When it comes to dogs, they come in every shade under the sun—black, brown, brindle, merle, tan, red, and more. But there’s something undeniably magical about white dogs. With their snowy coats and cloud-like fluff, they somehow manage to look both regal and huggable all at once.
Many of these large white pups were originally bred for tough jobs—guarding livestock, trekking through snowy mountains, or hunting alongside their humans. But don’t let their working-dog roots fool you. They’re just as happy curling up on the couch as they are running across open fields.
Whether you’re drawn to their beauty, their loyal hearts, or their gentle personalities, one thing’s for sure: these majestic white dogs aren’t just pets, they’re lifelong companions who bring plenty of joy (and probably a little fur) into your home.
Large White Dog Breeds
1. Great Pyrenees
These livestock guardians are one of the most ancient dog breeds around. Originally bred to ward off wolves and other predators, these are almost wolf size, reaching a maximum height of 32 inches at the shoulder.
They have a thick double coat, which is mainly white; there may also be grey, tan, brown, or badger markings around the head. They have long legs and a muscular structure beneath that soft, cloudy white fur.
The Great Pyrenees is a loyal and affectionate dog that loves its family members and will thrive when it has a task to do. These gentle giants like working hard as it satisfies their instinct to guard livestock, and many do well as search and rescue or therapy dogs.
They have moderate exercise needs and will do well with 30 to 40 minutes of walking. Grooming needs to be frequent as their dense coats tend to shed heavily. Training can be challenging as these are independent dogs bred to work alone.
2. Samoyed
These fluffy white dogs were initially bred as sled dogs and to herd reindeer in Siberia, according to Britannica. They have erected ears, a signature smile, and dark eyes. They have a thick double coat to withstand the Siberian cold and can be white, cream, or even biscuit. They can reach up to 23 inches at the shoulder.
The Samoyed is a high-energy dog and is known for its friendly and playful temperament. They respond well to other pets, dogs, and strangers and are affectionate towards their human family members. They can make good companion dogs if trained properly. They tend to be independent and are intelligent dogs.
They need daily grooming to keep their fluffy coats pristine and ideally a fenced-in yard to exercise in. They are considered good picks for first-time dog owners, provided they have the time to devote to their exercise and grooming needs
3. Kuvasz
This is another livestock herding dog breed, they are often confused with the Great Pyrenees because of their similar shapes and size. These are muscular dogs with thick coats and average around 30 inches in height.
They are usually white or cream in color and require weekly brushing to manage their double coats and do fine with baths every other month.
The Kuvasz dogs are gentle giants with a friendly and nurturing nature and are protective of their families. This makes them good picks to work as guard dogs. They enjoy exercise and have an independent streak, which can be challenging for new dog owners, according to PetMD.
They need frequent exercise and ideally a well-fenced-in yard as they tend to escape and roam.
4. Dogo Argentino
This muscular and energetic hunting dog was bred to help in hunting big game in Argentina. They are large dogs, reaching up to 27 inches high at the shoulder, and have a smooth, pure white and short coat that requires minimal grooming.
They have a broad head with moderately heavy jowls that make them drool. Their bodies are thick and muscular. However, they are graceful and well-balanced and made for athletic performance.
This big white dog will require a lot of activity to expend their energy and will do better with experienced pet parents. They need mental stimulation, and fetch, chasing, and retrieving flying discs make for good activities, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
5. Komondor
One of the most unique big white dogs on this list, the Komondor has a unique corded coat that has earned it the nickname of mop dogs. Bred to protect livestock, these are the Hungarian version of sheepdogs. Nowadays, they make for eye-catching pets.
They grow up to 27 to 28 inches at the shoulder and have a heavy bone structure and muscled, powerful bodies.
The breed is an energetic one, and makes for affectionate companions and is protective about their families and especially children, when trained properly. As herding dogs, they have high exercise needs and also need a lot of care for their coat maintenance. They also need bathing, as their coat can start smelling if they get dirty.
Exercising the Komondor outdoors can be tricky, as they are hyper vigilant and react to other dogs and can get dirty. Fenced-in yards are a good option to let them play. They get along well with other familiar dogs and pets.
6. Akbash
These are large white dogs with some biscuit shading around the head. They usually reach a height of 33 inches, making them one of the largest dog breeds on this list. They are also very muscular and energetic, with floppy ears and dark eyes.
These intelligent and smart dogs have a gentle demeanor and enjoy being around their families, but can handle being alone as well, as they don’t crave human companionship excessively.
They have medium to thick fur that is prone to regular shedding. They require frequent grooming, at least weekly and more during shedding season. Otherwise, the breed is an easy maintenance one that requires experienced pet owners.
This is not one of the popular dog breeds in the US, as they are Anatolian in origin. However, they are used as predator control dogs by the United States Department of Agriculture.
7. White Swiss Shepherd
The easiest way to describe this dog is to think of a friendly-looking white German shepherd. Part of the same family. This large white dog breed can reach as high as 26 inches and has a medium, dense double coat.
The breed makes for good family dogs as they get along well with other animals and children when properly socialized. They tend to be loyal and affectionate towards their family. These big white dogs enjoy being active and require physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
They require over two hours of walking and exercise to keep them in top shape. They will do best in a large fenced yard and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Conclusion
Any one of the dogs with white coats listed here can be a great companion for you. The white dog breeds listed here include outgoing dogs, those with low-maintenance coats, as well as some breeds that will require regular grooming.
Every dog breed is unique, but remember that every dog is also unique and not all will follow the breed specifications. Research well and explore your local pounds and shelters to see if you can find a large white dog to love from there.
