Soft-coated dog breeds are known for their luxurious and silky fur, which not only adds to their appeal but also provides them with added protection against harsh weather conditions. These breeds are highly sought-after by dog lovers who desire a cuddly and affectionate companion. These loving canines may be just what your household and heart are missing. We have made it our mission to find you the perfect best friend by selecting the softest dog breeds in the world for our list. From the adorable Bichon Frise with its cloud-like white fur to the gentle and fluffy Samoyed with its luxurious double coat, our list includes breeds that are guaranteed to give you the ultimate snuggle experience.
When it comes to canine companions that redefine the concept of softness, a few delightful breeds come to mind, each with their unique charm. These pooches are crowned with soft, silky ears or lavish double coats that practically beg for pampering. For those seeking a larger dose of softness, the Newfoundland’s dense, water-resistant fur is akin to hugging a teddy bear, and their gentle nature only adds to their cuddle appeal.
The Samoyed, with its radiant “smile” and snow-white, luxurious coat, embodies the essence of softness, both in personality and touch. These soft-hearted breeds, wrapped in their velvety coats, are living reminders that love and comfort often come in the form of fur and wagging tails.
Looking for dogs have the softest, fluffiest, shaggiest, and fuzziest coats out there? Luckily, we at StudyFinds have researched across multiple expert sources to bring you the top five best softest dog breeds in the world. Don’t agree with our list? We would love to hear from you in the comments down below.
The List: Softest Dog Breeds, According to Experts
1. Chow Chow
It’s hard to think of the fluffiest and softest dog breeds and not think of the adorable face of a Chow Chow. Originating in Asia, “the Chow Chow is particularly well known for three things – a cat-like independent personality, a lizard-like blue-black tongue, and its incredibly fluffy and snuggly double coat of fur,” describes The Scotsman.
“Chows are one of the cleanest dogs. These dogs housebreak quite easily, carry little dog odor, and are as meticulous as cats. Early-socialized and trained Chows are highly dignified and refined but never intractable or fierce. The owner needs patience and must do things for these dogs in a consistent manner. Chows are loyal to their near and dear. They happily enjoy the urban atmosphere with its adaptable or serene nature,” explains PetMoo.
“Two major traits distinguish a Chow Chow, sometimes just called a Chow—its black tongue and its thick, fluffy coat and lion-like mane. One of the world’s oldest breeds of dogs, Chow Chows have been used as companion dogs, guard dogs, and hunting dogs. They have a strong protective streak and do best in homes with no other dogs,” says Reader’s Digest.
2. Bichon Frise
She may be a small dog, but boy, is she soft. If you’re looking for a lap-sized companion to snuggle with, this may be the right choice for you. “The Bichon Frise is a little dog with a coat so pristinely white and fluffy, it’s like a cloud. While they are considered relatively hypoallergenic, they do require brushing at least two or three times a week, but every day is best,” writes Martha Stewart.
“The sparky Bichon Frise pops up on many choice lists, including cute, white, and possibly hypoallergenic (as much as dogs can be, anyway). She’s a smart, affectionate, and playful companion, perfect for all ages of humans,” adds Daily Paws.
“The Bichon Frise is a happy little troublemaker. They have plenty of personality but are still very gentle and affectionate. The Bichon makes an excellent companion and family pet. They share a lot of the same characteristics as a toy poodle, with their soft, frizzy coat and toy face. Bichons can be grown out and trimmed in a teddy bear or breed trim in order to achieve that white fluffy coat,” notes PlayBarkRun.
3. Samoyed
The epitome of what people think of when someone says “big white dog” is none other than the Samoyed. This medium-sized, fluffy companion may be the pup for you. “Do you want a dog that makes all your neighbors jealous? When you’re walking down the block with your Samoyed, you’ll draw attention. These snow-white beauties are working dogs, originally meant to pull sleds in the frozen winter wonderland of Russia’s far north. As domestic pets, they’re quirky, loyal, and super smart. They’re also known for being a little aloof, especially with anyone outside their family. No, they don’t want any snuggling with strangers! They will accept treats, however,” comments Pumpkin.
“Maybe the most famous white fluffy dog in the world is the Samoyed. These dogs have stunning, pure-white coats that are as soft as clouds. These fluffy white dogs originated in the northern parts of Russia, so they had to have a thick, double coat that would protect them from the harsh elements. The byproduct of having an insulating, thick coat is that it is extremely soft and fluffy. You will fall head over heels when you start snuggling these dogs, and you will be in disbelief at how fluffy they actually are,” reports World Dog Finder.
“These sociable smarties hail from Siberia, so if you live in a hot climate, this might not be the canine companion for you. Literally bred to be cuddlers—their humans have long huddled up against them to keep warm on frozen Arctic nights—Sammies are deeply social dogs. They typically don’t do well without their people, so be prepared to spend lots of time playing with and petting this pack-oriented poochie. Make a good daily brushing a part of the routine because they shed no matter the season,” describes The Pioneer Woman.
4. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog, also known as the Eskie, is a beautiful and intelligent breed. Often seen participating in dog shows and agility competitions. “Smaller than a Samoyed but similar in appearance, the American Eskimo Dog is a medium-sized breed with a medium-length double coat. Most dogs of this breed are open to strangers and become fast friends with anyone they meet,” writes Martha Stewart.
“Another canine with a double coat to protect them from the cold! The American Eskimo dog comes in three sizes and is truly a puffball of fur. They shed a lot and need plenty of brushing to keep their coat healthy. Get ready for loads of playtime with these sprightly pups,” explains Pure Wow.
“Despite their all-American name, these medium-sized white puffballs originated in Germany; they were given a more patriotic name during World War I. Their short, thick undercoat helps give a fluffy look to their longer outer coat. These kid-friendly, affectionate dogs are shedders and need to be brushed at least once a week, more during shedding season,” describes Reader’s Digest.
5. Newfoundland
Looking for a soft, cuddly, gentle giant to add to your pack? The beauty that is the Newfoundland may be the pup for you. “Newfoundland’s, with their beautiful and thick fluffy coat, keep them warm while working in freezing seas, helping out fishermen. They also have webbed feet, making them great swimmers,” adds The Scotsman.
“The Newfoundland is the ultimate family, big, black, fluffy dog. These big, black, fluffy balls of hair are known for their mild character. They are great with kids, and their nickname is ‘nanny dog.’ In Victorian-era England, they were entrusted with guarding and keeping an eye on kids,” notes World Dog Finder.
“Want a sweet and soulful, very good boy that’s also a superior swimmer? A Newfie is the doggo for you! With a water-resistant coat and massive lung capacity, this Canadian breed made its mark as a shipboard dog that could be counted on to perform daring sea rescues in the frigid Atlantic. The noble Newfoundland, which can reach 150 pounds, has a tendency to seriously shed and occasionally drool, making grooming at least once a week a must,” concludes The Pioneer Woman.
You might be interested in:
- Best Hypoallergenic Dog breeds
- Best Mixed Dog Breeds
- Best Dog Breeds For Travel
- Best Long-Haired Dog Breeds
- Best Dog Breeds For Cold Climates
Sources:
- The Scotsman
- PetMoo
- Reader’s Digest
- Martha Stewart
- PlayBarkRun
- The Pioneer Woman
- World Dog Finder
- Pure Wow
- Daily Paws
- Pumpkin
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
Don’t forget the adorable , cuddly, double coated, huge smiling Dutchman personality, affectionate Keeshond!
Finally, someone includes the beautiful American Eskimos. I have been lucky enough to own all three sizes of the Eskies at one time or another.
Thank you for including them and thg thank you Martha Stewart for the wonderful things you had to say.
How about the Japanese chin. Mine is so friendly quite and a cuddler.