Small dogs make for great long-time companions, watch dogs, lap warmers and travel buddies. If you know you want a small breed dog with a little extra fluff, here are some breeds to consider. But remember, looks are only a small part of the pup puzzle, try to find a breed that with match your lifestyle and whose personality fits your needs first and then focus on size and coat. 

1. Pomeranian

Height: 6-7 inches

Weight: 3-7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Personality Traits: Curious, playful

Pomeranians are the picture-perfect representation of small fluffy dog breeds. A lion’s mane of long poofy hair is the most infamous trait of these pups. Orange and red are the most iconic colorings for Pomeranians, but their coat can also be black, blue, white, chocolate, or tri-colored. 

Weighing only 3 to 7 pounds, Pomeranians have small bodies that don’t quite fit their bold personality. These pups were originally bred as guard dogs so they are naturally watchful and vocal. 

2. Toy Poodle

Height: Less than 10 inches

Weight: 4-6 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Personality Traits: Smart, athletic, confident 

No shedding, beautiful curly hair, and high trainability – Toy Poodles genuinely are a triple threat compared to other small breed dogs. In fact, these fluffy dogs are so beloved that Toy Poodles are the seventh most popular dog breed in the United States.

Toy Poodles are classic family dogs that are affectionate with family and young children. Their tiny stature makes them a good fit for pet parents of all kinds. Whether you live in a small city apartment or vast farm property, Toy Poodles will be happy in any loving human home. 

3. Bichon Frise

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-15 years

Personality Traits: Peppy, confident, cheeky

Take one look at the curly white Bichon Frise coat and you’ll fall in love. Although they are small breed dogs, Bichons have a big personality and carry the confidence of a giant Great Dane. These fluffy dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and love to show off for their humans. 

Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic and a great choice if you’re searching for small fluffy dog breeds that don’t shed. To stay their pretty selves, Bichons need daily brushing along with a monthly bath and haircut.  

4. Shih Tzu

Height: 9-10.5 inches

Weight: 9-16 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-18 years

Personality Traits: Extrovert, lovey-dovey, playful 

Friendly and fiery are the best words to describe the personality of Shih Tzus. Centuries ago, you could find the small breed dogs protecting and playing in the palace of the Chinese emperor. Shih Tzus were created by imperial breeders and their name translates to “lion dog”. 

Fitting their translated breed name, Shih Tzus have long double coats that come in a variety of colors. Most of these fluffy dogs are bi-colored in some combination of black, white, brindle, gold, and silver. Shih Tzus are hypoallergenic small breed dogs with minimal shedding. 

5. Lhasa Apso

Height: 10-11 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Personality Traits: Funny, intelligent, confident 

Under a pile of silky dog hair, you’ll find the elegant Lhasa Apso. Their regal appearance represents the breed’s origin as sentinels in ancient Himalayan palaces. Today, you’re more likely to find these fluffy dogs strutting their stuff at dog shows worldwide. 

One of the most iconic parts of the Lhasa Apso look is their lifted tails that curl over their backs. The tail is a flourishing accent to their long body and facial hair. Some Lhasa Apso pet parents even let their pup’s hair grow out until it touches the ground!

6. Maltese

Height: 7-9 inches

Weight: Under 7 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Personality Traits: Lively, delightful, affectionate

Weighing less than 7 pounds, Maltese are one of the best small dog breeds for city dwellers. They can thrive in small spaces provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. Maltese are prone to separation anxiety, but their tiny bodies fit in a bag or purse, allowing you to bring these fluffy dogs wherever you go. 

Similar to other small fluffy dog breeds, Maltese shed very minimally. Their long hair does need daily brushing to stay snow-white and shiny. Maltese are prone to dental disease and should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent decay. 

7. Havanese

Height: 8.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-13 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Personality Traits: Entertaining, intelligent, friendly

Havanese are named after the capital city of their homeland, Cuba, and are even the national dog. It’s hard not to fall in love with these fluffy dogs at first sight. Havanese are happy-go-lucky, entertaining, and can make friends with humans and dogs alike. 

Although they are often called the “little white dog of Havana”, these pups come in a variety of different coat colors. Havanese aren’t quite hypoallergenic because they shed a bit more than other small fluffy dog breeds.

9. Coton de Tulear

Height: 9-11 inches

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Life Expectancy: 15-19 years

Personality Traits: Sweet, happy-go-lucky, charming

Funny enough, Coton de Tulears look like huge cotton balls with their poofy white coats. They originated as royal lapdogs on the island of Madagascar. The nobles adored these fluffy dogs so much that they passed laws prohibiting common people from owning Coton de Tulears. 

Madagascar had the breed to themselves for centuries until French tourists fell in love with the fluffy dogs in the 1960s. The breed gained popularity in European society and eventually became world-renowned. Today, Coton de Tulears are one of the best small dog breeds because they are sympathetic, affectionate, and loyal to pet parents all over the world. 

10. Toy Australian Shepherd

Height: 10-14 inches

Weight: 12-17 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13-15 years

Personality Traits: Energetic, smart, agile 

Dog parents love Australian Shepherds so much that they’ve created a miniature version of the breed. Toy Australian Shepherds only weigh around 12 to 17 pounds in adulthood – a far cry from the 40 to 65 pounds of the standard-sized breed. These pups only stand about 10 to 14 inches tall.

You can expect the same trademark characteristics of Australian Shepherds in the toy-size breed. As classic shepherds, Mini Aussies are eager to please, hard-working, agile, and intelligent. Who can resist scratching the puffy chest and belly hair on these fluffy dogs?

11. Papillon

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Life Expectancy: 14-16 years

Personality Traits: Social, watchful, cheery

Papillons are one of the best small dog breeds for families. With high energy levels and a need for mental stimulation, these fluffy dogs are the best playmates for young children. Your kids may enjoy teaching a Papillon new tricks as the breed is very easy to train and enjoys agility sports. 

These pups were aptly named after the French word for “butterfly”  because of their perky wing-like ears. Throw in their silky coat, curly tail, and pint-sized bodies and it’s clear why Papillons are one of the most beautiful small fluffy dog breeds. 

12. Japanese Spitz

Height: 12-15 inches

Weight: 10-25 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Personality Traits: Intelligent, loyal, jovial

Last on our list of small fluffy dog breeds is the ever-poofy Japanese Spitz. These pups are great companion dogs that love to make their pet parents smile and laugh. It’s not hard for a Japanese Spitz to make friends as they are very outgoing. These fluffy dogs get along great with other pups and are affectionate with young children. 

With an almost self-cleaning coat, dirt and mud seem to bounce right off their cloud-like white fur. Japanese Spitzs should be brushed weekly though to avoid matted hair. They shed their undercoat twice a year and may require daily brushing during those weeks.