White Dog Breeds: 31 Dog Breeds That Have White Coats

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Vicki Smirnova

Vicki Smirnova is a professional writer and editor who adores animals and helps readers get along well with their pets. She has been working in digital media for more than 5 years and has great experience writing content about lifestyle, including pets. Vicki specializes in dog health and nutrition, cat feeding, dog training. She is an aquarium lover and is passionate to write about fish care at home. Also, Vicki headed several websites and worked as a news editor.

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Updated on: 06/08/2023

White dogs are majestic – their snow-white fur gives them an undoubted elegance. But to maintain the cleanliness of these dogs, they need additional care. Dogs from these breeds shed twice a year and require regular combing (and occasional bathing). Below we gathered white dog breeds of different sizes and hair lengths, with a brief description of each species. [1]

white dog breeds

The following list is arranged from big white dog breeds to small white dog breeds

Big White Dog Breeds

1. Akbash Dog

Akbashakbashrescue.blogspot.com
WeightUp to 140 pounds (male)
90 pounds (female)
Height30 to 34 inches (male)
28 to 32 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan10 to 12 years
Suitable forHerding, farm

Akbash is a breed of a dog, originally from Turkey. Initially, these animals were bred to protect livestock. This is a large breed dog, weighing from 90 to 140 pounds and with good protective qualities. Akbash are known for being calm and not hateful but will be suspicious of unknown sounds and strangers.

2. Kuvasz

kuvaszPhoto by @lifeonwhite from Freepik
Weight100-115 pounds (male)
70-90 pounds (female)
Height28-30 inches (male)
26-28 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan10-12 years
Suitable forHerding, farming

Kuvasz are very intelligent. They can learn a lot of commands, perfectly understand an owner, his intonation, the meaning of words, and behavioral hints. In addition, these dogs remember people, events, and situations. They have their views of things and form an attitude to each person individually.

3. Great Pyrenees

great pyrenees white
Weight100 pounds & up (male)
85 pounds & up (female)
Height27-32 inches (male)
25-29 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan10-12 years
Suitable forHerding, farming

The Great Pyrenees is the best friend of kids and the ideal watchdog for the backyard. Despite its elegant appearance, this dog is unpretentious. The patience of the breed is almost angelic: the Pyrenees agree to share their own possessions with any four-legged creatures.

4. Komondor

komondor
Weight100 pounds or more (male)
80 pounds or more (female)
Height27.5 minimum inches (male)
25.5 minimum inches (female)
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan10-12 years
Suitable forHerding, farm

These are big dogs – the body is large and the limbs are of medium length. The head is round, the ears are folded, the tail is short and the coat is long and white. The Komondor is a born guard and watchdog. This breed really feels its inner mission to observe and protect people and animals. Sometimes the dog will sit and watch his family or control how you lace up your shoes, going to work in the morning.

5. Dogo Argentino

puppy dogo argentinoPhoto by @cynoclub from Freepik
Weight80-100 pounds
Height24-27 inches (male)
23.5-26 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan9-15 years
Suitable forHunter, guard

The Dogo Argentino is a large pet with medium-length limbs, a wide, powerful chest and a pronounced abdominal cavity. The head is of a proper shape, the muzzle is square and the ears are folded and hang down on the sides of the head. The tail is long; the coat is short. Usually, dogs used in battles have their ears and tail docked, and some owners do this for aesthetic reasons.

6. American Bulldog

white american bulldog femalePhoto by @colorful19 from Freepik
Weight75-100 pounds (males)
60-80 pounds (females)
Height22-25 inches (males)
20-23 inches (females)
Colors and PatternsBlack, Red, Brindle, Brown, Fawn, White
Lifespan10 – 12 years
Suitable forGuard, family

This is a short-haired breed of dog famous for its bravery and devotion to its family. Their hair can be in various colors, but there are also dogs with absolutely white hair. The bulldog has an average body size and is also considered an excellent dog breed for living in an apartment. [2]

READ MORE: American Bulldog vs Pitbull: What are Differences and Similarities?

7. German Shepherd

white german shepherdWirestock
Weight65-90 pounds (male)
50-70 pounds (female)
Height24-26 inches (male)
22-24 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsBlack, Black & Cream, Black & Red, Black & Silver, Black & Tan, Blue, Gray, Liver, Sable, White; Bi-Color
Lifespan9-13 years
Suitable forGuard

The German Shepherd is the smartest, most loyal, most trained pet. They serve in the police, border patrol and customs units, helping to carry out search and rescue operations. And at home, these dogs protect the peace and property of their owners and provide a lot of positive emotions.

8. Berger Blank Suisse (White Swiss Shepherd)

swiss white shepherd
Weight66-88 pounds (Male)
55-77 pounds (Female)
Height24–26 inches (Male)
22-24 inches (Female)
Colors and PatternsWhite
LifespanAround 12 years
Suitable forGuard

The Berger Blank Suisse is a well-trained dog that is very loyal to the owner and his family. Usually, these dogs clearly understand the difference between the family and the owner. Their high energy level necessitates training and long walks, and a developed intellect requires team training and mental games. These are strong and confident dogs, but they are very bored if the owner leaves them alone for a long time.

9. Golden Retrievers

white golden retrieverPhoto by Dovydas Žilinskas on Unsplash
Weight65-75 pounds (male)
55-65 pounds (female)
Height23-24 inches (male)
21.5-22.5 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsDark Golden, Golden, Light Golden,
Lifespan10-12 years
Suitable forfamily, guard

Golden retrievers have a large build and limbs of medium length. The chest is large and wide; the neck is massive; the muzzle is proportional; the ears hang down on the sides of the head. The tail is long and fluffy; the coat is long. The golden retriever is a wonderful companion and a loyal friend of a person.

10. Standard Poodle

standard poodleAKC
Weight60-70 pounds (male standard)
40-50 pounds (female standard)
Heightover 15 inches (standard)
Colors and PatternsApricot, Black, Blue, Brown, Cream, Gray, Red, Silver, Silver beige, White
Lifespan10 -18 years
Suitable forPerforming tricks

The poodle is one of the most popular breeds in the world. They are devoted to their family and owner. Poodles need human communication and are very sensitive to the mood and emotions of their family. Sometimes, a poodle becomes very attached to one of its owners and suffers terrible separation anxiety if they are parted. Standard and miniature poodles are usually cute and calm, while toy poodles are sometimes very nervous. The standard poodle is suitable for homes with other pets and children. Miniature and toy poodles are recommended for families with teenagers. This breed does not trust strangers, which makes them good guards. However, sometimes a poodle can bark too long and too obsessively.

11. American Staffordshire Terrier

white american staffordshire terrier
Weight55-70 pounds (male)
40-55 pounds (female)
Height18-19 inches (male)
17-18 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsBlack, Blue Fawn, Blue, Blue Brindle, Brown, Brown Brindle, Fawn, Fawn Brindle, Liver, Red, Red Brindle, Red Sable, White, Black Brindle, Liver Brindle, Fawn Sable, Seal Brown, Blue Fawn Brindle
Lifespan12-16 years
Suitable forGuard

The American Staffordshire Terrier dog breed has a muscular body. The chest is broad and voluminous; the limbs are short and muscular; the neck is massive, and the mouth is large and powerful (the Staffordshire terrier has a bite force of about 22 atmospheres if the mouth has a correct bite and a complete set of teeth).

12. Bull Terrier

white bull terrier
Weight50-70 pounds
Height21-22 inches
Colors and PatternsBlack & Tan, Black Brindle & White, Black Tan & White, Brindle, Brindle & White, Red, Red & White, White, White & Brindle, White & Red, White Black & Tan, Black Brindle, White & Black Brindle
Lifespan12-13 years
Suitable forFamily

The bull terrier breed dog has a compact shape and a muscular, proportional build. The limbs are strong, the tail and ears are not cut off. The head has a non-standard egg-shaped.

Among ordinary people who are not experts in dogs, it is very common belief that a bull terrier is a dangerous and inadequate animal. However, free crossbreeding of dogs, often practiced by owners around the world, plays a huge role here.

13. Hokkaido Dog

Hokkaido DogAKC
Weight44-66 pounds
Height18-20 inches
Colors and PatternsBlack, Black & Tan, Brindle, Red, White, Red Sesame, Sesame, White
Lifespan12-15 years
Suitable forFamily

Hokkaidos (Ainu) are originally from Japan. This is the oldest dog breed and is on the verge of extinction, and it is forbidden to export a Hokkaido outside the country. You must earn the respect of this proud dog with a rather difficult character. If you can take a leading position with Ainu, he will become obedient and compliant. Such dogs are recommended to be purchased by experienced dog breeders.

14. Samoyed

samoyed dogPhoto by Jp Valery on Unsplash
Weight45-65 pounds (male)
35-50 pounds (female)
Height21-23.5 inches (male)
19-21 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsBiscuit, Cream, White, White & Biscuit
Lifespan12-14 years
Suitable forHerding

The Samoyed dog is an exciting breed. He has a magnificent, thick white coat with a soft undercoat. The Samoyeds are very intelligent and comprehensively love all living things; they are soft and patient with children. These dogs are friendly with everyone, including strangers. Samoyeds can be quite dominant with other dog breeds.

15. Saluki

saluki dog
Weight40-65 pounds
Height23-28 inches
Colors and PatternsBlack, Black & Silver, Black & Tan, Black Tan & White, Chocolate, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Fawn, Golden, Red, Silver, White
Lifespan10-17 years
Suitable forHunter, families with older children

The Saluki has a lean build, thin, long, but muscular limbs, and an elongated narrow muzzle. The neck is long; the ears hang down on the sides of the head. The tail is long; the pads of the paws are enlarged, due to which the dog develops more incredible speed without any damage.

16. Siberian Laika

siberian laika
Weight45-60 pounds (male)
35-50 pounds (female)
Height21-23.5 inches (male)
20-22 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsAgouti & White, Black, Black & White, Black Tan & White, Brown & White, Gray & White, Red & White, Sable & White, White
Lifespan12-14 years
Suitable forExperienced owners, Sledding

The Siberian Laika is the hunter’s best friend and assistant. They are strong, hunting dogs of medium size, outwardly similar to wolves. The Siberian Laika has a dry, strong body with developed muscles and a strong skeleton. Aggression towards a person is atypical for the breed. Siberian Laika is very friendly, gets along well with children, and is friends with other dogs (and even cats).

17. Siberian Husky

white siberian husky puppyPhoto by @serhii_bobyk from Freepik
Weight45-60 pounds (male)
35-50 pounds (female)
Height21-23.5 inches (male)
20-22 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsAgouti & White, Black, Black & White, Black Tan & White, Brown & White, Gray & White, Red & White, Sable & White, White
Lifespan12-14 years
Suitable forSledding, experienced owners

The Siberian husky is a large-sized dog with a muscular and proportionally built body. The legs are of medium length, the tail is fluffy and saber-shaped, often bent up, not docked, and the coat is long. The muzzle resembles a wolf’s but is wider; the ears are erect of medium size, and the eyes are blue. Sometimes, one eye is blue, and the other has a different color.

READ MORE: Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky Differences

18. American Pitbull Terrier

white american pitbull terrier
Weight35-60 pounds (male)
30-50 pounds (female)
Height18-21 inches (male)
17-20 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsRed, Blue, Brown, Grey, Black and white, White
Lifespan8-15 years
Suitable forGuard

The American pit bull terrier has a muscular, athletic build, characteristic of dogs of this type. It has a wide, powerful chest, well-developed muscles (especially if the dog goes through regular training) and ordinary length limbs. The American pit bull terrier has folded ears. There is a wide variety of colors of this breed.

Middle-sized White Breeds

19. Cavachon

cavachon
Weight15 to 35 pounds
Height12 to 13 inches
Colors and PatternsCream, White, Pied
Lifespan10 to 15 years
Suitable forFamily

Cavachons are affectionate and loyal dogs. With proper socialization, Cavachons confidently behave with both familiar people and strangers. They find a common language with other dogs and are not afraid. Of course, they will not make a good watchman or defender, but it is a universal family favorite-absolutely![3]

20. French Bulldog

white french bulldogPhoto by Omar Roque on Unsplash
WeightUnder 28 pounds
Height11-13 inches
Colors and PatternsBrindle, Brindle & White, Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, Fawn Brindle, White, White & Brindle, White & Fawn,
Lifespan10-12 years
Suitable forChildren, family

The French bulldog is small, with medium paws, prominent muscles and a short tail, naturally curved. The body is square, the head is round, the muzzle is flattened, the ears are long, but standing. The chest is wide and deep. They can have various colors: white-brindle, brindle, white-fawn and (spotted) fawn. All other colors are considered so-called “breed marriage” and are not recognized by official cynological federations. Although the cream color is very common in the United States, in fact, it is also not recognized by the breed standards of the European Cynological Federation.

A French bulldog is a source of affection and kindness for the whole family. These incredibly cute and charming creatures have an incredible charm. The French bulldog breed has a very curious and cheerful character. They are playful even in adulthood and love colorful toys.

READ MORE: French Bulldog vs Boston Terrier

21. Japanese Spitz

japanese spitz whitePhoto by @lifeonwhite from Freepik
Weight10-25 pounds
Height12-15 inches
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan12-14 years
Suitable forPerforming tricks, family

The Japanese spitz is a small dog covered with thick fluffy hair. The paws are short, the muzzle is elongated, the eyes are black. The tail is fluffy and usually curled up. The color is exclusively white.

High activity and love for various games are perhaps the qualities that do not leave the Japanese Spitz breed until old age. Although, of course, you can add here a huge devotion and love for owners. These dogs can walk for hours on the street, play with other dogs, and communicate with people, expressing their friendliness and location.

READ FULL ARTICLE: Everything about Japanese Spitz

Small White Dog Breeds

22. West Highland Terrier

west highland white terrierPhoto by @lifeonwhite from Freepik
Weight15-20 pounds
Height11 inches (male)
10 inches (female)
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan13-15 years
Suitable forElder humans

The West Highland white terrier is a small dog, with a strong build and sometimes can be prone to excess weight. The head is round, the muzzle is short, with a lush mustache, the ears are small and stand triangular. The limbs are medium, the tail is medium. The coat is wavy, white.

The West Highland white terrier is a very funny and cheerful breed. These dogs are always happy to play, they like to fool around and have fun and they do not need a company for this.

23. Lhasa Apso

white lhasa apsoPhoto by Gilson Gomes on Unsplash
Weight12-18 pounds
Height10-11 inches (male)
slightly smaller (female)
Colors and PatternsBlack, Black & Tan, Cream, Golden, Grizzle, Red, Red Gold, White
Lifespan12-15 years
Suitable forExperienced owners, family

These are small dogs with long, wavy hair. The ears are folded and the muzzle has a mustache and beard. The body is balanced, the limbs are proportional and the tail is lifted up, with thick hair. Wool can have any color: white, black, gold, sand, honey, dark brown, brown.

The Lhasa Apso breed has a somewhat independent, but very friendly, character towards its family. Despite its small size, the dog itself believes that it is not small at all. It seems to her that she is a big, important and strong dog who can even protect her family.

24. Bichon Frise

most popular fluffy dog breeds bichon frisePhoto by Viktor Talashuk on Unsplash
Weight12-18 pounds
Height9.5-11.5 inches
Colors and PatternsWhite, White & Apricot, White & Buff, White & Cream
Lifespan14-15 years
Suitable forPerforming tricks

The Bichon Frise is a small, decorative breed. They have a fragile, proportional body, a rounded muzzle, black eyes, a thin neck, medium length ears that are not docked (they hang down on the sides of the head). The tail is raised up and usually lies on the back. The wool is curly, white and covers the entire body.

The Bichon Frise is very active, has a large reserve of energy, likes walking and various entertainments. They need to communicate with people, especially with owners and family members. Due to the fact that they are very attractive with an incredibly cute appearance, the owners sometimes show excessive care, which, subsequently, negatively affects the character of the animal.

25. Pekingese

white pekingese
WeightUp to 14 pounds
Height6-9 inches
Colors and PatternsBiscuit, Black, Black & Tan, Cream, Fawn, Gray, Red, Red Sable, White, Fawn Sable, Gray Sable
Lifespan12-14 years
Suitable forfamily, children

The dog of the Pekingese breed has a small size and a long coat. Because of the abundance of hair, the dog seems larger than it is, but in fact has a fragile build and short limbs. The muzzle is flattened, the eyes are bulging, the ears hang down on the sides of the head. The tail is short.

The Pekingese breed has internal independence. However, at the same time, it is very attached to its owners. Nevertheless, the Pekingese can be a surprisingly stubborn dog, given their modest size.

26. Havanese

havanese dogPhoto by @lifeonwhite from Freepik
Weight7-13 pounds
Height8.5-11.5 inches
Colors and PatternsBlack, Black & Silver, lack & Tan, Chocolate, Cream, Fawn, Gold, Red, Red Brindle, Red Sable, Silver, White, Black Brindle, Silver Brindle, Gold Brindle, Gold Sable
Lifespan14-16 years
Suitable forChildren

These are small dogs, of normal build. The limbs are proportional, slightly shorter than the average in relation to the body and the tail is short. The muzzle is slightly flattened and the ears are folded. The coat is long.

The Havanese is a breed with a very sweet and kind character. These pets are extremely attached to their family and owner, and they are distinguished by great loyalty and kindness.

27. American Eskimo Dog

american eskimo dog
Weight6-10 pounds (toy)
10-20 pounds (miniature)
25-35 pounds (standard)
Height9-12 inches (toy)
12-15 inches (miniature)
15-19 inches (standard)
Colors and PatternsWhite, White & Biscuit
Lifespan13-15 years
Suitable forFamily

The Eskimo spitz breed is a small-sized dog with a beautiful, white coat, like snow. The coat has a soft, voluminous texture, which makes the dog resemble a small, white bear. The ears are straight and medium length, but they visually seem small due to the abundance of hair. The paws are short; the body is compact and muscular; the tail is curved and fluffy; the muzzle is elongated and resembles that of a fox.

28. Bolognese Dog

bolognese dog
Weight5.5-9 pounds
Height10-12 inches
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan12-14 years
Suitable forChildren

The Bolognese dog breed is small and has curly hair. The head is round; the muzzle is slightly flattened; the ears hang down on the cheeks. The paws are of medium size and proportional to the size of the body, although due to the volume of the coat, it sometimes seems as if they are short. The tail is short, curved and lifted up. The color is white and the wool does not shed.

They are kind and cute animals with lively, communicated characters. They love to play, both with their family and with other dogs, and this trend persists at an early age and after maturation. On the other hand, they can not be called hyperactive – they are quite balanced. The Bolognese dog creates a strong connection with its owner and members of its family, loves attention very much and gives attention and affection to its beloved people.

29. Pomeranian

white pomeranian spitz puppyPhoto by @yamabikay from Freepik
Weight3-7 pounds
Height6-7 inches
Colors and PatternsBlack, Black & Tan, Blue, Blue & Tan, Blue Merle, Chocolate, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Orange, Orange Sable, Red, Red Sable, White, Wolf Sable, Cream Sable, Beaver; Tri-Colored, Blue Sable
Lifespan12-16 years
Suitable forfamily, performing tricks

The Pomeranian is a small dog with a flattened muzzle, triangular ears and paws that are slightly shorter than average. The fur on the paws grows to a much lesser extent; the chest and body hair grows to a greater extent. The most common colors of the Pomeranian are: orange, brown, gray, black, white.

30. Maltese

white maltese dogPhoto by @evgeniyashihaleeva from Freepik
WeightUnder 7 pounds
Height7-9 inches
Colors and PatternsWhite
Lifespan12-15 years
Suitable forChildren

The Maltese lapdog has compact dimensions, paws of medium length and a short, twisted tail. Their hair can grow to an impressive length and there are various types of grooming. The muzzle is slightly flattened, the forehead is straight and the nose is always black. The color is always white (or a light shade).

The Maltese lapdog loves people very much and tries to spend as much time as possible with its owners. They are very funny, playful, a little silly, like various activities and can rarely sit still. They require various games, love toys but sometimes they cannot get along with children – to avoid this, it is necessary to teach the dog to have a child in the house from an early age.

31. Chihuahua

chihuahuaPhoto by Iris Hamelmann from Pixabay
WeightNot exceeding 6 pounds
Height5-8 inches
Colors and PatternsBlack, Black & Tan, Blue & Tan, Chocolate, Chocolate & Tan, Cream, Fawn, Fawn & White, Red, White
Lifespan14-16 years
Suitable forChildren, family, older humans

A Chihuahua dog has a tiny body. The head is rounded, the ears straight, the eyes protrude, the body is square and the chest is poorly expressed. The tail is of medium length and the paws are thin and short.

Despite its tiny size, the Chihuahua breed has a clever personality. His presence in the house cannot be overlooked – they are bright and very active. This breed is very attached to its owners and does not tolerate their prolonged absence. If you are going on a long trip, for example on vacation, it is better for you to take your pet with you. Moreover, its compact dimensions will allow this quite well.

READ MORE: 16 Small White Dogs

Final Thoughts

Dogs with white hair must be fed specialized food that is designed specifically for such dogs. This will help to keep the dog’s coat white.

If you live in a humid climate with frequent precipitation, then a dog with a white coat will not suit you, since after each walk you will have to wash and clean the pet’s fur.

Also, dogs with long hair need constant care for the cover. Thick and long hair must be combed, cut and groomed.

FAQs:

What breed of dog is white?

There are many breeds of dogs with white hair and are divided into two groups: big white dog breeds, small white dog breeds.

What breed is the big white fluffy dog?

Such breeds include standard poodle, Kuvasz, Samoyed. The standard poodle has a curly long coat and is a very old and beautiful breed. The Kuvasz is a larger breed, also has a curly, long coat. The Samoyed is a friendly breed that has a white color and a thick and long coat.

What type of dog has long white hair?

The following dog breeds have long and white hair: Samoyed, Great Pyrenees, Komondor, American Eskimo dog, Havanese, Maltese, Lhasa Apso.

Article Sources:

  1. “Comparative Longevity of Pet Dogs and Humans: Implications for Gerontology Research.” OUP Academic, 1 May 1997, academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/52A/3/B171/608152.
  2. AuthorsFrantz, et al. Animal Domestication in the Era of Ancient Genomics, qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/66726.
  3. Dog Domestication and the Dual Dispersal of People and Dogs into the Americas – ORA – Oxford University Research Archive. 14 Sept. 2021, ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:e31cc7b2-7912-47ac-89f5-ebc883f31160.