15 Big Fluffy Dogs: The Pros And Cons Of Owning A Giant Furball
On Apr 24, 2024
There are a variety of dogs available in the market with different sizes, shapes, and features. But the most adorable ones are usually big fluffy dog breeds. They have big fluffy coats and very soft textures. They make a great companion for cuddling and hugging.
Some of these big fluffy dogs might look scary at first glance but they are just big goofy creatures that make great additions to our home. Here are some of the best options for big fluffy dog breeds with some pros and cons for people thinking of getting one.
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are probably the most famous fluffy dog breed and a great house companion. They are a medium-sized Scottish retriever dog breed. They have a striking golden coat and are very gentle and affectionate.
Pros
- Great family dog and great with children
- Very smart and has a great personality
- Good with other dogs and animals
- Moderate barkers
- Relatively easy to train
Cons
- They Shed a lot
- Needs a lot of grooming
- Lots of health issues due to inbreeding and backyard breeding
- Not a good guard dog
- Can be quite mischievous
2. The Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed instantly differentiated by its shaggy, long coat. Unlike its name, they are not sheepdogs. They were originally developed as drover dogs to help move sheep and cattle from one place to another. They are a good-natured and sociable breed.
Pros
- Very intelligent and smart
- Can adapt to any lifestyle changes
- Less likely to wander around escaping
- Very friendly with both children, other house pets, and senior citizen
- Good watchdog
Cons
- Not good around allergy sufferers as they are not hypoallergenic
- Great droolers
- Requires professional grooming help to keep in good condition
- Develops separation anxiety if left alone
- Stubborn
3. Tibetan Mastiff
As the name suggests, Tibetan Mastiffs have originated from the high altitudes of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateaus. They are big and powerful dogs with a majestic coat covering their frame that comes in a variety of colors. They have a loud and deep barking voice that can be quite intimidating.
Pros
- Extremely loyal and devoted
- Is an exceptional guardian of the house and surroundings
- Easy to train about toilet rituals
- Expensive yet rare breed
- Low grooming needs
- Easily trainable
Cons
- Not welcoming in front of strangers
- Loud and scary bark
- Gets bored quickly
- Heavier than most dogs
- Suffers from big dogs health issues
4. Saint Bernard
They are a giant breed of fluffy dogs that originated from the Western Alps of Italy and Switzerland. They were initially bred to help in rescue operations by the hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. They are usually described as patient, intelligent, and mellow.
Pros
- Easy-going, relaxed, and mellow
- Can be trained to do independent tasks
- Extremely gorgeous dogs
- Not a needy dog breed
- Does not bark excessively
Cons
- Very high maintenance
- Shed a lot despite regular brushing and grooming
- Prone to heat exhaustion
- Big appetite
- Requires a lot of space
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a gentle breed of big black fluffy dogs from Newfoundland, Canada. They are famous for their intelligence, swimming abilities, and massive size, most of which is their fur. They have a large head and broad muzzle feet. They are one of the oldest pure dog breeds in North America.
Pros
- Don't mind spending most of the time indoor
- Does not howl or bark unnecessarily
- Does not require a lot of exercise
- Protective and loyal
- Loves kids and easy to train
Cons
- Relatively short life span
- Sometimes destructive and stubborn
- Massive appetite
- Drools excessively
- Requires large space and can accidentally knock over toddlers
6. Great Pyrenees
Originating from the Great Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France, The Great Pyrenees belong to the big white fluffy dog breed. They are large and majestic creatures initially used for guarding livestock. They possess a very gentle and calm personality.
Pros
- Excellent choice for a guard dog
- Very calm, gentle and affectionate
- Thrives in cold weather
- Independent and doesn't require a lot of attention
- Beautiful to look at
Cons
- Shedding is a big problem
- Barks a lot
- Can be aggressive at times and have a strong bite
- Comparitively Short lifespan
- Needs a lot of space to play around
7. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute dog breeds were originally bred for sledding in Artic. They are very strong and powerful animals that can thrive in very harsh winters. This is mainly due to their thick double coats helping them stay warm in cold weather.
Pros
- Smart and extremely strong
- Affectionate, kind, and loyal towards their owner
- Playful and cheerful animal
- Does not smell like a dog hence low maintenance
- Even though they are large don't eat much
Cons
- Sheds twice a year
- Not a good watchdog
- Not suitable for apartments
- Requires a lot of exercise
- Early socialization is very important
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
They are a large and sturdy breed of dogs from Switzerland. They have a beautiful tri-color coat and are known to be friendly and loyal. They make a great family pet but their energy and large size can be challenging sometimes.
Pros
- Very protective of their family
- Outgoing nature makes them a great hiking companion
- Great watchdog
- Comparatively long lifespan
- Intelligent and great with kids and other house pets
Cons
- Expensive
- Prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, etc.
- Requires a lot of exercise
- Not for new dog owners
- Shedding is a real headache
9. Samoyed
This fluffy dog breed originally belonged to Siberia. Covered with a white fluffy coat these playful dogs love to be around people. They were initially bred to pull sleds in extreme cold weather. They are amongst the fluffiest dog breeds.
Pros
- Very charming personality and beautiful smile
- Companion that can keep you warm
- Family friendly
- Highly trainable
- Easily adaptable to different situations
Cons
- Lots of exercise required
- High maintenance as it requires regular grooming
- Sheds a lot
- Stubborn at times
- Wanders around a lot
10. Bouvier De Flanders
Bouvier De Flanders is one of the biggest fluffy dogs available to own. They originally belonged to Flanders, Belgium. This large and powerful dog is quite handy on farms, as it can perform various activities like pulling carts, herding livestock, and guarding them.
Pros
- Makes great watchdog
- Courageous and loyal
- Steady tempered
- Calm and quiet as an adult
- Affectionate and great with children
Cons
- Regular and a lot of exercise needed
- Regular grooming needed
- Can accidentally knock over toddlers
- Fearful or aggressive if not properly socialized
- Destructive if not exercised or bored
11. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are unique and ancient dog breeds that originated from China. They have a blue-black tongue, wrinkled face, and thick lion-like mane. They are also known to have an independent and aloof nature.
Pros
- Extremely adorable to look at
- Does not bark unnecessarily
- Great watchdog qualities
- Calm and confident
- Mannerly at home
Cons
- Aggressive towards strangers
- Makes its own decision
- Regular grooming required
- Dominating character towards other animals
- Difficult character to deal with
12. Siberian Husky
This beautiful fluffy creature is known for its wolf-like appearance, energy, and personality. They were bred for sledding and reindeer herding in Siberia and are still used for the same. They can make a great pet but are not suitable for everyone.
Pros
- A good-natured breed
- Playful, dynamic and independent
- Clean and odorless
- Not very high maintenance
- Beautiful to look at
Cons
- Tendency to escape a lot
- Strong predatory drive makes it dangerous around unfamiliar animals
- Not suitable for inactive household
- Stubborn
- Even though they don't bark much their howling noise can be annoying at times
13. Standard Poodle
These fluffy animals are the largest in their variety. They are intelligent, trainable, and hypoallergic dogs making them suitable for people with some allergies. They are mainly suitable for active people because they are very athletic themselves.
Pros
- Very intelligent and highly trainable
- Coat does not shed
- Excels in a variety of sports
- Known to live longer
- Easily adaptable to various situations
Cons
- High maintenance and grooming
- Have great energy, so not suitable for passive owners
- Have the potential to develop anxiety
- Expensive to own
- Prone to certain genetic health like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, etc.
14. Kuvasz
Kuvsaz is a large size white fluffy dog breed that is used for guarding livestock. They originated from Hungary. They are known for being both loyal and stubborn dog breeds built very strong. They can weigh up to 100lbs.
Pros
- Makes an excellent guard dog
- Great choice as a working dog
- Has great strength
- Can easily learn human command
- Very loyal towards their human family
Cons
- Suspecious around strangers
- Has it's own mind that can make them stubborn at times
- Demands lots of time and attention
- Rigorous exercise required
- Early socialization is very important
15. Briard
The Briard dog breed is known as the saggiest sheepdog. They are large fluffy dogs that have distinctive long coats, unique beards, and mustaches. Originating from the Brie region in France centuries ago they were used for herding sheep.
Pros
- Beautiful dog with a glossy coat
- Intelligent and Highly trainable dogs
- Extremely loyal and protective
- Low to non-shedding coats
- Great with kids
Cons
- Requires regular grooming, nail and ear cleaning
- Thinks themselves as an alpha dog
- Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Patient and consistent training required
- Due to its large size it requires plenty of space to run and play
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