20 Small Fluffy Dogs Worth Swooning Over

We love our small fluffy dog breeds. From tiny Yorkshire Terriers to purse-sized Chihuahua’s, these little companions are like living, breathing stuffed animals!

Do you have your heart set on small fluffy dogs? Join us today as we go through our list of 20 small fluffy dog breeds totally worth falling for.

The World’s Obsession With Small Fluffy Dogs – The Pros and Cons You Should Be Aware Of

Small fluffy dog breeds are highly popular.

Most dog lovers already know that behind every purebred dog is a unique history that brought him into existence. Originally, dogs were bred for working purposes, whether that included hunting, guarding, herding, droving, or even cart pulling.

Today, many of the dogs we know and love still perform working duties that help humans to thrive. But when we think of working dogs, we rarely think of small fluffy dogs as falling into that category.

Most of us consider small fluffy dogs to have been bred specifically for companionship. And while there is some truth to this depending on which breed you’re talking about, there are also many small fluffy dogs that were bred for much more.

Like large breed dogs, a small and fluffy dog breed’s history is going to play a role in his overall temperament and in his unique needs.

Still, many people continue to view small fluffy dogs differently than they view their larger breed counterparts.

We often see these cup-sized cuties as adorable accessories, and the smaller they are the more coveted they have started to become.

While small fluffy dog breeds are cute, you want to be careful of getting little dogs that have been bred specifically to be smaller than they should be. This can lead to health issues down the line and heartache for both you and your family.

The good news is that there are plenty of small fluffy dog breeds that are naturally small, fluffy, and healthy to boot!

So, what are some small fluffy dog breeds you should consider spending some time with? Take a look!

1. The Long-Haired Chihuahua

The long-haired Chihuahua is one of the smallest fluffy dog breeds on our list.

When you think of small fluffy dogs, you may not immediately think of Chihuahuas. Chihuahuas are famous for being the smallest purebred dog in the canine kingdom, weighing between just two and six pounds!

And while you may be more familiar with the sleek-coated Chihuahua dog, there is also a fluffy version of this canine cutie known as the long-haired Chihuahua. Long haired Chihuahuas come in a variety of coat colors including gold, gold and white, red, red and white, black, black and brown, and more.

They have long, wavy fur that sheds lightly and requires more routine grooming than their shorter-haired counterparts to keep from tangling and matting, but otherwise these cute pups are just like any typical Chihuahua.

Their big personality and small size means they are best suited for owners with older children, and they may be happiest in single dog households as they prefer to be the apple of their family’s eye.

2. The Maltese

The Maltese was specifically bred for companionship.

If you’re looking for small fluffy dogs that are bred through and through for companionship, look no further than the Maltese. These tiny dogs weigh between four and eight pounds, and they are even hypoallergenic, making them a great companion to those who struggle with allergies!

Maltese dogs hail from the island of Malta off Italy, where they have long been coveted as companion dogs. These pups are true lap dogs, and are best suited for owners who can be home with them as often as possible.

If left alone for too long, these small fluffy dogs can become quite upset and are known to struggle with separation anxiety.

That aside, they make fabulous travel companions. They adore lounging on the couch with their favorite human and, when their coats are kept short and in a puppy cut, they are easy to groom and keep clean.

However, Maltese dogs can be prone to tangles and matting if their hair gets too long and is not properly cared for. If you plan on showing your Maltese, be prepared for daily grooming sessions to keep him looking as sparkling white and knot-free as possible.

3. The Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle is an intelligent and athletic little companion.

The Standard French Poodle is famous for his aristocratic history. He began his journey in Germany where he worked as a water retrieving dog, and then slowly made his way to France where his unique haircut made him a stunning accessory to nobel women and eccentric dog lovers alike.

Eventually, the Standard Poodle was bred down into three sizes to include the miniature and toy poodle.

A Toy Poodle often weighs no more than six pounds, but he maintains his big personality and is quite the showman. If you’re looking for a small fluffy dog with a big, fun-loving temperament, the Toy Poodle is going to be right up your alley!

This dog has a curly, hypoallergenic coat that is great for those who suffer from allergies. He is also quite athletic for his small size, and has the perfect streak of independence to ensure he won’t be too bothered if left home when you’re at school or work.

In spite of this, the Toy Poodle also adores being around his human family, and when properly trained and socialized, he makes an excellent companion to children and does well in households with other pets including both dogs and cats.

4. The Shih Tzu

The affectionate Shih Tzu makes for a family favorite!

Shih Tzu dogs are not only adorable, but they are sweet and even tempered. They can grow up to be a bit larger than some of the small fluffy dogs on this list, weighing between eight and 16 pounds in adulthood.

This makes them great additions to homes looking for a more compact dog. And, like many of our small fluffy dogs, Shih Tzus make great travel buddies. They are bred companion dogs, so they do best in homes with owners who can be home often and give them plenty of love and attention.

And while Shih Tzu dogs do have a good long lifespan of between 10 and 16 years, they can be prone to suffering from a unique health condition known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.

This is due to their flattened face, which can make breathing more difficult. They fall in line with many flat-faced dog breeds who suffer from the same condition including dogs like Pugs and French Bulldogs.

5. The Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are small but mighty dogs with big personalities.

Looking for small fluffy dogs with lots of sass? Look no further than the spirited Yorkshire Terrier. Weighing just five to seven pounds when fully grown, the adorable Yorkshire Terrier is a bred ratting dog hailing from Yorkshire, Scotland.

These dogs are quite energetic despite their small size and often have a lot to say. They can be vocal and, because of their rating history, tend to have a high prey drive. For this reason, it’s best to always keep these little cuties on a leash and harness when out and about for walks, as they can be prone to going after smaller animals like squirrels and rabbits.

Yorkshire Terrier’s also have a sweet side, and they make snuggly, friendly, affectionate, and funny little companions. They get along well with older children who are gentle with them, and make great additions to families who can be home often to spend time with them.

Their smooth, hypoallergenic fur is more like human hair, which also makes them an excellent choice for dog lovers with allergies.

6. The Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a cute cross between the Maltese and the Poodle.

Designer dogs are nothing new, but they’ve quickly become popular over the last two decades. The Maltipoo is one of our small fluffy dogs on this list that is considered a designer dog, (AKA a dog that comes from two different purebred parent breeds).

As you might have guessed, the Maltipoo is a mix between the purebred Toy Poodle and the purebred Maltese. This adorable hybrid combines intelligence and athleticism with affection and sensitivity.

Maltipoo dogs are adoring companions with wavy, hypoallergenic coats perfect for allergy sufferers.

Because they are crossbreed dogs they are not eligible for show and are not recognized by most major breed clubs, but that doesn’t mean they are any less costly than their purebred counterparts.

Weighing between 5 to 10 pounds, the Maltipoo can cost owners anywhere from $400 to $4,000!

7. The Papillion

The Papillion gets his name due to his butterfly-shaped ears.

With a name that translates to butterfly, it’s no surprise that the Papillion is a beautiful and elegant little dog. The true origin of the Papillion isn’t known, but traces of him in early history can be found in France, Spain, and Belgium.

Papillons are some of our smaller small fluffy dogs, weighing between seven and nine pounds when fully grown. They are known for a number of traits, but it’s their ears that are perhaps the most noteworthy.

Their large, erect ears are feathered with long fur, giving them the resemblance to butterfly wings. Papillon dogs also come in a variety of colors and coat patterns, and are described as being friendly, playful, alert, and spirited.

They do great in homes with families and other pets, though they can be vocal if not well trained early on.

8. The Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is famous for his cloud-like coat.

Weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, Bichon Frise dogs may be on the larger side of our list of small fluffy dogs, but boy are they some of the fluffiest on this list! With a coat as white as snow, Bichon Frise dogs are famous for their very curly coats, which poof out and make them look like tiny, walking clouds.

Bichon Frise dogs are playful, friendly, social, and gentle, and their size makes them sturdier companions for families with children and other pets.

They make excellent additions to households with family members who struggle with allergies, as their coats are hypoallergenic as well.

These dogs enjoy being with their family and doing whatever their family does. They are trainable and sweet-natured, making them excellent additions to those who also enjoy having friends and company over.

9. The Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a rare dog you may not have seen before.

The Coton de Tulear’s name sounds just as exotic as this little dog truly is. Hailing from the island of Madagascar, this is one of our small fluffy dogs that is rarer than most, which could explain why you may not have seen or heard of him until now.

Weighing between 7 and 13 pounds, the Coton de Tulear has a stunning white coat that flows like fine human hair, and his temperament is described as devoted, friendly, and incredibly sweet.

These little dogs make excellent companions for a variety of households, though they were bred primarily for companionship. As such, they can be prone to suffering from separation anxiety if left home alone for too long, and they are best suited for owners with more flexible schedules.

10. The Cairn Terrier

You may recognize this cute face from the Wizard of Oz movie!

Does this dog look familiar? You might recognize the Cairn Terrier as the starring canine in The Wizard of Oz, and if his Toto appearance doesn’t give you instant heart eyes, then perhaps the story of Judy Garland (who famously played Toto’s owner Dorothy) falling in love with her furry costar to the point of begging his true owner to let her keep him will!

And we can’t blame Judy for wanting a Cairn Terrier to call her own. This is one of our small fluffy dog breeds known for being highly intelligent, spirited, and devoted. They weigh around 13 pounds and do well in more active households.

True Terrier dogs at heart, these dogs can become somewhat vocal and destructive if left to their own devices. They are happiest when they are being kept busy, so owners who are able to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation will be best suited for this little dog.

11. The Pekingese

Pekignese dogs are an ancient breed that once exclusively belonged to the Imperial family.

When it comes to small fluffy dogs, you might consider the Pekingese the original. Pekingese dogs are some of the most ancient in canine history, hailing all the way back to ancient China, where Monks worked to create tiny dogs that resembled miniature lions.

These dogs were coveted companions to the Imperial family for generations, and were not introduced to the rest of the world until around 1860.

Pekingese dogs weigh between seven and 14 pounds, and are beloved for their affectionate and friendly disposition.

They enjoy being around people and other dogs, and as bred companion dogs do best in households with owners who can be around them often.

12. The Pomeranian

Pomeranians have always been popular, but they are especially popular now that a famous Pom named Boo broke the internet with his teddy bear-like appearance!

The Pomeranian is as small and as fluffy as it gets, which is why we had to make sure he was on this list of small fluffy dog breeds. In fact, Pomeranians made waves just a few years ago when one famous Pomeranian named Boo was discovered online.

This adorable Pomaranian looks so much like a teddy bear that it’s sometimes difficult to tell if he is even real!

Pomeranian dogs are the smallest of the Spitz family, and as such they are known for their furry double coats, energetic temperaments, and social nature.

They enjoy being around people and other pets, and make wonderful companions for owners who are able to devote time and attention to their unique needs both when it comes to grooming and when it comes to activity.

Weighing between four and seven pounds, Pomeranians come in a variety of colors like white, black, red, and a combination.

13. The Yorkiepoo

A mix between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle, Yorkiepoos can range in appearance, height, and weight.

The Yorkiepoo is another designer dog we’ve added to our list of small fluffy dogs you should get to know. This little guy is a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy Poodle. His coat type could vary due to his origin, but whether he has curly hair like his Poodle parent or long, flowy hair like his Yorkshire Terrier parent, he will still be hypoallergenic.

Yorkiepoo dogs are intelligent, active, and more athletic than some of the other small fluffy dogs on our list. They can weigh between five and 15 pounds, and have a big personality in that little body.

These dogs are best suited for families with older, more gentle children. They also do well with singles, active seniors, and retirees.

14. The Havanese

The Havanese is famous for his long, flowing coat.

Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese was bred specifically for companionship and is an adoring, affectionate, and proud little dog you’ll definitely want to get to know. This adorable canine has long, flowing hair that can grow to floor length if not kept up with, but you may want to allow his locks to grow if you plan on showing this pooch.

Otherwise, it’s probably best to keep your Havanese dog’s hair trimmed short to avoid matting and tangles, and especially to avoid daily grooming sessions that can take an hour or more each day.

The Havanese weighs between nine and 16 pounds, and makes a wonderful companion dog for owners who can be home often and devote time and attention to his needs. He is friendly with children and other pets, but may be best suited for homes with older children.

15. The Lhasa Apso

Though cute and cuddly, the Lhasa Apso is also spirited.

If you thought the Pekingese was the only ancient dog on our list of small fluffy dog breeds, you thought wrong! Enter the Lhasa Apso. This tiny dog hails from Tibet, and served as a devoted alert dog for monasteries.

With that noted, it should come as no surprise that this little dog, weighing between 12 and 18 pounds, can be quite vocal.

He is highly intelligent and beautiful to look at, with a long, flowing coat that comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns. Like many small fluffy dogs on our list, the Lhasa Apso is a hypoallergenic dog breed, and he is recognized by the majority of major breed clubs.

In fact, Lhasa Apso dogs are a favorite at show, so if you’re planning on getting a show quality dog to compete with, this may be a great companion for you!

However, in spite of his cute and cuddly appearance, Lhasa Apso dogs can be surprisingly aloof and stubborn. They are affectionate and friendly to their owners, but may be more independent than some of the other small fluffy dogs on this list.

16. The Cockapoo

Cockapoo dogs are crossbreed dogs that mix the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel.

The Cockapoo is an adorable hybrid mix, meshing the adoring Cocker Spaniel with the intelligent Poodle. Weighing between 12 and 24 pounds, the Cockapoo certainly is one of our largest small fluffy dogs, and he also has one of the biggest hearts.

This sweet canine makes an excellent family companion, and he could even have the potential of being hypoallergenic, depending on which coat type he inherits from his parents.

However, because the Cockapoo is a crossbreed, his physical appearance could be difficult to predict. Purebred Cocker Spaniels are shedding dogs, and they can be problematic for those who struggle with allergies.

With that noted, the Cockapoo is a very affectionate dog and makes an excellent companion for families with children and other pets.

17. The Morkie

Morkie’s are a mix between the Yorkshire Terrier and teh Maltese, and as such can be more like one parent breed over the other.

Another crossbreed on our list you’re sure to swoon over is the adorable Morkie. This is a cross between the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Morkies cross two very different dogs. Remember, the purebred Maltese is a bred companion dog who wants to be attached to his owner at all times. The Yorkshire Terrier, on the other hand, is a bred rating dog who has an independent streak.

Your Morkie could be a good balance of both his parent breeds, or he could be more like one over the other.

As far as appearance, both the Maltese and the Yorkshire Terrier have similar coat types, so a Morkie dog’s fur can still grow out long and flowy. This means you’ll want to keep up with grooming and ensure you don’t let your dog’s coat become matted or tangled over time.

18. The West Highland Terrier

Also known as the Westie, the West Highland Terrier is an adorable and spunky canine companion.

The West Highland Terrier has a famous face thanks to some long-running Cesar dog food ads. And if you’ve seen those commercials, you already know why they chose the happy-go-lucky Westie to represent their brand.

West Highland Terrier dogs are small fluffy dogs with all white coats, erect ears, and longer bodies. They weigh between 13 and 22 pounds, and make wonderful additions to active households.

Bred to hunt small rodents, West Highland Terrier dogs are hardy dogs with a good amount of energy for their small size. They can become destructive if left to their own devices for too long, so owners should make sure they are properly exercised and kept busy with plenty of toys throughout the day like puzzle toys and snuffle mats.

19. The Pomsky

Pomsky dogs are a hybrid mix between the tiny Pomeranian and the full size Husky.

If you fell in love with the Pomeranian after reading about him above but are wishing for a dog that’s just a bit bigger, you may have just found the dog of your dreams in the Pomsky.

A cross between the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian, the Pomsky combines two intelligent and social Spitz breeds into one. The Pomsky is a bit larger than the Pomeranian, weighing between 20 and 30 pounds, so he’s a great addition to homes with active children or other pets.

He is also highly social, and will enjoy having other dogs in the household to play with.

A word to the wise, though. Pomsky dogs may be on our list of small fluffy dogs, but these guys are very high energy and require active owners who can devote time to exercise each and every day.

Their thick, double coat is also prone to heavy shedding, especially during shedding season. This means that the Pomsky may not be ideal for those who struggle with allergies.

20. The Mi-Ki

Also known as the Miki, the Mi-Ki is a newer breed of dog bred for companionship.

Last on our list of small fluffy dogs is a little dog you may not have heard about. The adorable Mi-Ki is a rare little dog that wasn’t introduced to the public until the 1980’s. He weighs just under 10 pounds when full grown and has large ears and a small, dainty stature.

His coat comes in a wide variety of colors and combinations, and he has soft, wavy fur that is hypoallergenic.

The Mi-Ki hails from Wisconsin, where he was bred specifically for companionship, so he does best in homes with devoted owners who have more flexible schedules and plenty of time to spend with him.

Small Fluffy Dog Breeds – Is One Of These Pint-Sized Pups Right For You?

There is plenty to love about small fluffy dogs!

It’s hard not to fall head over heels for one of the small fluffy dogs on our list above. Not only is each one adorable to look at, but each of the above dogs has a unique temperament that could fit in seamlessly with the right family!

If you’re considering one of the small fluffy dogs on our list above, remember to take your time when researching a reputable source from which to obtain one.

Take time to find out how much these dogs generally sell for through reputable breeders, and avoid buying puppies through online sources like Craigslist or Facebook. You should also avoid going through backyard breeders or those selling dogs for much more or much less than you’ve researched them to cost.

Smaller dogs can be more costly than large breed dogs depending on the breed, and even mixed breed dogs can be more expensive than you might think!

If you wish to obtain one of the above small fluffy dogs through a rescue, we suggest going through local shelters you trust or finding a rescue or shelter that specializes in the breed or mix you are interested in.

Rescuing a dog has endless benefits outside of just saving money, and we highly recommend considering rescuing to find your new furry best friend.

Of course, whichever route you choose is a personal one and up to you! We just want to share your journey. So, with that in mind, tell us which small fluffy dog breed above stole your heart in the comment section below!

Thanks for reading!