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Some are like furry polar bears and others have short coats. Whatever you choose, there’s no doubt that you’ll stand out walking a large white dog breed.
These are big dogs that aren’t for first-time pet owners. They were originally bred for various jobs such as hunting and herding, and they have energy to spare.
So without further ado, let’s discuss some interesting candidates for your affection.
The Importance of Exercise for Big White Dog Breeds
If your dog doesn’t receive enough daily exercise, some behavior problems are inevitable.
These can include excessive barking, digging, or chewing. And, being strong dogs, these white ghosts can be extremely destructive if their needs aren’t met
But you don’t need to compete in agility, herding, or field trials to satisfy their needs.
Take your pup on a few long walks, which can include backpack walks. Play fetch.
But physical exercise isn’t enough. Exercise your dog’s mind too. Give your dog enrichment activities such as activity toys.
Remember To Train and Socialize Your Large White Dog
Of course it’s important to train and socialize all dogs. But if large-breed dogs aren’t, it could be dangerous.
Even friendly giants can knock people over. They can reach items that can injure them.
And many of the dogs discussed in this blog post have a protective nature that can turn to aggression if the dog isn’t properly socialized and trained.
So properly expose them to the sights, sounds, and experiences that they’ll face in everyday life.
They need to be taught more than basic manners. Loose leash walking training will make it safe for you to exercise him. And others won’t be bowled over by him.
He needs a solid “leave it” cue. And not jumping on people is non-negotiable.
Impulse control exercises, including sit, down, and stay will help in your every-day life. And teach him to wait before exiting the house, car, or street.
Take your white, large-breed pup to puppy kindergarten class and continue on to basic through advanced classes.
You’ll appreciate your dog when he’s well-behaved. And others will admire your dedication to him and the bond between you.
So let’s explore some great big white dog breeds.
19 Awesome Big White Dog Breeds
The following aren’t listed in any preferential order.
I confess that many of the dogs discussed in this blog post come in white as well as other colors. I’ve also included a few that are mainly white or cream color. Some listed are large dog breeds and others are extra-large.
For the long-coated, fluffy dogs, you can use the following grooming tools:
And for those with very short coats, the following can help keep your dog in tip-top shape:
1. Borzoi
This large, elegant sighthound stands out in a crowd. They look like long, silky-coated greyhounds.
Formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound, they were originally bred to hunt wolves. So they are swift and tough.
They have a high prey drive towards small animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and even cats. So, if you have a cat, it may work if the Borzoi is socialized to him from puppyhood.
Because of this, they should be let off lead only in enclosed areas or they will take off in pursuit of their prey.
Although independent–and called stubborn by some fanciers–they can be trained if you are patient and consistent. And have a sense of humor.
Even-tempered, a Borzoi can be a good family dog if given a sufficient amount of exercise.
Although they can be white, Borzoi also come in various other colors, including black, apricot, brindle, and cream.
Males stand up to 28” and females up to 26” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 75 and 105 pounds and females between 60 and 85 pounds.
2. Old English Sheepdog
This herding dog is easily recognizable because of his long shaggy coat and bobtail.
This intelligent dog is friendly and playful. He thrives when with his people and is great with well-behaved, respectful children.
As is true of herding breeds, he requires a lot of mental and physical exercise.
Old English sheepdogs can also serve as watchdogs, with their deep, resounding bark.
Although he can be totally white, he also comes in gray, grizzle, and blue merle combined with white.
Males stand at 22” and females 21” and up at the shoulder. They weigh between 60 and 100 pounds.
3. Dogo Argentino
This short-coated, muscular, totally white dog stands out in a crowd.
Originally developed in Argentina to hunt big game, the Dogo Argentino has a very protective, territorial nature. But they are great with their families if raised properly.
They tend to be aggressive to other animals if not properly socialized and trained.
Dogo Argentinos are strong, courageous working dogs with great stamina.
So they require lots of daily physical and mental exercise to be at peak performance.
Although Dogos are totally white, a dark eye patch color is permitted.
Males stand from 24” to 26” and females between 24” and 25.5” at the shoulder. They weigh between 80 and 100 pounds.
4. Kuvasz
Originally bred in Hungary as guardians of flocks, these large, fluffy, majestic dogs are nimble-footed despite their massive size.
Totally white and huge, they stand out wherever they go.
Kuvasz are loyal and loving to their families. But they do have a protective nature.
Although they require regular exercise, they aren’t as energetic as some other working breeds.
Male Kuvasz stand between 28” and 30” and females between 26” and 28” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 100 and 115 pounds and females between 70 and 90 pounds.
5. Komondor
These large working dogs appear to be huge, living mops because of their distinctive corded coat.
They originated from Hungary and were used to protect sheep and cattle.
Despite their soft appearance, these are fearless dogs who are naturally protective of their families.
They do require regular exercise but aren’t as energetic as some working breeds.
Males stand between 28” and 30” and females between 26” and 28” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 100 and 115 pounds and females between 70 and 90 pounds.
6. Great Pyrenees
These powerful working dogs were originally bred in France to guard livestock.
They are docile and calm with family members but won’t hesitate to protect their family and home. Pyrs are fearless dogs who won’t back down from a threat.
Not the most energetic working dog, they still require a few long walks a day to not become destructive.
According to the AKC standard, they come only in white.
Males stand between 27” and 32” and females between 25” and 27” at the shoulder. Males weigh 100 pounds and up and females from 85 pounds and up.
7. Akita
These muscular, spitz-type dogs originated from Japan. They were originally bred to hunt big game, and are also employed as family guardians.
They’re powerful, calm dogs who are dedicated to their families. But be aware that they are also extremely protective.
Akitas are only moderately active but do require regular exercise.
They can be totally white. But they also come in a wide range of colors including black, fawn, and red.
Male Akitas stand at 26” to 28” and females between 24” and 26” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 100 and 10 pounds and females between 70 and 100 pounds.
8. American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are athletic, agile dogs with great endurance.
They were originally bred as farm utility dogs as well as family companions and protectors. But these are overall confident, friendly dogs.
They thrive when their family showers them with attention. Playful and energetic, they require a lot of exercise.
Their standard color is white, but they can also be other colors including white with black, tan, brown, or brindle.
Fun fact: they are descendents of the English Bulldog.
Males stand between 22” and 25” and females between 20” and 23” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 70 and 100 pounds and females between 60 and 80 pounds.
9. Standard Poodle
The national dog of France, they were originally bred in Germany to hunt ducks. They are in the non-sporting group.
These are very energetic, playful, extremely intelligent dogs who need a job.
Even though they are friendly with all, poodles are good watch dogs (but not guard dogs) and will bark when necessary
Because they are so athletic, they require intense physical exercise, which can include swimming as they are expert swimmers.
Although white is a standard color, they also come in many other colors including apricot, black, and brown.
They’re as close to a hypoallergenic breed as you can get.
They stand at 15” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and females between 40 and 50 pounds.
10. Clumber Spaniel
These sporting dogs are friendly, funny dogs who seem to always be smiling.
Their low-slung long body with a large head gives them a distinctive appearance.
Originating in England, they hunted gamebirds. They love to be outdoors and will single-mindedly pursue a scent.
Despite being hunters, though, they can be couch potatoes if given a sufficient amount of exercise.
If his needs are met, a Clumber Spaniel will be easy-going and calm at home.
Their coat is primarily white but can have lemon or orange color interspersed with the white.
Males stand between 18“ and 20” and females between 17” and 19” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 70 and 85 pounds and females between 55 and 70 pounds.
11. Chow Chow
Chows have a distinctive appearance with their lion’s mane and blue-black tongue.
Originating from China, they became guarders, haulers, and hunters.
These non-sporting dogs are very loyal to their families, they are extremely protective.
Because of their strong prey drive, they shouldn’t be let off leash in an unenclosed area.
Clean dogs, they have little doggy odor.
Although they require regular exercise, they aren’t the most energetic breed in this list.
Chows come in cream and other colors including black, red, and cinnamon.
They stand between 17” and 20” at the shoulder and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.
12. Maremma Sheepdog
Originating from Italy, Maremma Sheepdogs were bred to guard sheep from wolves.
As herding dogs, they have energy to spare and require a lot of exercise to be great family dogs.
These large, muscular dogs easily intimidate strangers by their presence alone.
They are independent dogs who aren’t great with strangers and are very protective of their families.
White dogs, tinges of peach or orange are permitted in their coat.
They stand between 23.5” and 25” at the shoulder. And they weigh between 65 and 100 pounds.
13. Golden Retriever
I’ve included goldens because many English cream-colored dogs are popular. In fact our very own Raven is considered and English cream.
Take a look at one of Raven’s big white puppies, Charlie:
Under the AKC standard, goldens with dark and light varieties are accepted.
Originally bred in the Scottish Highlands as hunting dogs, goldens are energetic, active dogs who require a job and a lot of daily exercise..
Goldens are in the sporting class in the American Kennel Club.
Golden retrievers have been very popular family dogs for many years.
Friendly with all, they are trainable, intelligent, sweet dogs.
Males stand between 23” and 24” and females between 21.5” and 22.5” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and females between 55 and 65 pounds.
14. Siberian Husky
Huskies are medium-to-large sized dogs who were originally bred in Northeast Asia to pull light loads over long distances.
These working dogs have great endurance. So give a Husky regular, extensive daily exercise so that they don’t become bored and destructive.
Friendly with family, strangers, and other dogs, they don’t make good watch dogs.
Often confused with the Alaskan Malamute, they are much more energetic. Both breeds love to be outdoors.
They come in solid white as well as many other accepted coolers ranging from red, sable, and black with white.
Males stand from 21” to 23.5” and females from 20” to 22” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 45 to 60 pounds and females between 35 and 50 pounds.
15. White German Shepherd
Very popular, German Shepherds are herding dogs and are also used as police and military working dogs.
These are high-energy dogs who need a lot of regular exercise to not become bored and destructive.
Somewhat aloof with strangers, they are dedicated to and playful with their families.
Courageous, a shepherd will protect his people if necessary.
They come in white as well as many other colors, including black, sable, gray, and variations of black with cream, silver, tan, or red.
Males stand between 24” and 26” and females between 22” and 24” at the shoulder. Males weigh 65 and 90 pounds and females between 50 and 70 pounds.
16. Bull Terrier
Originally from England and bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, bull terriers are now bred to be companionable, friendly dogs.
They can tend to be dog aggressive. And they are protective of their family.
With his egg-shaped head and muscular body, a bull terrier stands out wherever he goes.
Highly energetic and playful, they need a fair amount of daily exercise.
Bull terriers come in white and a variety of other colors, including brindle and red and many other combinations of colors with white.
They stand between 21” and 22” at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.
17. Canaan Dog
These alert, confident herding dogs originated from the region that is now Israel, Lebanon, and parts of bordering countries.
These ancient desert dogs served various purposes such as service dogs, sentries, and messengers. Canaan dogs now serve as guardians of the home and flocks.
They are alert and will sound the alarm if something’s amiss.
Tireless, Canaan Dogs require a lot of daily exercise. They need a job to channel their never-ending work ethic.
They come in white and an assortment of other colors, including red, tan, cream, and black.
These are medium-to-large sized dogs.
Males stand from 20” to 24” and females from 19” to 23” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 45 and 55 pounds and females between 35 and 45 pounds.
18. Boxer
Originating in Germany, Boxers have been used as hunting dogs and in military work.
They are very playful with their families and are friendly to others if properly trained and socialized.
But they can discern friend from foe and are fearless and protective guardians of their family.
These are high-energy working dogs. Boxers are bright, agile dogs who require a lot of physical exercise to be good companions.
Boxers can be totally white or fawn or brindle.
Males stand between 23” and 25” at the shoulder and females between 21.5 and 23.5” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 65 and 80 pounds and females about 15 pounds less.
19. Labrador Retriever
Who can forget one of our favorite breeds, the Labrador Retriever.
Wait a second? I thought the Lab colors were either black, chocolate (brown), or yellow!?
You are correct. But the shades of yellow go from what many call fox red all the way to white. In fact, I would probably say our service pup, Archer was a white Lab.
Check out the pic and you decide:
You can see some dark shading on the tips of the ears but other than that he was mostly white in color.
Anyhoo, we talk about Labs at nauseam on this site so I won’t bore you with too many more facts besides their AKC measurements:
Males stand between 22.5 and 24.5 inches at the shoulder and females between 21.5 and 23.5” at the shoulder. Males weigh between 65 and 80 pounds and females about 55 and 70 pounds.
FAQs
My friend has a Boxer. Are they good with children? Do they require much exercise?
Yes on both counts. Boxers are good with respectful, dog-savvy children. As working dogs, they require a lot of daily exercise to be good companions.
My family loves to be outside. We hike, swim, and camp. Would a Standard Poodle be a good fit?
Yes! Poodles are high-energy, extremely intelligent dogs who are up for any adventure. They also love to swim.
I love greyhounds but prefer a dog with a longer coat. What breed can you recommend?
The elegant-looking Borzoi is a sight hound with a long silky coat and resembles a greyhound
Final Thoughts
There are many large, white dog breeds to choose from. The ones listed in this blog post have working drives.
Their exercise, socialization, and training needs must be met in order to have a companionable dog.
Some are naturally protective whereas others are innately friendly.
Before choosing, make sure that you can meet their needs and that they’re a good fit for your family.
Do you have a large white dog?
Are you thinking of getting one?
Please tell us about it in the comments section below.
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