In this research you will know the answer to the query “7 Small White Long Haired Dogs“.
The cartoon character Tintins constant companion is a small white dog with long hair named Snowy.
Snowy is based on a dog breed called Wire Fox Terriers who appear first on my list but I also include six other breeds.
There are some breeds whose coats are pure white where their brilliance dazzles you with its wonder. I would call the white coats of other breeds “dirtier.”
Some breeds have hair that reaches the ground in some places while other breeds have a rougher wiry texture and still others have extremely fluffy hair.
In my next post I will quickly discuss the pros and cons of owning a small dog.
Pros and cons of small dogs
Starting out with a positive attitude lets examine the benefits of small dogs.
- There is less mess created by them
- It is cheaper to feed them
- Exercise isnot as important
In order to keep it real lets look at some of the disadvantages.
- To begin with they are more expensive to purchase.
- There is more yapping and barking.
Pros and cons of long-haired dogs
Is it possible for you to get a long-haired dog? If so what are the benefits and drawbacks?
First the pros.
- Dogs with long hair look more stylish
In addition what are the drawbacks?
- There are 9 small dogs with large ears
- Spending more time or money on grooming
- Create more mess
- Make the odor stronger
- Washing and drying are harder.
Last but not least let me briefly explain how white is achieved on a dogs coat.
How are white coats colored?
There are three pigments that create each of the hundreds of color combinations we see on the coats of dogs (including purebreds and mixes).
Pheomelanin produces a red pigment and eumelanin produces a black pigment.
The shade and shape of each pigment as well as where and whether it appears on a dogs coat are all genetically determined.
Thirdly white pigment is present in dog fur but white hair is a result of a lack of pigment – both eumelanin and pheomelanin are absent.
1. Wire Fox Terrier
There is a beautiful white coat on the first dog in this video…
What better way to start than with our superstar?
It does not matter what color wire fox terriers are as long as they’re mostly white.
It is quite rare to find a dog that is all white- most dogs are tri-colored
The coat of this cat is described as wiry and a distinctive feature is a long snout with a mustache growing on either side of it.
Their maximum height should be 39 cm which is just over 15 inches and their maximum weight should be 8.6 kgs or 19 pounds.
Hunting foxes and badgers was the purpose of breeding these dogs.
In situations with little structure or stimulation their fearlessness and independent spirit can be problematic.
The Wire Fox Terriers plucky nature is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that at the Westminster Kennel dog shows more Wire Fox Terriers have won best in show awards than any other breed bar none.
With that lets move on to breed number two.
2. West Highland Terrier
Despite their short name West Highland Terriers have a thick and long coat.
Their coats come only in white because they are so exclusive.
However although the coat appears soft at first glance it is quite rough to the touch.
The coat is also time-consuming to make.
The coat should be stripped or clipped every six weeks or so and brushed daily after that.
Originally bred as a guard dog for grain stores and a vermin killer in the 16th century the West Highland White Terrier still exhibits the same level of tenacity and independence today.
A Westie may stand 27 cm or 11 inches tall and weigh 9 kgs (20 pounds) as an adult male.
Unlike cats Westies love lots of interaction so they do not require much fussing.
3. Maltese
My experience is that Westies’ coats are often dirty white.
Perhaps because of their thick coat or because they are so…adventurous!
The Maltese on the other hand has a coat of whiter purity that is difficult to find.
Another exclusive breed the Maltese is only available in white.
Dogs with a white coat add to the delicacy of a dog that weighs just over 3 kgs (7 lbs) and stands 22 cm (9 inches) tall at its tallest.
But describing only the color of the hair is a huge injustice to this dog.
As a result of being so long the dogs hair meets the ground giving it such an amazing shape.
The dog looks as if it is covered with a white blanket.
From the top of its head as well as both sides of its nose hair falls freely.
Maltese are almost their raison d’etre. With a Westie fussing isnot necessary but with a Westie its nearly a necessity.
Toy dogs enjoy pampering and grooming more than anything else.
4. Japanese Spitz
As another pure white dog breed this is the kind of dog I would be afraid to take outside for fear of tarnishing the coats brilliance.
The dogs coat is very long and fluffy- as if it has been under a hairdryer for a long time.
Dogs with this coat grow a mane around their heads giving them a lion-like appearance.
A tail curling over its back completes the fluffy and soft look.
Japanese Spitzes are quite large for a dog on this list measuring up to 37 cm or 15 inches tall and weighing up to 11.3 kg or 25 pounds.
Whenever he is with a loving family this dog is happiest.
Exercise is only moderately needed- a daily walk or game of fetch should suffice.
5. American Eskimo Dog
You wouldnot be too far off in thinking that the American Eskimo Dog (Eskie) is just the Japanese Spitz dog if you just blink twice.
However there are some differences.
As a full breed the Eskie is recognized by the AKC whereas the Japanese Spitz is classified as “Foundation Stock.”
There are three sizes of the Eskie: standard miniature and toy.
Approximately 38-48cm (15-19 inches) tall and weighs up to 35 lbs (16 kg).
A miniature can grow up to 40 cm in height or 12 to 15 inches in length and can weigh up to 9 kg.
Last but not least an Eskie toy can be up to 30 cm or 12 inches tall and weigh up to 4.5 lbs or 10 lbs.
As far as temperament is concerned they are very similar to the Japanese Spitz in that they want to be close to their family and may become a problem if not given adequate attention and guidance.
6. Miniature Schnauzer
There are not many white Miniature Schnauzers around but I found one!
In the grand scheme of things miniature Schnauzers are not small.
These are quite a few items on the list.
Their name refers to the relationship they have with their big brother standing 35 cm or 14 inches tall and weighing 9 kgs or 20 lbs.
Giant Schnauzers are twice as tall and twice as heavy as normal Schnauzers.
The Mini has a dense double coat with a wiry topcoat which is similar to the coat of a Westie.
In addition to white the coats are black pepper and salt and silver.
It is quite difficult to find a Miniature Schnauzer with a solid white coat.
These thick coats are not easy to maintain.
The owners of family dogs usually clip their dogs not strip them.
Daily brushing is necessary for their coats.
Despite being clipped miniature schnauzers have a characteristic beard that makes them look like an old man- all they need now is a pipe to complete the look!
Characteristically they are great all-around.
Families including children and animals are important to them.
When exercised daily they are adaptable enough to live in cities or more remote areas!
Oh and just to end on a controversial note.
Solid white is an acceptable color for the UK Kennel Club but not for the American Kennel Club.
7. Chinese Crested
In conclusion we have a small breed of dog with long white hair that can “offer” an alternative coat color – skin.
The Chinese Crested Dog is a breed that I would like to introduce to you.
This wig comes with a choice of coats- a version that is hairless (as can be seen in the photo) or one that is covered in hair all over which is appropriately referred to as “Powderpuff.”
However hair can be found on the head ankles and tails of the hairless variety.
Their history is interesting if a little confusing.
The name of these creatures could derive from their use on Chinese ships as “ratters” despite their origins in Africa.
Because they were bred as companion dogs for people with learning disabilities they do not require a lot of exercise.
It can grow up to 32cm or 13 inches in height and weigh up to 5.5 kgs or 12 pounds.
If you want to read more about dog breeds read here: Dog Breeds Updates.
