11 White Dog Breeds and White Dog Names

Written by Dana Mayor
Updated: October 1, 2022
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Something is striking about a dog with a white or cream coat. If you’re looking for one, or if you just want to see some pretty dogs, you’ll enjoy reading about these snowy breeds. For this list, we looked at dogs that mostly or only have white coats. Some of the dogs on our list come in other colors, but we chose those that predominantly have white or cream coats. We also looked at breeds more likely to make good pets. Read on to learn more about some white dog breeds and suggested white dog names.

Are You Looking for a White Dog?

The white breed dogs on our list range from huge to tiny. Whether you want a cuddly lapdog or a dog that will go hunting and camping with you, you can find one with a beautiful white coat. If you’re wondering about a good white dog name, we have suggestions for you. Here’s our list of the top 11 white dog breeds.

#11: Chihuahua—Small, Feisty and Fiercely Loyal

Chihuahuas weigh five pounds, on average.

©iStock.com/Irina Nedikova

The smallest dog breed is also one of the most versatile in its color patterns. Weighing in at around five pounds, the tiny Chihuahua comes in many colors, including black, black and white mix, and solid white. This curious, intelligent dog gets very attached to its family members. If you want a loyal companion with an active personality, this is the one.

Suggested White Dog Name: Blanco or Blanca

Chihuahuas were beloved by the ancient Aztecs, and they are a proud cultural symbol of Mexico. Choose a name that respects their proud heritage with the Spanish word for “white.”

#10: American Eskimo Dog—Beautiful Dog Perfect for any Family

The American Eskimo Dog looks similar to an arctic fox.

©iStock.com/blendshapes

This stunning dog comes in standard (25 to 35 pounds), miniature (ten to 20 pounds), and toy (six to ten pounds) versions. It comes in pure white or a mix of tan and white. It features small, erect ears and long, shaggy white fur. This dog almost looks like an Arctic fox with its long, pointed muzzle. The American Eskimo is a friendly dog that does well with families.

Suggested White Dog Name: Snowball

The American Eskimo comes from a land of snow, ice, and many white, fluffy animals. A snowball is also perfect for this nonstop, active little ball of fun.

#9: Great Pyrenees—Gentle Giant of the Mountains

The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest dog breeds.

©iStock.com/JZHunt

Do you want a big dog? The Great Pyrenees lives up to its name. A male can stand over two feet tall and weigh 100 pounds or more. Females are slightly smaller, but they’re still huge. This big bundle of joy comes in a shaggy, fluffy coat that may be pure white or a tan and white mix. Bred for hunting and farming, it’s a friendly, laidback, and patient dog. The Great Pyrenees was bred as a livestock guard dog in the Pyrenees mountains, but it has become a popular pet.

Suggested White Dog Name: Sirius

Sirius is the brightest star of the night sky, and it is also called the Dog Star. Your Great Pyrenees will be the star of your house, and a big dog deserves a stellar name.

#8: Coton de Tulear—Adorable Ball of Fluff

The Coton de Tulear gets its name from the French word cotton.

©iStock.com/Bigandt_Photography

This small, fluffy dog looks like a stuffed puppy that has come to life. With an average height of ten inches and a weight of 12 pounds, a Coton de Tulear is active and playful. It gets its name from the French word for “cotton.” This dog is suitable for families with kids, and it also makes an excellent therapy dog.

Suggested White Dog Name: Cotton Ball

The name is almost too perfect for a little dog that looks just like a living cotton ball, but let’s face it, everyone is going to call your dog that, so you may as well choose it.

#7: Japanese Spitz—Puppy-Sized and Playful

The Japanese Spitz loves to play games and perform tricks.

©iStock.com/virgonira

The Japanese Spitz is another lovely small dog. It has a long, fluffy white coat and an alert expression. An occasional spitz may have a mix of other colors, but it mostly comes in pure white. With an average weight of 20 pounds and standing only a foot tall, the spitz is a little fireball. It’s active, curious, and very affectionate to its owners. The spitz loves to play games and perform tricks.

Suggested White Dog Name: Casper

You’ll always feel like you have a friendly ghost around when you try to keep up with your mischievous Japanese spitz. This dog loves to play and is always available for cuddles.

#6: White Swiss Shepherd—Strong, Smart Dog That Needs To Work

The White Swiss Shepherd share many characteristics with the German Shepherd.

©iStock.com/fotyma

This elegant, intelligent dog shares many characteristics with the German shepherd. It’s an active breed designed for work, and it can get bored or depressed without something to do. This dog needs an owner who is willing to train it, take it on long walks and ensure it can stay mentally and physically busy. The White Swiss comes in a gorgeous pure white color. Males can weigh up to 88 pounds, and females can weigh up to 75 pounds.

Suggested White Dog Name: Christelle

The Swiss word for crystal is a wonderful match for this dog’s elegance and strength. It’s clear to see you and your dog are a great match.

#5: Siberian Husky—Hero of the Alaskan Tundra

The Siberian Husky is well known for its sled pulling.

©iStock.com/Nicholas Chase

The Siberian Husky is a beautiful dog that has become famous as a sled puller, and there are several famous huskies. It comes in several colors, including pure white, gray and white, and black and white. These colors are especially striking with the husky’s big blue eyes. This large, active dog is ideal for owners who can keep it mentally and physically challenged. The Siberian husky is also known for having a somewhat stubborn personality, but it is very affectionate.

Suggested White Dog Name: Miska

This indigenous Alaskan name means “little bear,” and a big, fluffy Siberian is a lot like a little polar bear. Other indigenous names that might work are Sesi, meaning “snow,” and Suka, meaning “fast.”

#4: Bolognese—Sweet, Soft and Friendly Toy

The Bolognese is named after the city of Bologna.

©iStock.com/sssss1gmel

This Italian white dog breed known as the Bolognese has a sweet face and a small body surrounded by soft, fluffy fur. Named for the city of Bologna, looks like a large cotton ball come to life. Because its fur mats easily, it requires frequent brushing and grooming. This dog is playful and affectionate, and it becomes extremely attached to its human family.

Suggested White Dog Name: Creampuff

This Bolognese is small, white, and sweet, which makes us think of a creampuff. Having a Bolognese around is like always having dessert.

#3: Maltese—Sweet Toy Dog Best for Quiet Homes

The Maltese has silky, elegant fur.

©iStock.com/Mindaugas Dulinskas

A Maltese dog almost always comes in white. When its fur is short, it looks fluffy and adorable. When the fur grows out, it’s silky and elegant. The Maltese are a lovely toy breed with a friendly personality. The average one is about nine inches tall and weighs about seven pounds. This pretty puppy is very sweet, but it doesn’t do well in houses with children or active pets.

Suggested White Dog Name: Marshmallow

Like a marshmallow, your Maltese is soft and fluffy. Like that favorite treat, it packs a lot of fun in a small package, and it goes well with everything.

#2: West Highland Terrier—Alert, Energetic and Mischievous

The West Highland Terrier is also known as a Westie.

©iStock.com/Eudyptula

Known as a “Westie,” this playful puppy was originally bred to hunt rats, but it is a very popular pet. Its silky, shaggy white fur and pointed ears give it an incredibly cute look. Its active, affectionate personality makes it a great pet for single people and families. A westie is very lively, and it forms strong attachments to its family.

Suggested White Dog Name: Blizzard

A West Highland Terrier will move like a small blizzard, and you’ll have fun chasing that white storm around. Westies come from the West Highlands of Scotland, where blizzards and snowfall are common.

#1: Samoyed—Big Coat and a Big Personality To Match

The Samoyed is known for its fluffy coat.

©iStock.com/Irina Tetereva

This large, gorgeous dog has a thick double coat that comes in pure cream or white. The Samoyed is known for its fluffy coat, its perpetual “smile,” and its long, curled tail. This dog is intelligent and easygoing. It gets along well with children and is friendly with strangers. Samoyeds often dominate other dogs in the house, so it’s probably best if it’s the only dog in the house.

Suggested White Dog Name: Opal

The opal is a white birthstone, and your Samoyed is a true jewel. If your dog is male and you think that’s too feminine, try Diamond instead.

Up Next…

Keep reading these posts for more incredible information about key animal facts.

  • 8 Red Dog Breeds & Red Dog Names: Whether you want a feisty, independent pet, or a more playful furball with this most beautiful of colors, you’ll be certain to find what you want right here. And we’ve even provided names which go with all that red fur for your pooch.
  • 6 Black Dog Breeds & Black Dog Names: This color is more dominant in some breeds than others and in some cases pets in this color can come with a hefty price tag. Find out what they are as well as clever endearing names which are just right for them.
  • 10 Brown Dog Breeds & Brown Dog Names: It’s a common color but no less loved by fans of pet canines everywhere. Find out what breeds are likely to have them and what names you can call them.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/photobac

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About the Author

I love good books and the occasional cartoon. I am also endlessly intrigued with the beauty of nature and find hummingbirds, puppies, and marine wildlife to be the most magical creatures of all.

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