For a dog lover, nothing can be more appealing than a big white dog breed. The elegance and charm that white dogs exude make them irresistible. Whether herding, guarding livestock, or lounging around the house, these massive dogs are known for their striking white coat and impressive size.
White color in dogs symbolizes innocence, purity, and spiritual connection. It also represents qualities like loyalty, companionship, and intelligence. Sometimes it is often associated with cleanliness and freshness.
Whether you are drawn to a white dog due to its strong protective instincts, friendly demeanor, or its laid-back personality, the white large dogs mentioned in this article will simply capture your heart and leave a lasting impression.
Here are the top 7 white giant dog breeds that make affectionate companions.
White Giant Dog Breeds
1. Great Dane
Breed Profile
Height: 28 to 32 inches
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing around 110 to 175 pounds, the “Great” in the Great Dane’s name is due to its large size. They vary in color from white and harlequin to black, fawn, blue, and merle.
Great Danes were originally bred in Germany to work as hunters and guardians. Nicknamed the “Apollo of Dogs,” these gentle giants tend to be calm and affectionate. Great Danes are sturdy and muscular dogs having a natural desire to please everyone around them.
Do You Know? The tallest dog in the world, names Zeus, was a Great Dane that stood 41 inches tall.
The American Kennel Club describes them as friendly, patient, and dependable. Great Danes can be easily recognized due to their large stature and long rectangular heads. Their sleek and short coat does not shed much and requires weekly brushing.
2. Irish Wolfhound
Breed Profile
Height: Over 30 inches
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years
Known for its endurance, athleticism, and serene nature, the Irish Wolfhound is among the tallest dog breeds. Male Irish Wolfhounds stand at least 32 feet tall and weigh around 120 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, having a height of a minimum of 30 inches and weighing around 105 pounds.
Irish wolfhounds have a thick double coat—the undercoat is soft while the white topcoat is rough. Other coat colors include red, black, gray, brindle, fawn, or wheaten. The Irish Wolfhound is a bearded dog having a muscular build.
Do you know? Irish Wolfhounds are too serene to be the guard dogs, but a mere sight of them is enough to intimidate intruders.
Irish Wolfhounds are gentle and affectionate dogs that make great family pets with proper training and socialization. Due to their large stature, they need a spacious area for daily exercise. Irish Wolfhounds have a strong prey drive, so care should be taken around cats and other small animals.
3. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 29 inches
Weight: 80 to 150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Another big white dog breed, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, can stand up to 29 inches tall and weigh as much as 150 pounds. With their massive size, Anatolian Shepherds are often seen working as guard dogs to scare away potential intruders. They are loyal, smart, and protective of their humans.
Anatolian Shepherds have a short and smooth coat that can vary in color from fawn or sable, brindle, or white. White Anatolian Shepherds have a solid white coat with a complementing black nose. Ears are also black with rounded tips.
They are naturally clean dogs without extensive grooming needs. However, they shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing three to four times a week can help prevent mats and tangles.
4. Great Pyrenees
Breed Profile
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: Over 85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
The Great Pyrenees is a large dog having a fluffy coat. These immensely powerful working dogs can deter intruders with their intimidating looks. However, these mellow fellows crave human companionship and form strong bonds with their family, especially children.
Their coat is either solid white or white with markings of beautiful shades of gray, tan, and reddish brown. Their thick white coat makes them perfect for camouflaging in snowy landscapes. Fortunately, the long fur is dirt and tangle resistant, explains PetMD.
Weekly brushing helps manage shedding and maintain their soft undercoat. These gentle giants are calm and even-tempered. Great Pyrenees are not highly active, but they require daily exercise to stay mentally and physically fit.
5. Kuvasz
Breed Profile
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
It is a fluffy and loyal dog hailing from Hungary. Kuvasz dogs are slightly longer than tall, but not bulky. These agile and strong dogs initially served as livestock guardians. Having a snow-white luxurious coat, Kuvasz stands around 26 to 30 inches tall.
Kuvasz’s medium-length coat can be straight, wavy, or curly. The fur is all white; however, the shades may vary. Hill’s Pet explains that these dogs are not albinos and have a good amount of pigment on their nose, pads, and around their eyes.
They do not have extensive grooming needs, but their double coat sheds heavily. Regular brushing can help prevent matting and tangles. The coat is coarse enough that dirt and debris brush off easily, leaving a clean dog.
6. Akbash
Breed Profile
Height: 28 to 34 inches
Weight: 80 to 140 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
The breed’s name, “Akbash,” means “white head” in Turkish and refers to their distinctive white coat. Originally bred as livestock guardians in Turkey, the Akbash is a highly intelligent and loving companion that can stand up to 34 inches tall. The breed shares a close resemblance with the Great Pyrenees.
Akbash’s long legs help them move swiftly, and the loose skin around their neck protects them from attacks. This breed is not well-suited for living in smaller spaces due to its large size. They are also prone to wandering or escaping.
Their thick double coat varies in length, requires weekly grooming, and is easy to maintain. Fortunately, Akbash’s coat does not mat and produces minimal odor. It is a low-energy dog that saves its energy to defend against predators.
7. Slovensky Cuvac
Breed Profile
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 68 to 97 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Slovensky Cuvacs or Slovak Cuvacs are agile, courageous, and faithful dogs having an impressive appearance and thick fur. Their dense coat is white in color, which is medium length throughout the body except on the head and legs.
Slovak Cuvac is a large working dog breed from the mountainous terrains of Slovakia. They stand around 27.5 inches tall and weigh between 68 and 97 pounds. The weatherproof coat allows them to tolerate harsh weather.
These excellent companions are known for their unwavering loyalty, alertness, and strong protective instincts. Slovak Cuvacs are gentle and affectionate with their family members, including children. These moderate energy dogs require daily exercise, including walks and play sessions.
Conclusion
White gentle dog breeds make wonderful companions for individuals who have larger homes with yards. Apart from their striking appearance, they will steal your soul with their gentle demeanor and affectionate personalities. If you are planning to adopt a large white dog, one of the breeds mentioned in this article may be the right fit for you.
