big and fluffy

When it comes to dog breeds, there are none more striking to look at than a big, fluffy white dog!

Their fluffy fur makes their already large size look even bigger, and the white color is a stark contrast to other common dog breeds. Let’s start with the largest white breeds:

Let’s Start With The “Polar Bears”: Extra Big White Dogs

These are huge white dogs who have amazingly soft or fluffy coats:

1. Central Asian Shepherd

Weight: 90-170 pounds. Key traits: independent, self-confident, devoted, intelligent

Is this a polar bear or a dog? It is a dog: the Central Asian Shepherd looks like a polar bear – and can grow to almost 170 pounds! It is a breed of guardian dogs that needs lots of companionship and exercise to be happy. His thick coat is usually pure white with dark points. This breed has a lot of love to give in return for companionship and exercise.

2. Maremma Sheepdog

Weight: 70-195 pounds. Key traits: brave, reliable

This big white dog may be intimidating at first because of its stature and big size (often over 100 pounds). But, don’t let his cold expression fool you. He is a very friendly breed that is very attached to the people he knows.

3. Tatra Shepherd Dogs

Weight: 80 to 130 pounds

The Tatra dog’s double-coat is pure white with no other color marking, making it one of the most attractive large white dog breeds. Originally from Poland, and just like several of its’ easter-European or Russian counterparts, Tatra dogs were used as shepherd dogs to protect livestock from predators. They can make excellent watch dogs due to their instincts and large size (they can reach up to 130 pounds).

two tatra shepherd dogs running in the snow

4. Great Pyrenees

Weight: 80-120 pounds. Key traits: friendly, patient, devoted to family.

A large dog with a long white coat, the Great Pyrenees was developed in France’s mountainous regions as a livestock guardian and watchdog. He is calm and very good with children, but like any dog, young ones should always be supervised when around. His white coat is very fluffy and needs to be brushed often.

white great pyrenee dog with puppy

5. Kuvasz

Weight: 90-115 pounds. Key traits: gentle, devoted

The Kuvasz is a large white dog breed that has been used for centuries as a royal guard dog. If you want to be protected by a bulky white dog, the Kuvasz is the one for you. Their white coat makes them stand out, but they can be gentle and loving.

6. Komondor

Weight: 80-100 pounds. Key traits: calm,

Komondor dog’s white coats are sure to draw a lot of attention. Just like Puli dogs, they can easily be nicknamed as “mop dogs”. However, it’s not because they look like a giant mop that they are simply happy staying at home. Much the contractor: their white coats hide strong muscles. They are fast and need a lot of exercise and running. They are also very large and powerful – sometimes reaching a hundred pounds.

7. Russian Shepherd Dog, also known as Ukrainian / Russian Sheepdog

Weight: 70 to 110 pounds.

The Russian Shepherd dog (Wikipedia link) is not a breed listed on the American Kennel Club, but they remain popular, particularly in Europe. They are believed to be descendants of shepherd dogs used in Russia and Ukraine. Zoologist Sabaneyev even described them as “Russian Wolf Killers – they were originally used to protect livestock and cattles from predators including wolves.

south russian sheepdog

8. Slovensky Cuvac / Slovakian Chuvach

Weight: 70-100 pounds. Key traits: eager to please, affectionate, devoted

The Slovensky Cuvac is a watchful and protective dog with an intimidating face (but friendly personality).

9. Akita

Weight: 80-110 pounds. Character traits: intelligent, strong-willed

Another dog native to Japan, the Akita is a breed of companion dog who enjoys playing with children and other dogs. He can have a variety of colors in his coat, including pure white.

Large & Fluffy White Dog Breeds (Up to 60-100 Pounds)

1. Old English Sheepdog

Weight: 60-100 pounds. Key traits : affectionate, intelligent

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed of herding dog who needs plenty of exercise and usually requires a large play area. His pure white coats are striking in appearance. However, his thick coats can be a challenge to groom.

2. Samoyed

Weight: 35-65 pounds. Key traits: friendly, affectionate, and social

The Samoyed is a wonderful pet dog breed because it is kind, loyal, and loving. It’s regarded as one of the most enthusiastic dogs when it comes to expressing love for people. It won’t say no to a cuddle! And, with this big white fluff ball, how could you refuse a cuddle? The Samoyed white dog breed is synonymous with the words “friendly” and “huggable.”

3. White Husky

Weight: 35-60 pounds. Key traits: active, devoted

The Siberian Husky is a great family friend who must get plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. His fur comes in a variety of colors, including black and white and pure white.

4. White Swiss Shepherd

Weight: 55-90 pounds

Have you heard of White German Shepherds? Breeders located in or near Switzerland started to breed white GSD with the intention of creating a new breed altogether, called “White Swiss Shepherd” (WSD). The WSD is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club as of our publication date, but it is recognized by the International Kennel Club.

white swiss shepherd

5. White Golden Retrievers / Labrador Retrievers

Weight: 65-75 pounds. Key traits: friendly, intelligent, affectionate, and vivacious

White golden retrievers or labrador retrievers are fairly rare – people typically think about beige, brown, or black versions. However, you will occasionally also see white-coated retrievers (white or off-white). This dog breed is known for its friendliness and loyalty.

6. Standard Poodles

Weight: up to 70 pounds. Key traits: friendly, intelligent, easygoing

Poodles come in three sizes–Toy, Miniature and Standard (the one shown here), and can be white or multicolored. This breed is people-oriented and loves playing with children and other dogs.

7. Yakutian Laika

Weight: 50-66 pounds. Key traits : friendly, active, devoted

The Yakutian Laika is an excellent hunting dog who needs lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy. He’s good with other dogs and family members, but should be supervised around strangers. His coat can be pure white, golden-white, or white and black.

yakutian laika in outdoor setting

8. Hokkaido

Weight: 44-66 pounds. Key traits: affectionate, devoted

The Hokkaido is a compact and sturdy dog who needs lots of exercise. He’s playful and smart, but can be difficult to housebreak. Hokkaido’s coats can be orange, brown-white, or mostly white.

9. Kishu Ken

Weight: 30-60 pounds. Key traits : friendly, loyal, playful.

The Kishu Ken is a breed of hunting dog who requires lots of exercise and loves to play. This breed is not well-known outside of Japan, but their white coats are eye-catching. Certainly a breed to consider if you are looking for a white dog breed.

10. Clumber Spaniel

Weight: 55-85 pounds. Key traits: calm, outdoorsy

Clumber Spaniel dogs can shed a lot, and drool a lot. If you are ok with that, they are very easy going and friendly dogs, and love the outdoors. They love to play fetch, run in the fields, and swim. Their thick coats are primary white, with hints of brown or orange mostly on their ears or faces.

clumber spaniel white dog in grass

11. Chow Chow

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Chow Chow dogs come in multiple colors, including white or offwhite. Don’t let their cute fluffy apperance fool – they are a medium to large white dog breed – with males reaching up to 70 pounds.

Medium to Large Fluffy White Dog Breeds (20-60 Pounds)

Let’s look now at the best white dog breeds that weight less than 60 pounds:

1. Canaan Dog (White)

Weight: 45-55 pounds. Key traits: brave, loyal, intelligent.

The Canaan dog is an ancient breed of working dog who enjoys spending time outdoors. His coat is usually black and white, but can also be brown or pure white.

2. Puli (White or Black)

Weight: 22-33 pounds. Key traits: dreadlocks!

The Puli is a unique dog breed that will undoubtedly draw attention. Their white coats are composed of dreadlocks, and it’s easy to see why they’re called the “mop dogs.” The short-haired Puli is an energetic breed that likes being around people. The majority of these dogs are white or black in color.

3. Finish Lapphund

Weight: 30-55 pounds, Key traits: friendly and calm

Finish Lapphunds comes in multiple colors, from light brown to black, mostly in a mix of white. However, some Finish Lapphund dogs will also be pure white or off-white, as pictured below. AKC describes these dogs as being “among the friendliest of all dogs” (Source). Their rich coats are coupled with a cute and (very) fluffy curvy tail.

Source: Apdevries

4. American Eskimo

Weight: 25-35 pounds. Key traits: affectionate, playful, alert

The American Eskimo is a breed of companion dog who enjoys playing with children and other dogs. His pure white coats are striking in appearance and considered a major attribute of the breed.The American Eskimo dog is a great family friend that loves lots of physical and mental activities. It’s fun-loving, affectionate, and perky. The American Eskimo also has a thick white coat with black, brown or gray tips at the end of its hair.

5. Cockapoo

Weight: 12-24 pounds. Key traits: lively, intelligent

The Cockapoo is an eager-to-please, friendly, and playful dog who loves being in the middle of family activities. His coat can be white or white with a mix of other color such as black or brown.

6. Japanese Spitz

Weight: 11-20 pounds. Key traits: cheerful, active

The Japanese Spitz is a small dog who needs plenty of exercise and loves to play. If you love the look of cute fluffy white dogs, you will love the Japanese Spitz! Here is an adorable puggy picture of a Japanese Spitz:

And the adult version looks just as cute:

What is a Big and Fluffy Dog?

For a dog to be considered big, they need to be at least 30 pounds or more. For example, breeds like Bull Terriers and Golden Retrievers qualify as big dogs in our list.

Fluffy dogs, on the other hand, are dogs with fur too long to qualify as short-haired breed. These dogs have been bred to have a thick coat to keep them protected from their environment, and most have an undercoat to keep them warm in cold weather.

A big and fluffy dog is where these two categories intersect. Their large size and thick, fluffy coat make these pups well-equipped for the winter—and beautiful to look at.

Common Characteristics of Big and Fluffy White Dogs

The personalities and characteristics of big, fluffy white dogs will differ from breed to breed, but all of these dogs have a few things in common.

These breeds typically have high-maintenance coats that will require regular grooming to stay healthy and shiny. That means regular brushing to prevent knots and mats in their fur, as well as regular haircuts.

Because these breeds often have a thick undercoat, shedding is common in big, fluffy white dogs, and they may require more regular baths and grooming appointments to help keep the shedding under control.

Big, fluffy white dogs are also typically more active, energetic dogs that will need a more consistent exercise and enrichment routine to keep them happy and healthy. If you adopt one of these special breeds, they’ll often make great running or hiking partners.

While not all big, fluffy dogs will be high energy, many of them are working breeds that enjoy having a job to do, whether that’s herding, competing, or protecting their family. Many of these dogs have historically served as protection pups, both for livestock and for humans, so they’ll likely be loyal, protective dogs that love to spend time with you.

With that said, you don’t need to be an avid marathoner or farmer to adopt one of these amazing breeds. With such a vast array of dog breeds, big and fluffy white dogs can have many different personalities, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your family.

Many of these breeds are affectionate, social dogs that are great for families with children. Others are independent, intelligent dogs that would make excellent companions for someone with a willingness to train and work with their dog.

To find the right fit for you, learn more about the size, personalities, and characteristics of common big and fluffy white dog breeds below.

Author

  • Jason Robins

    Jason is a pet specialized writer who works with our veterinarian team (https://seniortailwaggers.com/team/) to write in-depth articles about pet health and behaviors.