When it comes to fluffy dog breeds, their charm goes beyond their soft and cuddly coats; these dogs often have delightful personalities that make them perfect companions.  

From small, playful lapdogs to large, majestic guardians, here’s everything you need to know about fluffy dog breeds, including their temperament and trainability, and most importantly, how to keep their coats lush and luxurious! 

Small fluffy dog breeds 

1. Cavoodle (Poodle + Cavalier King Charles Spaniel hybrid) 

Cavoodles are affectionate, friendly, and thrive on human companionship.  

Most Cavoodles have a soft, wavy coat that needs regular brushing and grooming every 6-8 weeks to prevent tangles and matting. Their low-shedding coat makes them an ideal match for allergy sufferers.   

Naturally sociable and adaptable, Cavoodles get along wonderfully with children and other pets, making them a true family favourite. Their playful nature ensures they’ll keep everyone entertained, yet they’re equally content to relax and snuggle up on the couch. Cavoodles are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable.  

💚 Lyka tip: Cavoodles can be prone to itchy skin or allergies, so maintain a good grooming routine and feed them a real food diet full of skin-enriching ingredients like omega-3 from fish oil or oily fish. 

"My cavoodle, Jeff, is the ultimate companion! He's playful, loves a walk and a cuddle. He's hypoallergenic and doesn't shed, which is a bonus.”

– Fiona, Jeff’s human

🐕‍🦺 Read more: Cavoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →
🐕‍🦺 Read more: Understanding your Cavoodle's health issues: how real food can help →

 

2. Toy Poodle 

Lively and intelligent, Toy Poodles are full of personality.  

Toy Poodles have a thick and curly coat that can be clipped short or groomed into spectacular styles. If it’s left to grow, it will eventually become corded. Although their coats require maintenance, they’re low-shedding, meaning less home maintenance for you. 

Toy Poodles form strong bonds with their parents and have been known to show empathy. They’re an exceptionally smart breed that thrives on mental stimulation, excelling in obedience training or learning complex tricks.  

Their small size makes them great for apartment living, and they get along well with kids when socialised properly. However, due to their delicate build, supervision is recommended around very young children. 

💚 Lyka tip: Fuel your Toy Poodle’s playful energy with high-quality proteins and slow-releasing pseudo-grains like quinoa. You can find both in Lyka’s Lamb and Turkey Bowls. 

Read more: Toy Poodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

 

3. Maltese Shih Tzu (Maltese + Shih Tzu hybrid) 

Gentle and affectionate, the Maltese Shih Tzu is a devoted companion that thrives on attention.  

Maltese Shih Tzus have long and silky coats. Whether straight or slightly wavy, regular brushing will keep their low-shedding coats looking luscious.  

While Maltese Shih Tzus are moderately easy to train, they can have a stubborn streak. Consistent and patient training methods work best, and they respond wonderfully to positive reinforcement with treats and lots of praise. 

Their loving nature makes them fantastic companions for families or seniors searching for a cuddly companion. 

💚 Lyka tip: Keep Maltese Shih Tzu joints healthy with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger found in our Turkey and Beef meals.  
 
Read more: Maltese Shih Tzu breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

4. Moodle (Maltese + Toy Poodle hybrid) 

Cheerful, social, and incredibly loyal, the Moodle melts hearts wherever they go.  

Moodles inherit their low-shedding coat from their Maltese and Poodle genes. The distinctive Doodle curl gives these pups their teddy-bear charm, but they do need regular grooming to keep their coats neat and trim.  

They thrive on human interaction and are happiest when they’re part of the pack’s everyday activities. Ideal for small homes and apartments, they’re great for families with children or first-time dog owners. 

💚 Lyka tip: Little pups have little mouths that can be prone to developing gum disease. Regular brushing and long-lasting chews are great ways to support a Moodle’s oral health.  

Read more: Moodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Sweet-natured and friendly, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the quintessential lapdog.  

With delightfully long ears and a silky coat, Cavaliers are hard to resist. Regular brushing is essential for this breed, especially their ears that tangle easily.  

They adore human companionship and are known for their gentle and affectionate demeanour – great for families with children. Their ability to form deep bonds makes them excellent emotional support animals too. Eager to please and relatively easy to train, Cavaliers thrive in environments where they’re treated with kindness and patience.  

💚 Lyka tip: Maintaining a healthy weight and body shape is crucial for this small breed, as excess weight puts strain on their joints. Each Lyka meal is custom-portioned based on your dog’s profile, so you don’t have to worry about serving sizes or counting calories. 

Read more: Decoding dog weight: is your dog in perfect shape? →

 

Medium fluffy dog breeds 

1. Border Collie 

Highly energetic, intelligent, and loyal, Border Collies are born leaders.  

With their thick and feathery double coat and distinctive white markings, Border Collies need weekly brushing to reduce shedding and remove tangled hair or debris. During more intense shedding seasons, they may require more grooming. 

The Border Collie’s working dog heritage means they’re happiest when given a job to do, whether that’s herding, playing fetch, or canine sports. As one of the smartest breeds, they’re quick learners and thrive on mental stimulation. But if they’re not given enough to occupy their minds, they can become bored and engage in undesirable behaviour like digging or barking.  

This breed is best suited for active families or individuals who can meet their needs. They can be excellent with children and other pets when properly socialised. 

"My Border Collie, Arnie is the ultimate adventure buddy. Whether it's hiking, camping, going for a car ride to the beach, or even tagging along while I grab coffee with friends, he's always ready to join me wherever I go."

— Steph, Arnie's human

💚 Lyka tip: Some Border Collies can experience sensitive stomachs that cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Lyka’s meals are gently cooked, so they’re easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.  

Read more: Border Collie breed insights: care, personality and expert health tips →
Read more: Understanding your Border Collie's health issues: how real food can help →

2. Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle hybrid, aka Cockerpoo) 

Spoodles are sociable, playful, and great with kids.  

With their soft, wavy hair, Spoodles are asking for snuggles on the sofa. Thanks to their Poodle genes, they’re low-shedding – ideal for households with allergies.   

Their well-rounded temperament makes them versatile companions for any lifestyle – perfect for families or singles, and equally happy in apartments or houses with a yard.  

Intelligent and eager to please, Spoodles are generally easy to train. They enjoy interactive games and training sessions that keep their minds engaged. 

💚 Lyka tip: Superfood ingredients, like ginger, contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to support joint health, keeping Spoodles active into their senior years. Find ginger in Lyka’s Beef bowl.  

Read more: Spoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

3. Groodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle hybrid, aka Goldendoodle) 

Friendly, gentle, and highly social, Groodles are known for their calm demeanour.  

These easy-going pups need regular brushing to keep their hair soft, luscious and mat-free. Introduce a grooming routine early on, so they’re used to the sensation of being brushed.  

Groodles are highly trainable, eager to please, and natural caregivers, often excelling as therapy or assistance dogs. Their patient, gentle nature makes them ideal for families with children or multi-pet households. 

"My Groodle Pepper is the most affectionate companion — her gentle, friendly, playful nature makes her a perfect family member who fills our home with joy & love, whether she's playing at the beach, chasing balls, or snuggling up with us."

— George, Pepper's human

💚 Lyka tip: A diet rich in omega-3s helps to keep their skin healthy and their coat shiny and soft. Lyka meals are designed to support your dog's immune defence against allergies and irritants and nourish their skin from the inside out. 

Read more: Groodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

4. Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle) 

Labradoodles are outgoing, playful, and affectionate – great for families. 

Depending on which parents’ genes are dominant, a Labradoodle’s coat can be wavy and low-shedding (Poodle) or straight and high-shedding (Labrador). All Labradoodles need regular brushing and clipping to keep their coats shiny and healthy.  

Perfect for families, they’re happiest in homes where they get plenty of attention and activity. Their intelligence and loyal connection to their pack make Labradoodles a joy to train, excelling in obedience classes and challenges like puzzle toys. 

“My Labradoodle Walter is a real-life teddy bear, just looking at him makes me happy.  He has a fleece coat, so he doesn’t shed - perfect for bed time cuddles.”

— Cass, Walter's human

💚 Lyka tip: Like Poodles and other Doodles, this breed can be predisposed to developing skin conditions or allergies. Boost the benefits of a fresh food diet with Lyka’s Skin Supplement, containing Burdock root to aid the immune response and support skin healing.  

Read more: Labradoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →
 

5. Samoyed 

Known for their iconic ‘Sammy smile’, Samoyeds are cheerful but stubborn. 

If you’re looking for a white fluffy dog breed, you’ve found it! Samoyeds are like clouds on legs. 

Samoyeds are known for being strong-willed and mischievous, so firm and consistent training is a must. They respond well to leadership and positive reinforcement.  

They thrive in active households where they can be close to their pack – Samoyeds are definitely not an ‘outside’ dog.  

💚 Lyka tip: Samoyeds have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, but more profusely as they adjust to the warmer seasons. Minimise shedding by using a slicker brush to remove dead hair. 

Read more: How to groom your dog at home →

Big fluffy dog breeds 

1. Golden Retriever 

Loving and loveable, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in Australia. 

With their big smiles and thick fluffy coats, Golden Retrievers make friends wherever they go. Yes, they’re heavy shedders, but it’s a small price to pay for such adorable companions. Keep their coats bright and shiny by maintaining a regular grooming routine.  

Their patient and gentle nature makes them a perfect choice for families with children. Golden Retrievers are also highly trainable and love to play and learn – excelling in obedience, agility and therapy work.  

"When Brodie was 4 months, his coat started to turn coarse. This is a picture of him after 100 days on Lyka and he's super fluffy. People keep asking, 'When does he lose his puppy fur?'. On Lyka, I think he'll have puppy fur forever!"

– Brooke, Brodie's human

💚 Lyka tip: We love dogs with a healthy appetite – Golden Retrievers certainly love their food, but it can easily lead to weight gain. A portion-controlled, high-protein, like Lyka, fuels their playful energy and supports healthy weight maintenance. 

Read more: Golden Retriever breed insights: care, personality & expert tips →

12. Chow Chow 

Independent, dignified, and loyal, Chow Chows have a unique personality.  

With a luxuriously thick, double coat, you may want to snuggle up with this breed, but Chow Chows usually prefer their space. They’re heavy shedders and need regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat.  

Intelligent and strong-willed, they need early socialisation and consistent training to become well-adjusted dogs. They’re often described as cat-like due to their reserved nature and self-sufficiency, which means they’re best suited to experienced owners and quieter households.  

💚 Lyka tip: Chow Chows can experience joint issues like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Support their joint health with supplements containing chondroitin and omega-3 from Green-lipped Mussels, like Lyka Joint Supplement.   

Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help? →

13. Newfoundland Dog 

Gentle giants, Newfoundlands are sweet, patient, and devoted.  

With a dense, water-resistant coat they’re bred for the cold Canadian climate but can adjust to warmer regions. They’re prone to shedding and drooling, so they’re not low-maintenance pups. But their calm and affectionate demeanour makes them worth the effort.  

Clever and loyal, Newfoundlands are relatively easy to train. They’re known for their love of water and their protective instincts around children – ideal for families who love the outdoors and have plenty of space for a large breed. 

💚 Lyka tip: Large or giant breed puppies can take up to 2 years to become fully grown. If they grow too quickly, they can develop skeletal health problems. For breeds like Newfoundlands, a slow-growth feeding plan is essential.   

Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →

 

14. Bernese Mountain Dog 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm and affectionate, making them endearing companions. 

With their distinctive tricolour, double coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs are prolific shedders, but wonderful companions.  

Calm, affectionate, and loyal, Bernese Mountain Dogs are happiest when spending time with their families on outdoor adventures. They’re eager to learn but sensitive, so they respond well to gentle, consistent training. Socialisation from a young age is key to developing their confidence. 

💚 Lyka tip: You can support a dog’s healthspan and quality of life with a real food diet designed to nourish them from the inside out.  

Read more: Put your pup on a path towards long-term relief: how to resolve chronic gut issues→

15. Tibetan Mastiff 

Tibetan Mastiffs are natural guardians: independent and protective. 

Despite their thick and woolly coats, Tibetan Mastiffs have relatively low-maintenance grooming needs: a weekly brush will keep their coats glossy and healthy. During the transition to warm seasons, they blow their coat, requiring more frequent brushing to keep shedding under control.  

Patience and consistency are essential to bring out the best in this breed, as they can be stubborn. They’re best suited for experienced dog owners with plenty of indoor and outdoor space. Tibetan Mastiffs can be excellent with children, but they prefer quieter households. 

💚 Lyka tip: Cellular damage from free radicals can affect a dog’s coat health. Dietary antioxidants and phytonutrients from leafy greens like kale, spinach, and green cabbage can support healthy, shiny coats.  

 

Fluffy dogs come in all shapes and sizes, whether it’s the playful Cavoodle or the gentle Newfoundland, there’s a breed for every lifestyle. Caring for them involves more than keeping their coats cuddly – it’s about helping them thrive.  

Like us, dogs benefit from a nutritious diet made from high-quality real food. Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, Lyka meals are rich in skin-loving ingredients like omega-3, vitamin E, and beta-carotene – ideal for fluffy breeds.  

Every pup deserves to feel their best. Learn more about how Lyka is transforming mealtimes and dog health across Australia.  

🐕 Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs →