These 12 breeds with snow-white coats range from tiny lap dogs to gentle giants.
White dogs have a special place in many animal lovers' hearts. Their clean, bright appearance makes them stand out from the crowd. If you're thinking about getting a dog with a bright white coat, you have plenty of great options to choose from. Whether you want a small friend or a big companion, there's a white dog breed here that's perfect for you.
Typically a favorite for those looking for a small white dog breed, the Bichon Frisé can have variations of apricot, buff, and cream colorings. For people who like tiny dog breeds, this gentle and affectionate little dog is a wonderful companion that’s generally healthy, particularly for dog owners that are proactive in caring for this low-maintenance breed.
Facts about the Bichon Frisé
Also called the “little lion” or “chrysanthemum dog”, the Shih Tzu is an adorable little dog and ideal for first-time dog owners looking for a small lap dog with a pure white coat. They do great with other animals, including cats, as well as kids. Originally bred in China, throughout history the Shih Tzu has enjoyed a place of comfort in the laps of emperors. It wasn’t until the 1930s that this breed left China — but once they did, they took the world by storm, one lap at a time.
Facts about the Shih tzu
Coton de Tulear pups are mostly white, although some may have a bit of gray or red roan around their ears. Some puppies have spots as well, but for the most part, these little dogs from Madagascar got their name from their cotton-like coats. Personality-wise, these dogs are friendly, affectionate, and form strong bonds with their people. Great for first-time dog owners, they do best with people who work from home or can take them to work due to their separation anxiety.
Facts about the Coton de Tulear
Currently America’s most popular dog breed, the French Bulldog comes in a variety of coat colors, including white or nearly white. These pint-sized pups have a long history as lap dogs of the Paris elite, as well as friends and companions to the commoners. While they have special health needs because of their flat faces and small muzzles, they’ve got big, sweet, friendly personalities that any dog lover will adore.
Facts about the French Bulldog
Most Maltipoo dogs are white, off-white, or tan, but they can have black, gray, or a mix of a few different colors. Sometimes puppies get lighter as they age too! This cute hybrid is affectionate and gentle, and they love their humans. These sensitive dogs don’t like roughhousing, though, and do best with calmer households and older children.
Facts about the Maltipoo
While Chihuahuas come in a variety of colors, white and near-white Chihuahuas are a popular choice for many people who love these small dogs. Originally from Mexico, these pint-sized pups have big personalities and can be charming and protective. These dogs are also very much individuals — some may do great with having other pets to share the love with, while others want to be the center of attention.
Facts about the Chihuahua
Generally speaking, the American Eskimo dog breed is all white, even as puppies. Occasionally, some dogs may have a fawn coat or fawn-colored markings. Originally bred to be guard dogs, these medium-sized fluffy pups are good with kids and will alert you (sometimes unnecessarily) to strangers.
Facts about the American Eskimo
Gentle and affectionate, Samoyed dogs are typically all white and super fluffy, though some dogs do have fawn or cream color variations. Samoyed dogs were originally bred to herd reindeer in Siberia, which is why they have such luxurious, fluffy coats. Because of this thick double coat of fur, they do best in homes in cooler climates or in environments kept cooler.
Facts about the Samoyed
While the Alaskan Malamute isn’t always white, often this dog is a very light brown or gray and white and can come in a variety of other colors paired with white. Affectionate, loyal, and playful, these dogs are excellent companions for those who are more experienced owners or fast learners. These powerful pups need a firm leader, but they thrive on having a pack, whether it’s the four-legged or two-legged kind.
Facts about the Alaskan Malamute
While snow-white Labrador Retrievers aren’t too common, they can be very light or a variety of other colors. Labs have a thick, short coat, which is perfect for the cold climate of their Canadian origins. Bred to aid fishermen in the icy waters on Canada’s east coast, these pups are excellent swimmers and have a personality that makes them great family dogs as well!
Facts about the Labrador Retriever
Sporting a unique white corded coat, the Komondor is a Hungarian working dog bred to guard flocks of sheep from predators. These dogs are very muscular and can weigh in at over 100 pounds, so they need experienced owners or those that are prepared to learn quickly. Between caring for their unique coats — there’s no brushing this breed — and requiring firm leadership, a Kom makes an excellent dog for experienced owners.
Facts about the Komondor
Typically all white, Great Pyrenees can occasionally have gray, reddish brown, tan, and a badger color around their face. Very patient and gentle with their humans, Great Pyrenees (often called “Pyr”) are fantastic protectors and will watch strangers and new visitors to ensure that their family stays safe. The Great Pyrenees rounds out our list as our biggest white dog breed and is a fantastic example of a gentle giant.
Facts about the Great Pyrenees
Love a fluffy white coat but concerned about what that might mean for your prospective pup? There are some interesting health concerns that can arise due to the genetics that can produce white and white-mix dogs (and cats!) Before we go into the unique health concerns your white pup may face, here’s a little about the genetics behind their coat color.
All living things have pigments. And, pigments determine the way skin or fur reflects light. For plants, there are numerous biological pigments. For mammals, like dogs, cats, and people, it’s mainly melanin. But, for dogs and cats, pigments are also involved in other areas of development. One area, for example, is hearing.
There are different genes that may play a role in causing hereditary deafness, but one of them is the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor or MITF gene, which controls pigmentation. All white, mostly white, merle, or spotted coats may be more susceptible to deafness due to this. A study done by Dr. George M. Strain at Louisiana State University revealed that out of nearly 12,000 dogs tested, almost 2,500 of them — a little over 20% — experienced total deafness. When partial deafness of any type is included, that number gets significantly higher.
Dogs with a merle coat have unique genes. The SILV gene is responsible for the merle coat, which creates marbled splashes of color on white, or piebald coats. Unfortunately, this interesting coat pattern also seems to come with eye issues, like microphthalmia and other ocular deformities.
With white dogs, it’s a good idea to keep dog-safe sunscreen on hand, or invest in a shady outdoor space. White dogs, or dogs with large white patches anywhere on them, are more susceptible to sunburn because biologically, they are less protected from the sun than those with darker pigmentation or fur.
Don’t let health concerns discourage you! There are plenty of pups out there looking for a loving home.
