Last Updated on April 21, 2023
Are you a fan of white dog breeds? So are we! While there are only a handful of exclusively white dog breeds, some breeds do have pure white coats, and we’ve curated all-white dogs in one place to aid you in finding your furbaby.
White dogs come in all sizes, demeanor, and coats.
So whether you’re looking for a dog that’s highly intelligent or low-maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
Quick Navigation
- 1 What are the Most Popular White Dog Breeds?
- 2 Toy and Small White Dog Breeds
- 3 Medium White Dog Breeds
- 4 Large and Giant White Dog Breeds
- 5 Other White Dog Breeds
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- 7 Conclusion: Which White Dog Breed is for You?
- 8 Further reading: White not your Color? How about these?
What are the Most Popular White Dog Breeds?
White dog breeds come from all over the world, and you can find breeds hailing from Spain to Japan.
Let’s start with some of the most common white dog breeds that you might come across. We’ve sorted them by size, and we’ll start with the itty bitty toy and small dog breeds.
Toy and Small White Dog Breeds
Malteses or Westies are tiny white dogs that have been long associated with small white dog breeds, but rising in popularity, we have the Frenchie.
What other popular dog breeds fall into this category? Find out below!
1. Toy American Eskimo
At first glance, you might think Samoyed or Pomeranian. True enough, the American Eskimo dog shares ancestry with those two fluffy breeds.
The Eskie can be found in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The toy version stands at only 9 to 12 inches (22 – 30 cm), weighing only 10 lbs (4.5 kg).
2. Bichon Frise
Believed to be descended from Poodles and Water Spaniels, the Bichon Frise were very popular circus dogs due to their intelligence and eager to please attitude.
They also make wonderful watchdogs and are great for families with young children. Standing at the height of 9.5 to 11.5 inches (24 to 29 cm), these dogs rarely go over 18 lbs (8 kg).
3. Bolognese Dog
A companion dog breed for tight-knit families, Bolognese dogs from Italy look like a cross between Malteses and Bichons.
However, this friendly pup is a breed on its own, with shy personalities and standing at only 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm) and weighing 5.5 – 9 lbs (2.4 – 4 kg). In addition, they have wavy coats that require moderate maintenance.
4. Miniature Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers come in a variety of coat colors, with white being one of them. Great with kids and a low shedder, they are an excellent family pet for households with sensitive noses.
While the Miniature Bull Terrier only stands at 10 – 14 inches (25 – 36 cm) and weighs around 18 – 33 lbs (8 to 15 kg), they are still great guard dogs.
5. Chihuahua
The smallest dog breed, full-grown at 6 – 9 inches (15 – 23 cm) in height and 3 – 6 lbs in weight (1 – 3 kg), deserves a spot on our list. Chihuahuas come in many variations and may even have a deer-head.
However, they aren’t the best option for families with little children because they demand lots of attention and prefer to be an only child.
6. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear has a coat that feels more like cotton, which is where they got their name from. A calm pet that doesn’t need more than ½ hour of exercise a day, they make a great fit for elderly pet owners.
They average around 11 – 15 lbs (5 – 6.8 kg) and are usually no more than 9 – 13 inches (23 – 33 cm).
7. French Bulldog
Frenchies are probably the cutest and most famous dogs from France with their large bat-ears and goofy personalities.
The best dog breed for apartment-dwellers, they are usually 11 – 12 inches (28 – 30 cm) and below 28 lbs (12.7 kg) when fully grown.
8. Havanese
Don’t let their tiny size fool you! Full-grown at 8.5 – 11.5 inches (22 – 29 cm) and weighing less than 13 pounds (6 kg), the Havanese is a sturdy companion that requires at least 20 to 40 minutes of exercise on a daily basis.
Excellent for active owners, these fluffy white dogs are low shedders and can be considered for those with fur sensitivities.
9. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz belongs to fluffy dog breeds with their huge white coats. These Japanese dogs have German ancestry and will make fine family companions.
These playful pups love attention and thrive with children. A plus is that they only grow up to 11 – 20 lbs (5 – 10 kg) and 12 – 15 inches (30 – 38 cm).
10. Maltese
The Maltese is another hypoallergenic option with white fur. These dogs tend to bond very strongly with their owner and aren’t all that accepting of others, but they can be wonderful therapy dogs.
Perhaps the best way to describe these 9 inch (23 cm) and 6 lbs (2.7 kg) dogs, it’s that they are both brave and gentle.
11. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are extreme little fluffballs that are good watchdogs. Despite their small 3 – 7 lbs (1.36 – 3.17 kg) and are 8 – 14 inches (20 – 36 cm) stature, they aren’t very suitable for apartment living because they are yappy.
White Poms have become increasingly popular with celebrities because they are so stinking cute, and expensive.
12. West Highland White Terrier
Westies are hardy little dogs that only come in pure white. They were used for hunting rats, and their white fur helped hunters spot them when tracking or chasing vermin.
Best for homes with older children because of their small size and snappy nature, they are usually 10 – 11 inches (25 – 28 cm) and 15 – 20 pounds (7 – 9 kg).
Medium White Dog Breeds
If teeny tiny dogs aren’t your thing and you’re afraid you can’t handle a large white dog, there are a few choice dog breeds that are classified as medium-sized.
These dogs are all working dogs though, so you’d have to be prepared to put in the time and effort to stimulate them.
13. Afghan Hound
At the top of our list is the ever-so-glamorous Afghan Hound. Averaging at 27 inches (68 cm) and 55 pounds (24 kg), these dignified dogs have coats that require constant grooming.
This breed can only be described as cat-like when talking about their temperament and won’t fawn over you like an exuberant Golden would.
14. Standard Poodle
Considered the smartest dog breed, this intelligent dog is also hypoallergenic, though the coat needs regular maintenance.
Standard Poodles come in three sizes, teacup, miniature, and standard, which are around 15 – 22 inches (38 – 56 cm) and a weight of 45 – 60 pounds (20 – 27 kg).
15. Samoyed
Samoyed are active dogs that can be found standing at only 11 inches (27 cm) and 25 lbs (12 kg).
You’ll need to keep up with their grooming demands and energy levels, but dog owners that are willing to put in the work will have an incredibly loyal and gentle sidekick.
16. White Swiss Shepherd
It’s easy to mistake these intimidating dogs for a White German Shepherd, but the White Swiss Shepherd is in a class on its own.
The Berger Blanc Suisse are gentle herding dogs, but they lack the protective nature of their shepherding cousins. At 77 – 85 lbs (35 – 40 kg) and 22 – 26 inches (55 – 65 cm), these dogs do best as a family dog with lots of children.
17. White Husky
The White Husky is easily a favorite white dog breed, especially with piercing blue eyes.
Hailing from Siberia, the Siberian Husky has a thick double coat, making them unsuitable for tropical countries and also means that they shed spectacularly.
More independent than most dog breeds, these 60 lbs (27 kg) dogs aren’t suitable for first-time owners.
Large and Giant White Dog Breeds
Some people love big dogs with fluffy white coats, and if you count yourself among them, here are some breeds that will definitely tickle your fancy.
18. Golden Retriever
Friendly and sunny, the 55 – 74 lbs (25 – 34 kg) Golden Retriever needs no introduction.
However, the American Kennel Club finds Goldens without their signature golden locks undesirable, so if you want to show your dog, you might want to reconsider getting a White Golden Retriever.
Also, they aren’t truly white and usually have tinges of cream to their fur.
19. Akbash
Averaging between 90 – 120 lbs, the Akbash is a Turkish livestock guardian. A dog bred to take care of their charges independently; they are rarely acquired as companion pets as it is in their nature to be strong-willed.
Their white coats can sometimes have biscuit highlights, especially around their ears.
20. White Malamute
At 23 – 25 inches (58 – 63.5 cm) at the shoulder and weighing 75 – 85 pounds (34 – 39 kg), Malamutes cut an imposing figure.
White Malamutes, in particular, are especially impressive due to their size. But these dogs are great softies and make a great addition to any family.
21. Dogo Argentino
One of the best guard dog breeds, the Dogo Argentino, or Argentinian Mastiff, was developed in Argentina for the sole purpose of bringing down big game.
These dogs can grow up to 100 lbs (45 kg) and need strict training to keep them manageable. They can develop an undercoat in winter but are known for their sparse and easy-to-care-for coats.
22. White German Shepherd
Powerful, obedient, and alert, the White German Shepherd is just like any other GSD color.
Best suited for highly active families or owners who can commit at least an hour of daily exercise on top of mental stimulation.
They can grow up to 88 lbs (40 kg), but females rarely go over 70 lbs (32 kg).
23. Great Dane
The biggest white dog breed is the Great Dane and can weigh as much as 175 pounds (79 kg)! Despite their large size, they make great apartment pets because of their docile and quiet nature.
However, make no mistake, these are powerful dogs that love to stretch those long legs of theirs, so frequent excursions to the park are recommended.
24. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a mighty mountain dog with a kind face. Their long-haired coat doesn’t need frequent washes because it’s naturally dirt-repelling.
These dogs are pure white and often have biscuit shades around their ears. Tipping the scales at 85 lbs (38.5 kg), they are happy to snooze on the couch with you or go for a fun romp.
25. Komondor
You will never see a dog more unique than the Komondor. Their fur naturally forms into cords which requires special care.
Hailing from Hungary, these low-shedding dogs are affectionate and a great playmate for young children, but with a minimum weight of 80 lbs (36 kg), it’s always a good idea to supervise play with kids.
26. Kuvasz
Male Kuvasz can grow up to 115 lbs (52 kg) with a low-maintenance coat that repels dirt naturally. However, being double-coated, you should expect them to shed heavily during the change of the seasons.
As with many shepherding breeds, they are more independent than other breeds but can be fiercely loyal.
27. White Labrador Retriever
White Labrador Retrievers are very pale yellows and often have some cream in their coat.
America’s top breed, this dog is versatile as a gun-dog or family pet and highly trainable, plus they have a sleek coat that’s easy to care for.
Growing up to 55 – 80 lbs (25 – 36 kg), they are the perfect size for the service field, which is why you see many of them as guide dogs.
Other White Dog Breeds
Here is a list of other dog breeds that can also come in white. Some, like the White Shih Tzu, are rare, whereas the White Bulldog is not accepted by the AKC.
- American Bulldog
- White Bulldog
- White American Pitbull
- American White Shepherd
- Berger Blank Suisse
- Borzoi
- Canadian Eskimo Dog
- Chinese Crested
- East Siberian Laika
- Cretan Hound
- Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldogge
- Giant German Spitz
- Hokkaido Dog
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Maremma Sheepdog
- Mountain Feist
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Pekingese
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Saluki
- Shih Tzu
White Mixed Breed Dogs
Pedigrees aren’t the only dogs that come in white! Here are three designer dog breeds that can also have that elusive pure white coat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are white dogs hard to keep clean?
I want to say that all dogs are created equal, but the truth is that dogs with lighter coats stain much more readily than their darker-coated counterparts.
As a result, yellowing in white coats is a common occurrence. Staining can be caused by urine stains or dirt.
Discharge around the eyes may also cause tear-stains to appear, so great care must be taken to keep your canine buddy ice white.
Can white dogs get sunburned?
It isn’t so much that a dog is white-coated that causes it to sunburn, but rather, they naturally produce less pigmentation and can burn easily.
Therefore, putting them in the shade or offering protective clothing when out in the sun for excessive periods of time can be helpful.
Putting sunscreen on their delicate noses and bellies can also protect them from harmful UV rays.
Watch here to learn how to prevent sunburn on your white pup:
Which white dog breeds have blue eyes?
The Siberian Husky and Great Dane may inherit beautiful blue eyes that are simply mesmerizing.
Are white dogs prone to deafness?
Animals with white coats are thought to be at risk for congenital deafness due to the merle and piebald genes.
Certain breeds that carry these genes include Dalmatians, Harlequin Great Danes, Samoyeds, and Great Pyrenees.
Fortunately, there are health tests that can determine whether a dog has hearing loss.
Respectable breeders will avoid breeding dogs with health problems which is why you should screen breeders prior to buying a puppy.
What are good names for a white dog?
How many white fluffy dogs do you know with the name “Snowy” or “Snowdrop”? We promise that we are much more creative and unique.
If you have a white dog or want to browse through some White Dog Names, here are a few:
- Baymax – From Big Hero 6
- Pixie – A mischievous fairy
- Shiro – Japanese for “white”
- Fiona – means “white” or “fair” in Gaelic
- Roxy – means “dawn”
- Finn – means “fair”
- Tinkerbell – A character from Peter Pan
- Cotton – like the plant
- Luna – means moon
- Pearl – like the gemstone
Conclusion: Which White Dog Breed is for You?
Some people love dogs that look like wolves or dogs that are entirely black, but if white is what you’re going for, we hope you found the perfect dog above.
Don’t forget that appearance isn’t everything and you should take into consideration your lifestyle and expectations.
For example, wanting a sporting companion and bringing home a brachycephalic breed isn’t going to fare well for either of you.
However, there’s no harm in admiring them from afar! So, what’s your favorite dog breed? Let us know in the comments.
Further reading: White not your Color? How about these?
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.