White Dog Breeds of All Sizes

By Suzanne Alicie

Have you ever noticed that when someone sees a small white dog they typically say “Oh what a cute Poodle” or when they see a large white dog they think of a Husky or a Samoyed? I am a big fan of white dogs and I don’t expect people to always know exactly what breed a dog is – but there are a lot more white dogs than just Poodles and Huskies.

Small White Dogs

Some of the small white dogs you may confuse with a poodle are the Bichon Frise and the Bichon Bolognese. Both of these dogs have curly white hair, but their facial structure and compact body are quite different from a poodle.

One of my favorite small white dog breeds is the Coton de Tulear; it looks like a small white Sheepdog and definitely can’t be confused with a Poodle. The Lowchen and the Maltese can also be white but their straight fur makes them stand out among the crowd of Poodle-resembling small white dogs.

Medium White Dogs

The American Eskimo dog breed has a miniature and toy designation that separates them from being grouped in with Huskies and Samoyeds, but their beautiful white coat is straight and they have a less solid and “chesty” shape than their larger counterparts. Eskies, as they are affectionately known, are like dainty versions of snow dogs.

A soft coated Wheaten Terrier may be mistaken for a Standard Poodle, but once you see the face you’ll know that despite the poufy white curls that he is definitely not a Poodle. You may want to hug and squeeze him even more after you see that face, but you’ll know it’s not just a fat Poodle.

Large White Dogs

Oh, now we are in my favorite group of dogs. I like big dogs and I really like big white dogs! At the top of the list is the gorgeous Samoyed. Definitely not a Husky, and not a Poodle either. The Samoyed is a snow dog, but it is very family oriented and has a shorter stance than a Husky or typical sled dog, almost putting it into the medium sized category. Another dog that is often mistaken for a Husky is the Akita; with the broad chest and similar stance, the Akita would be well equipped to be a sled dog. The Central Asian Shepherd is a white dog with a short coat. He has the stocky build of a Husky but looks entirely different.

I know that most people just fall in love with a certain type of dog, much like I have with Samoyeds, or they like a certain size of dog and yes, even the color can make a difference. No matter what breed you choose, it’s important to learn as much about that specific breed as you can before you add one to your household. Big dogs aren’t always aggressive, and small dogs aren’t always nervous and yappy. But to be a responsible pet owner you don’t want to shop for a dog with only the information that you want a “medium white dog.” That could get you a dog that is completely incompatible with your family. Regardless of what breed you end up with, CANIDAE has a wide selection of premium-quality dog food and treats that will keep him healthy and happy.

Top photo: Bichon Frise by Jenn and Tony Bot

Middle photo: American Eskimo by Robert Southworth

Bottom photo: Samoyed by Tundra Ice

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Dog Breed Profile: the Loyal and Loving Samoyed

By Suzanne Alicie

When it comes to choosing a dog, most animal lovers have a list of characteristics that they are looking for in a pet. Loyal, healthy, even tempered, playful, protective, and good with children are some of the most common. The Samoyed breed meets all the requirements listed above, as well as many others.

I may have a personal bias since I have – and love – a dog of this breed, but over the years our Samoyed has proven to be an excellent pet. Originally, these dogs were bred by a nomad tribe called Samoyede in Central Asia and Siberia. While the dogs were considered working dogs with jobs such as hunting, hauling and herding, they were also considered part of the tribe’s families. The loving treatment that the tribe gave to their hardworking companions has led to the loving and loyal pets that Samoyeds are today.

Although they are an Arctic breed, the Samoyed has adapted to the warmer climates of North America, yet they still love to play in the snow. Samoyed dogs are able to live fully outdoors, even on the coldest of days, but their loving nature makes them a welcome addition indoors.

Samoyeds enjoy attention and will do whatever the need to in order to get the attention of everyone in the house, all the way down to the smallest of children. They are gentle, curious, and very energetic. The Samoyed is not a solitary dog, and will let you know that he is tired of being left alone and is bored and frustrated by destructing some of your favorite possessions. Our dog is named Chaos because she is truly a huge white ball of destruction when she is unhappy. I’ve lost books, shoes, belts and socks whenever she is displeased with me.

The AKC standards for Samoyeds indicate that males stand between 21 to 23 1/2 inches at the withers, with the female coming in between 19 and 21 inches. The average weight of a full grown male Samoyed is between 45 and 65 pounds, and the female between 35 and 50 pounds.

Purebred Samoyeds are white, cream or biscuit colored with a thick two layer coat. The dense wooly undercoat sheds out once a year, while the overcoat sheds twice yearly. Anyone who owns a Samoyed knows that they are willing to wear white hair covered clothing for a few months out of the year just to see that sweet “Samoyed smile.” If you haven’t seen a Samoyed smile, you don’t know what you are missing.

YouTube has many great entertaining videos featuring Samoyeds. These vocal pets have a distinctive plaintive howl when they want to get your attention, and a whining type growl that they use to communicate. Samoyeds “talk” and even “sing” using this growling language. You can spend hours laughing with your family at a Samoyed’s antics and personality.

Like most other large breeds, the Samoyed can develop hip problems and arthritis which can slow them down a bit. However, with proper care, immunizations and love the Samoyed can live a long and full life. Our Samoyed Chaos is nearly 12 years old and still loves to run and play, even though she has some stiffness and moves a little more slowly these days.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie