Dog breeds come in many different colors, and while white is often seen as a base color for different patterns and markings, some dog breeds end up with completely white coats. These dog breeds may have short or long hair, and they often appear like fluffy white clouds that most people can’t get enough of.
Our article gives you more insight into different white dog breeds so you can learn about these unique pups and decide which white dog breed you might want to adopt.
Dog coat patterns and colors have a huge variety, and though breeding aims to obtain a certain coat color or pattern for many different types of dogs, general coat colors and patterns have ancient origins. The Agouti-signaling protein gene in dogs is what determines coloration for the most part, as this gene controls the amount of black and yellow in a dog’s fur. Golden coat colors and other coat patterns have been determined to have a history as far back as two million years ago, before dogs were officially the dogs we recognize today.
Evolution is one of the biggest factors in the variety of dog coat colors and patterns around today, and research has shown that in some conditions, lighter coat colors have been linked to higher rates of survival.
When it comes to white dog breeds and breeds that have been bred for certain tasks, such as sheepherding, lighter colors may have helped these breeds complete their tasks and survive in colder or snow-covered climates.
If you’re interested in learning more about white dog breeds or you are trying to choose which white dog breed you want to adopt, our list of white dog breeds in all sizes is here to help you out.
Browse these breeds by small, medium, and large sizes to see which one might suit you and your lifestyle best.
The following small dog breeds have white coats and lots of personality despite their small stature. If you are looking for a dog with less strenuous exercise needs, a small white dog breed might be the way to go.
One of the most popular small white dogs around, the Bichon Frise has a happy expression, a friendly demeanor, and a playful nature. The white fur of this fluffy dog tends to be curly, and it’s often seen groomed into a ‘teddy bear’ cut, giving this pup an irresistibly cute look. The Bichon Frise is friendly, affectionate, and works well as a family dog.
A small toy breed with long, silky hair, this white dog is sweet and intelligent. The Maltese loves to be with their families, and this breed may be prone to anxiety if left alone for too long. This breed makes for a great companion, and they are very loving with their owners. However, you must brush them often so their long white hair stays smooth and free of tangles.
The West Highland White Terrier looks very similar to the Yorkshire Terrier, as both of these breeds have long, straight hair. The West Highland White Terrier has an all-white coat, and they do need regular brushing to keep their fur looking its best. This dog breed is intelligent, eager to please, and very affectionate with its owners. They need to be trained gently, and they get along well as a family dog.
One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, French bulldogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. Among the most common of these variations is the white, almost gold, color that many French bulldogs are seen with. This dog is loyal, loving, and playful, and they enjoy spending lots of time playing with their family or simply cuddling with their favorite people on the couch.
Named after the city of Tuléar in Madagascar, the Coton de Tuléar dog breed is often described as small yet charming. This dog breed is known for their long white fur, the strong bonds they form with their owners, and their sensitive nature. The Coton de Tuléar has historically been kept as a companionship and comfort breed.
Intelligent and outgoing, the Havanese has long fur that needs regular maintenance, such as grooming and brushing. This pup is known for their popularity with individuals that live in smaller spaces, as their size and personality allow them to easily adapt to these areas. The Havanese is happy and friendly, and they make surprisingly good watchdogs.
Known for their appearance as a ball of fluff, Pomeranians are often seen in red or rust colors, though white Pomeranians are also plenty popular. This small dog is loving and loyal to their owners, and they have an active, playful side. You must make sure your Pomeranian is brushed often to keep shedding to a minimum and ensure their white fur stays in top condition.
If you want a slightly larger dog breed that still has the soft white fur of your dreams, consider these interesting dog choices.
Spitz dogs are known for their curly tails, and the Japanese spitz is no exception. This medium-sized fluffy pup has distinctive foxlike facial features, and they boast a happy, outgoing personality that many people love. The white fur of this pup is often quite fluffy, and they need regular brushing to prevent tangles.
The Finnish Lapphund is a more unique breed hailing from a cold climate. They were historically used for herding reindeer, and these dogs are active, alert, and intelligent. Finnish Lapphunds are fairly agile and enjoy exercise, though they are just as happy to be a family dog. This breed needs strong companionship, as they grow lonely and bored when left alone for too long.
Appearing very similar to the Japanese spitz, the American Eskimo dog originated in Germany and also belongs to the Spitz family of dogs. This medium-sized pup has very fluffy white fur, and they are known for their loyalty and intelligent nature. American Eskimos do need a fair bit of training and lots of mental stimulation to stay happy and out of trouble.
The sheepadoodle is a cross between the Old English Sheepdog and the standard poodle, something that results in an intelligent breed with soft curly hair. This breed is mostly white, though they are often seen with spots of silver or black across their coats. Sheepadoodles are very playful and affectionate, and they work well in family environments or homes where they can get lots of exercise.
A unique-looking dog, the bull terrier was initially bred as a fighting dog breed. Though their domineering look may put off some people, bull terriers are actually quite sweet, loving, and loyal to their owners. Bull terriers are muscular and need lots of exercise to stay happy, and they are faithful companions to their owners, often forming very strong bonds.
The following white dog breeds are pretty big, and some of them are quite fluffy, making these dogs the perfect choice if you are interested in a dog with a cloud-like appearance.
One of the fluffiest white dog breeds around, the Samoyed is known for their cloud-like appearance and vocal nature. Historically used as sled dogs, Samoyeds generally adapt to family environments, but they need lots of exercise and companionship to prevent bad or destructive habits from forming. Early socialization and proper training are essential to ensuring this pup stays happy.
Known for their very large size and gentle nature, the Great Pyrenees may easily weigh over a hundred pounds. This dog breed has historically been bred for herding and guarding livestock, and they thrive on farms or in other environments where they can work. The Great Pyrenees is generally calm, but they can be surprisingly agile if they’ve identified a threat.
Another uniquely coated dog, the Komondor has a coat made up of round white cords that hang loose, giving them a mop-like appearance. The Komondor hails from Hungary and is a rarer breed. They are generally utilized to guard sheep, and they require structure and consistent training to stay happy and on track.
While the Siberian husky’s black and white coat pattern is the most common, this breed may also be seen in all white. With their blue eyes and notably wolf-like appearance, the Siberian husky is a striking and distinctive breed. This dog needs lots of exercise and training to curb loud barking habits and destructive behaviors that might result from boredom or anxiety. Keep in mind that Siberian huskies have lots of fluffy fur, and they are prolific shedders.
One of the most popular dogs in the United States, the Labrador retriever is commonly seen working as a service dog. This dog breed is gentle, friendly, and patient with their owners, and they are very intelligent. Labrador retrievers are the quintessential family dog, and while their coat may look more golden than white at times, they are still a prime choice for a lovable white dog breed.
Another highly popular dog in the United States with a reputation for being gentle, playful, and loving, the golden retriever comes in a variety of colors, with the white coloring being referred to as “English cream.” White and gold are the most common colors for this pup, and they are known for their intelligence and the work they perform as service animals. Adding a golden retriever to your family sets you up for a wonderfully loyal lifelong companion.
The Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as the White Swiss Shepherd, is closely related to the German shepherd, and this can easily be seen in their appearance. This dog breed has a distinctive white coat, pointed ears, and a hard-working nature that makes them attentive and ready to work or learn new things. As long as they get plenty of exercise, the Berger Blanc Suisse makes a great companion for families or solo individuals.
The standard poodle is known for their curly hypoallergenic fur, loyal nature, and intelligence. This dog breed often finds themselves completing service dog tasks, and they enjoy working alongside their owners. If you are in love with the standard poodle’s soft, curly fur, you may also be interested in a white toy poodle that shares many of the same characteristics as the standard poodle, simply in a smaller body.
Incredibly loyal, the Akita Inu is a very large and sturdy dog hailing from Japan. Historically used for protection, the Akita Inu is slightly wary of strangers and forms close protective bonds with their families. Firm training is required to keep this breed happy and curb bad behaviors; additionally, they require a fair amount of maintenance to keep their fluffy white fur in good shape.
The Dogo Argentino is a unique breed, and it is known for its history as a pack-hunting dog. They have a high prey drive and should only be owned by experienced dog owners and trainers, as they may be aggressive when improperly trained and socialized. This dog breed is very athletic, strong, and intelligent, and they have a short, smooth white coat.
Hailing from Hungary, this herding and protective dog breed is typically used for guarding sheep. They have a light snow-white coat that provides protection from cold weather, and they are quite intelligent and strong. The Kuvasz needs lots of exercise and training to stay stimulated and happy, and they thrive in environments where they can put their herding skills to work.
A very interesting dog breed complete with long silky hair, the Afghan hound definitely has a distinctive look. While their fur may be mostly white, this dog is also seen with patterns or markings in a variety of colors, such as red, silver, and black. The Afghan hound is among one of the oldest breeds of dogs, and they are intelligent, loyal, and surprisingly agile.
White dog breeds are often sought-after for their unique coats that come in a range of lengths and textures. If you are considering adopting a white dog, you likely have more important questions about these pups.
Review our answers to frequently asked questions about white dog breeds below for more information.
White coats on dogs are a result of a gene mutation that causes a loss of pigmentation. Without pigmentation, a dog’s coat will present as white, which is the absence of color. This may happen over time due to evolution or due to selective breeding, and some breeders curate white coats in their dogs to give variety to the colors and patterning of a certain breed.
Research suggests that when it comes to congenital deafness in dogs, there is a connection between a loss of pigmentation in a dog’s coat (something that results in the white color) and deafness in dogs. This doesn’t mean that every dog with a white coat will be deaf, but it does mean that many dogs with white coats are likely predisposed to deafness.
If you are adopting a white dog, speak with the breeder or rescue organization about your concerns, and make sure to take your dog to the vet if you notice any signs or other problems that may suggest deafness. Deaf dogs have the ability to be very happy and live full lives, but they may need some special health care considerations.
While it’s true that dirt, grass, and other stains may be more easily seen on your white dog’s coat, you don’t want to bathe your white dog too often, as this may cause problems with their skin and fur. Most dogs will only need a bath every four to six weeks, depending on their breed and fur type, and bathing more frequently than this might not be a good idea.
If you are very interested in keeping your white dog’s fur as bright white as possible, speak to a veterinarian about your bathing concerns and request a dog-safe whitening shampoo that can help lighten the hue of your dog’s fur and remove any dirt or debris stains that may have appeared over time.
Owning a white dog might be a challenge for some because their fur can become noticeably dirty very easily. However, you should avoid over-bathing your dog and instead resort to a regular grooming schedule to keep your dog’s fur white.
You may find that a quick wipe down of stained areas and avoiding muddy or dirty spots when exercising or playing with your dog helps keep their fur as white as possible in between brushing and grooming.
The specifics of how you care for your white dog depend on the exact breed of dog you have, as many dog breeds have different exercise, nutrition, and care needs. You will most likely need to walk your dog several times a day, provide consistent training to keep them mentally stimulated and spend lots of time with your dog to form a strong bond with them.
Speak to a vet if you have any questions or concerns about health issues that may be prevalent in your dog or if you need advice on feeding and care routines.
If you’ve decided to add a white dog breed to your life, you may be wondering how to adopt one of these snow-white pups. There are two ways to find a white dog breed – through a breeder or through a shelter or rescue organization.
Purchasing a specific white dog from a breeder is typically more expensive, and it’s important to do thorough research, so you know that the breeder you are working with is reputable and uses ethical practices.
Shelters and rescue organizations, including rescue organizations dedicated to specific breeds, are usually cheaper, and you may be able to find all sizes and ages of dogs through one of these organizations.
Make sure that you also keep your mind open to owning a mixed breed, as many of these loving pups have fluffy white coats and personalities you’ll fall in love with, even without being a purebred dog.
White dog breeds are highly sought-after for their fluffy, cloud-like appearance, and many dog breeds around today can offer this to potential owners. If you are considering adopting a white dog breed, make sure you understand what it takes to properly care for that certain breed and that you are ready to upkeep their coat to ensure they look and feel their best while they act as your furry best friend.