20 Small Fluffy Dog Breeds You’ll Want to Cuddle at All Times
These pooches are deceivingly pint-sized behind all that fur!
If your favorite fluffy blanket just isn't cutting it anymore, it may be time for a change. And by that, we mean adding a real-life, small, fluffy dog breed to your family! Whether you're looking for a cuddly companion or a pint-sized ball of energy, the small fluffy dog breeds on this list have something to offer everyone. Although there may not be a lot physically behind their fluffy facades, these small dog breeds more than makeup for their pint-size with their goofy, charming, loyal personalities. And while some may shed more or need more grooming than dogs with short hair, there are also breeds on this list that are hypoallergenic. (And either way, they're totally worth it!)
Ree Drummond knows a thing or two about dogs. She has a ranch full of basset hounds and yellow Labs that provide her with lots of love and laughs. While Ree tends to prefer medium-sized dog breeds and large dog breeds, even she would probably admit some of these small guys could hold their own on the ranch. After all, working breeds on the list like Cairn terriers and West Highland terriers were originally bred to root out foxes, badgers, and even rats. That said, these small fluffy dog breeds are also perfectly suited to apartment living. And if you’re looking for a pup that loves to be pampered, you might set your sights on some of the royals on this list like the Shih Tzu, the Japanese Chin, or the Lhasa Apso.
Even if you're not in the market for a new pet, you'll love looking at these adorable small fluffy dog breeds. It might even inspire you to add to your own pack!
Once you pick a dog, you'll also need:
Alaskan Klee Kai
This loyal, alert dog has all the unique beauty of a standard husky in a pint-sized body! With ancient roots from native Alaskan dogs, this adorable breed is both highly intelligent and active.
Weight: 6-25 pounds
Mini Goldendoodle
Full of curly fluff and personality, this pint-sized pup is a great family dog that also happens to be hypoallergenic. This popular small dog breed is a cross between a golden retriever and a toy or miniature poodle.
Weight: 10-35 pounds
Shipperke
The Schipperke, pronounced "skipper-key," is a small, energetic dog breed known for its mischievous personality and unique appearance, often likened to a small fox! Despite their small size, they are known for their big personalities and loyalty to their owners.
Weight: 10-16 pounds
Maltipoo
For another poodle mix that isn't a goldendoodle, consider getting a majestic maltipoo (which is half Maltese). This little ball of fluff is as close as it gets to a real-life teddy bear and, like most poodle mixes, is hypoallergenic.
Weight: 5-20 pounds
American Eskimo
Often lovingly referred to as the "Eskie," this stunning dog breed is best known for its fluffy white coat, strikingly expressive eyes, and lively personality. American Eskimo dogs are friendly, intelligent, alert, and agile, making them excellent companions for active individuals or families.
Weight: 15-35 pounds
Shih Tzu
These little charmers were bred to be royal palace dogs, and it shows. While they are playful and sweet, you're more likely to find them curled up in their favorite spot (a.k.a. your lap) than outside playing.
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Papillon
Papillons get their name (which means butterfly in French) from their big, winged ears that you can spot from a mile away. These pups are known for being happy, alert, and friendly.
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise might just be the cutest walking snowball ever. They're said to make great city dogs, and they're also known for being adaptable companions that get on well with other dogs and children.
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Pomeranian
These fluffy lightweights make 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. Poms tend to be startled by young children's sudden movements but they thrive in families with older children.
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn terrier is a small but sturdy dog that was originally bred to root out foxes and other small prey in Scotland. These fearless dogs are generally very alert, and they're happiest living with a family.
Weight: 12-14 pounds
Pekingese
The Pekingese is another dog that was bred to live in palaces. This pup is known for its amazingly fluffy, lion-like mane. While Pekingese dogs make great companions and can live with children, they're not much for roughhousing.
Weight: 13-14 pounds
Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is also known as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar.” These pups are loved for their soft, cotton-like coats, and lively and playful personalities.
Weight: 8-15 pounds
Maltese
The Maltese, a.k.a. the "Ancient Dog of Malta," has a showstopping white coat when it's kept long. These pups are adaptable and also make pretty good watchdogs.
Weight: under 7 pounds
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a 1,000-year-old breed. These elegant pups were originally bred to serve as sentinels at palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas. Now they're often known as the comedians of their homes!
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibbies are known to be naturally frisky and curious dogs that have a strong bond with their humans. Like the Lhasa Apso, they were also bred for sentinel work at Tibetan monasteries.
Weight: 9-15 pounds
Toy Poodle
Don't let this poodle's size fool you. While toy poodles are cute, they're also incredibly intelligent and athletic little dogs.
Weight: 4-6 pounds
Japanese Chin
Another royal on the list is the Japanese Chin! They are very much indoor dogs and love nothing more than to cuddle with you at home.
Weight: 7-11 pounds
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is known for being curious and highly amusing—it has almost human-like mannerisms! There's never a dull moment with these dogs, and they make very affectionate companions.
Weight: 7-10 pounds
West Highland Terrier
The Westie is one of the most popular small terriers. They're 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!
Weight: 15-20 pounds
Yorkshire Terrier
These tiny terriers aren't as demure as you'd think. They're terriers through and through, which means they're known for being feisty and brave. They make great city dogs and have very big personalities for such pint-sized pups. Not to mention they're a low-allergen breed. You can't go wrong with this pup!
Weight: about 7 pounds
Should You Rinse Rice Before Cooking?
The 'Old Farmer's Almanac' Predicts a Snowy Winter
When Is the First Day of Fall in 2025?
Discover Your Birthstone Color and Meaning
