You’re here because you want to know which dogs have the fluffiest tails. After all, almost nothing is cuter than a fluffy dog with a fluffy tail!
Or perhaps you want to add a new family member to your household, and you’ve decided that they must have a fluffy tail. Either way, here are the best fluffy-tailed dogs for you to get to know!
The 34 Dogs With Fluffy Tails
1. Alaskan Malamute
Image Credit: Malachi Jacobs, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
10 – 14 years
Suitable for:
Families with children, homes with fenced yards, active people
Temperament:
Intelligent, active, work-minded, affectionate, adventurous
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest sled dog breeds from the Arctic. It’s believed that their ancestors were wolf-dogs that migrated with Paleolithic hunters into North America 4,000 years ago. Malamutes are famous for their vocalizations and chattiness, and they are affectionate, energetic, and quite loyal. They have the famous curled and fluffy spitz tail.
2. American Eskimo Dog
Image Credit: Christmas w/a K, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 2.0 Generic
Lifespan:
13-15 years
Suitable for:
Family homes with fenced yards, active lifestyles, multi-pet households
Temperament:
Fun-loving, loyal, intelligent, sociable, well mannered, sensitive
The American Eskimo Dog was originally called the German Spitz. World War I led to their name change, and the breed wasn’t registered until 1995. These dogs are devoted, smart, and adaptable and have fluffy white coats with fluffy spitz tails.
3. Australian Shepherd
Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
13-15 years
Suitable for:
Families of all types, homes, apartment dwellers, hikers, campers, life lovers
Temperament:
Loyal and loving, highly intelligent, lovable, happy, easily trainable, sociable
The Australian Shepherd is technically an American dog, though the breed initially came from Spain. They are popular dogs for working with cowboys and livestock, but they also work as therapy, service, and search-and-rescue dogs. They are highly energetic, smart working pups with fluffy tails, which, unfortunately, are often docked.
4. Barbet
Image Credit: Ysbrand Cosijn, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
13-15 years
Suitable for:
Families, singles, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts
Temperament:
Intelligent, sensitive, obedient, joyful, playful, loyal
The Barbet was used as a water dog for hunting in France from at least the 1500s. These curly-haired dogs are friendly, happy pups with a sweet-natured temperament, and they love wagging their long, sweeping tails.
5. Bearded Collie
Image Credit: Melounix, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
14 – 15 years
Suitable for:
Active families, houses with yards, outdoor adventuring
Temperament:
Smart, fun-loving, curious, adventurous, mischievous, loyal, friendly
Bearded Collies hail from Scotland in the Scottish Highlands, working as droving and herding dogs. They are smart and energetic, though prone to being stubborn and independent yet always friendly. They are fluffy, shaggy dogs with tails to match.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Image Credit: SubertT, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
6 – 8 years
Suitable for:
Families of any size, families with children, owners with large properties, attentive owners
Temperament:
Calm, Cheerful, Intelligent, Alert, Friendly, Playful
The eye-catching Bernese Mountain Dog comes from Switzerland, where they were used for guarding and droving, as well as being companions for the farmers and their families. These dogs are known for their calm and gentle disposition and for being sweet and affectionate. Their shaggy coats also sport gorgeous shaggy tails.
7. Bichon Frise
Image Credit: Radovan Zierik, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Suitable for:
Companionship, performing
Temperament:
Happy, intelligent, playful, curious
Bichons came from France in the 1200s. They started as lapdogs for aristocrats and eventually found their way into circus performing. Bichons are playful, active, and curious dogs that are most commonly white. They tend to look like walking white cotton balls with tails to match.
8. Bouvier des Flandres
Image Credit: Needpix
Lifespan:
10–12 years
Suitable for:
Active families or individuals looking for a calm, fearless dog with a thoughtful character
Temperament:
Intelligent, loyal, energetic, and audacious
The Bouvier comes from Flanders in Belgium and France. In fact, both France and Belgium claim the Bouvier as a native breed. Their name translates roughly to cowherd, which is what they do. They are affectionate and quite stubborn but also smart and loving. They have a thick, shaggy coat and a fluffy tail that is commonly docked.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Lifespan:
9 – 14 years
Suitable for:
Apartment living, singles, seniors, quieter environments, families with older children
Temperament:
Gentle, docile, obedient, codependent, companionable, intelligent, playful
With a name like this, it can only mean these are royal lapdogs that have warmed the laps of English nobility since the 1600s. They are renowned for their gentle and sweet temperament and get along with almost everyone. Cavaliers have gorgeous silky coats with lovely feathery tails.
10. Chow Chow
Image Credit: Bianca Grueneberg, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
10-12 years
Suitable for:
Families with time to train, socialize, and maintain their dog’s grooming
Temperament:
Intelligent, aloof, independent, and fiercely protective
The Chow is an ancient Chinese breed that is thought to go back to 206 B.C. They were companions to Chinese nobility and royalty and additionally worked as haulers, hunters, and guard dogs. Chow Chows are dignified, refined, fiercely loyal, and loving with their owners. Their coats can be quite floofy with equally floofy tails that they carry over their backs.
11. Coton de Tueller
Image Credit: BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
15-19 years
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a small and companionable dog
Temperament:
Fun-loving, intelligent, and happy, easy to train, territorial, gets along with children and other pets
Cotons originated in Madagascar, where they were companions for aristocrats. These lapdogs are charming, bright, and good natured, and they are named after their white and soft cotton-like coats.
12. Eurasier
Image Credit: Karen Appleby, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Suitable for:
Active families, dog-experienced owners, those able to give considerable attention and training to a dog
Temperament:
Alert, Self-confident, Loyal, Calm, Devoted, Even-tempered, Dignified, Affectionate with family but reserved with strangers
To make an excellent family dog, the Eurasier was developed to have the social behavior and adaptability of the wolf and the domesticity of the average dog. The breeds mixed into their heritage include the Chow Chow and Samoyed. These dogs are calm, family oriented, and confident. They are similar in appearance to spitz dogs, including the thick coats and fluffy tails held over their backs.
13. Finnish Lapphund
Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–14 years
Suitable for:
Active families, homes with fenced yards, children of all ages, multi-pet households
Temperament:
Smart, loyal, pack-oriented, agile, protective, sociable
The Finnish Lapphund originally came from Lapland with the Sami, indigenous people from northern Scandinavia, for hunting and herding reindeer. Lappies are quite friendly, alert, energetic, and happiest when with their families. They have thick coats with profusely fluffy tails held over their backs, like all spitz breeds.
14. Finnish Spitz
Image Credit: Christian Ustvedt Kavli, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Suitable for:
Active singles and families, hunters, farmers
Temperament:
Independent, loyal, intelligent, vocal, playful, animated
The Finnish Spitz is the most popular breed in Finland and has been used for hunting for 3,000 years. The Finn is a friendly and good-natured dog that is quite vocal and fearless. They have short coats but lovely plumed tails that curl over their backs in true spitz fashion.
15. Great Pyrenees
Image Credit: Mikhail Farina, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Suitable for:
Families, Houses with a fenced yard
Temperament:
Stoic, Stubborn, Calm, Protective, Gentle, Smart, Independent
The Great Pyrenees are great indeed! This large breed worked as a guardian for sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains against rustlers, wolves, and bears. These giant dogs are known to be calm and patient and have thick, shaggy coats with lovely, fluffy tails.
16. Havanese
Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
14–16 years
Suitable for:
Apartment living, growing families, multi-pet households
Temperament:
Affectionate, docile, happy-go-lucky, amiable
Havanese are native to Cuba, where they were the lapdogs and companions to Havana’s aristocrats and wealthy landowners. The Havanese are cheerful little dogs that are lively, friendly, and adaptable. Their coats are thick and silky, and they have a plumy tail that curls over their backs.
17. Keeshond
Image Credit: Doczahi, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12-16 years
Suitable for:
Families looking for a lively, loving, and intelligent dog
Temperament:
Lively, alert, intelligent, easy to train, affectionate, social
The Keeshond (pronounced kayz-hawnd) was popular as a barge dog on Dutch vessels along human-made waterways and was considered the “people’s dog.” The Keeshond is a friendly and outgoing dog that is affectionate with their loved ones. Their coat is super fluffy and thick, and this spitz breed has a beautiful plumy tail that they carry over their back.
18. Leonberger
Image Credit: AnetaZabranska, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
8-10 years
Suitable for:
Owners looking for an active and loving companion, homeowners with space for a large animal
Temperament:
Loyal, Loving, Obedient, Fearless, Easy to train
Unlike many other giant breeds, these dogs were developed as companions in Germany in the 1800s. Leonbergers are gentle, social, and playful and thrive in the company of their families. They have thick and medium-long double coats with glorious bushy tails.
19. Lhasa Apso
Image Credit: Chad Zuber, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12 – 15 years
Suitable for:
Apartment dwellers, families with kids, people in cold climates, owners able to spend more time on a dog
Temperament:
Adaptable, Protective, Affectionate, Intelligent, Vocal
These ancient Tibetan dogs acted as sentinels at Buddhist monasteries and palaces over 1,000 years ago. They have long been associated with the Dalai Lama. These little dogs can be comical but also smart, confident, and a bit complex. Their coats can grow to be floor length, and they have a pretty, feathery tail that sits on their back.
20. Long-Haired Chihuahua
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–20 years
Suitable for:
Companionship, small apartments, families
Temperament:
Loyal, intelligent, confident, charming
Chihuahuas are most known for their short coats, but they also come in a long-haired version. They come from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are known for their sassiness and charm and are devoted and affectionate with their families. The long-haired Chihuahua has feathered hair in the usual places, and their plumed tail is something that they are proud of.
21. Maltese
Image Credit: Kimrawicz, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Suitable for:
Families with older children, the elderly, moderately active families, those seeking a friendly toy pooch, a family with slight dog allergies
Temperament:
Gentle, playful, charming, well-balanced personality
The Maltese originated on the island of Malta about 2,500 years ago and was popular with the aristocracy. Maltese are gentle and charming dogs that are playful, affectionate, and adaptable. These all-white small dogs are covered in silky fur with plumy tails that curl over their backs.
22. Newfoundland
Image Credit: PH888, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
8 – 10 years
Suitable for:
Families, those looking for a gentle guard dog
Temperament:
Loyal, gentle, affectionate, trainable, intelligent
Newfoundlands were used by fishermen to assist with water rescues when out fishing. They got their name from their place of origin, which is Newfoundland, Canada. These giant dogs, like most giant dogs, are calm, gentle, and sweet and are known to be “nanny dogs” because of their gentleness with children. Their coats are thick and shaggy, and they sport long, fluffy tails.
23. Norwegian Elkhound
Image Credit: Vladimir Berny, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
10-15 years
Suitable for:
Active, outdoorsy families and individuals with time to provide physical and mental engagement, experienced dog owners
Temperament:
Dignified, Independent, Confident, Intelligent, Bold, Energetic, Athletic, Protective
This ancient breed could be found on Viking ships and acted as guardians, defenders, hunters, and herders. These beautiful dogs are confident, friendly, sensitive, and adaptable. Their coats are silver-gray and lush, and their spitz tails are fluffy and curled over their backs.
24. Old English Sheepdog
Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Suitable for:
Active families looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament:
Friendly, happy, gentle, playful
These dogs are not as old as you might think. Also, they aren’t really sheepdogs! The Old English Sheepdog originated in the late 1700s and worked primarily as drovers for cattle. This breed is adaptable, gentle, protective, and smart. They are also super furry all over with a super furry tail.
25. Papillon
Image Credit: Anna Maloverjan, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
13–15 years
Suitable for:
Attentive owners, apartment dwellers, retirees, families of all sizes, active owners
Temperament:
Intelligent, Affectionate, Energetic, Loving, Curious
These pretty French dogs were lap warmers for nobility and were commonly used in portraits of well-known European artists (such as Goya and Rembrandt). The Pap is a friendly and happy breed that is quite active and athletic. Their ears are distinctive (and how they got their name, as “papillon” translates to “butterfly”), and they have a lovely plumy tail that naturally falls over their back.
26. Pekingese
Image Credit: Olga Aniven, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Suitable for:
Seniors, families with grown children, those looking for a loyal companion
Temperament:
Loyal, loving, affectionate, intelligent, stubborn, headstrong
Pekes are ancient enough that no one really knows when they originated, but they are from ancient China, and only the Imperial family was allowed to own them. Pekes are affectionate and loyal and form close bonds with their families. These little dogs are fluffy with their famous “lion’s mane” and extraordinary plumy tails.
27. Pomeranian
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Lifespan:
12 – 15 years
Suitable for:
Families with older children, apartment living, people looking for a companion dog
Temperament:
Outgoing, loyal, alert, active, quirky, inquisitive, bossy
Poms are miniature versions of their spitz cousins and are the smallest of them all. They found their popularity due to Queen Victoria, who fell in love with this breed in the late 1800s. Poms have super plush coats, and since they are a spitz breed, they have the traditional spitz fluffy tail held over their back.
28. Rough Collie
Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a well-mannered working dog
Temperament:
Intelligent, sensitive, loyal, energetic, calm, obedient
The Collie comes from Scotland, and it’s believed that they have been around for 2,000 years. These shepherding dogs found their fame with the help of dog-lover Queen Victoria. Collies are intelligent, devoted, and loving, and the Rough Collie has quite the luxurious coat of fur. Their tails are nothing if not fluffy!
29. Samoyed
Image Credit: Nik Tsvetkov, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12–14 years
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament:
Intelligent, social, active, and friendly
Sammys were bred a thousand years ago in the coldest parts of Siberia for pulling sleds and acting as watchdogs and hunters. Samoyeds are gentle and friendly and form intense bonds with their owners. They are a spitz breed that is all white with dense fur and a fluffy tail curled over their back.
30. Shetland Sheepdog
Image Credit: Frank11, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
12-14 years
Suitable for:
Active families looking for a companion, guard dog, and canine sport competitor
Temperament:
Loving, Affectionate, Lively, Energetic, Playful, Intelligent, Trainable
Shelties are miniature Rough Collies that came from Scotland’s Shetland Islands and were bred for herding ponies, sheep, and poultry. Shelties are energetic, playful, affectionate, and protective. Since they are fluffy, so are those tails!
31. Shih Tzu
Image Credit: carlosleucipo, Pixabay
Lifespan:
10 – 18 years
Suitable for:
Small and large families, singles, seniors, apartments and houses, those looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament:
Easy-going, watchful, loyal, family focused, intelligent
A breed from ancient China, Shih Tzus were royal lap warmers for hundreds of years and weren’t available to the general public until the 1930s. This breed is affectionate and playful and gets along well with children. Their luxurious long coat is their hallmark, and their fluffy tail is carried over their back.
32. Siberian Husky
Image Credit: BARBARA808, Pixabay
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Suitable for:
A highly active individual or family that loves spending time exercising and exploring the outdoors
Temperament:
Loving, mischievous, outgoing, free-spirited, and highly energetic
The Husky was bred for endurance and pulling sleds, which is what they are famous for. But Huskies also have a reputation for their vocalizations and being mischievous. They are loyal and energetic and love their families. Their tails aren’t quite as fluffy as some other dogs, but it’s still a spitz curled tail.
33. Tibetan Mastiff
Image Credit: Sergey Lavrentev_Shutterstock
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Suitable for:
Those seeking a guard dog, experienced dog owners, older families, those seeking a companion dog
Temperament:
Protective, loving, independent, gentle giant
This breed has their origins shrouded in mystery because of how ancient they are. They came from Tibet and were guardians of the Himalayas, and it’s been said that all Mastiffs come from the Tibetan Mastiff. These giant dogs are intelligent but independent and reserved and make good family dogs for experienced owners. They are quite shaggy with gorgeous fluffy tails.
34. Toy Poodle
Image Credit: Servando Juvera, Shutterstock
Lifespan:
10 – 18 years
Suitable for:
Active families, large homes, multi-pet households, first-time dog owners
Temperament:
Lively, confident, happy, sweet, very smart
Poodles are nothing if not fluffy! They originated in Germany as duck hunters, but the Toy versions originated in the United States in the early 1900s as companion dogs for people living in the city. Poodles are known for their intelligence, and they are confident, agile, and loving. This is a curly, fluffy dog with a little poof of a tail.
Conclusion
Most of these dogs are heavy-coated spitz breeds or come from a cold climate, so all that fur keeps them warm. Having a fluffy tail to curl over your nose doesn’t hurt either!
But as gorgeous as dogs with fluffy tails are, you have to admit that every dog is beautiful, with or without a fluffy tail.
Featured Image Credit: BY-_-BY, Shutterstock
