All dogs are unquestionably beautiful, yet there is something truly majestic about a white dog.
Maybe it’s the cloud-colored coat that gives them that regal appearance or that their white faces help them look so expressive. In any case, a white dog breed is a great choice for any dog-lover, offering a beautiful snow-kissed companion.
Are you considering buying a white dog breed but are unsure where to get started? With so many white dog breeds available, finding the right breed for your preferences is often overwhelming.
There are white dogs in almost any shape or size, with some having long hair while others have shorter hair. Maybe you want a cute toy dog to follow you around your apartment? Perhaps you’d prefer the company of a larger white dog breed for a busy family home?
No matter your preferences, there are white dogs of every shape and size, making it possible to find the perfect one for your home.
Finding the Right White Dog Breed for Your Home
With so many beautiful white dogs to choose from, it’s easy to see why so many people struggle to choose one! However, before choosing a white dog breed, it’s important to understand what to expect from this type of dog.
For example, white dog breeds are highly desired for their beautiful white fur coats, so purchasing a purebred isn’t cheap. Expect to pay several hundred dollars at minimum for the most popular white dog breeds – some cost several thousand dollars!
Additionally, it’s important to understand how much maintenance a white dog usually needs. While those white coats provide that beautiful appearance, they also require plenty of upkeep! From brushing to washing to grooming, white dog coats are usually high maintenance!
For instance, the Samoyed has thick, long white fur that keeps them warm. This white fur requires lots of brushing and shampooing to keep clean and tangle-free. Similarly, the cute Bichon Frise has a coat of adorable white curls, but these require daily brushing and frequent haircuts.
Therefore, make sure you know what to expect when choosing a white dog breed – not all white dogs are suitable for every lifestyle.
Make sure to consider things like the cost, size, grooming, and temperament when choosing a white dog breed. Read on below for all the info you need to know about the different white dog breeds available!
The Most Popular White Dog Breeds
Samoyed
If you want a large white fluffy dog, then look no further than the beautiful Samoyed. Bred as a working dog in the wintery climates of Siberia, the Samoyed has a thick coat of white fur. Their thick white coats help keep them warm in the cold snowy landscapes.
Because they are bred to haul sleds through snow, Samoyeds have incredibly high energy levels. As a result, a Samoyed needs a lot of walks and playtime to burn up all that excess energy. They’re also not suitable for apartments because of their high energy.
Also, the Samoyed’s long white outer coat does require a lot of maintenance. Expect frequent brushing to keep the fur tangle-free, and you’ll need to clean up all the hair they shed too.
Keeping that beautiful white coat nice and clean isn’t easy either! The white fur shows up dirt easily, so expect plenty of baths to keep your Samoyed’s fur gleaming white.
Pomeranian
Those seeking a cute small white dog will want to check out the adorable Pomeranian.
This toy dog is incredibly popular with families thanks to its toy-like appearance and loving nature. Great around kids, an adult Pomeranian only weighs around 7lbs, making them one of the smallest white dog breeds around.
Because of their compact size, a Pomeranian is suitable for apartment living, although they do enjoy the freedom of a larger house too. Also, their small size means a cheaper diet, while they also live long and healthy lives, with an average lifespan of 16 years.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is another beautiful small white dog, first bred in France for nobility. Today, anyone can own a Bichon Frise, which has a cute curly white coat and adorably expressive face.
Moreover, the Bichon Frise is one of the friendliest, most affectionate white dog breeds. They are perfect for families, being great around children of all ages. That said, they are also quite mischievous, so it’s important to stay on top of their training.
When trained and socialized from an early age, most Bichon Frise isn’t destructive, although they are quite needy. A Bichon Frise adores its owners, so don’t handle being left alone too well.
Also, that beautiful curly white coat does need regular maintenance. Their fur grows quickly, so expect regular trips to the groomers for a haircut and shampoo!
Great Pyrenees
If you want to own a loveable large white dog, the Great Pyrenees is a great choice.
This is a huge white dog breed, reaching up to 160lbs and towering over 30inches in height. Their larger size is often overlooked because of their gorgeous fluffy white coats, making them appear far less daunting.
The Great Pyrenees was bred for guarding livestock against predators, so it’s a strong and fearless breed. However, this is matched with a surprisingly calm temperament, with the big dog preferring to relax with their family.
That said, if there is danger present, a Great Pyrenees is not afraid to jump to its family’s defense. As a result, they’re a popular guard dog for families.
Maltese
A white dog doesn’t always have a high-maintenance coat with lots of brushing, cleaning, and cutting. The Maltese are a small white dog with one of the lowest maintenance coats of any breed featured on this list.
For instance, their long white fur is smooth and rarely sheds, meaning less cleaning up to do. Moreover, their fur is hypoallergenic, making the Maltese a great choice of white dog for anyone with allergies.
A Maltese usually has that fearless temperament of many small dog breeds. Despite its diminutive size, a Maltese isn’t afraid to assert its dominance over other animals in the home.
However, their temperament towards humans is always positive, showing plenty of love and affection throughout their household.
Dogo Argentino
Not everyone wants a cute and cuddly white dog. If you’re looking for a strong and powerful white breed, look no further than the Dogo Argentino.
Weighing upwards of 100lbs, these muscled white dogs are bred for game hunting and guarding against predators like mountain lions. As a result, the breed is exceptionally powerful and fearless, while also showing a subdued affection to their owners.
However, this breed of white dog isn’t suitable for first-time owners. They require a dominant owner that knows how to properly handle their strong temperament.
Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is another smaller dog breed with a big personality. Its soft, fluffy white coat gives them an adorable appearance that is only matched by their strong character.
Despite its smaller stature, the breed isn’t afraid to show its authority! Because of this, it’s a popular breed for socializing and training younger pups, showing them how to properly act from a young age.
All that personality does result in quite an energetic dog though, even if it’s on the smaller side!
Akbash
The Akbash is a large white dog breed originating from Turkey, where it was bred as a guard dog. This big white dog is fiercely loyal to its owners while showing some reservations around new people. Socializing is important to ensure they remain friendly enough to strangers.
Also, the Akbash does require a firm handler due to its strong-willed temperament. Training the dog requires a lot of experience and plenty of patience, so isn’t recommended for first-time dog owners.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small dog breed native to Cuba, named after the country’s capital city, Havana. Kind and affectionate, these smaller dogs are great companions, loving to sit on laps and get lots of attention.
Although the breed is best known as a white dog, Havanese are available in various colors, including red, black, and gray.
Their coats are long and silky soft, while only needing moderate maintenance. Brushing a few times a week keeps their coat in great condition, with bathing recommended every few weeks.
Chihuahua
With their cute appearance and colorful personality, it’s easy to see why the chihuahua is one of the most popular white dogs. Yes, they are available in other colors, yet white chihuahuas remain the most desirable.
This breed loves being the center of attention, with a fiery temperament despite its diminutive size. However, this personality does mean a higher maintenance white dog, with plenty of love and attention needed to keep them happy.
Conclusion
If you want to own a white dog, this list should make it easy to find the perfect breed for your needs. Whether you want a small fluffy white dog or a large and loveable white dog, there are various options available, each one catering to different tastes and preferences.