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White dog breeds are popular due to their stunning snowy white coats, many of which look like they stepped straight out of a fairytale story. Ranging from tiny Pomeranians to large majestic Samoyeds, these striking dogs are not only stylish, they come in all shapes, sizes and personalities, meaning there is a breed to suit every taste.
Whether big or little dog breeds, it is important to remember that all white dog breeds differ, and so always remember to do your research to see which pup would be the right fit for your home.
With so many white dog breeds out there, it can be hard to know which one is best for your family, so we’ve made things a little easier. In this article we will focus on some of the most popular white dog breeds, taking a closer look at breed characteristics and history, as well as breed temperament and individual care needs.
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 lbs
A classic little white dog breed, Maltese dogs are thought to hail from the island of Malta and were originally bred as companion dogs, a job they take seriously to this day. A favourite amongst small white dog breeds, they have bright, dark eyes and jolly expressions, framed by expressive furry eyebrows and impressive moustaches-like facial hair. Show dog coats are often long and flowing and sometimes have their fur tied up in a precious little ponytail for added fashion flair.
Maltese dogs are super affectionate and playful companion dogs who are a favourite amongst families with children. They also have a tendency to be fairly fearless and so make pretty great alert dogs. They can also be quite stubborn and may need a little extra positive reinforcement to get them through training.
Their coats are low-shedding which is great if you have allergies, however they will need regular brushing to remove excess hair and stop matting and tangling. Potty training and finding food that they like can be a little tricky, so keep this in mind when bringing home a Maltese pup.
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 3-7 lbs
Originally from Pomerania, a European region situated on the borders of Poland and Germany, these cloud-like balls of fluff have a super thick double coat with tiny upright ears, adorably small legs and paws and curled tail. Their facial expressions are super endearing, with big smiles and bright shiny eyes; Pomeranians are Grade-A cutie pies.
They have a high level of intelligence and are known to be extremely loyal and protective of those they love. Sociable and extroverted by nature, these pups love to be the center of attention and always put on a show. Thought to be purely lap dogs, Pomeranians are actually very independent and actually thrive off of stimulative play and exercise, as well as being super receptive to training.
Poms require considerable grooming due to their thick coats which can mat and gather dirt and bacteria. Longer haired breeds can sometimes struggle with tear-staining around their eyes, and so be sure to keep their eyes and surrounding fur cleaned regularly to avoid infection.
It is important to remember that little dog breeds are often more fragile than their larger cousins, so extra care may need to be taken, especially around younger children.
Lifespan: 14-15 years
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Popular amongst the Renaissance royalty of France, Spain and Italy, and later taken in by street entertainers during the French Revolution, these sweet little dogs were built for show-business!
The Bichon Frise breed has fuzzy, cotton-like coats which are enhanced even more if they compete in competitive dog shows. Considered a non-allergenic breed, they are low-shedding and require regular brushing to get rid of excess hair which gets caught in their coats.
With bright eyes and a smiling expression, they have charm to spare and are known for their intelligence and receptiveness when it comes to training and learning new tricks. These dogs thrive during playtime with their owner, and particularly love stimulative activities such as rally and agility training. They are big fans of playtime and are excellent with children, making them the perfect dog for younger families.
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: Up to 28 lbs
An exceptionally popular breed throughout the world, this pig-like little pup has captured numerous hearts over the years. English lacemakers brought their small bulldogs with them to France in the 19th Century, and these dogs were then bred with other breeds, supposedly Pugs and certain terrier breeds, to bring us the French Bulldog we all know and love.
Particularly popular amongst city folk, French Bulldogs are a small, adaptable breed with bat-like ears and a small, sturdy frame. The hair is short and smooth, and they come in a range of colors, from white to tan to blue.
They are a wonderfully low maintenance breed who tend to be agreeable with most people and animals, have an attentive nature which lends itself to watchdog status and they don’t bark excessively which is usually a blessing! However, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak, and so proper training and early socialization is always recommended with this breed.
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Height: Up to 10 inches
Weight: 4-6 lbs
From their Poodle ancestor beginnings as duck hunters in Germany and history in France, the Poodle breed now comes in miniature form and are heralded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds going!
Exceptional family dogs, Toy Poodles are very eager to please their loved ones and are also pretty athletic, meaning they are particularly easy to train. They are known to be pretty chill, forming close bonds with their humans and generally get along with everyone. You wouldn’t exactly call them an independent breed, as they rely heavily on their family and can be prone to separation anxiety.
A great choice for those with allergies, they are a low shedding breed with curly, wool-like fur, however they can get overheat or get too cold in extreme temperatures, therefore they may need some extra help from you to moderate their body temp. 45 minutes to and hour of exercise a day should keep them in good health, and be aware that they can tire easily despite being energetic.
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 15-20 lbs
Native of Scotland, these white terriers have bright coats which are easy to spot from afar, which served them well in their past as hunting dogs. These pups are super smart with a charming nature, however they are super independent which can make training a little tricky.
Pointy ears and an alert expression make these dogs pretty irresistible, and their thick coats need brushing and bathing regularly to avoid tangles and a buildup of dirt. White dogs can be prone to fur discoloration (not to mention mud shows up a lot easier!) so keeping on top of grooming and hygiene is super important.
Due to their history as hunting dogs, Westies, similarly to a lot of terrier breeds, have a natural instinct to chase smaller animals, so homes that already have pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs may not be the right choice for this little white dog. While Westies don't require excessive exercise, they love a good play and daily walks where they can sniff out some good scents.
Lifespan: 11-14 years
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16lbs
Shih Tzus are a small white dog breed and tend to fit comfortably into a flat or smaller house environment with ease. Their history boasts quite the list of adventures; they were kept alongside trained hunting lions in the 13th Century as a way of keeping the lions calm, and later became a favorite amongst the Chinese royal family throughout the Ming Dynasty.
Often nicknamed ‘Chrysanthemum dogs’ of ‘Lion dogs’, the sprouting fur around their faces gives them the look of a flower or lion’s mane. Their silky fur requires daily brushing and weekly bathing to ensure proper maintenance, and should also be trimmed when it gets too long, especially around their face.
Shih Tzus are known for their social skills, they are excellent with people and love being around their family soaking up love and attention. They only require moderate exercise, around 30 minutes a day, as well as some stimulative play to stop them getting bored. They can be prone to yapping if they encounter something new or startling, however with appropriate training this can be discouraged.
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 17-13 lbs
Cuba’s only native canine, the Havanese evolved from Tenerife dogs which were brought over in the early 1500s. The breed became family pets in Havana, and to this day are energetic companions who, if properly socialized from a young age, become super friendly with other humans.
Lively, playful and whip smart, Havanese are great with children, easy to train and also make good watchdogs. They love to please their humans, and so training, when implemented from an early age and reinforced with lots of positivity, is usually very successful.
Their soft coats need to be brushed everyday, and due to the nature of their fur it must be trimmed around their face to keep it out of their eyes. It is also worth noting that the breed can be prone to dental disease, and so regular teeth brushing is a must as a preventive measure.
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 10-25 lbs
The epitome of small but mighty, the Japanese Spitz is full to the brim with courage and a comedic streak that makes them super endearing. Hailing from Tokyo in the 1920s, the breed are playful and affectionate dogs with natural watchdog instincts which can make them prone to barking - they love to protect their pack.
Bred as family companion dogs, they tend to do well in family environments and around children, however, just like all dog breeds, they will require proper socialization from a young age to reach their potential.
These dogs are fluffy with a capital F, and so if you plan on bringing one into your home, just know that they require significant grooming; daily brushing particularly around the ears and tail to keep on top of matting, and regular fur trimming is a good idea to reduce the risk of dirt buildup and toileting mishaps.
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 10-20 lbs
Often referred to as an ‘Eskie’, these white fox-like beauties first graced America back in the 19th Century, and despite their misleading name, the breed has a strong German lineage. These dogs were often found performing in circuses throughout the 19th and 20th Century.
Possibly hailing from their circus performer past, the American Eskimo dog is known for being exceptionally easy to train, and requires constant attention and affection from their family in order to thrive. They are an extremely high energy breed, requiring at least 60 minutes of walking a day, so they are best for particularly active families.
They are smart and very eager to please - not only this, they tend to be very good with children and can even make good watchdogs. The breed do have a tendency to bark a lot, so this may need to be monitored with proper training. Not only are they amazing to train, they are also amazing to look at; simply regal with a lush, lion-like ruff of fur around their chest, pointed ears and a fluffy tail, giving them an almost fox or wolf-like appearance.
Lifespan: 15-19 years
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 8-15 lbs
This super friendly breed will be your best friend. The Coton de Tulear is renowned for forming close bonds with their owners, and their sweet and gentle nature will have you falling head over heels. They are thought to have been bred with wild dogs in 15th Century Madagascar, where they became a favorite amongst royalty, earning the title of ‘Royal Dog of Madagascar’.
The epitome of snuggly-looking, the Coton de Tulear has a super soft white coat which needs daily brushing as a given. The breed are known for being aware, sympathetic and carefree, enjoying homes where they have lots of attention and can spend time with their loved ones - they really don’t like being left alone for very long. They can be prone to developing separation anxiety and may become destructive if left alone, so additional training may be required to avoid this behavior.
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Height: 19-23.5 inches
Weight: 35-65 lbs
A gorgeously graceful-looking dog with almost wolf-like features, Samoyeds are fluffy, snow white dogs with thick coats that make them pretty impervious to cold weather, perfect for pups who hail from Siberia.
Their smiling faces are both adorable and functional, with their upturned mouths helping them to not drool, reducing the risk of icicles forming around their mouth in freezing temperatures - pretty neat, huh?
The breed are sociable, smart and a little bit mischievous. Bred as sled dogs, they require structured training and thrive when they are with their pack - keeping them on their own is a one way ticket to sad puppy town. They need lots of love and attention and are happiest when engaging in group family activities, whether with their human or animal counterparts.
Their luscious thick coats tend to shed quite a lot all year round, but regular brushing can help get rid of large chunks of excessive hair, as well as keep their coats free from dirt and matting after particularly mucky adventures.
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Height: 10-14 inches
Weight: 18-28 lbs
Often earning the title of class clown, these upbeat and funny little dogs have a muscular build and all the gumption and grit of a terrier breed. Their heads are a unique egg shape, giving them a distinctive look like no other, and their short coats are easy to groom; they will require regular bathing and a weekly brush to keep them looking in tip top condition. Their nails are strong and tend to grow quickly, meaning regular trimming is vital - their ears and teeth should also be tended to regularly to avoid infections and other issues.
A cross between Bulldogs and extinct English Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier was bred as a fighting dog in the 1830s, however they are now considered companion dogs with remnants of their hunting instincts and protective nature.
The breed can be prone to sudden lameness - this can be due to the weight and density of their muscles as well as their rapid growth rate, sometimes their bodies can’t keep up - meaning that exercise should be monitored closely and if you notice any issues with your dog’s movement seek professional advice immediately.
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 6-10 lbs
The Bolognese are not a particularly common breed, but have definitely earned their place in the little white dog hall of fame. Given as signs of prosperity to Italian Nobility during the Renaissance, the breed were raised as companion dogs.
This breed is at their most content when alongside their owners, whether they are out for a walk or cuddled up on the couch, the Bolognese dog thrives through companionship. They are devoted to their loved ones and have a calm nature, as well as being witty and super intelligent.
In terms of exercise, Bolognese dogs aren’t particularly energetic, and only tend to require a daily walk of around 30 minutes to keep them happy and healthy. Their coats may be long, but if they are kept properly trimmed then their upkeep is only moderate; brushing can be done 1 or 2 times a week for maintenance.
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Native to Tibet and even kept as a pet by the Dalai Lamas, the Lhasa Apso started life as a guard dog due to their loud bark and naturally alert temperament. The breed are super smart, however they do have a tendency to be stubborn and independent and therefore may need extra attention when it comes to training.
They have a good level of natural confidence, and require socializing from a young age as they don’t always get on with other dogs and can be wary around people they don’t know. Once you have earned their trust they make super fun and lively companions who can provide some lovely silly relief to daily life.
Lifespan: 13-18 years
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 8-12 lbs
It is thought that the Chinese Crested was bred from hairless dogs brought over to China from Africa in ancient times, later becoming ship dogs to help keep the rats at bay. Their adventures naturally took them all over the world, where they were traded and subsequently bred further, resulting in the funky little dog we know today. The breed are often lovingly referred to as the ‘Dr Seuss’ dog, as their unusual look and unique hairstyles give them the look of the author-illustrator’s creations.
They tend to have mostly hairless bodies with fun tufts of fur atop their heads and around their legs, giving them a truly unique look. Their exposed skin naturally requires additional care to avoid irritation, dryness and sunburn, and the hair around their head and legs is often long and requires regular brushing and maintenance.
Chinese Crested are an extremely affectionate companion breed who love to play and above all else are devoted to their loved ones.
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Height: 16-17 inches
Weight: 25-35 lbs
No your eyes do not deceive you, that is a dog, not a walking mop! This unique looking little dog has a wonderfully distinctive coat that comes in a range of colors, including white. As you can imagine, this thick coat is not particularly easy to clean and will require extensive grooming to keep your dog clean and free of matting. There is always the option to keep your Puli’s coat cut short for ease, however more experienced owners may welcome the challenge.
Puli dogs are quick learners and whip smart, but they can be stubborn at times, so a calm approach is always best. They are very protective and do have a tendency to be quite vocal, which may not be ideal for everyone. Good socialization is always recommended for the puli breed to make sure they get used to other people and animals.
Lifespan: 12-13 years
Height: 13-18 inches
Weight: 20-40 lbs
These good-natured little dogs are herders at heart and resemble a small Australian Shepherd. Extremely bright and energetic, the breed are hard workers who are good at self-motivating and are super loyal to their owners. They started out working the 1960s US rodeo circuit, where they were originally named Miniature Australian Shepherds; they quickly became a firm favorite due to their small size and loyal, intelligent nature.
Boasting a lush double coat - long on top and woolly underneath - the breed tends to shed quite a bit, however weekly brushing can help keep this at bay, especially during the higher shedding seasons. The breed is very active and needs moderate exercise in order to stay happy, healthy and stimulated. They are known to excel in competitive dog events such as agility and obedience; this can be a great bonding experience for both you and your dog.
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Height: 8-12 inches
Weight: 6-15 lbs
An adorable cross between the Coton de Tulear and Maltese breed, the Cotonese is a super loving and energetic companion who just wants to make you happy. As this breed is a combination of two breeds, different traits from both can be present, and of course in each individual dog, different traits may be more present than others.
They are undeniably cute, with white cotton-like fur with bright black eyes and a little nose resting amongst the fuzz - imagine a handful of raisins floating in some marshmallow fluff! The hair of both the parent breeds tends to be fairly high maintenance, so the Cotonese is no different; regular brushing is a must for dogs with thicker coats to help remove excess hair and spread their skin oils evenly throughout. White dogs will also require more regular bathing to keep their pure snowy coats looking clean and fresh.
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 22-33 lbs
With a jolly disposition and generally confident personality, the American Cocker Spaniel is a big fan of family time and loves attention and playtime. Originally a hunting breed, they have since become a popular addition to show rings, and are more often found as companion dogs.
This is a super busy breed and so a home that possesses considerable time and patience will be key. This breed needs a calm and gentle hand to keep them steady when they get overexcited, and so a strong bond between dog and owner is important to build.
These dogs are stunning to look at, with sweet little round heads and long silky ears - but all that beautiful hair needs proper maintenance to look its best! They need to be groomed daily to avoid matting, and particularly muddy or adventurous walks may require a bath or extra brushing. With more high-maintenance coats, you may want to consider booking your dog into a professional groomer regularly to keep your dog’s aesthetic attributes in the best possible state.
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Height: 9-15 inches
Weight: 9-18 lbs
A Bichpoo is a cross between the breeds Bichon Frise and Poodle, resulting in a dog with a curly hypoallergenic coat and a friendly, adaptive nature. While their coat is unlikely to shed very much, it is still important to brush out their coat to avoid tangles and remove any excess dirt that has built up.
Poodles are considered one of the smartest dog breeds out there, and so it is likely your Bichpoo will have inherited these super smarts. But with great power comes great responsibility; if your pup is smart they tend to require more mental stimulation, and a lack of this can result in boredom and subsequent destructive behaviors.
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Height: 9-13 inches
Weight: 10-19 lbs
The Bichon Frise is back at it again, this time blending with the adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and voilà - you get the Cavachon! This toy companion dog thrives off of family time, whether that is games, general play or just going about daily business together, this breed loves to be with their people. Both parents breeds form close bonds with their owners, and this definitely shows in the Cavachon.
The grooming needs of the Cavachon breed can vary; they may or may not shed, but either way they will need to be regularly groomed and have their fur trimmed if it grows too long. Their exercise needs are fairly minimal, about an hours walk per day should suffice, however they do require lots of play and social stimulation with their owners to keep them happy.
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Height: 6-11 inches
Weight: 4-20 lbs
Last but certainly not least, we have the Peekapoo, a cross of the Toy Poodle and Pekingese breeds. They are known for their gentle yet playful natures, and are found to be good with families and more senior dog owners.
They are very smart but are also very calm, making them an excellent companion dog. They can sometimes be aloof when it comes to meeting new people, similarly to their Poodle ancestors, but once trust has been built they can resort to their lapdog nature.
Smaller dog breeds have become a firm favorite due to their adaptability and often close and affectionate bond with their owners. They are easy to take on errands and adventures, can be extremely versatile - lending their skills to anything from watchdog status to family-friendly child protector - and while their small size means they can be more prone to injury, with proper care your little pup should live long and happy lives.
Even the smallest dog can make the biggest impression!
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