White dogs come in different shapes and sizes, and each of them boasts unique origins. Expand your knowledge about these enchanting canines by reading about these 10 white dog breeds.
White Dog Breed #10: White French Bulldogs
White French Bulldogs are a rare variation of the Frenchie breed. These pooches are actually extreme piebalds, which means their coat is 90% or more white. Frenchies will obtain this coat colour if they inherit 2 copies of the piebald gene.
White French Bulldogs should not be mistaken for cream French Bulldogs. In some cases, the latter has a diluted coat, causing the colour to become nearly white or platinum.
Frenchies with albinism might be confused for white Frenchies too. However, these 2 can be distinguishable from each other.
Albino French Bulldogs have pink skin, nose, eyelids, and lips. Their eyes have lighter shades than normal canines do.
In comparison, white Frenchies possess black or black and pink pigmentation on various parts of their body, including the nose, paw pads, and lips.
White French Bulldogs might also get mixed up with double merle Frenchies, known as false whites. Their rareness precedes that of their white counterparts.
However, they are allegedly predisposed to many serious health issues such as congenital deafness due to their coat colour.
White Dog Breed #9: White Siberian Husky
The white Siberian Husky is one of the rare white fluffy dog breeds. His pure white colour comes from inheriting 2 copies of a rare and recessive gene from both of his parents.
White Siberian Huskies share a nearly identical appearance to another rare Siberian Husky variation called Isabella. Whilst both of them may seem like pure white dogs at first glance; the Isabella Siberian Husky has a tinge of beige or yellow on their coats.
However, spotting this shade can be difficult since it has to be exposed at the right angle of light. On the other hand, the white Siberian Huskies have pure white coats devoid of other colours or markings.
Both Isabella and pure white are accepted colours by the American Kennel Club and Kennel Club in the UK, along with black, red, grey, and agouti.
White Dog Breed #8: American Eskimo Dog
The origin of American Eskimo dogs is often mistaken because of their name. Eskimos did not have any hand in developing this white dog breed. These pooches originally came from Germany and were initially called German Spitz.
The name of these white dogs was changed when they set foot in America during World War I. It was evoked by the widespread anti-German sentiments happening around this period.
Eventually, the American Eskimo dog became a distinctive breed from his progenitor, the German Spitz.
American Eskimo dogs predominantly have white coats. However, they can sport other colour variations too, such as cream and white with biscuits or cream markings.
The American Eskimo dog is one of the white dog breeds that shed heavily. His fluffy coat needs to be combed at least 2–3 times a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Bathing should be limited to at least once every 1–3 months. Spot-trimming, the dense coats of American Eskimo dogs monthly, is also recommended.
Snip the fur around the faces, ears, paws, and rear of these white dogs to keep them from growing too long.
White Dog Breed #7: Great Pyrenees
What breed of dog is big white, and fluffy? The Great Pyrenees or Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a good match.
He is one of the large white dog breeds with lush and fluffy coats. It is not uncommon, however, for him to possess patches of orange, tan, pale lemon, or badger on his head, ears, and the base of his tail.
Hard-working and powerful canines, Great Pyrenees dogs were highly versatile canine companions back in the day. They pulled carts, delivered milk, and guarded livestock against wolves and other dangerous predators.
Despite the intimidating size of these large white dogs, they are calm and affectionate family pets with a deep devotion to their family. Although Great Pyrenees dogs are not playful, they love spending time with their human companions.
Taking care of the weatherproof coat of these white dogs involves brushing it at least once a week. Dedicate around 45 minutes–1 ½ hours for their brushing sessions.
Washing Great Pyrenees dogs does not have to be done frequently; once every 1–2 months will do.
White Dog Breed #6: Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is one of the white small dog breeds with mysterious origins. His history mostly hinges on legendary tales.
It is a well-known story that this white fluffy puppy was a victim of a shipwreck caused by a violent storm. His human companions failed to swim to safety. However, he was able to make it to the shores of Tulear on the southwest side of Madagascar.
Another popular myth is that Coton de Tulears were brought by the Spanish and French pirates from the Bichon Tenerife to Madagascar. They were eventually named after the bay of Tulear.
These white dogs live their life as feral canines on the island. They managed to survive by hunting and scavenging.
The Merina, a ruling tribe in Madagascar, has taken a fancy to Coton de Tulears and turned them into royal pets. Later on, these white pups were taken to America and Europe, where the breed was further developed.
The modern Coton de Tulear has soft and thick snow-white fur. His ears can have shades of light grey, fawn, or apricot. Young Coton de Tulears possess more visible sports on their head, ears, and body.
White Dog Breed #5: Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are white breeds of dogs that may possess minimal markings of apricot, cream, and buff. Their origins began in the Canary Islands as canine companions of sailors.
Travelling landed them in Europe, where the aristocrats grew fond of them. These white dogs became pampered pets of royalty and even appeared in paintings by Goya.
However, the Bichon Frise is one of the small white fluffy dog breeds that dipped in popularity when the French Revolution began.
Many of these fluffy white dogs lost their owners during the whole ordeal. They were taken in by street performers who trained them to perform tricks.
The long history of Bichon Frises’ companionship with humans moulded them into people-loving family pets. They are intelligent dogs that respond well to praise and attention, making them easy to train.
White Dog Breed #4: Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a short-haired dog with a pure white coat. However, it is acceptable for him to have one dark spot on his head, provided it covers no more than 10% of the total area.
Dogo Argentinos are massive muscular dogs originally developed to pursue big games. They aid hunters in taking down different kinds of predators such as wild boars, mountain lions, and puma.
Unfortunately, Dogo Argentino is one of the banned dog breeds in the UK. Owning these white dogs requires pet owners to apply for a Certificate of Exemption to ensure they are safe to walk amongst the public.
White Dog Breed #3: Akbash Dogs
Akbash dogs are brave livestock guard dogs with white coats. They were intentionally developed to possess white fur as it distinguishes them from predatory animals. Their coat colour also allows them to blend right in with the flock.
Akbash dogs are always white-furred dogs; thus, they do not come in other colours. Some of them may have a touch of biscuit or grey shading on their head, ears, or undercoat.
The non-matting and weather-resistant coats of these white dogs require moderate amounts of grooming. It needs to be brushed once or twice a week.
Switch to daily brushings when Akbash dogs blow their coats. Bathing can be done once a month since they are not prone to emitting foul doggy odour.
White Dog Breed #2: Japanese Spitz
What breed of dog is small white, and fluffy? One of the white dog breeds, the Japanese Spitz, is the pooch that you are looking for. He has a pure white and fluffy double coat, also known for being dirt-resistant.
The Japanese Spitz originated in Japan in the 1920s and 1930s. He is a product of cross-breeding different Spitz-type dogs such as the white German Spitz and Klein Wolf Spitz.
Coat care for Japanese Spitz dogs usually involves carrying out brushing sessions 1–2 times a week.
However, once their fluffy white coats start seasonal shedding, their grooming needs will be more demanding. These small white dogs will require 5–10 minutes of brushings daily.
The Japanese Spitz is one of the white fluffy dog breeds that need minimal bathing. Dirt and mud do not stick stubbornly on his pristine white coat. To remove mud off this pooch, just wait for it to dry and brush it off.
White Dog Breed #1: West Highland White Terrier
The white coats of West Highland White Terriers have a tragic past. Around the 1600s, Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch took his dark-coloured terrier for hunting. During the hunt, he thought his beloved pooch was a fox and shot him.
Heartbroken, the Colonel promised himself to only have white dogs to keep this misfortune from happening again. This accident led to the creation of West Highland White Terriers. They only come in pure white coats.
The West Highland White Terrier is one of the high-maintenance white small dog breeds. They have to be brushed on a daily basis, and stripping their old coats is also necessary.
Thus, pet owners are advised to bring their West Highland White Terriers to the groomer every 4–6 weeks.
Avoid bathing these white dogs regularly as it can damage their hard coats. Wash them once every 4 weeks only.
White dog breeds are popular among pet owners because of their pristine coats. However, coat colour should not be the main deciding factor in bringing a pooch home.
Always look into a dog’s health, temperament, and genetics before welcoming him home to ensure he is the perfect match for you.
