When searching for the perfect dog to add to your family, it's important to consider size, temperament, and maintenance. But what about color? While many dogs have fur in shades of black, gray, brown, and red, there are a distinct few that show off entirely white coats. While every dog is wonderful no matter what hue they sport, all-white dogs are undeniably beautiful to behold.
White dog breeds can come in all shapes and sizes, from the teeniest chihuahuas to the extra-large Great Pyrenees, which means you should have no trouble finding a white dog who fits your size preference. Something else that's interesting to note about white dogs is that they don't necessarily have albinism, which is the absence of melanin, or the pigment that gives a coat its color. Instead, white dogs have a gene that overpowers all other colors, resulting in snow-white fur.
Just like other pups, some white dogs breeds may require more grooming than others. For example, a Samoyed, with its extremely furry coat, will require regular brushings and grooming appointments. Other white dogs have smooth coats that require very little maintenance, like the bull terrier.
No matter what type of companion you're searching for, we have you covered with this list of 22 white dog breeds.
1. Samoyed
As a medium to large dog breed weighing in at 35 to 66 pounds, the Samoyed is head-to-toe white—which makes sense since they originated in snowy Siberia. Their thick, fuzzy coats make them look extra adorable, and as herding dogs, they're very loyal to their people and friendly with everyone they meet.
2. Maltese
If you're looking for a small dog breed to fit your family, a maltese is a great choice at 6 to 8 pounds. You can choose to keep their hair long or go for regular groomings to keep it short. They're known for their lively and affectionate personalities.
3. Standard Poodle
Obedient and extremely smart, the standard poodle stands tall and typically weighs between 45 to 70 pounds. With their cute, curly fur, they can be clipped to be short-haired or you can let it grow longer.
4. Bichon Frise
You can't help but smile when you see a bichon frise toddling down the street. At 12 to 18 pounds, these dogs are gentle and have happy dispositions.
5. Pomeranian
As one of the teeniest dogs around, pomeranians only come in at 4 to 7 pounds as adults. With near-permanent grins, these sweet pups are energetic and spirited. While they're often known for their orange hue, they can also have white fur.
6. Great Pyrenees
Thinking about getting a giant, huggable dog that's both calm and loving? Then look no further than the Great Pyrenees, which can weigh anywhere from 85 to 160 pounds.
7. West Highland White Terrier
Coming in reasonably small at 13 to 22 pounds, the West Highland white terrier is certainly a cutie. These white dogs, affectionately nicknamed "westies," are alert, active, and friendly.
8. American Eskimo
Although they're named "American Eskimo" dogs, these pretty, all-white pups actually originated in Germany. Weighing in at 18 to 35 pounds, these dogs are alert and affectionate, making them the perfect family pup.
9. Coton de Tulear
This pup gets its fancy breed name from the French word for cotton, since their white fur looks like billowy cotton, and they were bred in the Madagascan port of Tulear. At 8 to 13 pounds, they like to use their voices and are very playful.
10. Japanese Spitz
Hailing from Japan, as their name suggests, Japanese Spitzes look like mini Samoyeds at 11 to 20 pounds. They have cheerful, loyal personalities and are great for families.
11. Havanese
Miniature at 9 to 16 pounds, the Havanese is the national dog of Cuba. What these pups lack in stature they make up for in cheerfulness and kisses.
12. Chihuahua
The smallest dog in the world, the Mexico-born chihuahua usually only weighs between 3 and 6 pounds. While they come in many colors, one of them is white, and they're known for their smooth, low-maintenance coats. (Along with their feisty personalities, of course!)
13. Bolognese
With their pettable, fluffy coats and docile natures, the bolognese is an Italian dog that typically weighs between 5 and 8 pounds. Don't let their name fool you—this dog's all-white coat looks nothing like the classic dish of Italy!
14. Bull Terrier
Developed in England during the 19th century, you can't miss a bull terrier because of its distinctive, "egg-shaped" head. Sturdy and sweet, these dogs can weigh 49 to 84 pounds and are characterized as gentle and playful.
15. German Shepherd
Did you know that some German shepherds can be white? First bred in Germany and now in the United States, they stand out with their unique white coats and come in like other shepherds at 71 to 88 pounds. As working dogs, they tend to be protective and alert, but are also cheerful and eager to please.
16. Komondor
Komondors are some of the most head-turning dogs around because they have highly distinguishing "dreadlocks," a result of the undercoat blending with the outer coat. Weighing 88 to 130 pounds, these large pups are affectionate yet independent.
17. French Bulldog
Coming in many different colors, the French bulldog, or "Frenchie," can also have white fur. At 16 to 28 pounds, this white dog breed is the right size to play with little ones, which they'll likely want to do often since they're quite lively and fun-loving.
18. White Swiss Shepherd
Weighing 55 to 88 pounds, the white Swiss shepherd, or berger blanc Suisse as the breed is called in Switzerland, is often called attentive, intelligent, and highly trainable by owners.
19. Afghan Hound
With their dignified, elegant appearance, the Afghan hound tends to be equally dignified when it comes to their personalities, but also can be affectionate and loyal. They can weigh between 57 and 75 pounds.
20. Boxer
While often thought of as having brown or red coloring, boxers can also be white. Intelligent and full of energy, this breed comes from Germany and can weigh 55 to 71 pounds.
21. Chow Chow
Chow chows can be every color of the dog-fur rainbow, from brown to black to white. They range from 44 to 71 pounds and are quiet, independent dogs. This can be a plus if you're hoping for a lower-energy pup.
22. Borzoi
With their unmissable long snouts, the Borzoi, a hunting dog from Russia, weighs in at 55 to 100 pounds. They're known for being low-key, affectionate companions.
23. Dogo Argentino
Dogo argentinos are athletic dogs originally bred for hunting puma, wild boar, and other big game. They are muscular and very powerful, weighing between 77 to 99 pounds. They have short white coats, which only require weekly brushing and a bath when they get dirty.
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READ MORE: 11 All-White Animals Found Around The World
