10 Coolest White Dog Breeds You Can Own
Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but some are better suited to cold than others. These white dog breeds were practically made for snow.
10 White Dog Breeds That Thrive in Cold Weather
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Who wouldn't want a baby polar bear as a pet? Since that isn't an option, we've settled for a close second: cute, fluffy, solid white dog breeds. They're just as cute, and they eat kibble for dinner rather than, well, you.
We'd consider that a point in their favor. These white dog breeds are loving, loyal and absolutely beautiful. They also love cold weather and were practically made for snow. The hardest part is choosing only one.
Samoyed
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Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Bottom Line: Samoyed
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If you're looking for a pure white dog breed that loves the snow, this is it. Don't bother reading the rest. Samoyeds are a medium-large dog breed with all the sled-pulling power of a husky and the face of a teddy bear. They're friendly and have a signature smile that owners adore them for, plus a cheerful curled tail.
They're smart and social creatures with a touch of mischief in their souls. Like all smart dog breeds, Samoyeds need a firm hand with training to keep them from running amok.
Besides that, there's not much to dislike about the breed, assuming you're cool with installing white carpeting all over the house.
Great Pyrenees
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Height: 25-32 inches
Weight: 85 pounds and up
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Bottom Line: Great Pyrenees
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The great Pyrenees is the biggest all-white dog breed developed so far. They can easily top 100 pounds, and they have a thick double coat that can keep out icy winds and below-freezing temperatures. They rarely need baths, but brushing their fur is a daily requirement.
That said, their calm, trusting and affectionate personalities are well worth the extra effort. A great Pyrenees is a member of the family and will gladly help protect loved ones should the need arise.
Kuvasz
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Height: 26-30 inches
Weight: 70-115 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Bottom Line: Kuvasz
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The Kuvasz, a Hungarian herding dog, has a white coat unlike any other breed. It can be very wavy, and some owners have even made yarn out of their fur. Their thick coat serves as insulation, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer.
The Kuvasz can be on the independent side, but with enough socialization, they can become beloved family pets. They're fearless and protective, too, so if you're looking for a white dog breed that doubles as a guard dog, the Kuvasz might be a match.
Interestingly, the Kuvasz has a fairly slow metabolism, meaning they're not as expensive to feed as many other large breeds.
Polish Tatra Sheepdog
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Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: Up to 130 pounds
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Bottom Line: Polish Tatra Sheepdog
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Are you sensing a theme here? Larger dog breeds tend to fare better in chilly climates, and the Tatra sheepdog is no exception. They look a bit like baby polar bears, and they're almost as big as one.
They also have thick, white coats developed while herding and guarding in Poland in the 1800s. For a breed as fluffy as they are, however, they only have moderate grooming needs. They rarely need baths, and only shed excessively during late spring.
Tatra sheepdogs are gentle giants. They are calm, smart and stoic in temperament, and they tend to be stubborn if not properly trained. If you're not a fan of cold weather, don't get one. Tatra sheepdogs need long walks even when it's snowing out, so throw on your parka and get moving.
Siberian Husky
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Height: 20-23.5 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Bottom Line: Siberian Husky
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To be fair, Siberian huskies aren't all white. They come in several colors, but one of the most eye-catching variations features ice-blue eyes paired with an almost all-white coat.
Huskies are a polarizing breed. The lively, intelligent dogs were bred to pull sleds for miles, so owners expecting a snuggly couch potato are bound to be disappointed. Huskies need to move, and they're likely to argue with you if they don't get enough walks.
They're excellent family dogs, though, pairing well with kids and other dogs. Huskies adore cold weather, so you'll never have to worry about buying them a sweater when winter hits. Instead, you'll have to put up with holes in the yard, since huskies like to dig to make cool spots to lie down on.
American Eskimo
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Height: 15-19 inches
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Bottom Line: American Eskimo
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The American Eskimo isn't much of an American invention at all. The breed was originally known as the German Spitz, used as a farm dog by German settlers in the United States. While the more petite American Eskimo isn't as tolerant of negative temperatures as a 120-pound great Pyrenees, it'll fare much better on a skiing trip than a toy poodle or chihuahua.
Eskies have plenty of lush, white fluff to keep them warm, and their personalities are just as fluffy. They have an alert, eager expression on their face 24/7, and they're amazing at agility training if given the opportunity.
The only catch: They're prone to excessive barking and need to be socialized early in order to trust strangers.
Japanese Spitz
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Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 10-25 pounds
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Bottom Line: Japanese Spitz
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The Japanese spitz is a rare cousin of the American Eskimo and Samoyed. Like most spitz-type dogs, they have a dense coat, a curled tail and a lively expression, but the Japanese spitz is more adaptable to small spaces than most. They're not heavy shedders most of the year, and they're less likely to bark than American Eskimos.
Due to their small size, however, they're not as resilient in extreme temperatures as many other white dog breeds. They're more like comedic companions, always eager to make their family laugh with their antics and bubbly personality.
Komondor
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Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 80 pounds and up
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Bottom Line: Komondor
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Is it a sheep? Is it a rug? No, it's a Komondor. Komondors have long cords of fur that give them an uncanny resemblance to the sheep they were once tasked with guarding.
Komondors hail from Hungary, where they've been used as herding dogs for years. Their fur doesn't start out that way, but it begins to cord between the ages of 8 and 12 months. From there, brushing is out. Instead, regular bathing and drying with a fan are important practices to keep your Komondor's cords clean and fresh.
The easiest way to keep a Komondor clean is not to let it get dirty in the first place. Fortunately, most Komondors are content to be protective snuggle bugs, staying close to owners and enjoying daily playtime.
West Highland White Terrier
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Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 13-20 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Bottom Line: West Highland White Terrier
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West Highland white terriers, better known as Westies, are so white it's in the name of the breed. Westies are small, but don't be fooled. These tenacious little dogs are sturdy and tough. The white coat originally helped them to stand out while hunting vermin, but now it's evolved into a sweet companion breed.
Like larger terriers, Westies are determined and stubborn. They're tricky to train, but persistence pays off. A well-loved Westie becomes a joy to keep, curling up on your lap at the end of a long walk in the winter woods.
Coton de Tulear
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Height: 9-11 inches
Weight: 8-15 pounds
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Bottom Line: Coton de Tulear
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The coton de Tulear is like an even fluffier bichon frisé. They're small, yet sturdy, with a stocky build and a warm, solid white coat. You'd be hard-pressed to find a sweeter family dog. Cotons de Tulear are remarkably gentle, friendly and loyal, making them the perfect addition to a household with kids, cats or other dogs.
They're even-tempered and charismatic, and they remain puppy-like even in adulthood. They tend to bark at passersby, but they're not considered excessively barky. They love to snuggle, but keep in mind that they also hate being left alone.
A coton de Tulear is a family member and expects to be treated as such. Their long hair needs gentle daily brushing, so consider this time an opportunity to bond with your dog.
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