White dogs are simply gorgeous, so it comes to no surprise that the white dog breeds are among the most popular ones.
If you want a white dog but are not sure exactly which breed will suit your lifestyle and living settings best, read on to find out more about the most popular white dog breeds in the world.
We have picked white dogs of all sizes, coat types, and activity ranges, so hopefully, there is a white dog for everyone on this list.
Samoyed
This Siberian beauty is one of the most recognizable big white and fluffy dog breeds in the world. Bred in Siberia to tow sleds and hunt in the deep snow and in freezing temperatures, the Samoyed has an amazing thick and sparkling white double coat.
The outer coat is fluffy and long and the inner weatherproof coat is oily to keep the dog warm and dry even in sub-freezing temperatures.
These energetic dogs can be loyal and loving family pets. The males grow to a height at the shoulder of 23.5 inches and a weight of about 60 lbs. The females are a tad smaller – with a height of 21 inches and a weight of about 50 lbs.
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the most popular small white dog breeds. They have straight long smooth white coats and have a fearless attitude to other dogs.
The Maltese is a low shedding dog breed and has been a preferred companion dog breed for centuries.
These dogs love their humans but can be suspicious of other dogs.
The height of these cute white pups is about 9 inches at the shoulder for the males and about 7 inches for the females. A male pup will weigh a mere 7 lbs. and the females are even smaller.
Bichon Frise
With a stunning powder puff appearance, the Bichon Frise is a truly aristocratic little white companion dog.
Originally bred to be a pet for the French aristocracy, this toy-like dog breed almost disappeared during the French revolution.
Thankfully, the Bichon Frise survived, and today is a favorite dog breed for celebrities and regular people alike.
It does require regular grooming and clipping but doesn’t have high energy needs, so it can thrive well in an apartment.
These dogs do not like being left alone.
They are small-sized and will reach a height of just 12 inches and a weight of 15 lbs. for the males, and 10.5 inches and 11 lbs. for the females.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is in the same Bichon family as the Bichon Frise, the Havanese, and the Coton de Tulear, but it is a serious and docile small-sized white dog.
It has a single white coat and even though it is small in size is quite well built and muscled.
The Bolognese will love spending time with its humans but is much shier and independent that the Bichon Frise. Like most other small dogs, the Bolognese can have the syndrome of believing it is the leader of the pack. It also does suffer from separation anxiety, so it is suitable for people who are at home most of the time.
The height at the shoulders of the male Bolognese is about 10.5-12 inches and 10-11 inches for the females. It can weigh from 4.5 up to 9 lbs.
Coton de Tulear
Yet another member of the Bichon family, this sweet cuddly and clownish white pup is an amazing companion dog. Always ready for a new adventure and for fun, the Coton de Tulear’s number one goal is to be as close as possible to its favorite person.
These small white dogs are highly intelligent, sociable and their beautiful coats are very easy to maintain.
They are great at all kinds of agility contests and canines sports and games but do tend to suffer from separation anxiety like the other little dogs in this white dog family.
Considered to be hypoallergenic and low-shedding dogs, the Coton de Tulears are usually 10-12.5 inches for the males and 8.5-11 inches high for the females. The weight of these dogs is between 8 and 13 lbs.
Pomeranian
If you are dreaming of owning and cuddling a small, fluffy and white dog, then you can’t go wrong with the charming Pomeranian.
A favorite dog breed of the royalty and the aristocracy, the Pom is also pretty popular among common people too.
These small dogs have vibrant personalities. Their fluffy coats, lion-like ruffs, and their foxy faces are simply irresistible.
The Pomeranian has a long life span and will reach a height at the shoulder of just about 7 inches for males and 6 inches for females. You should expect your Pomeranian to weigh no more than 5-7 lbs.
Great Pyrenees
If you want a large white dog, then the Great Pyrenees is large and as white as it can get.
These huge dogs grow to a height at the shoulder of 29 to 32 inches and can weigh up to 160 lbs.
The Great Pyrenees was bred to protect livestock on the Swiss mountaintops. Today, these dogs are preferred as companion dogs and are still excellent protectors of the home.
Their beautiful thick white coats are weatherproof, and in some cases can have certain shades of badger or tan. They require regular grooming and occasional stripping and trimming.
They will feel better in larger homes with a safely fenced yard where they can spend time roaming around or keeping an eye on their territory.
These headstrong large dogs need serious training and socializing, but they can be super loving and loyal family pets for experienced dog owners.
Dogo Argentino
These strong and large muscular white dogs can be intimidating to some, but with proper training and socializing can be excellent family pets.
They were originally bred for hunting big game in Argentina, as well as for protection.
They reach a height at the shoulder of 27 inches and a weight of about 100 lbs.
Just like with the Dalmatian, the white Bull Terrier, and the Boxer, the Dogo Argentino is prone to pigment-related deafness in one or both ears.
Due to some restrictions, the Dogo Argentino is banned in certain countries and areas, so make sure you check the local regulations before buying or adopting one of the fearless and yet loving white dogs.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog was bred along the classic Nordic lines to be a dog that can pull heavy loads across both ice and snow. It has a white double coat that provides insulation against freezing temperatures and is water-resistant.
The cute small ears of the American Eskimo Dog are also weather resistant.
With an alert and keen expression and an agile and brave gait, these dogs are absolutely adorable members of the Spitz dog family.
The standard size is up to 35 lbs. but today there are mini and toy versions of the American Eskimo Dog which are only 10-20 lbs., for the miniature, and 6-10 lbs. for the toy-sized ones.
American Shepherd
These medium-sized white dogs are excellent playmates for children and intelligent and lively companion dogs.
The American Shepherd is a muscular and well-balanced dog with a beautiful white coat, a low set tail, and erect ears.
They are self-confident pups who are usually calm but are ready to jump into action when the situation demands it.
They have strong protective and herding instincts and will enjoy living with an active owner or family.
They can be quite vocal but are otherwise amazing dogs.
The breed was developed originally as a German Shepherd Dog, but later on, the white-colored dogs from the breed fell out of favor, which is why the white American Shepherd went on to become a separate breed recognized by the AKC in 1999.
Husky
OK, so they are not completely white dogs, but how could we leave this famous and gorgeous winter dog out of the white dog breed list?
The coat of the Husky is white at least on part of the dog’s body, the rest could be sable, red, gray, or black.
This beautiful coat needs regular brushing – 2 times a week throughout the year and daily during the shedding season.
These beautiful dogs are highly active, so they do need a lot of exercise too. They are also independent and intelligent dogs that need to learn where their place in the pack is if you don’t want to end up with a dominant and uncontrollable dog.
The height of the males is 22 inches, and their weight is 50 lbs. the females are about 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 40 lbs.
Akbash Dog
One of the oldest dog breeds, the Akbash dog was bred in 300 B.C. as a livestock guardian dog in Turkey.
These large white dogs are strong and although are caring companion dogs, they can be quite suspicious of strangers.
The Akbash Dogs have all white bodies, with the exception of their heads which sometimes have biscuit color shades.
Their coats require weekly brushing and more often during the fall and spring when they are shedding.
These dogs are about 33 inches tall and weigh up to 140 lbs. the females are just a little bit smaller and are 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh 120 lbs.
Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz may be a small-sized white dog, but it is actually an excellent guard dog with a big personality.
These dogs require a lot of exercise as they have high energy levels.
The breed is relatively new and was developed in Japan by cross-breeding different Spitz dogs, Samoyeds, and possibly American Eskimo Dogs.
The AKC has not recognized the Japanese Spitz, but its popularity has been growing quite a lot in the last few years.
The Japanese Spitz dogs look like small-sized Samoyeds and will grow up to 14.5 inches and 15.5 lbs. for the males and 13 inches at the shoulders and a weight of 13 lbs. for the females. Learn more about all Japanese dog breeds.
Bull Terrier
These muscular and strongly built dogs are often perceived as aggressive dogs, due to their original use as bull-baiting dogs.
Today, Bull Terriers are loving family pets and companion dogs. They are playful, exuberant, and mischievous dogs that will keep you entertained at all times.
They do need daily physical and mental exercise in order to prevent them from becoming bored and starting to exercise their powerful jaws on the furniture.
These devoted dogs are actually quite affectionate with their humans but can be aggressive to other dogs and to smaller animals.
West Highland White Terrier
Bred to hunt rodents, the Westie is an amazing small white terrier with a big dog personality.
Their rugged white coats are double and are weatherproof. Overall, they are easy to maintain and require just some grooming from time to time.
The male Westie will grow up to about 11 inches at the whither and weigh about 20 lbs. and the females are usually up to 9.5 inches tall and weigh 18 lbs.
These loyal, happy, and quick dogs have a strong prey drive and do not do well with roughhousing, so they are not suitable for homes where the children like playing rough.
Dalmatian
The beautiful white dog with black spots, known as the Dalmatian is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world.
They are strong dogs that need a lot of exercise and work in order to be happy.
They are happy and active dogs which need to be trained only with positive reinforcement because they are sensitive canines with good memories and will not forget or forgive harsh treatment and punishment.
The male Dalmatians are usually up to 24 inches high at the shoulder and weigh up to 90 lbs. while the females are up to 22 inches tall and weigh up to 70 lbs.
Havanese
These lovable little white dogs are cousins of the Maltese and Bichon Frise and are the only dog breed native to Cuba. In fact, the breed is named after the capital of Cuba – Havana.
They are lively pups who love spending time and playing with their humans.
Today, the Havanese is becoming an increasingly popular dog breed among city dwellers because of the size and agreeable nature of the dogs.
Although they are usually white-coated, the Havanese can come in other colors including red, silver, black, or fawn.
Hokkaido Dog
The Hokkaido dog is also known as the Ainu dog is a medium-sized, Spitz-like Japanese breed that is strong-boned and with a sturdy build.
As puppies, these dogs look like baby Polar Bear cubs, and when they grow up they become brave and very loyal dogs.
They are known for their amazing scent and sense of direction which can allow them to find their way back home, no matter the distance.
These dogs were bred in the 1140s and in 1937 they were designated a National Monument in Hokkaido and adopted the island’s name too.
The Japanese name Ainu ken comes from the Ainu people who lived in Hokkaido and who used these dogs for hunting bears and other prey.
The Hokkaido dog is about 18-22 inches high and weighs 45 to 65 lbs.
Chihuahua
The tiniest of all dog breeds, the Chihuahua also has one of the biggest personalities in the canine world.
These small-sized dogs will reach a height at the whither of only up to 9 inches for the males and a weight of up to only 6 lbs.
Still, they have huge personalities and crave attention at all times.
They do tend to be prone to more health problems and risks of injuries due to their tiny size, but they are still in no doubt the most famous lap dogs or purse dogs in the world.
A mutt
We strongly advise anybody looking for opening up their home for a new dog, to take a look at the local rescue shelters. Not only are there quite a lot of purebred dogs up for adoption, but there are numerous adorable crossbreeds that are also in search of a home and a loving family.
Mutts are unique, and if you decide to adopt them, they will love you for life.
The shocking fact that millions of dogs end up in shelters every year, of which only half find new homes and the rest are euthanized should be enough to send you to the shelter to look for your special white dog there first!
Final Words
White dogs can be huge or tiny, fluffy or smooth-haired, and with varying personalities and activity levels.
You should explore the specifics of the dog breed you have picked carefully before proceeding to buy or adopt a dog so that you can choose the one which is best suited for your preferences, lifestyle, and your dwelling.
We hope that we have helped you find that perfect white pup that is just right for you, and that pretty soon you will be enjoying the company of your new four-legged best friend.
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