17 White Dog Breeds

With their bright, snowy coats, white dog breeds make striking companions. But the allure of these animals goes beyond their appearance. White dogs range in personality and size, from the laid-back temperament of the Great Pyrenees to the friendly charm of the Bichon Frise. 

If you’re thinking of adding a white dog to your home, you have lots of options. Read on to learn about exclusively white breeds and dogs with a white coat option so you can choose the perfect pearly companion.

1. West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

The West Highland White Terrier, also called the Westie, is a small white dog known for having an affectionate, energetic personality. These white terrier dogs make great family pets when properly socialized, though may become excessive barkers without enough exercise and play.

Westies are generally healthy dogs, but pet parents will want to have their teeth cleaned regularly because they are prone to dental disease.

2. Bichon Frise

Another tiny white dog with a friendly personality, the Bichon Frise is considered to be a “hypoallergenic” breed with curly white hair that looks best with daily brushing.

These lap dogs are easy to train and great with kids, making them ideal for families and apartment dwellers. The Bichon Frise is a healthy breed with a long lifespan of 14–15 years.

3. Maltese

With their silky, floor-length white coats, the Maltese is a showstopper. Maltese are friendly little dogs with big personalities, and they get along well with older kids and adults. They respond well to reward-based training and don’t need as much exercise as some other small white dog breeds.

The Maltese coat is prone to matting, which can lead to skin infections. Daily brushing and regular grooming is essential for maintaining good health.

4. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a popular dog breed known for loyalty, intelligence, and high energy. White German Shepherds are less common than the black and tan coloration, but they share the same lively character.

These dogs can grow up to 90 pounds and are prone to health issues like cancer and hip dysplasia. German Shepherds do best with constant training, socialization, and exercise. 

5. Samoyed

Friendly and playful, the Samoyed is a big white fluffy dog that does great with families, especially in cooler climates. Their thick, double-layered coat needs regular brushing and puts them at risk of heatstroke in warmer weather.

Samoyeds need lots of exercise and stimulation, so they are best for active pet parents who can meet those requirements. 

6. American Eskimo

American Eskimo Dogs come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. Their long white hair needs regular brushing, but pet parents can be more sparing with professional grooming. These dogs like daily walks and plenty of play. With proper socialization, American Eskimos make excellent dogs for families and individuals alike.  

7. Japanese Spitz

If you’re looking for a fluffy white dog that’s low-maintenance and friendly, consider the Japanese Spitz. Despite the breed’s long coat, pet parents only need to brush their Japanese Spitz weekly.

These dogs are happy living in a house or apartment—as long as they’re getting plenty of time with their family. 

8. Great Pyrenees

Among the most laid-back of large white dog breeds, the Great Pyrenees is also healthy and has minimal grooming needs. These independent dogs can weigh up to 100 pounds and are gentle and friendly toward people they know. Early socialization and consistent training will help them be trustworthy, well-behaved companions. 

9. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are high-energy dogs that love to play and run around. These highly intelligent, talkative dogs behave best with regular training and socialization, and they are happiest in a home with plenty of room to roam.

Huskies have thick coats that come in multiple colors, so homes with white Siberian Huskies will need regular upkeep to keep surfaces fur-free. 

10. Poodle

Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Standard Poodles are all highly intelligent dogs that come in a range of colors, including a snowy white. Weighing in at just 4–6 pounds, the Toy Poodle is the smallest, followed by the Miniature Poodle at 10–15 pounds, and the Standard Poodle at 40–70 pounds.

Poodles do well at trick training and agility, and they are happiest receiving daily exercise and mental stimulation. 

11. Bolognese

The rare Bolognese is a small fluffy white dog with a low-shedding coat. Standing at 10–12 inches tall, these little dogs are laid-back, loyal companions. They’re relatively healthy and don’t require much activity, so a pet parent’s biggest task is to provide regular grooming for their fluffy white coat. 

12. Dogo Argentino

Those looking for a big white dog with short hair should consider the Dogo Argentino. This healthy, muscular dog was originally bred for hunting.

When properly socialized, Dogo Argentino can get along well with children, but they might not do well in homes with small animals due to their prey drive. This breed is best suited for experienced pet parents who can provide consistent training and plenty of exercise. 

13. Coton de Tulear

Happy and easygoing, the Coton de Tulear is a friendly companion that loves spending time with their family. These dogs are primarily white, with a fluffy coat that requires brushing three to four times a week.

The Coton de Tulear generally gets along with other pets and humans and is happy living in different accommodations, from apartment to farmhouse. 

14. Komondor

With perhaps the most unusual look of all white dog breeds, the Komondor wears a coat of white cords. Once bred to guard livestock from predators, their distinctive coat helped them blend in with sheep.

The Komondor is a big dog, sometimes weighing more than 100 pounds, and their coat requires routine care to maintain its distinctive look. If you’re up for the challenge, the Komondor provides a warm and affectionate presence for their families and other pets. 

15. Kuvasz

The Kuvasz is a big white dog that requires weekly brushing. Their history as livestock guardians means they can be reserved around strangers, so early and consistent socialization is a must.

Kuvaszok (the plural of Kuvasz) require daily exercise and room to run around, so they do best in households with big yards. 

16. Havanese

The Havanese is a tiny dog with a shiny coat that comes in multiple color combinations, including all white.

Their long coat requires regular brushing, but pet parents can keep their Havanese’s coat short for easier maintenance. Smart, adaptable, and trainable, the Havanese is a great family dog that loves to spend time with family.

17. Canaan Dog

As a historic livestock guardian, the Canaan Dog is loyal and watchful—and they can be quite vocal as a result.

Their short coat comes in numerous colors, including white, and requires weekly brushing. The Canaan Dog is a working dog and needs regular physical exercise and mental stimulation.