20 Beautiful White Dog Breeds (With Pictures!)
Elegant, bold and affectionate: no one can resist white dog breeds. So, if you are considering adopting a new life companion, but have not yet decided among the multitude of breeds, here are the most important details about each of them. Carefully consider and take care of their needs and you will enjoy long-lasting friendships.
If you are one of the people who are speechless in the presence of white dog breeds, you will love this list!
American Eskimo
The Eskie, American Eskimo or American Eskimo is originally from the United States, although some time later it was bred in Germany to obtain a white variant like the one we know today. Today, American Eskimos are characterized as much by their whitish coat as by their blue eyes and black nose
They are playful dogs – they love the snow and the cold. They are independent, a bit stubborn, and intelligent, able to learn very easily. In addition, they are affectionate dogs who like to spend time with their families. With other people, however, they are distrustful and will not change their mind until they are told to do so
Argentine Dogo
This breed, originally from Argentina, is not suitable for everyone. Dogo Argentinos require education and socialization from an early age due to their past as hunters, their strength, and their resistance to pain. Their robust structure has been used by police forces for search and rescue, and for military service. Their breeding also predisposes them to work well in groups in rural and urban environments.
Dogo Argentinos are large, faithful, and affectionate white dogs, and they can have excellent relationships with children and other domestic animals, especially if they are given a patient, constant, and firm education. Of course, you must be especially careful with sun exposure, as they can't be in the sun for too long.
Bichon Frisé
Cheerful and playful, the Bichon Frisé is one of the white dog breeds you should consider if you are looking for a small-sized canine. Originally from Belgium and France, they are related to the Poodle due to their physical and psychological characteristics.
However, Bichon Frisés stand out for their greater attachment to their human family, from which they need constant attention. This breed has a very good temperament, so they adapt easily to homes with elderly people as well as with children
On the other hand, they need daily care to keep their coat in good condition – fine, curly, and free of knots. They should also get some regular physical activity. If you enjoy walks and outdoor life as much as you enjoy periods of rest and relaxation, the Bichon Frisé is for you.
Bolognese Bichon
This beautiful, long-haired, white, fluffy dog originated in Italy. Although Bolognese Bichons are descendants of Maltese Bichons and share their need for the type of frequent care and maintenance that will keep their coats in good condition, they are distinguished by their more casual curly coat.
Due to their size, the Bolognese Bichon is one of the white dog breeds most suited for apartment living, whether or not there are children or elderly people in the family. In addition, due to their docile, sociable, calm, and affectionate character, they are easy to train and are a good choice for first-time owners.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua holds the record for the longest life expectancy – reaching 20 years – and is considered “the smallest dog in the world.” Chihuahuas are miniature beauties, but don't let their size fool you! They have restless, territorial, and nervous characters, in addition to being brave, affectionate, and loyal.
In any case, these intelligent and sociable canines of Mexican origin are suitable for people or families living in small apartments.
Coton de Tuléar
Discovered in Europe in the middle of the 20th century, the Coton de Tuléar is the favorite dog of the kings of Madagascar. This breed has a long, smooth and fine coat, similar to cotton. Because of this, they require brushing several times a week to prevent their hair from forming knots or tangles.
On the other hand, they are excellent companions that get along well with children and other animals. They stand out for being an intelligent, affectionate, active, and sweet breed, and they love to receive attention from their families.
French Bulldog
One of the white dog breeds we recommend you consider if you are looking for a companion to play and relax with at home is the French Bulldog. Their muscular physique and intelligence make them excellent watchdogs, though they hardly bark. They are not very fond of going on walks, but they can be very affectionate, funny, family dogs.
This dog often suffers from allergies and respiratory problems.
Havanese
Undoubtedly, the Havanese is one of the sweetest and most affectionate white dog breeds. Natural attention lovers, they are often used as therapy dogs and are excellent companions for children and adults. In addition, this breed is characterized by its considerable nimbleness and intelligence, ideal for training in dog sports such as agility competitions.
Although they can be confused with Maltese Bichons, Havanese Bichons are larger in size. What they do have in common is their soft, long, straight hair.
Italian Volpino
Finally, we cannot end our list of white dog breeds without mentioning the wonderful Italian Volpino, the “little fox” of Italy.
These elegant-looking canines originated in the Renaissance era, in the 15th and 16th centuries, and are excellent companions who love to receive attention and affection.
In fact, they can become very attached to their owners. They are also very energetic and cheerful animals that boast an amazing intelligence.
Japanese Spitz
This japanese dog breeds has a distinctive curly tail and snow-white coat. Intelligent and alert, Japanese Spitzs boast friendly temperaments with great abilities to adapt in a family environment.
However, some can be dominant, so proper socialization is required from an early age, especially in the interest of avoiding conflicts with other dogs or household animals.
Although they love to run, they need little physical exercise. They also have a tendency to shed, so they require regular brushing to keep their coats in good condition.
Komondor
Weighing up to 70 kg and known for their Rastafarian style coat, Komondors are unmatched. This breed, originally from Hungary, is characterized by its strength, size, and speed. Komondors belong to the herding dog group and are therefore usually calm and courageous. However, due to their nature, they require companions who have the ability to train and socialize them.
They are affectionate with familiar people, and friendly with children. They tend to be wary of strangers and will defend their homes and families when and as necessary. This big and loyal white dog will truly be a part of your family.
Lhasa Apso
The Tibetan origin of this breed is, to say the least, surprising. The monks of Tibet used the Lhasa Apso to guard their temples from the presence of strangers. To do so, they alerted the Tibetan mastiffs using their barking. This fact has made the Lhasa Apso a symbol of luck.
They are one of the breeds of medium and small white dogs, and stand out, above all, for the great length of their hair, which protects them from excessive heat loss in cold environments and from solar radiation when they are exposed to the sun. As for their character, they are usually on alert, and are distrustful and jealous.
In fact, it usually takes them a long time to make new friends. However, when they form bonds with a human or other animal, this friendship will last forever and that human or animal will discover their playful, happy, and greedy side.
Their coats form knots easily, especially if they have active lives. For this reason you will soon find new tangles, even if you brush their hair every day as advised.
Maltese Bichon
Among the most popular breeds in our country – and one of the oldest in Europe – is the hypoallergenic Maltese. These long-haired white dogs are popular both for their small size and affectionate character. They are also good watchdogs, so they will alert their human family to any strange presence.
Like all Bichons, Malteses require daily care of their coats to keep them smooth and silky. Attention should also be paid to their eyes and tear ducts, which can be viewed as a weak point of this breed. In addition, these dogs are very affectionate and calm, so they do not tolerate time alone or playing with very active children very well.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a breed of German and Polish origin and of small size – its toy version is even smaller! – with silky, fine, and smooth hair. They stand out for their intelligent, curious, and daring personalities, as well as for their predisposition to barking.
Although they have good relationships with other animals and dogs, they can have certain difficulties getting along with children. However, they are affectionate and active dogs. Therefore, they need daily games, walks, and light brushings. In addition, they should be educated from an early age to reduce their tendency to bark.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Pyrenean Mountain Dogs or Great Pyrenees are named for both their place of origin and their large size. They are considered one of the largest white dog breeds in the world, as well as excellent watchdogs.
They fear nothing, especially when it comes to protecting what they believe to be theirs. Loyal, independent, adventurous, and extremely patient with children and other animals, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs will always err on the side of caution and obstinacy, never aggression. They are distrustful by nature, although they can adapt to new members of their circle fairly quickly
Pyrenean Mountain Dogs eat a large amount of food and have a tendency to suffer from joint problems, so it is advisable to be mindful of weight and physical exercise.
Samoyed
Native to the shepherd peoples of Russia, it is said that Samoyeds used to sleep with their owners to warm them during the coldest nights, as well as pull sleds for them. They are intelligent dogs that remain alert and warn their owners of danger by barking.
Additionally, they have jovial characters and a predisposition to play, so they are not recommended as guard dogs. Instead, they enjoy being with active families that provide them with physical and mental stimulation.
White Swiss Shepherd
The White Swiss Shepherd is one of the most elegant medium-sized white dog breeds on our list. Of American and Canadian origin, this dog boasts great self-confidence.
Agile, intelligent, and cheerful, they have a good disposition for, among other things, agility training. While they are characterized by a friendly and sociable nature – especially with their human families – they will keep their distance from strangers. If the situation demands it, White Swiss Shepherds will quickly adopt defensive postures.
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is one of the smallest and most intelligent white dog breeds in existence. Playful and easy to train, these dogs are also sensitive, affectionate, and loyal, so they are considered ideal dogs for the whole family.
Smaller in size than the standard Poodle, this variety originates from Germany, France, and Russia and has a soft, curly, dense, wool-like coat. Undoubtedly, one of the most important concerns of this breed is the daily brushing.
White Miniature Schnauzer
This smaller version of the Schnauzer emerged in Germany in the mid-19th century. White Miniature Schnauzers are small white dogs who are very identifiable due to their characteristic dense beards and eyebrows.
Miniature Schnauzers are defined by their courageous, intelligent, and active – even somewhat noisy – personalities, so they are excellent protectors of the home. They need long daily walks, so they find happiness in dynamic families that enjoy the outdoors.
West Highland White Terrier
The Westie, West Highland White Terrier or White Terrier is a dog breed characteristic of the West Highlands of Scotland. Friendly, energetic, courageous, and well-balanced, White Terriers are very good hunting dogs. In addition, due to their affectionate and sociable personalities, they are ideal as companions for families with children.
This breed requires regular and constant training, as well as frequent visits to the groomer and weekly brushing to keep their coats in excellent condition.
There is no doubt that the variety of white dog breeds is fascinating. So make sure you take into account the characteristics of each of them before adopting, and you will find a friend for life!
I'm Violeta, a content writer based in Fuerteventura, Spain. My first roommate, travel and adventure partner was Curro, a beautiful and smart German Shepherd mix. Maybe that's why shepherds are my weakness. However, this doesn't stop me, when I see any dog in the street, to give him a good smile, and if he looks at me, I jump down to greet him.