Don’t you just love petting dogs with soft, furry fur? Certain dog breeds are not only renowned for their luxurious coats, but they’re also extremely irresistible to cuddle and hold close.
Whether you’re seeking a lap dog with a silky touch or a large breed with a plush coat perfect for hugging, here are dog breeds that stand out for their incredible softness.
1. Keeshond
- Coat: The Keeshond has a thick, double-layered coat that’s incredibly soft to the touch. Its outer layer is dense and straight, while the undercoat is soft and fluffy, providing excellent insulation. The fur around the neck creates a lion-like mane, adding to its cuddly appearance.
- Origin: This breed originates from the Netherlands and was historically used as a barge watchdog.
- Personality: Keeshonds are friendly, energetic, and loyal. Their soft fur complements their affectionate and social nature, making them excellent family dogs.
2. Lhasa Apso
- Coat: The Lhasa Apso has a luxurious, long coat that feels like silk. Though this breed’s fur is soft and flowing, it requires regular grooming to prevent tangling and matting.
- Origin: Originally from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso was bred as a watchdog in monasteries and palaces.
- Personality: These dogs are independent, intelligent, and confident. While they may be a bit aloof with strangers, they form close bonds with their families. Their silky coat adds to their elegant and charming demeanor.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
- Coat: The Bernese Mountain Dog has a soft, thick, and slightly wavy double coat that provides warmth in cold climates. The undercoat is soft, while the outer layer is longer and slightly coarser.
- Origin: This breed hails from Switzerland, where it was used as a farm dog for herding cattle and pulling carts.
- Personality: Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, affectionate, and loyal. Their large, fluffy build and soft fur make them ideal cuddle companions, especially given their loving nature.
4. Bichon Frise
- Coat: The Bichon Frise boasts a soft, curly coat that feels like a plush cotton ball. The coat consists of a soft undercoat and a curly outer layer that gives the dog its signature fluffy appearance.
- Origin: This breed has a Mediterranean origin and was popularized as a companion dog in royal courts.
- Personality: Bichon Frises are playful, affectionate, and cheerful. Their soft fur perfectly matches their friendly and sociable personalities, making them a favorite for families and individuals alike.
5. Samoyed
- Coat: The Samoyed’s thick, double coat is exceptionally soft and fluffy, often described as cloud-like. The undercoat is dense and woolly, while the outer coat is longer and softer, providing excellent protection against cold weather.
- Origin: Originally from Siberia, the Samoyed was bred by the nomadic Samoyede people for herding reindeer and pulling sleds.
- Personality: Samoyeds are friendly, gentle, and always seem to be smiling, thanks to their characteristic “Sammy smile.” Their soft and luxurious coat, combined with their affectionate nature, makes them one of the most huggable dog breeds around.
6. Bouvier des Flandres
- Coat: The Bouvier des Flandres has a thick, double-layered coat that is soft underneath and coarse on top. The undercoat provides a soft, woolly texture that gives the breed its characteristic fluffiness, while the rougher outer coat offers protection from the elements.
- Origin: This breed originates from the Flanders region (modern-day Belgium and France), where it was used as a herding and farm dog.
- Personality: Bouviers are intelligent, loyal, and protective. They are known for their calm and steady demeanor, and their soft undercoat makes them a comfortable companion to cuddle with after a long day.
7. Havanese
- Coat: The Havanese has a soft, silky coat that flows elegantly and feels like fine cashmere. Their fur can be either straight or wavy, and though it’s soft, it requires regular grooming to keep it tangle-free.
- Origin: The Havanese originates in Cuba and was developed as a companion dog for the Cuban aristocracy.
- Personality: Havanese dogs are playful, affectionate, and outgoing. Their soft fur perfectly complements their cuddly, friendly nature, making them ideal for people who love a lap dog with a luxurious feel.
8. Alaskan Malamute
- Coat: Alaskan Malamutes have a thick, dense double coat that feels incredibly soft, especially in the undercoat. The outer coat is coarser and longer, designed to withstand harsh arctic conditions, but the undercoat is soft, woolly, and plush.
- Origin: This breed hails from Alaska, where it was bred by the native Inuit people for pulling sleds and heavy loads across long distances.
- Personality: Malamutes are strong, independent, and friendly. Their soft undercoat, combined with their loyal and affectionate personalities, makes them a great cuddle buddy after a long outdoor adventure.
9. Coton de Tulear
- Coat: The Coton de Tulear has a signature soft, cotton-like coat, hence the name “Coton,” which is French for cotton. The fur is fluffy and feels like soft cotton wool, giving the dog an incredibly huggable appearance.
- Origin: This breed originates from Madagascar, where it was cherished as a companion dog for royalty and nobility.
- Personality: Coton de Tulears are happy, playful, and affectionate. Their soft, cotton-like fur enhances their lovable, friendly demeanor, making them one of the most sought-after lap dogs for those who love a soft, plush companion.
10. Great Pyrenees
- Coat: The Great Pyrenees has a thick, double-layered coat that is soft and fluffy underneath, with a slightly coarser outer layer. The soft undercoat provides insulation and gives the dog a plush, fluffy appearance.
- Origin: This breed comes from the Pyrenees Mountains, where it was used as a livestock guardian dog, protecting sheep from predators.
- Personality: Great Pyrenees dogs are calm, gentle, and protective. Their soft, plush fur adds to their majestic and serene presence, making them not only excellent working dogs but also wonderful companions for families looking for a gentle giant with a soft coat.
If you’re considering bringing one of these soft-coated dogs into your home, you’re sure to enjoy endless snuggles and affection.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.
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