45 White Dog Breeds (Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large)

White dog breeds come in many sizes and can have distinct personality traits as well. Among the many breeds with white fur, you will find that some are great for energetic families, while others are more solitary and will be wary of strangers and other pets. 

According to our definition, white breeds of dogs have white as the dominant color in their coat. There are some breeds that you will recognize like the Chihuahua and others you’ve never heard of. like the Aidi. If you like white dog breeds, there are many breeds to choose from.

SizeBreedWeight
Extra smallChihuahua, Japanese Terrier, Maltese and PomeranianLess than 10 pounds
SmallBichon Frise, Hokkaido Dog, Japanese Spitz, Bolognese, Cesky Terrier, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear and Danish Swedish Farmdog10-40 pounds
MediumAfghan Hound, Aidi, American Eskimo Dog, Briquet Griffon Vendeen, English Pointer, Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound, Kai Ken, Karelian Bear Dog, Catahoula Leopard Dog40-65 pounds
LargeAkbash, Samoyed, Kuvasz, Standard Poodle, Great Pyrenees, Berger Blanc Suisse, American White German Shepherd, Akita Inu, Irish Wolfhound, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Maremma Sheepdog, Ukrainian Shepherd Dog, Slovensky Cuvac, Polish Tatra Sheepdog, American Bulldog, Argentine Mastiff, American Bull Terrier, Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cretan Hound, Dorset Olde Tyme Bulldog, Komondor, Saluki, Clumber Spaniel, Borzoi More than 65 pounds

We’ve created this article to help you become acquainted with 45 of the most notable white dog breeds.  We have 4 extra small; 8 small; 9 medium and 24 large white dog breeds. Read on to see a brief overview of what makes each of these breeds unique.

Our Selection Process for White Dog Breeds

We’ve limited these entries to breeds that are pure white dog breeds or breeds for which white is one of several coat colors. We also divided this list by size and provided a quick profile for each of these white dog breeds. 

White Dog Breeds (Extra Small)

Here are four extra small white dog breeds. 

Each of these breeds weigh less than ten pounds.

These breeds are perfect for those with minimal living space.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Chihuahua

Although they are tiny, this Mexican breed has a strong reputation as one of the oldest breeds in the Americas and for having exuberant personalities.  

Other namesNot applicable
OriginMexico
ColorsWhite, Black, Cream, Gold
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank33 of 197
Dog typeCompanion dog
Weight– Male: Less than 6 lbs
– Female: Less than 6 lbs
Height– Male: 5-8 inches
– Female: 5-8 inches
Lifespan14-16 years
TemperamentIndependent, Rambunctious 

Anyone who knows Chihuahuas knows that they can be prolific barkers if the mood strikes them. But they are also a great option for someone with a small apartment space. 

Japanese Terrier

The Japanese Terrier comes with a dark head, an all-white body, and a high amount of independent inquisitiveness

Other namesNihon Teria
OriginJapan
ColorsWhite, Black and White
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rankNot applicable
Dog type Hunting 
Weight– Male: 5-10 lbs
– Female: 5-10 lbs
Height– Male: 11-13 inches
– Female: 11-13 inches
Lifespan12-15 years
TemperamentShy, Independent

In general, this breed tends to be very well mannered and is not likely to bite either your family or your friends.

On the other hand, Japanese Terriers can be loud, especially when they don’t have space to play. 

Maltese 

Maltese Terrier
Maltese Terrier

The Maltese is a small dog with a long, regal coat and has such an extensive history that it even has a mention in the Bible. 

Other names
OriginMediterranean
ColorsWhite
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank37 of 197
Dog type: Companion dogs
Weight– Male: Less than 7 lbs
– Female: Less than 7 lbs
Height– Male: 7-9 inches
-Female: 7-9 inches
Lifespan12-15 years
TemperamentAffectionate, Playful

Since they first came into being, this breed has been a companion dog to humans rather than serving as a working dog.

A Maltese is used to spending time with people, so isolation can lead to some anxiousness in this breed. 

Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Pomeranian

Like many small dogs, Pomeranians have a distinct personality and coat and have been the favorites of generations of royalty. 

Other namesDeutscher Spitz
OriginPomerania
ColorsWhite, Black and Tan, Brown, and Tan, Parti
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank23 of 197
Dog typeHerding and sled pulling 
Weight– Male: 3-7 lbs
– Female: 3-7 lbs
Height– Male: 6-7 inches
– Female: 6-7 inches
Lifespan12-16 years
TemperamentBrave, Energetic

If you own a Pomeranian, be ready to have a lot of grooming appointments. Beyond that constant attention, Pomeranians prove to be very positive and easy to train

White Dog Breeds (Small)

There are eight breeds in the white dog breeds small category. 

By our definition, a small dog is one that weighs between 10 and 40 pounds

The small size of these dogs makes many of them great options as lap dogs.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise

You might be surprised to learn that the playful puff of white fur known as the Bichon Frise was once a herding and sailing dog. 

Other namesTenerife Dog, Bichon Tenerife
OriginEurope
ColorsWhite, White and Cream, White and Apricot
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank46 of 197
Dog type: Herding, sailing 
Weight– Male: 12-18 lbs
– Female: 12-18 lbs
Height– Male: 9.5-11.5 inches
– Female: 9.5-11.5 inches
Lifespan14-15years
TemperamentPlayful, energetic

The Bichon Frise plays well with other dogs and children alike. This breed is also full of energy that will keep you entertained as you play.

Hokkaido Dog

Hokkaido Dog is a Japanese breed with a dignified appearance and shows a calm, low-maintenance demeanor towards its owners. 

Other namesAinu-ken, Seta, Ainu Dog, Hokkaido Inu, Hokkaido Ken
OriginJapan
ColorsWhite, Black, Red, Tan, Brindle
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rankNot applicable
Dog type: Hunting 
Weight– Male: 45-65 lbs
– Female: 45-65 lbs
Height– Male: 18-20 inches
– Female: 18-20 inches
Lifespan12-15 years
TemperamentAlert, Loyal

Remember that this breed enjoys some solitude but can be relatively loud when they need to communicate something. Overall, they are impressively strong dogs and easy to care for.   

Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz
Japanese Spitz

It is hard to ignore the Japanese Spitz with its long flowing coat and its extremely personable behavioral characteristics. 

Other namesNot applicable
OriginJapan
ColorsWhite 
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rankNot applicable
Dog typeHunting
Weight– Male: 10-25 lbs
– Female: 10-25 lbs
Height– Male: 12-15 inches
– Female: 12-15 inches
Lifespan12-14 years
TemperamentIntelligent, playful

While these dogs love to engage with their humans, they can also do well when they are alone.

Don’t expect the Japanese Spitz to be a worthy watchdog, but they can be fun family pets

Bolognese

Bolognese
The Bolognese or Bichon Bolognese

The Bolognese, also known as Bichon Bolognese, is another dog that offers a large dose of playful energy in a small package.

Other namesBichon Bolognese
OriginItaly
ColorsWhite,
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank
Dog type: Companion breed 
Weight– Male: 5-9 lbs
– Female: 5-9 lbs
Height– Male: 10-12 inches
– Female: 10-12 inches
Lifespan12-14 years
TemperamentRelaxed, Loyal

Although they have very long coats that need some attention, the Bolognese does not shed as much as you might expect.

While these dogs can be difficult to housebreak at first, they will survive as a long-lived friend.

Cesky Terrier

The Cesky Terrier is a relatively rare breed in some parts of the world, but if you have been lucky enough to meet one you’ll know that these dogs are very fun-loving

Other namesBohemian Terrier
OriginCzech Republic
ColorsWhite, Grey, Light Brown
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank185 of 197
Dog type: Hunting 
Weight– Male: 14-24 lbs
– Female: 14-24 lbs
Height– Male: 10-13 inches
– Female: 10-13 inches
Lifespan12-15 years
TemperamentCurious, Intelligent

Cesky Terriers are great pets for children, but their playfulness can come at a cost. Not only do you need to do some thorough socialization with this breed, but you also need to look out for excessive digging habits

Chinese Crested 

Chinese Crested puppy
Chinese Crested puppy

The Chinese Crested is one of the most unique dog breeds in the world, as it is easy to spot by its flamboyant head fur on an otherwise hairless body. 

Other namesChinese Ship Dog
OriginChina
ColorsWhite, Hairless, Black, Apricot, Brown
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rankRanks 79 of 197
Dog type: Sailing 
Weight– Male: 8-12 lbs
– Female: 8-12 lbs
Height– Male: 11-13 inches
– Female: 11-13 inches
Lifespan13-18 years
TemperamentActive, Loving

One of the most obvious benefits of owning a Chinese Crested is that this dog will not do a lot of shedding. But with one of these dogs, you’ll also get an attentive pet with minimal aggression

Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear

Small but with a long coat, the Coton de Tulear is an amicable breed that has a surprising origin on the island of Madagascar. 

Other namesCoton, Cotie
OriginMadagascar
ColorsWhite, Black, Grey, and White
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank81 of 197
Dog type: Companion dogs 
Weight– Male: 9-15 lbs
– Female: 8-13 lbs
Height– Male: 10-11 inches
– Female: 9-10 inches
Lifespan15-19 years
TemperamentHigh-spirited, Alert

Occasionally, this breed will show some stubbornness and loud barking. Otherwise, they are polite with people and other pets. 

Danish Swedish Farmdog

Sometimes needing some extra time to grow up fully, the Danish Swedish Farmdog will eventually develop into a reliable hunting and tracking pet. 

Other namesDanish Pinscher, Little Big Dog
OriginDenmark
ColorsWhite, Black and White, White and Brown
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank
Dog type: Hunting, Tracking, Farming 
Weight– Male: 15-20 lbs
– Female: 15-20 lbs
Height– Male: 12-15 inches
– Female: 12-15 inches
Lifespan11-13 years
TemperamentEnergetic, Agreeable 

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is a rare breed and needs an active lifestyle. To your benefit, this breed is full of energy but still is easy to train.

White Dog Breeds (Medium)

In this section, you can find nine medium white dog breeds.

We define medium breeds as those that weigh between 40 and 65 pounds at their mature size. This size makes for some effective hunting breeds but can limit the living environments of these breeds. 

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound

Known for a somewhat aloof nature, the Afghan Hound hails from Afghanistan and has a long, elegant coat. 

Other namesSage Baluchi, Balkh Hound
OriginAfghanistan
ColorsWhite, Black, Red, Cream
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank113 of 197
Dog type: Hunting
Weight– Male: 55-65 lbs
– Female: 45-55 lbs
Height– Male: 27 inches
– Female: 25 inches
Lifespan12-14 years
TemperamentIndependent, sometimes aloof

Overall, the most noticeable trait of this breed is its coat, which calls for a lot of grooming. But a closer relationship with an Afghan Hound proves that, although somewhat shy, these dogs are highly independent and intelligent

Aidi

Along with serving as guardian over livestock, the Aidi breed has hunted alongside humans in Northern Africa for centuries. 

Other namesAtlas Mountain Dog, Atlas Shepherd Dog
OriginMorocco
ColorsWhite, Black, Red, Tawny
Recognized by the American Kennel Club No
Popularity rank
Dog type: Herding
Weight– Male: 50-55lbs
– Female: 50-55lbs
Height– Male: 20-24 inches
– Female: 20-24 inches
Lifespan12-13 years
TemperamentAlert, affectionate

Aidi dogs are easy to care for and have an attitude compatible with families. However, they need a lot of exercise, and it can be hard to train

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs have a balanced temper that pairs nicely with their bright fluffy coats. 

Other namesCloud Spitz, American Spitz
OriginUnited States
ColorsWhite, Cream
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rankRanks 122 of 197
Dog type: Show dog
Weight– Male: 25-35 lbs
– Female: 25-35 lbs
Height– Male: 15-19 inches
– Female: 15-19 inches
Lifespan13-15 years
TemperamentAlert, affectionate

These dogs are very smart and can live well, even in smaller homes with minimal yard space. But remember that the American Eskimo Dog is not always as friendly to other dogs as they are to their owners. 

Briquet Griffon Vendeen

Briquet Griffon Vendeen
Briquet Griffon Vendeen

Although this French breed was recently close to extinction, the Briquet Griffon Vendeen has since made a resurgence in popularity

Other namesMedium Vendéen Griffon
OriginFrance
ColorsWhite, Black, Tan, Multi-colored
Recognized by the American Kennel Club No
Popularity rankNot applicable
Dog type: Hunting 
Weight– Male: 45-55 lbs
– Female: 45-55 lbs.
Height– Male: 20-22 inches
– Female: 19-21 inches
Lifespan10-12 years
TemperamentActive, loyal

Briquet Griffon Vendeens are affectionate towards humans and have a proven history of intent hunting dogs. If you own one, be sure to give it an active life. 

English Pointer

English Pointer
English Pointer

The English Pointer is an exceptionally athletic English hunting dog. 

Other namesPointer
OriginEngland
ColorsWhite, Black, Brown, Multi-colored
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank114 of 197
Dog type: Hunting 
Weight– Male: 55-75 lbs
– Female: 45-65 lbs
Height– Male: 25-28 inches
– Female: 23-26inches
Lifespan12-17 years
TemperamentIndependent, energetic

English Pointers are fast, agile, and ready to defend their owners. Those qualities mean that you should only own one of these dogs if you have access to an open play space

Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound

For the entirety of its history, including the present day, the Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound has been a reliable hunting dog more so than a companion pet. 

Other namesNot applicable
OriginCroatia
ColorsWhite, White with Brown Markings
Recognized by the American Kennel Club No
Popularity rankNot applicable
Dog type: Hunting 
Weight– Male: 25-56 lbs
– Female: 25-56 lbs
Height– Male: 17-23 inches
– Female: 17-23 inches
Lifespan12-15 years
TemperamentIntelligent, loyal

Although they have a coarse coat, dogs of this breed shed minimally.

As an intelligent and active breed, the Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound needs a good amount of attention

Kai Ken

Although very rare even in its native country, the Kai Ken is one of the oldest and most representative breeds of Japan. The most common coat color the Kai Ken comes is brindle-style in red, brown and/or black (referred to a “tiger stripes) but it does come in all white.

Other namesTiger Dog, Tora Dog, Tora Inu
OriginJapan
ColorsWhite, Brindle in Red, Brown, Black
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rank
Dog type: Hunting 
Weight– Male: 20-40 lbs
– Female: 20-40 lbs
Height– Male: 15.5-19.5 inches
– Female: 15.5-19.5 inches
Lifespan12-15 years
TemperamentFast learner, protective

Kai Kens have developed a reputation for loyalty.

They are skittish around strangers.

These dogs also have impressive strength but can be hard to train

Karelian Bear Dog

Although they are formidable big game hunting dogs, Karelian Bear Dogs remain very affectionate towards their human companions. Black and white coats are the most common colors. Pure white is less common.

Other namesNot applicable
OriginFinland
ColorsWhite, Black, Black and White
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rankNot available
Dog type: Hunting 
Weight– Male: 45-50 lbs
– Female: 45-50 lbs
Height– Male:  19-23.5 inches
– Female: 19-23.5 inches
Lifespan11-14 years
TemperamentCommunicative, competitive

Karelian Bear Dogs are strong and ready to guard their owners. And while that may bode well for your safety, it also means that these dogs can become very territorial around other canines

Catahoula Leopard dog

Catahoula Leopard dog
Catahoula Leopard dog

The Catahoula Leopard dog is the only dog breed native to Louisiana and has served as a reliable work dog in that area. 

Other namesLouisiana Catahoula
OriginSoutheastern United States
ColorsWhite, Leopard Pattern with Black, Grey, and Brown Shades
Recognized by the American Kennel Club Yes
Popularity rankNot available
Dog type: Cattle herding 
Weight– Male: 50-95 lbs
– Female:  50-95 lbs
Height– Male:  22-24 inches
– Female: 22-24 inches
Lifespan10-14 years
TemperamentLoyal, watchful

While Catahoula Leopard dogs have the reputation of being dependable workers, they also need some special care. Mainly, this breed needs to be socialized at a young age to avoid behavioral problems. 

Large White Dog Breeds

Check this article to discover more about the 24 big white dog breeds we’ve investigated.

How Do You Keep White Dogs White

White dogs don’t stay white.

Dirty white dog
Dirty, muddy white dog

White dogs can rub themselves in grass and they can wade through muddy puddles or a combination of the two! Sometimes you can be prepared and leash your white dog before they pounce on a puddle but sometimes you can’t control the situation.

We’ve written a comprehensive guide to keeping dogs white which includes using whitening shampoo and removing brown stains or saliva from white fur. We examine a range of store-bought and homemade solutions to help you out.

Conclusion

When it comes to dogs with white fur, there are many different breeds that meet that description. Many of those breeds are recognized and ranked by the American Kennel Club, while some others are not. As you now know, these white dog breeds can have extremely different personalities and physical characteristics. But their one unifying feature is a beautiful white coat. 

Michelle

Michelle loves enjoying the outdoors with her dogs. She grew in a big house near the beach with German Shepherds. Nowadays, Michelle has down-sized her dogs to poodles, proving small dogs can enjoy the outdoors too! Her dogs enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and long walks. Michelle and her dogs enjoy escaping the city limits to hike, camp, and swim.

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