13 Big Fluffy Dog Breeds That Are Brown

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No matter what size and color they are, dogs are one of the favorite animals that we love to adopt as pets. It’s even better if they are big and fluffy!

If you are a fan of big brown dogs that are fluffy, these are the top 13 dog breeds that meet that criteria:

Table of Contents

1. Barbet

This breed was introduced to the United States in 1994 but some people believe that they have existed since the 8th century. The Barbets (pronounced as ‘Bar-bay’) originated in France where they were mainly used in hunting activities to retrieve birds and waterfowls.

Their name comes from the French word ‘barbe’ that means ‘beard’. Being an exotic dog breed, it is estimated that there are only 600 of them globally and about 30 to 40 Barbets in the United States.

One of the Barbets’ unique physical traits is their webbed feet that give them the ability to swim swiftly. They generally stand between 22 to 25 inches and can weigh up to 62 pounds.

The Barbets’ long, dense, curly coat is waterproof and comes in different base colors like black, brown, fawn, and gray. Like any other breed with a thick dense coat, they need regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles.

They make great house dogs due to their happy, loving, loyal, and energetic personalities. But without proper socialization in the early stages, they could be anxious around strangers.

2. Japanese Akita

a Japanese Akita dog tied on a tree with leash during autumn

Also known as the Akita Inu, the Japanese Akita originated in the region Odate in the Akita Prefecture. Akitas were mainly used in hunting activities until these stately dogs started to gain popularity in the Taisho Era for fighting purposes.

In front of the Shibuya train station, there is a statue of an Akita who was named Hachiko. Hachiko’s legend tells of him wait patiently in front of the train station for his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno to return from work every day.

When the Professor died at work and did not return home, Hachiko returned to the station every day for years looking for him. The statue was erected to him to commemorate the devotion of this noble breed.

Japanese Akitas generally stand between 25 and 27 inches and weigh around 110 to 130 pounds. They have thick, fully double coats comprised of a coarse outer coat and a soft undercoat to protect them from cold climates.

These coats generally come in different colors like brown, brindle, white, and pinto. Japanese Akitas are calm, friendly, affectionate, and unfailingly loyal to their owner.

To make sure they stay healthy and fit, it is important to take them out for a regular run and exercise. Also, their coat should be groomed at least twice a week to keep it smooth and shiny.

3. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever standing on top of a hill

There is no doubt that the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.

Back in the 1800s, this breed was developed in Scotland by a man named Lord Tweedmouth. Golden retrievers generally stand between 22 and 24 inches and can weigh up to 75 pounds.

They possess a thick, wavy, or flat waterproof coat that comes in common base colors like brown, gold, and cream. Some thick featherings can be found on their neck, legs, thighs, underside, and tail.

Due to their frequent shedding habit, regular grooming is needed to clean and remove loose hair from their coat. Golden retrievers are well-known for their friendly, gentle, outgoing, and playful personalities.

They are loyal, eager to please, and quick in learning new skills. This dog breed is definitely a great choice for anyone who is looking for a family dog or simply just a companion dog.

4. Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniel lying on the green grass

From afar, this dog might look like a large teddy bear, and in fact, they do resemble one. Irish Water Spaniels are large-sized dogs with crisply curled coats and tapering ‘rat’ tails.

They originated in Ireland back in the 17th century and were developed by crossing two different breeds; the South Country Water Spaniels and North Country Water Spaniels.

Originally, they were bred for hunting animals and retrieving waterfowl. Nowadays, they are one of the most favorite breeds for dog lovers.

The Irish Water Spaniel stands between 22 and 24 inches and weighs around 55 to 68 pounds. They are energetic, playful, and loyal to their owners.

Unlike other breeds, they are generally calm and don’t get anxious with strangers. Their thick double coat comes in three basic colors like black, brown, and reddish-brown. Regular grooming and brushing are needed to keep their coat healthy and free from any mats.

5. Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier dog lying on the grass at the backyard

The Airedale Terrier originated near the area of the River Aire in the 1840s. They were mainly bred for hunting activities like catching small animals, stalking birds, and retrieving waterfowl.

Like other terriers, they have a penchant for digging and barking when they notice small animals.

Being the largest of the terriers, they generally stand between 22 and 23 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds.

Airedale Terriers possess a dense coat, with harsh hair and a softer undercoat that comes in basic colors like brown, black, and tan.

Their coat needs to be groomed regularly to keep it healthy and shiny. These dogs are intelligent, docile, and loyal to their owners.

But early socialization is needed to make them friendly with strangers as they can become quite aloof with people they don’t know.

Also, due to their big appetite, owners of this breed need to take them out for regular exercise to prevent any weight issues.

6. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound standing on the grass under a sunny weather

Aside from their elegant and expensive look, Afghan hounds are one of the most exotic dog breeds that have ever existed.

They originated in Afghanistan (where they were first known as Tazi) but today’s Afghans came from the breeding results made in the United Kingdom since the 1920s.

Back then, they were developed for military purposes but in the 1980s, they were brought to the United States and used as show dogs in the show ring.

The Afghans possess a thick, long, silky coat that needs frequent grooming and attention. Even their head and ears are covered with long hairs, which makes them one of the most high-maintenance dogs out there.

They generally stand between 25 and 27 inches with different coat colors like brown, black, cream, white, brindle, and shades of tan.

Owning an Afghan can be quite a challenge because they are quite stubborn and wary around strangers. So, proper training and socialization are essential to keep them grounded and obedient.

7. Belgian Tervuren

Belgian Tervuren jumping in a circle obstacle

The Belgian Tervurens (also known as the Chien de Berger Belge) are native to the Belgian town of Tervuren. They were first developed by a man named M. F. Corbeel in 1895, where he crossed two of his tawny-haired dogs with the first purebred of the Tervuren line.

Belgian Tervurens were originally used for many purposes including farming, herding, police and military work, acting and shows, as well as search and rescue.

Nowadays, they are recognized as one of the most talented breeds of show dogs. The Belgian Tervuren possesses a thick and fluffy mahogany coat, with a black overlay that can be found on their body, face, and muzzle.

Frequent brushing is essential to keep their double coats healthy and free from any mats. Aside from friendly, energetic, and playful temperament, they are loyal and protective of their owners.

By bringing them out for a walk, running, or playing catch, these activities will fulfill their energetic nature while keeping them healthy and fit.

8. Irish Setter

This dog breed is native to Ireland and considered the youngest of three Setter breeds. The Irish Setters can be categorized into two types; show and field dogs. The most famous one would be the show type that is larger and heavier, with a thicker and fluffier coat.

They generally stand between 25 and 27 inches and weigh around 60 to 70 pounds. Their coats come in two major colors like chestnut and mahogany red.

Regular grooming is required to keep their coat healthy, silky, and free from any debris. Being a moderate shedder, it is no surprise that hair will be found around the house, especially when their shedding season comes.

Irish Setters are energetic, affectionate, and can be quite clingy with their owners. Unlike other breeds, they prefer to stay indoors but giving them exercise is also beneficial to keep them healthy.

9. Poodle

a little brown poodle sitting on a couch

One of the most favorite dogs adopted by celebrities and public figures, Poodles are known for their personality and physical traits. Originally from Germany, they were once known as the ‘Pudel’, which means ‘splash in the water’.

In France, they are called Caniche, which means the ‘duck dog’, to refer to their origin of being one of the water dogs used in retrieving activities.

Standard Poodles generally stand between 18 to 24 inches and can weigh up to 70 pounds. On the other hand, miniatures and toy poodles are smaller and shorter than the standard breed.

Their thick and curly coat comes in many colors like brown, black, white, gold, fawn, cream, and brindle. Regular grooming is essential to keep their thick coat healthy, especially when they play in the water or in the rain.

Poodles are loyal, playful, and energetic around their owner and children. They have a great sense of humor, can be clownish, and don’t mind interacting with strangers.

10. Rough Collie

Rough Collie dog sitting on a wooden platform beside the lake

The Rough Collies are native to Scotland. They were originally used as herding dogs and became popular due to their unique and beautiful multicolored long coat. The Collie breed comes in two variations; long hair and short hair Collie.

Their fluffy long coat comes in different colors including brown, sable, tricolor, sable and white, and black with brown. Like other breeds with dense and long coats, they need to be groomed regularly to remove any dead hair and debris.

They stand between 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh around 50 to 70 pounds. Rough Collies are family-oriented, affectionate, playful, and don’t mind playing with children.

With their loyal and nurturing personality, they make great companion dogs.

11. Leonberger

Leonberger dig lying on the fresh green grass

Originally from Germany, the Leonbergers are large-sized dogs that were developed by crossing three different breeds; the Newfoundland, the longhaired Saint-Bernards, and the Great Pyrenees.

During World War I, this breed became extinct but rescue and preservation attempts were made to maintain their population.

In 1991, the United Kennel Club recognized the Leonberger as a breed. They stand tall between 28 and 30 inches and can weigh up to 170 pounds.

They have a waterproof double coat that comes in different colors like brown, golden, and red, with a black mask on their face. Frequent grooming is essential to keep their coats healthy and free from any tangles.

The Leonbergers are calm, quiet, and reserved dogs. But they are not lazy because they prefer outdoor activities with their owner.

Although they are intelligent and easy to train, they can become quite stubborn without early socialization and proper care.

12. Eurasier Dog

The Eurasiers originated in Germany in the 1960s. They were developed by crossing three different breeds; the Wolf Spitz, the Chow Chow, and the Samoyed.

In 1973, they were recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, hence being named as the Eurasiers to symbolize their unique combination of Asian and European heritage.

The Eurasiers generally stand between 20 to 24 inches and can weigh up to 70 pounds. They possess a thick, long, fluffy coat that comes in many different colors like brown, black, fawn, black-tan, red, and sable.

Their coat requires regular grooming to remove dead hair and mats. With their intelligent, loyal, and lovable personality, they are great companions.

They also love being around children and don’t get anxious when meeting strangers. But if push comes to shove, they could become protective and fiercely defend their owner.

13. Estrela Mountain Dog

Estrela Mountain Dog sitting on fallen dried leaves

This purebred dog originated in the Estrela Mountains of Portugal. Being the oldest breed in the region, they are also known as the Portuguese Shepherd and Cao da Serra da Estrela. They were mainly used for herding and guarding livestock against wild animals.

In the 1950s, they became popular as people began to breed them more for working purposes before they finally arrived in the United States in 1988.

The Estrelas are well-known for their thick fluffy coats that generally come in different colors like brown, black, fawn, brindle, tan, and cream.

Their coats can be divided into two types; long and short. The long coat could be flat or wavy, and their undercoat is dense but soft.

The male dogs of this breed possess a lion mane look. They generally stand between 24 and 29 inches and weigh around 66 to 110 pounds.

The Estrelas are intelligent, strong, independent, and loyal to their owner. With proper and early socialization, they make great family dogs.

Final Thoughts

Like any other fluffy dog, grooming requirements would be one of the crucial things to be aware of. This is because some people don’t have the time to deal with frequent brushing schedules or having shed hair all over the house. But if you don’t mind the hassle, then having a big fluffy dog as a pet would certainly be a great experience.