There’s a lot to love about white dog breeds. Their snow-colored coats are a source of distinction (and make for a fun game of hide-and-seek in the winter). And there are so many fabulous names for white dogs! Icicle. Snowflake. Coconut. Marshmallow. Bianca. Vit.
The following pups defy fashion rules by wearing white all year long (yes, even after Labour Day). While each breed on our list comes in a range of colours, they boast the possibility of being either an all-white pooch or one on which white features prominently.
So, whether you’re looking for a white dog that’s big or small, fluffy or short-haired, popular or rare, we invite you to take a look at the following snowballs (mostly!) of love.
1. Overall, the Most Popular White Dog Breed is the French Bulldog
Cheese. Crepes. Giant towers. Cute dogs. Is there anything the French can’t do? OK, technically, the French bulldog breed got its start in England, but the fine people of France soon swooned over its comedic charms. (How can you not grin at the sight of those fuzzy bat ears?) And France isn’t alone in its adoration. According to 2023 American Kennel Club (AKC) registration statistics, French bulldogs are the most popular dog breed overall in the United States. Why is it so popular? Perhaps it’s because they’re so conveniently sized (portability can be an essential consideration in one’s companion). Or maybe it’s because they play well with people of all ages, or that they’re easy to groom and don’t require a lot of exercise. There’s a lot to love.
2. Smallest White Dog Breed: Chihuahua
Chihuahuas max out at a height of 9 inches and a weight of 6 pounds. Putting these stats into perspective, the tallest of these pocket-sized pups would barely pass the height of a standard No. 2 pencil (7.5 inches), and the largest would only weigh as much as a bag of coffee beans. But if you’ve ever met a Chihuahua, you know they have more than enough sass to compensate for their size. Chis, as they’re affectionately called, aren’t lacking in brains either, making them easy to train. Of course, with their take-charge personality, you might soon find that you are the one being trained.
Related: 17 Teddy Bear Dogs That Make Sweet Companions
3. Biggest White Dog Breed: Great Dane
On the other end of the spectrum, if you’d like to be able to pet your dog without having to bend over, you might fancy a Great Dane. These mammoth pups can grow to be a whopping 175 pounds and could easily be mistaken for a miniature horse. Their appetites reflect their size, which is something your wallet should keep in mind (as well as the fact that they will require greater amounts of medicine than smaller breeds).
Related: 200+ Husky Names for Cool, Cute, and Fierce Pups
4. Fluffiest White Dog Breed: Samoyed
Now, we know Samoyeds are technically dogs, but we suspect they could pass for fluffy white clouds, too. According to the Samoyed Club of America, the correct pronunciation is “Sam-a-YED,” and as if they couldn’t get any more charming, you can also simply refer to them as Sammies. While they may look like angelic marshmallows with legs, Sammies were initially bred to be working dogs in the Arctic (think hunting, herding, and sledge-pulling). This means that their minds and bodies will thrive with lots of human interaction and activity, especially outdoors, where they can run around and burn off energy. It also means their double-coated fur will need you to burn off some energy brushing (sometimes daily, depending on the time of year). Being this beautiful takes work!
Related: How to Moisturize Your Dog’s Dry, Flaky Skin
5. Cutest Black and White Dog Breed: Sheepadoodle
We admit this is a biased category, but we challenge any sheepadoodle doubters to take one look at their woolly, winsome faces without their insides turning to mush. Sheepadoodles have got it all. Fluffy? Check. Goofy? Check. Sweet disposition? Check. Giant teddy bear vibes? Check. As their name suggests, these precious pups are a mix between Old English sheepdogs and poodles. This combination is pleasing to the eye. Still, it’s also a hit in the personality department as they tend to be laid-back companions who will happily join your side during runs and Netflix marathons. They love their humans so much that separation anxiety can be an issue, but providing a variety of interactive enrichment activities can help.
Related: Pet Care Experience Examples: Dog Walking Tips and Benefits
6. Best Brown and White Dog Breed: English Springer Spaniel
Again, this category is wildly subjective, but bear with us. There’s something about English springer spaniels’ satiny, wavy fur, large, earnest eyes, and comically floppy ears that feels undeniably classic. But they’re certainly more than just a pretty face. English springer spaniels have earned a reputation for being exceptionally reliable gundogs, working in tandem with their human partners to hunt and retrieve game birds. They tend to be as eager to please at home as they are in the woods, though these high-energy pooches will need training, regular outdoor exercise, and enrichment activities to be happy and engaged. One of their favourite places to burn calories? Water. Much like a toddler in the presence of rain puddles, English springer spaniels will look for any opportunity to get wet.
7. Best White Toy Dog Breed for Lap Snuggles: Shih Tzu
The shih tzu seems to have drawn the short straw in the name department (at least when it comes to the English language), or did it? It’s pronounced “sheed-zoo” or “sheet-su,” and it means “lion dog,” so who’s laughing now? Moreover, the AKC notes that this royal pup was developed by the Chinese emperor’s imperial breeders, where it spent hundreds of years in the literal lap of luxury. Thankfully, the shih tzu will condescend to live with mere peasants like us these days, though they haven’t lost their love of being perpetually pampered.
They are ideal apartment companions (just don’t remind them that they used to live in palaces—touchy subject) and are most content when occupying a bit of cosy real estate on your lap. As with many dogs on this list, that envious mane comes with a cost: daily brushing and weekly baths. It’s a small price to pay to live with royalty.
Related: Pet First Aid CPR: 5 Lifesaving Steps Every Owner Must Know!
8. Top White Dog for Winter Weather: Alaskan Malamute
It’s no shock that a dog with “Alaskan” in its name is built for snow, not sunshine. One of the oldest Arctic sled breeds, the Alaskan Malamute thrives in freezing temperatures, just like some of the best snow-loving breeds out there. These sturdy, hard-working dogs usually stand about two feet tall and weigh 75–85 pounds.
But it’s their majestic coat that turns heads. Malamutes have a thick double layer of fur: a coarse outer jacket for protection and a plush undercoat for insulation. Just know that twice a year, they shed in large, fluffy clumps—a process known as “blowing coat.” Still, if you’re prepared for the fluff, this snow-loving companion will thrive right alongside you in any cold climate. Let it snow!
Related: Homemade Dog Food Nutrition Calculator: 3 Steps for Meals!
9. Best White Dog Breed for Hound Lovers: Basset Hound
Good gravy! Is there any creature with a more endearing face than the basset hound? We humbly submit that there is not, and suggest you take another look at those sad, drooping eyes if you’re still on the fence. These stout and stocky hounds (“bas” means “low” in French) are known for their noses and are second only to bloodhounds in accuracy. While their stature would make them a formidable foe in a game of limbo, basset hounds are easily tripped up by their long, velvety ears. But the basset hound takes this all in stride and is an affectionate, even-tempered dog breed that thrives on companionship. And if your hound isn’t happy, you’ll know. Their howling can indeed be sweet, but you (and your neighbours) probably might not find it endearing for long.
10. Hypoallergenic White Dog Breed for Allergy Sufferers: Coton de Tulear
“Coton de Tulear” (“ko-tone dih too-lay-are”) may sound like something exquisite you’d order at a French patisserie, but it’s a completely different (and dare we say sweeter?) sort of cream puff. Named for the French word for cotton and the breed’s place of origin, the Madagascan port of Tulear, these pearly white balls of fluff certainly live up to the first part of their name.
Interestingly, their luscious locks are considered to be hair, not fur, which contributes to their hypoallergenic status. They’re also low on dander and don’t shed, but they do require regular brushing to avoid matting. Though referred to as the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” cotons aren’t too elitist to mingle with mere commoners. They’re known for being extremely playful and cheerful and are especially gentle with kids. Great for pet lovers managing allergies or special diets. Cotons are so fond of their royal subjects that they prefer to be in ruling distance at all times, making them ideal for those who spend more time at home than away. (We’re looking at you, work-from-home folks.)
11. Best White Dog Breed for Apartment Living: Maltipoo
If you have to think small due to housing constraints, allow us to present another powderpuff for your consideration: the majestic Maltipoo. As you may have guessed, the Maltipoo is a mix between a Maltese and a toy or miniature poodle, and the breed has only been around (at least intentionally) for 20 to 30 years.
Their size, temperament (gentle, happy, easy to train), hypoallergenic coat, and preference for the indoors make Maltipoos the ideal apartment roommate. You also won’t have to worry about them hogging the bathroom in the morning or leaving dirty dishes in the sink. However, if you want to remain on good terms with your neighbours, you will likely need to work on minimising your roommate’s tendency to bark.
12. Smartest White Dog Breed: Standard Poodle
Yes, there are indeed brains behind all that beautiful, curly floof. The standard poodle consistently ranks high on lists of the most intelligent dog breeds. But these pups need a lot of stimulation and extensive pet care experience to meet their needs. Though poodles are the national dog of France, the breed originated in Germany hundreds of years ago as duck hunters. And while their topiary-like grooming is mostly ornamental now, it once served a practical purpose. Shaving only the legs (minus the joints), neck, and tail allowed poodles to move more freely in the water when retrieving game without exposing their organs and joints to the cold. True to their humble, working-class beginnings, these sharp pups still need lots of activity and are always ready for a swim. While they are friendly family dogs, like many geniuses, they need their quiet time too and typically do better with older children.
13. Favourite White Dog Breed for Hunting: English Pointer
No offence to English springer spaniels, but English pointers, often simply referred to as pointers, may well have the upper hand when it comes to hunting. As the AKC puts it, for these hard-working pups, their name is also their job description. Another trustworthy gundog, the English pointer, has been pointing and retrieving game birds for hundreds of years and has earned many devotees. The United Kennel Club says that the pointer’s four most distinctive characteristics include “its long, chiseled head, short ‘bee sting’ tail, strong hunting instincts, and effortless, hard-driving movement.” But don’t worry—they’re still able to mix business with pleasure and can be affectionate companions too (as long as you aren’t a bird, of course).
14. Rare White Dog Breed With the Best Name: Norrbottenspets
It rolls right off the tongue: Nor-bo-TEN-spets. These small (20- to 30-pound) hunting dogs are so rare that, according to the AKC, the Swedish Kennel Club once declared them to be extinct. However, survivors of the breed were later discovered in Northern Sweden and Finland. Though they are small, Norrbottenspets are certainly fierce as they must hold their own against the climate, terrain, and creatures (hello, moose!) of Scandinavia. And yet, they somehow manage to be kind companions to humans as well—a beautiful balance of grit and grace.
Have You Heard? White Dog Breeds and Deafness
One more thing: In researching white dog breeds, you may be surprised to see information about hearing loss come up. According to the Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), congenital deafness (that is, deafness that is inherited) is especially common in white dogs. The condition is particularly linked to two pigmentation genes: the merle gene and the piebald gene. The merle gene is found in dogs like collies, Old English sheepdogs, Shetland sheepdogs, American foxhounds, and Harlequin Great Danes. The piebald gene, on the other hand, is seen in dogs like Dalmatians, English setters, bulldogs, beagles, Samoyeds, Great Pyrenees, and bull terriers.
While the prevalence of congenital deafness among the various breeds remains understudied, OFA says Dalmatians have the highest incidence. About 22% of all Dalmatians in the U.S. are deaf in one ear, and 8% are deaf in both. One reason we don’t have significant numbers is that hearing test devices for dogs have only recently become available. Moreover, unless tested, dogs who are deaf in only one ear can appear to have normal hearing.
If you suspect your dog may have hearing loss, contact your veterinarian about scheduling a BAER test, which stands for brainstem auditory evoked response. It detects electrical activity in the cochlea (inner ear cavity that looks like a snail shell) and auditory pathways of the brain, much like an electrocardiogram (EKG) detects electrical activity in the heart. The AKC notes that many breeders of dogs with a higher prevalence of congenital deafness will have their puppies and breeding animals tested.
FAQs
1. Are white dog breeds more prone to health issues?
Some white-coated breeds may be more susceptible to hearing issues, especially those carrying the piebald or merle gene, like Dalmatians or bull terriers.
2. Do white dogs need special grooming?
Yes, white fur can stain more easily, so regular brushing and occasional whitening shampoos help keep their coats bright and clean.
3. Are there hypoallergenic white dog breeds?
Absolutely! Breeds like the Coton de Tulear and Maltipoo are low-shedding and allergy-friendly options for owners with sensitive allergies.
4. What’s the fluffiest white dog breed?
The Samoyed takes the crown—its thick, cloud-like double coat was made for Arctic weather and maximum cuddle power.
5. Can white dogs live in warm climates?
Yes, but make sure they have plenty of shade and hydration. Breeds like the Great Pyrenees and Malamute may struggle with excessive heat.
