distinct breeds with their quirks.
At the end of the read, you should be able to locate one that ‘clicks’ with you. Don’t worry about how it would happen.
If there’s one thing about choosing a pet, we sometimes end up just knowing which breed would be the pet of our dreams.
The Small Fluffy Dog Breeds
01. Bichon Frise
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Coat Type: Double, coarse, dense
Coat Colors: White
Temperament: Cheerful, playful, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Spain, Belgium, France
The Bichon Frise comes as the first small fluffy dog breed on our list, and once you get a glimpse of it, you’d agree that we made a good decision putting it first.
The Bichon Frise has a double coat. The outer is coarse while the inner coat is dense and soft.
This breed has a high grooming need, so be prepared to hire a professional groomer.
It is a good apartment dog with a lovely personality.
02. Papillon
AKC Group: Toy group
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
Coat Type: Single, long, straight, fine
Coat Colors: White, sable, white, and chocolate
Temperament: Friendly, alert, happy
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Origin: France
The Papillon got its name because of its unique ears that look like a butterfly’s wings.
It is also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, but we know which name fits its adorable looks better.
Grooming this breed is not as difficult as the Bichon Frise, but it requires effort.
Dog owners of this breed should be careful not to spoil it as it is easy to get carried away by the Papillon’s fanciful looks.
It loves playing around and isn’t the best choice for a lap dog, but it shouldn’t be left alone for long.
03. Havanese
AKC Group: Non-Sporting group
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Coat Type: Long, straight, curly
Coat Colors: White, black, black and tan, gray, sable
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, playful
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Cuba
A very affectionate dog, the Havanese is a companion in and out.
Its fluffy coat will sure make you want to run your hands through it, and it enjoys being a lapdog. Expect a lot of cuddles with this dog.
Grooming takes a lot of effort, but the result is always a reward. Just like the Papillon and all other dogs on this list, the Havanese should not be spoilt.
This breed doesn’t appreciate being left alone too.
04. Lhasa Apso
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 12 to 15 pounds
Coat Type: Long, dense, straight
Coat Colors: Honey, black, white,
Temperament: Playful, devoted, friendly
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Origin: Tibet
The Lhasa Apso looks like your typical companion, but don’t expect to fit this ex-royal watchdog in one box.
Though small in size, it approaches the world as a big dog and can be protective.
Owners of this breed must take this into account and protect their pooches from injuring themselves.
Its fluffy coat is gorgeous, befitting royalty. Grooming it, however, is anything but royal.
Some pet parents would prefer handing the grooming task over to a professional groomer.
05. Pomeranian
AKC Group: Toy group
Height: 7 to 12 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Coat Type: Double, soft, thick
Coat Colors: Black, black and tan, chocolate, blue, chocolate, and tan, blue and tan
Temperament: Playful, friendly, sociable
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Origin: Pomerania
Pomeranian dogs put a capital F in fluffy!
A breed as sweet as its name, the Pomeranian (or Pom, for short) is a good candidate for this list of fluffy small dog breeds.
It is one of the popular fluffy breeds out there. As you might have probably guessed, grooming the coat is tasking.
The Pomeranian is a small dog that doesn’t know it is small, much like the Lhasa Apso.
It has been known to challenge bigger dogs, so be watchful of it at a dog park. That said, this breed is an extrovert with friendly vibes.
06. Pekingese
AKC Group: Toy dog
Height: 6 to 9 inches
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
Coat Type: Long, straight, coarse
Coat Colors: Fawn, red brindle, black and tan
Temperament: Affectionate, wary, sensitive
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: China
An ancient dog breed from China, the Pekingese acted as a watchdog and retains the instincts that have since helped it to play that role.
It is also a sweet lapdog that wants nothing more than to be with its owner. The Pekingese sometimes show signs of stubbornness, but it can be a good first-time dog.
The high-maintenance Pekingese needs a lot of effort to groom its long coat. It should also be taught not to be noisy as it tends to be a barker.
07. Coton de Tulear
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 8 to 12 inches
Weight: 8 to 13 pounds
Coat Type: Cottony, long
Coat Colors: White
Temperament: Happy, smart, playful
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Origin: Madagascar
The Coton de Tulear is the canine version of cotton candy and was fully recognized by the American Kennel Club as early as 2014.
It is the ultimate companion, ever eager to please, and bonds strongly with its family members. This breed is a poor choice for busy owners.
The Coton de Tulear is one of the best small hypoallergenic dog breeds, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Though it looks otherwise, the coat doesn’t shed. This small fluffy dog doesn’t drool and hardly produces any dander too.
08. Toy Poodle
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: not more than 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Coat Type: Dense, curly, wiry
Coat Colors: Black, blue, white, gray
Temperament: Loving, loyal, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: France, Germany
The Poodle is considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds in our modern days, and it is friendlier than its snobbish looks imply.
The breed comes in three recognized sizes: The Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
While all size-types have fluffy coats, the Toy Poodle is the smallest and qualifies for this list.
Besides its high intelligence, another cool trait of the Poodle is its hypoallergenic coat.
The Toy Poodle was developed solely to be a companion, and it does that well.
09. Yorkshire Terrier
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Coat Type: Long, straight, silky
Coat Colors: Blue and tan, black and tan, black and gold, blue and gold
Temperament: Intelligent, confident, bold
Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
Origin: England
Fondly called Yorkie, the Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog with terrier blood. This gives it a spunky attitude not always seen in toy dogs.
The Yorkies have a personality larger than its size and would act like it owns the place.
That said, it is a loving companion (but suspicious of strangers). Give it good training and groom regularly.
10. Tibetan Spaniel
AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 9 to 15 pounds
Coat Type: Double, silky
Coat Colors: Black, white, black and tan, sable, gold
Temperament: Wilful, happy, playful
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Tibet
The Tibetan Spaniel differs from other spaniels in that it was developed to be a companion.
It is good for every pet parent, including new ones, but this breed displays some occasional stubbornness.
Compared to the Bichon Frise, the Tibetan Spaniel has a lower grooming need. However, it still needs more effort than short-coated dogs. It sheds minimally.
11. Shih Tzu
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 9 to 10 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Coat Type: Long, silky
Coat Colors: Black, black and white, gray and white, red and white
Temperament: Affectionate, happy, outgoing
Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
Origin: China
As a companion, the Shih Tzu has been well sought after. Not only is it hypoallergenic, but it is also a lover of people.
Doesn’t matter if you think dogs should be kicked off the planet, the Shih Tzu will not let you ignore it.
What might perhaps discourage some pet parents is the high grooming need of the Shih Tzu.
However, if you’ve read this far, you should know it is common amongst fluffy dogs.
12. Maltese
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Coat Type: Silky, straight
Coat Colors: White
Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Malta
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy dog breeds, going as far back as Aristotle.
However, this breed is not outdated. A popular breed, the Maltese charms people with its playful nature.
If you let it have its way, it would want to be friends with everyone.
The Maltese need regular grooming and the occasional bath because it gets dirty easily.
While brushing, remove mats and tangles, except you want your Maltese to join the ranks of dogs with dreadlocks.
13. Affenpinscher
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 7 to 9 pounds
Coat Type: Wiry
Coat Colors: Black, grey, tan, silver, beige, red
Temperament: Playful, stubborn, adventurous
Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
Origin: Germany
Often called “Monkey dog” because of its looks, the Affenpinscher is a small, energetic, and unique-looking dog.
You’re sure to have passers-by glance at your Affenpinscher while outdoors. Its spunky attitude and loyalty add to the overall appeal.
This breed has a shaggy look that can be maintained through deliberate brushing, which should be done weekly.
14. Shetland Sheepdog
AKC Group: Herding Group
Height: 12 to 15 inches
Weight: 14 to 20 pounds
Coat Type: double, dense, harsh
Coat Colors: Sable, black, blue merle
Temperament: Gentle, loyal, sensitive
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Scotland
The Shetland Sheepdog differs from other breeds we’ve seen so far in that it wasn’t bred solely for companionship.
The Shetland sheepdog was a herder that protected sheep and worked on farms. Its first name was Toonie, which meant farm.
This doesn’t make the Shetland Sheepdog any less of a companion, though.
It loves being around its family and may sometimes be wary of strangers. It is also sensitive, so you need to avoid yelling at it.
15. Bolognese Dog
AKC Group: Foundation Stock Service
Height: 9 to 12 inches
Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
Coat Type: Flocked
Coat Colors: White
Temperament: Loyal, serious, reserved
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Origin: Italy
The Bolognese Dog is registered under the AKC Foundation Stock Service, which means it hasn’t been fully recognized by the Kennel Club.
It is less popular than many other breeds on this small and fluffy dog breeds list, and if you prefer breeds that are not easily recognizable, the Bolognese is your option.
This breed loves staying around its family, but don’t think it is a completely innocent dog. It can sometimes be mischievous and even manipulative, so be careful.
16. Chinese Crested
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
Coat Type: Hairless, Powderpuff
Coat Colors: Blue, lavender, mahogany, copper
Temperament: Alert, happy, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Origin: Africa, Mexico, China
Anyone who has met a Hairless Chinese Crested would wonder why we added it to a list of fluffy dog breeds.
If that’s you, remember that the Chinese Crested has two coat types: the hairless and the fully coated, also known as the Powderpuff. The latter is fluffy.
This breed is perfect for those who don’t want a highly energetic pooch.
It is content to lie around with you while you read a book or watch a movie.
17. Cairn Terrier
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Height: 9 to 10 inches
Weight: 13 to 14 pounds
Coat Type: Double, wiry, soft
Coat Colors: Red, brindle, black, sand, gray
Temperament: Cheerful, happy, friendly
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Scotland
Remember Toto in The Wizard of Oz? That’s a perfect example of a Cairn Terrier.
Highly confident, curious, and intelligent, the Cairn Terrier is a lover of people—except witches in pointed hearts.
This breed can be a first-time dog, but like all Terriers, you’d have to deal with some stubbornness and independence.
If as a new pet parent you don’t know how to be in charge of a dog, the Cairn Terrier might frustrate you. That said, it is sensitive and can get easily hurt.
18. Brussel Griffon
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Coat Type: Rough, smooth
Coat Colors: Red, black and tan, Belge, black
Temperament: Sensitive, inquisitive, alert
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Belgium
The Brussel Griffon is among the dogs that look like pugs and is sometimes given the nickname ‘Monkey face’ because of its monkey-like expression.
It is a good companion that adapts to different surroundings, from an apartment to a home with a yard.
It loves every family member, but would often attach itself to one.
This breed may not be the best option for a new pet parent, though. Its bossiness and sensitivity require an experience that the novice doesn’t have.
19. Japanese Chin
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
Coat Type: Long, silky
Coat Colors: Black and white, red and white, black and white with tan
Temperament: Affectionate, happy, charming
Life Expectancy: 8 to 11 years
Origin: China
The Japanese Chin originated from Japan, right? Well…, not really. This breed is a native of China where it served in the imperial court.
Theories have it that the Japanese Chin came into Japan as a gift, and that’s where it got its name
The unique trait of the Japanese Chin isn’t its fluffiness, but its catlike nature. Don’t be surprised to walk in and find your pooch perched up high.
20. Cockapoo
AKC Group: Not recognized
Height: 10 to 15 inches
Weight: 6 to 19 pounds
Coat Type: Tight curly, loose wavy, straight
Coat Colors: Black, white, red
Temperament: Intelligent, active, loving
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: United States
The Cockapoo is the first designer breed on our list, and one of the oldest there is.
It is also fast rising in popularity, to the extent that many are pushing for it to be recognized as a pure breed.
While that hasn’t happened yet, the Cockapoo already has clubs formed after its name.
It is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, both of which contributed to its fluffy looks and the Cockapoo sizes (standard, mini, toy, and teacup).
This breed is friendly, sweet, and eager to please.
21. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
AKC Group: Toy Group
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Coat Type: Medium, silky, slightly wavy
Coat Colors: Blenheim, tricolor, black and tan, ruby
Temperament: Playful, affectionate, fearless
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
Origin: United Kingdom
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a companion at heart, but that doesn’t stop it from displaying some characteristics of the Spaniels.
Your King Charles Spaniel could be relaxing on your laps this minute and trying to catch a bird the next moment. These dogs could either be quiet or outgoing.
Whatever spectrum they fall in, they generally love humans and are not known to be aloof towards anyone, including strangers.
22. West Highland White Terrier
AKC Group: Terrier Group
Height: 10 to 11 inches
Weight: 13 to 22 pounds
Coat Type: Double
Coat Colors: White
Temperament: Bold, confident, fun
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Origin: Scotland
The West Highland White Terrier knows it is a good-looking breed and walks with that assurance.
With its white fluffy coat, who can blame it?
Westie also loves fun and would give you a good time while being entertained.
The advantage this breed has over other small fluffy dogs is that it is easy to groom.
It is also easy to train, but don’t expect it to be docile. It is a terrier breed, after all.
23. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
AKC Group: Terrier
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 18 to 24 pounds
Coat Type: Rough
Coat Colors: Mustard, pepper
Temperament: Affectionate, lively, determined
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Scotland
Named after a fictional character, Dandie was developed to be a hunter. It was bred to hunt otters and badgers before it became a family dog.
Now, it is a calm and reserved companion, traits that earned it the title “gentleman of the terrier family”.
Unfortunately, according to The Kennel Club in England, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of the most endangered and rarest purebred dogs.
Unlike its counterpart the West Highland White Terrier, Dandie is a high maintenance breed.
It needs brushing twice or thrice each week to remove dead hair.
24. Japanese Spitz
AKC Group: Foundation Stock Service
Height: 10 to 16 inches
Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
Coat Type: Thick, double
Coat Colors: White
Temperament: Friendly, loyal, smart
Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
Origin: Japan
The Japanese Spitz is relatively new when compared to other dogs that are small and fluffy on this list, having appeared in 1921 at a dog show in Tokyo.
It is often confused with the Pomeranian, the American Eskimo Dog, or the Samoyed because of the close resemblance.
However, it is a breed of its own.
Though it looks otherwise, the Japanese Spitz has a low grooming need. Brush it twice a week to avoid matting and it would be okay.
Recommended:
25 White Fluffy Dog Breeds You’ll Love (Big & Small)
25. Löwchen
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 9 to 18 pounds
Coat Type: Long, dense
Coat Colors: Black, chocolate, black and silver, black and tan
Temperament: Playful, happy, friendly
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Origin: Northern Europe
The Löwchen, or Little Lion, is a rare small breed with a blurry origin. It was bred to be a companion, though, and has played that role for long.
The Löwchen is a calm, gentle and affectionate breed that’s nonetheless active and needs exercise.
While the breed has a high grooming need, you can reduce the work needed by trimming its hairs. Fortunately, the Löwchen is a low shedder.
26. American Eskimo Dog
AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group
Height: 9 to 19 inches
Weight: 10 to 30 pounds
Coat Type: Double, dense, straight
Coat Colors: White, cream
Temperament: Friendly, reserved, protective
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: Germany
The American Eskimo Dog is fondly called “the dog beautiful”, and there’s no lie in that statement.
An eye-catcher with an attractive coat, the American Eskimo Dog is appealing in many ways.
Its personality adds more spice to the treat that this breed is.
That said, it needs a lot from its owner in terms of grooming and exercise. The American Eskimo Dog is highly energetic and also a high shedder.
27. Volpino Italiano
AKC Group: Foundation Stock Service
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 9 to 14 pounds
Coat Type: Double, thick, and soft
Coat Colors: White, red, champagne
Temperament: Playful, active, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Origin: Italy
The Volpino Italiano is an Italian dog breed, only well known in its native country. In other places, it is a rare breed.
The Volipino Italiano just got into the American Kennel Club’s radar in 2021. It may be hard to find, but we include it here because of its fluffy coat and rarity.
The Volpino is more suited for an active family as it is energetic and needs a lot of exercise.
It is also suitable for busy people as it isn’t prone to separation anxiety, unlike many others on this list.
28. Pomsky
AKC Group: Not recognized
Height: 10 to 15 inches
Weight: 7 to 38 pounds
Coat Type: Double, soft, and fluffy
Coat Colors: White, blue, grey
Temperament: Playful, loyal, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origin: United States of America
Have you ever wondered how a Siberian Husky would look if it was smaller and fluffier? Pomsky is a good answer to that.
This is the second designer breed on our fluffy small dogs list, and it is becoming popular as the year goes by.
Pomsky is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky.
It is friendly and affectionate but isn’t advisable for new pet parents because of the parent Husky gene.
29. Morkie
AKC Group: Not recognized
Height: 4 to 8 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Coat Type: Single, soft, smooth
Coat Colors: White, tan, black
Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, energetic
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Origin: United States
Let’s throw in another designer breed Morkie, a cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier.
The Morkie is a popular Maltese mix that began existing in the late 1990s.
Combining both parent breeds gives Morkie a love for humans and a feisty personality.
The Terrier blood of this breed does make it hard to train, so it isn’t the best option for a new pet parent. Training takes time, patience, and skills.
30. Schipperke
AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group
Height: 10 to 15 inches
Weight: 11 to 18 pounds
Coat Type: Double, thick
Coat Colors: Black
Temperament: Faithful, agile, curious
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Origin: Belgium
The final breed on our list is the Schipperke, a small dog with a big personality.
Size notwithstanding, this breed is protective and can make a good watchdog and guardian.
It is loyal to its family members and aloof towards strangers, traits of a reputable guardian dog.
Not surprisingly, the Schipperke is best suited for an experienced owner. Its grooming need isn’t as hard as the challenges of training, however.
What is the smallest fluffiest dog?
There exist many small fluffy dogs, all cute looking. The Pomeranian is one of the smallest fluffiest dogs, alongside the Bichon Frise.
What is the softest small dog?
Some fluffy dogs come with a coarse outercoat, others are soft all over. Amongst the latter category is the Maltese, one of the softest small dogs that exist. The Pomeranian also has a soft coat.
What is the cheapest small fluffy dog?
Many fluffy dogs can be costly, but not all will drain a hole in your wallet. The Bichon Frise appears on any list of cheapest dogs, making it the cheapest small fluffy dog we know.
What breed is the small fluffy dog?
The fluffy small dog isn’t a distinct breed of its own, but a concept designating various breeds with fluffy coats.
Final Thoughts
Big fluffy dog breeds are adorable, and small fluffy dogs are even more so.
However, don’t rush to buy one based on sentiments alone. Even the most easygoing pooch has needs and some challenges.
Fluffy small dogs are usually companions, which means they want enough attention.
Most of them also have a high grooming need, which might require that you get a professional groomer. Consider all the pros and cons before making a decision.
Did we miss any breed that you know? The comment section is open for you.
