16 Small White Dog Breeds: Basic Facts and Information

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Updated on: 06/08/2023

There are many dog breeds in the canine kingdom with gorgeous, snow-white coats and many of them are tiny. Their light-colored coats require some extra care, but there is less hair to care for when the dog is small.

Smaller breeds are typically low maintenance and are also incredibly cute. They don’t need vigorous exercise and they enjoy curling up next to you on the couch, making them great companions. They tend to form deep, emotional bonds with their owners and are incredibly loyal.

Are you searching for a new furry white-haired family member? Here is a list of 16 small white dog breeds. Not all of them are white by default, but they can be born with a white coat. For the most part, they go in order from smallest to largest. Read on to find out which of them may be perfect for you!

1. Chihuahua

Weight	no more than 6 pounds
Height	5 to 8 inches
Colors and Patterns	white, cream, fawn, fawn and white, red, tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, blue and tan, black and tan, black
Lifespan	14 to 16 years
Suitable for	single adults, older adults, individuals who live in apartments

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds on the planet. They have round heads, pointy ears, and tiny bodies. They may either be short-haired or long-haired and come in a variety of colors and markings, including white.

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Chihuahuas are notorious for becoming very attached to their owners and do not enjoy being left alone for long. Although they are small dogs, they have huge and sassy personalities. It is joked about that Chihuahuas think they are way bigger than they are. They are not recommended for families with small children. However, if you adopted a Chihuahua as a puppy and your children knew to be gentle with them, that would be an ideal situation.

RELATED: Pitbull Chihuahua Mix

2. Maltese

Weight	no more than 7 pounds
Height	7 to 9 inches
Colors and Patterns	white (may have subtle markings of other light colors)
Lifespan	12 to 15 years
Suitable for	apartment living, older adults, families with older children

Many dogs on this list may have other coat colorings besides all white, but the Maltese are white by default. They may have light markings of lemon or tan as well. Their hair can grow long and silky, but proper grooming is a must. Many Maltese dog owners prefer to keep their hair shorter since it requires less maintenance.

Photo by @evgeniyashihaleeva from Freepik

This toy breed is fun-loving and likes to play. They adore their owners and always want to be close to them. If they are around small children from a young age, Maltese will likely be fine with them, but in most cases, they prefer older children.

3. Pomeranian

Weight	3 to 7 pounds
Height	6 to 7 inches
Colors and Patterns	white, cream, tan, red, orange, blue, chocolate, black, tri-colored, red sable, blue sable, cream sable, beaver, orange sable, chocolate and tan, blue and tan, black and tan, blue merle
Lifespan	12 to 16 years
Suitable for	performing tricks, single adults, families with older children

The Pomeranian is a very recognizable breed. Their small bodies are engulfed in a fluffy coat which comes in a wide variety of colors and markings. Pomeranians are active barkers and will alert their family when someone approaches the door.

Photo by @yamabikay from Freepik

Pomeranians command the attention of any room with their “big dog” demeanor. They enjoy practicing tricks and playing games to keep their mind sharp, which also makes this breed a great choice for a service dog. If you have children in your home, they should be old enough to know how to be gentle with a Pomeranian.

4. Poodle (Toy and Miniature)

Weight	4 to 6 pounds (Toy) 10 to 15 pounds (Miniature)
Height	no more than 10 inches (Toy) 10 to 15 inches (Miniature)
Colors and Patterns	white, cream, beige, tan, silver, silver beige, gray, red, apricot, brown, blue, black
Lifespan	10 to 18 years
Suitable for	single adults, families with children, agility training, companion dogs

Poodles come in three sizes: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. For the sake of this article being about small dogs, we will be focusing on the Toy and Miniature varieties.

Toy Poodles are tiny, weighing no more than six pounds and standing no more than 10 inches tall at the shoulder. The Miniature Poodle is slightly larger. They typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and are between 10 and 15 inches tall. Poodles are available in many colors, including white. Their coloring is not contingent on their size. They have a curly coat that will need to be regularly maintained.

Poodles are very popular and highly intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and are eager to please their owners. They are known for their friendliness and make excellent family dogs.

READ MORE: Friendliest Dog Breeds

5. Bolognese Dog

Weight	5 to 9 pounds
Height	10 to 12 inches
Colors and Patterns	white
Lifespan	12 to 14 years
Suitable for	individuals who work from home, older adults

The Bolognese Dog is an Italian dog breed and often gets confused with the Maltese or Bichon Frise. Much like these breeds, the Bolognese has a fluffy coat that is all white. They also have a small, yet stocky build.

These adorable dogs are known to be easy-going and playful but do not need a lot of exercises. They enjoy playing with toys in the house or going for a short walk. They are very devoted to their owners but can be shy with strangers.

They do not like being left alone for long periods and are prone to separation anxiety. If you are somebody who works from home or is home often, a Bolognese may be the perfect dog for you.

6. Chinese Crested Dog

Weight	8 to 12 pounds
Height	11 to 13 inches
Colors and Patterns	white, cream, pink, blue, black, chocolate, slate, palomino; can be mostly hairless with tufts of hair around the head, ankles, and tail, or can be “powderpuff.”
Lifespan	13 to 18 years
Suitable for	agility training, therapy dogs, older adults

The Chinese Crested Dog is a very unique-looking breed. Some of them are mostly hairless, but others can have hair covering their body completely. White is a common color for these dogs and litters of puppies are usually a mix of hairless and powderpuff. The hairless ones are not completely hairless. They have long, flowing locks around their heads, ankles, and tails.

The hairless Chinese Crested Dogs will need to be kept out of the sun to avoid sunburn and will need to wear sweaters in the winter to keep them warm.

American Kennel Club

Chinese Crested Dogs are very affectionate towards their owners and enjoy learning new tricks. They love to spend time with their owner and are sensitive by nature. They do not respond well to harsh training, it will make them less inclined to want to learn.

7. Havanese

Weight	7 to 13 pounds
Height	8.5 to 11.5 inches
Colors and Patterns	white, cream, fawn, gold, red, silver, chocolate, black, black and tan, black and silver, red sable, gold sable, gold brindle, silver brindle, black brindle, red brindle
Lifespan	14 to 16 years
Suitable for	families with children, companion dogs, apartment living

Photo by @lifeonwhite from Freepik

The Havanese is the only dog breed that is native to Cuba. They have an incredibly social and loving personality and enjoy being around people. They are typically great with small children, making them suitable as a family dog. A Havanese will want to be included in all of your family activities and social events.

Havanese can come in a wide variety of colors and patterns with white being fairly common. They have a silky, double coat that should be groomed regularly. This breed is lively and playful and will surely keep you on your toes!

8. Coton de Tulear

Weight	8 to 15 pounds
Height	9 to 11 inches
Colors and Patterns	white (sometimes with gray or yellow markings)
Lifespan	15 to 19 years
Suitable for	therapy dogs, companion dogs, families with children

The Coton de Tulear is a lively and charming small dog breed. They are known for their white coat that is as soft as cotton, hence the French name. They love to play with toys and go for walks to stay in shape.

These lovable dogs have a goofy and fun-loving personality. They are very friendly towards new people, children, and other dogs. The Coton de Tulear is happy being wherever its owner is and makes excellent companion dogs. Their goofy antics are sure to keep you smiling!

READ MORE: Coton de Tulear

9. American Eskimo Dog (Toy and Miniature)

Weight	6 to 10 pounds (Toy) 10 to 20 pounds (Miniature)
Height	9 to 12 inches (Toy) 12 to 15 inches (Miniature)
Colors and Patterns	white, white with biscuit markings
Lifespan	13 to 15 years
Suitable for	families with children, agility training, performing tricks

Like the Poodle, the American Eskimo Dog comes in Toy, Miniature, and Standard sizes. The Toys weigh only between 6 and 10 pounds and are no taller than 12 inches. The Miniatures are slightly larger, weighing between 10 and 20 pounds and standing as tall as 15 inches.

American Eskimo Dogs have a gorgeous, white, fluffy double coat. It is usually pure white, but sometimes they may have biscuit-colored markings. The shed often and their coat will benefit from daily brushing. They do well around young children within their families but can be cautious when meeting new people. Early training and socialization is a must for any dog breed, but an American Eskimo Dog will greatly benefit from it.

10. Pekingese

Weight	up to 14 pounds
Height	6 to 9 inches
Colors and Patterns	white, cream, tan, biscuit, fawn, black, black and tan, gray, red, red sable, fawn sable, gray sable
Lifespan	12 to 14 years
Suitable for	families, older adults, apartment living

The Pekingese is a toy dog breed that hails from China. They were very popular and beloved by the ancient ruling classes. They are not any heavier than 14 pounds and are no taller than 9 inches, but they appear larger. This is due to their long coat. Their stocky bodies have an adorable sway when they walk.

Pekingese dogs have flat faces and large, rounded eyes. They are known for their independence, but will form a deep bond with their owners and are incredibly loyal dogs. The Pekingese typically do not mind being around children as long as they are handled with care.

11. Bichon Frise

Weight	12 to 18 pounds
Height	9.5 to 11.5 inches
Colors and Patterns	white; may also have apricot, buff, and cream markings
Lifespan	14 to 15 years
Suitable for	families with children, older adults, single adults, performing tricks

The Bichon Frise is known for its happy-go-lucky personality and white, fluffy coat. Their coat may also have subtle apricot, buff, or cream-colored markings. A Bichon is ideal for people with allergies since they are hypoallergenic dogs. They require regular grooming to keep them looking their best.

If you have small children or other pets in the household, a Bichon Frise is sure to get along with them just fine. These dogs have an irresistible friendly personality and they are always smiling. They are also easy to train and enjoy performing tricks for an audience.

Photo by @u_91zgw5yq from Pixabay

READ MORE: All About Bichon Frise

12. Lhasa Apso

Weight	12 to 18 pounds
Height	10 to 11 inches (male); females are slightly smaller
Colors and Patterns	white, tan, cream, golden, red, red gold, grizzle, black and tan, black
Lifespan	12 to 15 years
Suitable for	older adults, city living, families with older children

Few dog breeds have a coat as luscious and a tail as feathery as a Lhasa Apso. It is estimated that this breed is around one thousand years old and it originally bred in Tibet.

Photo by Gilson Gomes on Unsplash

They come in many colors or combinations of colors. Their coat will need to be groomed very often, especially if you decide to keep it long. Lhasa Apsos are loyal to their pack and will protect what is theirs. They tend to be a bit hesitant with strangers and will need some time to warm up to them.

13. Japanese Spitz

Weight	10 to 25 pounds
Height	12 to 15 inches
Colors and Patterns	white
Lifespan	12 to 14 years
Suitable for	families with older children, companionship

The Japanese Spitz has a goofy personality and they enjoy tagging along wherever you go. No matter if you are going to the beach or going to grab a quick coffee, they simply want to be close to you. They are excellent companion dogs and get along well with older children.

Pixabay

The Japanese Spitz dons a long, all-white, coat, pointed ears, and a feathery tail. They will need regular grooming to keep them looking sharp. This breed is always smiling and will constantly keep you entertained.

14. West Highland White Terrier

Weight	15 to 20 pounds
Height	10 to 11 inches
Colors and Patterns	white
Lifespan	13 to 15 years
Suitable for	families with children, single adults

Nicknamed “Westie” for short, the West Highland White Terrier has been stealing the hearts of people for hundreds of years. Their coat is completely white and has a rougher texture to it. Westies have stocky bodies, pointed ears, and short tails that are constantly wagging. They are always in a good mood!

West Highland White Terrier have a strong prey drive and love to chase after any small critters that they see outdoors. However, they respond well to training and are highly intelligent. These cheerful dogs make excellent family dogs as well since they get along with everybody, including children.

Photo by @lifeonwhite from Freepik

15. French Bulldog

Weight	under 28 pounds
Height	11 to 13 inches
Colors and Patterns	white, white and brindle, white and fawn, fawn brindle, fawn, cream, brindle, blue, black, sable
Lifespan	10 to 12 years
Suitable for	families with children, single adults, apartment living

Though they are one of the larger dogs on this list, French Bulldogs are one of the world’s most popular small dog breeds. They do not stand very tall, but their bodies are stocky. Frenchies typically do not weigh more than 28 pounds. Many of them weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. They have flat, wrinkly faces and pointed ears. Their coat can come in various colors and markings, including white.

Photo by Omar Roque on Unsplash

Frenchies are extremely friendly. They enjoy being around people and are great with children and other dogs. They do not need intense exercise, and they will be content with a short walk or playing with toys indoors. Due to their flat muzzles, French Bulldogs should not be outside in excessive heat or humidity for too long.

If you choose to adopt a Frenchie as a puppy, be prepared to pay thousands of dollars. One of the reasons they are so expensive is because the females need to be artificially inseminated, and the puppies are born via Cesarian section. Frenchies often develop health problems and sensitivities throughout their life, so just be aware of that.

16. Miniature Schnauzer

Weight	from 11 to 20 pounds
Height	12 to 14 inches
Colors and Patterns	black, black and silver, salt and pepper (the World Canine Organization recognizes white)
Lifespan	12 to 15 years
Suitable for	families with children, other dogs and pets, apartment life, farms

Photo by @cynoclub from Freepik

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog with a whole lot of heart. While the controversy on accepting white coat coloring miniature schnauzers is going on ^[3] we cannot deny that this dog is the whole package. Developed as a ratter, he may look just like a smaller version of the Standard and Giant Schnauzers. He’s an active dog and fun-loving with a lively, mischievous personality.

Miniature Schnauzers are smart dogs and they learn quickly. Smart enough to learn anything, he excels at feats that involve jumping on his sturdy little legs. His bark can be piercing, and his presence will alert you to visitors, burglars, and blowing branches.

Looking to buy a small white dog? Check out Premier Pups!

Grooming Tips for Dogs with White Coated Dogs

It is no secret that dogs with white coats need some extra grooming care to keep them looking and feeling their best. A white coat is going to get visibly dirty much quicker than a dog with a darker-colored coat.

Adopting a white dog as a puppy is a good idea to teach them to enjoy bath time and grooming from the beginning. You can give them their favorite waterproof toy to bring into the bathtub with them so it acts as a security blanket. Remember to give them lots of praise and a few treats afterward, too! If they know they are going to be rewarded, they will begin to view bath time as a fun bonding activity.

Avoid walking your dog through puddles or muddy ground if you live in a climate where it rains a lot. Once you come back inside, wipe their paws with a towel and dry off any wet spots on their body. Their legs and belly will likely be the places where they are the wettest.

You can also purchase wet wipes that are meant for being used on dogs’ fur. They are similar to baby wipes. This avoids the need to bathe your dog with shampoo unless they do need it.

Have you ever used a purple shampoo and conditioner to make blonde hair appear brighter? Well, the same sort of product exists for dogs with white coats. These shampoos have a purple or dark blue color that contrasts with a dog’s white coat. It makes them appear brighter and whiter.

Be careful not to use a colored shampoo too often, it can make the dog’s coat appear blue or purple. Lindsey Dicken, an expert dog groomer, and Bichon Frise expert, says that mixing up shampoos that you use on your dog is important. She says that dogs with dry coats will hold more color, so you should avoid using colored shampoos on them too often. ^[1]

She recommends mixing a ” Blanc ” booster into other shampoos since it is more subtle than the purple and blue products. This special treatment will keep your dog’s white coat in tip-top shape.

Do you ever notice how white dogs have very noticeable reddish-brown tear stains in their eye area? This pesky problem can show up fast on dogs with white coats and can potentially lead to some health issues.

When grooming a white dog, don’t forget about their face! A big part of owning a white dog is keeping their eye area clean. A few key steps in doing so are flushing the eyes with an eyewash meant for dogs and then using an eyewash wipe to clean underneath and around the eye area. ^[2]

You will want to be cautious when doing this as the eyes are a sensitive area. Talk to your vet about the best products and cleaning methods to use.

FAQs

What dog breeds are small and white?

There are many small and white dog breeds. They range from a tiny Chihuahua to a stocky French Bulldog. Small dogs are adaptable and loyal to their families. Keep in mind that most of these breeds are available in other colors and patterns besides all white, but white is an option. Just remember to do your research and you will certainly find the perfect small white dog breed to fit in with you, your family, and your lifestyle!

What kinds of dog breeds are all white?

There are a few small white dog breeds on this list that include dogs that are naturally all white. These breeds include a Maltese, a Bolognese Dog, a Coton de Tulear, an American Eskimo Dog, a Bichon Frise, a Japanese Spitz, and a West Highland White Terrier. Some of these dogs may have subtle light-colored markings in shades of apricot, lemon, or cream.

What is a small white terrier?

A small white terrier on this list is the West Highland White Terrier, or Westie for short. These lovable dogs weigh up to 20 pounds and can typically live between 13 and 15 years. They are very friendly and are great with children. Westies have a high prey drive, so they may prefer to live somewhere where they can go outside and explore.