Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

The 24 Softest, Cuddliest Dog Breeds

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| September 4, 2024

Shutterstock

For dog lovers, nothing beats cuddling with a furry friend. The softness of a dog’s fur enhances this comforting experience, making certain breeds prized for their plush coats. Some breeds have particularly soft, silky, or luxurious fur, perfect for snuggling. These dogs may need special grooming to keep their coats in top condition, but the reward is unmatched cuddle sessions. From the small, playful Havanese to the majestic, fluffy Tibetan Terrier, these breeds offer beauty, comfort, and warmth, making them ideal for affectionate interactions.

Havanese

Shutterstock

Havanese dogs are known for their silky, soft coats that are perfect for cuddling. Originating from Cuba, these small dogs have a playful and affectionate nature. Their fur is long and flowing, requiring regular grooming to keep it free from tangles and mats. Havanese are also hypoallergenic, making them suitable for people with allergies. Their friendly and social temperament makes them excellent companions, always ready to snuggle up with their owners. Havanese dogs are not only soft to the touch but also have a cheerful disposition that adds to the cuddling experience.

Samoyed

Shutterstock

Samoyeds, often called “Sammies,” are famous for their fluffy, cloud-like fur. Their dense, double coat is incredibly soft and thick, providing excellent insulation and making them ideal cuddle companions. Originally bred for herding and pulling sleds in Siberia, Samoyeds are gentle, friendly, and highly social dogs. Their white, fluffy fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to maintain its softness. Samoyeds are known for their “Sammy smile,” a characteristic upturned mouth that makes them look perpetually happy, adding to their charm as snuggly companions.

Bichon Frise

best weight loss supplements for Bichon FrisesShutterstock

Bichon Frises have a distinctive, curly coat that is soft and plush, resembling a cotton ball. These small dogs are cheerful and affectionate, making them perfect for cuddling. Their hypoallergenic coat sheds minimally, which is a bonus for people with allergies. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their fur in top condition, but their soft, cuddly nature makes the effort worthwhile. Bichon Frises are known for their playful and friendly demeanor, always eager to be close to their human companions and provide comfort through their soft, fluffy presence.

Pomeranian

Shutterstock

Pomeranians are small dogs with big personalities and luxuriously soft, fluffy coats. Their double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a longer outer coat, both of which contribute to their plush texture. Pomeranians are lively and affectionate, making them delightful cuddle buddies. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat’s softness and to prevent matting. Pomeranians are also known for their fox-like appearance and charming demeanor, which only adds to the enjoyment of snuggling with these little furballs. Their playful and loyal nature ensures they are always ready for a cuddle session.

Maltese

How Often Do I Take a Maltese Outside to Pee?Shutterstock

Maltese dogs are known for their long, silky hair that is incredibly soft to the touch. These small, elegant dogs have been cherished as companions for centuries. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it pristine, but their softness makes them a joy to cuddle. Maltese dogs are gentle, affectionate, and love to be close to their owners. Their friendly nature and hypoallergenic coat make them an excellent choice for people seeking a soft, snuggly companion. The Maltese’s sweet disposition and silky fur ensure that cuddle time is always a pleasant experience.

Coton de Tulear

Shutterstock

Coton de Tulear dogs are named for their cotton-like fur, which is incredibly soft and fluffy. Originating from Madagascar, these small dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. Their coat requires regular grooming to maintain its softness and to prevent tangles. Coton de Tulears are playful and love to be the center of attention, making them wonderful companions for cuddling. Their gentle and sociable temperament ensures they form strong bonds with their owners, always eager to provide comfort through their soft, cuddly presence.

American Eskimo Dog

Shutterstock

American Eskimo Dogs, or “Eskies,” have a dense, fluffy coat that is soft to the touch, making them ideal for cuddling. These dogs come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard, all of which share the same plush fur. Eskies are known for their friendly and playful nature, forming strong bonds with their families. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in top condition, but their softness and affectionate nature make the effort worthwhile. American Eskimo Dogs are intelligent and eager to please, always ready to snuggle up and provide comfort.

Tibetan Terrier

Shutterstock

Tibetan Terriers have a long, dense coat that is incredibly soft and fluffy, making them ideal for cuddling. Originally bred as companion dogs and watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries, these medium-sized dogs are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition and to maintain its softness. Tibetan Terriers are friendly and enjoy spending time with their owners, providing a comforting presence. Their luxurious fur and devoted nature make them a wonderful choice for those looking for a soft, loyal cuddle buddy. Tibetan Terriers’ combination of plush fur and affectionate personality ensures that cuddle time is always special.

Shih Tzu

Shutterstock

Shih Tzus are small dogs with long, flowing hair that is silky and soft. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate and gentle nature. Their coat requires regular grooming to maintain its softness and to prevent tangles. Shih Tzus are friendly and love to be close to their owners, making them perfect for cuddling. Their sweet disposition and luxurious coat make them popular for those seeking a soft, snuggly companion. Shih Tzus are always eager to provide comfort and companionship, making cuddle time a special experience.

Lhasa Apso

Shutterstock

Lhasa Apsos have a long, flowing, incredibly soft and silky coat. Originally bred as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries, these small dogs are known for their loyal and protective nature. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition and to maintain its softness. Lhasa Apsos are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners, making them excellent companions for cuddling. Their luxurious fur and devoted nature ensure they are always ready to provide comfort and warmth. Lhasa Apsos are a wonderful choice for those looking for a soft, loyal cuddle buddy.

Yorkshire Terrier

Shutterstock

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, have a long, silky coat that is soft to the touch, making them ideal for cuddling. These small dogs are known for their lively and affectionate nature. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat’s softness and prevent tangles. Yorkies are very social and love to be close to their owners, providing a comforting presence. Their playful and loyal nature makes them excellent companions for those seeking a soft, snuggly pet. Yorkies’ silky fur and affectionate personality make them perfect for cuddle sessions.

Poodle

Shutterstock

Poodles, whether Standard, Miniature, or Toy, have a soft and plush curly, hypoallergenic coat. Their fur is known for its unique texture, which is perfect for cuddling. Poodles are highly intelligent and affectionate, making them wonderful companions. Regular grooming is essential to keep their coat in top condition and to maintain its softness. Poodles are known for their playful and friendly nature, always eager to be close to their owners. Their luxurious coat and loving personality make them an excellent choice for those seeking a soft, cuddly pet.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shutterstock

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, have a long, double coat that is soft and plush, making them perfect for cuddling. These medium-sized dogs are known for their intelligence and gentle nature. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in good condition and to maintain its softness. Shelties are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families, providing a comforting presence. Their playful and loyal nature makes them excellent companions for those seeking a soft, snuggly pet. Shelties’ combination of luxurious fur and affectionate personality ensures that cuddle time is always enjoyable.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Shutterstock

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its silky, soft coat, making it one of the most cuddly dog breeds. These affectionate dogs are naturally lapdogs, always ready to snuggle up with their owners. Their coat is soft to the touch and relatively easy to maintain with regular brushing. Cavaliers thrive on human companionship and love nothing more than curling up on the couch for a cuddle session. Their gentle and sweet disposition makes them ideal companions for anyone seeking a soft and cuddly canine friend.

Bernese Mountain Dog

bernese-mountain-dog-3483612_1280-1-768x510Shutterstock

Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly soft and cuddly. Their thick, tri-colored double coat is incredibly plush, making them perfect for long cuddle sessions. Known for their gentle, affectionate nature, these dogs are great with children and love being part of the family. Their calm demeanor and love for affection make them ideal snuggle buddies. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat soft and mat-free, but their luxurious fur and lovable personality make the extra maintenance worth it.

Newfoundland

Shutterstock

The Newfoundland is often called a “gentle giant” for a reason. With their massive size and incredibly soft, dense fur, these dogs are the ultimate cuddle companions. Newfoundlands have a sweet, calm temperament and are known for their loyalty and love for their families. Their thick, water-resistant coat makes them perfect for snuggling up on a cold day. They are gentle and affectionate, especially with children, making them popular for families looking for a large, soft, and cuddly dog.

Golden Retriever

Shutterstock

Golden Retrievers are not only known for their friendly and loving nature but also for their soft, flowing coats. Their thick, golden fur is plush to the touch, making them ideal cuddle companions. Golden Retrievers are affectionate dogs that thrive on human interaction and love to snuggle with their families. Their gentle temperament and soft fur make them a popular choice for people looking for a cuddly, affectionate dog. Regular brushing keeps their coat in top condition, allowing maximum cuddle potential.

Chow Chow

Shutterstock

The Chow Chow is famous for its incredibly thick and soft coat, which resembles snuggling a fluffy teddy bear. While they may have an independent streak, when they warm up to their owners, they can be affectionate and love cuddling. Their lion-like mane and dense double coat make them one of the softest breeds around. However, their thick fur requires regular grooming to keep their coat soft and free from mats. Chow Chows are one of the most irresistibly soft and cuddly breeds when properly cared for.

Great Pyrenees

How Often Do I Take a Great Pyrenees Outside to Pee?Shutterstock

The Great Pyrenees is a large, gentle dog with a soft, fluffy double coat. Bred to guard livestock in cold mountain climates, their thick fur is designed to keep them warm, making them perfect cuddle companions. Despite their size, Great Pyrenees are known for their calm and affectionate nature, often seeking out their owners for attention and snuggles. Their soft, wool-like fur adds to their cuddly appeal, though regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat in top condition. Their gentle demeanor and plush coat make them ideal for those looking for a big, fluffy cuddle buddy.

Keeshond

Shutterstock

The Keeshond is known for its incredibly plush and soft coat, which makes it a dream to cuddle with. This medium-sized breed has a thick double coat that is beautiful and incredibly soft to the touch. Keeshonds are affectionate dogs that love being close to their family members, often seeking snuggles and attention. Their cheerful and loving disposition and soft fur make them an excellent choice for people looking for a cuddly companion. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coat soft and tangy-free, but the reward is a lifetime of soft, fluffy cuddles.

English Cocker Spaniel

Shutterstock

The English Cocker Spaniel is another breed known for its soft, silky coat. Their long, flowing fur is incredibly soft, making them a great choice for people who love to cuddle. These dogs are friendly and affectionate and thrive on human companionship. They are always happy to snuggle up with their owners and are known for their gentle, loving nature. Their soft fur requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free, but their sweet disposition and cuddly nature make them a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a soft and loving companion.

Finnish Spitz

Shutterstock

The Finnish Spitz has a thick, plush double coat, making them a soft and cuddly companion. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs are known for their energetic and playful nature, but they also enjoy downtime with their family. Their soft, dense fur is perfect for snuggling, especially after a long day of play. The Finnish Spitz is a loyal and affectionate breed, and while they may be independent at times, they love being close to their owners, making them great for those looking for a soft, cuddly dog.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Shutterstock

As their name suggests, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has one of the softest coats in the dog world. Their silky, wavy fur is hypoallergenic, making them a great option for people with allergies who still want a soft, cuddly companion. These dogs are friendly and playful and love being with their families. Their affectionate nature, combined with their soft, luxurious coat, makes them perfect for snuggling. Regular brushing is required to keep their fur soft and free from tangles, but their gentle, loving personality makes the extra effort worth it.

Pyrenean Shepherd

Shutterstock

The Pyrenean Shepherd may not be as well-known as some other breeds, but they are incredibly soft and cuddly. Their medium-length double coat is plush and soft to the touch, making them perfect for snuggling. Pyrenean Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate dogs that bond closely with their families. They enjoy being active but are happy to curl up for quality cuddle time. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coat in top condition, but their soft fur and loving personality make them a great choice for those seeking a cuddly companion.

The Ultimate Cuddle Companions

Shutterstock

These dog breeds are particularly well-suited for cuddling due to their soft, luxurious fur and affectionate nature. Each breed offers unique characteristics that make them excellent companions for those who love to snuggle with their furry friends. Regular grooming and proper care are essential to maintain their coat’s softness and to ensure a healthy and happy life for both the dog and its owner. Choosing one of these breeds can provide the joy of cuddling with a soft, loving pet, enhancing the bond between dog and owner.

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog