Puffskein

The Puffskein is a small, docile magical beast popular as a pet throughout the wizarding world. Covered in soft fur and spherical in shape, it is known for its placid nature and low-maintenance care requirements. The Ministry of Magic gives it a classification of XX, meaning it is harmless and may be domesticated. A miniature variant, the Pygmy Puff, was famously bred and sold by Fred and George Weasley.

Puffskeins are scavengers native to all parts of the world. They are perfectly spherical and covered in soft, custard-coloured fur, making them appealing to wizards and witches as pets. They are exceptionally docile and do not object to being cuddled or even thrown about. When a Puffskein is content, it emits a low, continuous humming sound. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) A Puffskein's diet is not discriminate; it will eat anything from leftovers to household pests such as spiders. They possess a remarkably long, thin, pink tongue, which they are known to stick up the nose of sleeping wizards to consume their bogeys. This behaviour, while unhygienic, is considered a characteristic trait of the species. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)

Due to their easy-going temperament and simple care, Puffskeins are a common and beloved magical pet. They are considered an ideal first pet for young wizarding children.

• Ron Weasley once owned a Puffskein, but it met an untimely end after his brothers, Fred and George Weasley, used it for Bludger practice.
• Puffskein fur is known to have magical properties and can be used as a component in certain magical items, such as gloves. (Pottermore)

The Pygmy Puff is a miniature variety of Puffskein, specially bred by Fred and George Weasley. They were sold at their Diagon Alley shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, where they became an instant bestseller. These miniature versions come in shades of pink and purple and are small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Ginny Weasley purchased a purple Pygmy Puff from her brothers' shop during her sixth year at Hogwarts and named him Arnold. She was often seen with Arnold perched on her shoulder.

• Puffskeins are one of the creatures detailed in the in-universe textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Pygmy Puffs are seen in vibrant pink and purple colours, rolling around in cages within Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. (film)
• Puffskeins are a common creature in the video game Hogwarts Legacy, where players can find, rescue, and care for them in the Vivarium within the Room of Requirement. (video game)
• A “Fanged Puffskein” is a variant that appears in the mobile game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery. (video game)