Is there something about white dogs that really appeal?Maybe it is how innocent or clean that they look or perhaps you have just bought a new black sofa and you are looking for a startling contrast?
And have you always preferred pointed ears over floppy or long ears.
And in terms of size, well you just haven’t the space for a large dog and so you are on the lookout for a small breed of dog.
Well, I will showcase twelve different breeds of small white dogs with pointed ears.
But before we start our list, let me delve more deeply into the subject of small dogs.
Pros and Cons of Small Dogs
Having looked around, I can think of a few advantages and disadvantages of owning a small dog.
Although my list could be a very long one, I will try and restrict it to what I consider to be the main points.
And let’s start of with the advantages.
Pros of small dogs
There are three main pros of keeping small dogs:
- They cost less to feed
- They create less mess
- They live longer
Now, we can balance those to some of the disadvantages that keeping small dogs bring.
Cons of small dogs
And I think that there are four main drawbacks.
- They cost more to buy
- They bark more
- They are physically more fragile
- They are harder to train
Now that we have looked at what are the pros and cons of owning a small dog, let’s move onto whether there are any clear advantages to owning a white dog over another colour of dog.
Pros and cons of white dogs
I can only think think of a disadvantage for owning a white dog and that is that they show up dirt more than other colours of dogs.
5 small quiet dogs that can be left alone
I was thinking that white dog hair is harder to see when it has shed all over furniture or carpets but that depends on what colour carpets you have in your house.
An interesting but slightly contentious advantage that white dogs tend to have in rescue centres is that they are far more likely to be adopted than black dogs.
But now let’s move on and start my list of small white dogs with pointy ears.
[1] West Highland Terrier
The West Highland Terrier has almost too much cuteness to contain in such a small bundle. Cuteness and confidence!
These cuddly little dogs are just so happy to be themselves, they’ll make you happy to be around them as well.
The Westie, as they are commonly called, is almost the perfect canine companion, and they seem to know it. They make excellent family pets, as they do not bond exclusively to one person, but take the entire clan into their hearts. And they get along well with other animal companions in the home.
Even kitties, although they may chase them a bit, all in fun. Since they were originally bred to hunt vermin, however, it may not be a good idea to have rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and the like in the same household. Westies are definitely inside dogs, although you should provide a yard for some semblance of exercise. They don’t need much, just to be walked about twice a day.
The breed is relatively considered being a medium-sized terrier, about 10 to 12 inches in height (25 to 28 cm) and weighing in on average at 15 to 30 pounds (6.8 to 9.1 kg). When they look at you quizzically with their round face, pointed erect ears, and dark eyes, you can’t help but fall in love.
[2] Japanese Spitz
Another breed of a smallish white dog is the Japanese Spitz. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed is ideal companion animals, with an entertaining and engaging nature. These dogs are far from large, but not the smallest of the small, either.
They stand about 12 to 15 inches (30-38 cm) at the shoulder and weigh in between 10 to 25 pounds (4.5-11.3 kg). These dogs do require a moderate amount of exercise, but nothing overly strenuous. Let them run around the yard a bit, or take them for a walk each day. They love accompanying their humans when they jog.
Don’t assume that because they require a bit of exercise, they will not be happy in a small environment. The Japanese Spitz is a companion animal, a friend, and wherever you are happy, he will be happy. The extra rung of white fur around his neck gives a mane-like appearance, making him look a bit regal, like a lion. And his upright triangular ears signal his alertness, and readiness for play.
[3] Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier is yet another dog to consider as an addition to your family. These dogs are friendly and outgoing, natural-born comedians who will keep you entertained.
They are great companions who form close attachments to their human families and tolerate strangers easily. They play especially well with young children, easily adjusting to childish pokes and giggles.
The miniature version of the bull terrier looks exactly like his big brother but in a smaller package. The breed stands from 10 to 14 inches tall (25.4-35.6 cm) and weighs about 23 to 33 lbs (10-15 kg). You’ve got to possess a good sense of humor to share your home with a mini bull terrier, as its inquisitive nature and playfulness often land it in trouble.
And training can be made much easier if you, and your pet, think of it as a game. The base color of a mini bull terrier is white, but it may display other colors besides, such as black, brown, or tan. The coat is soft and smooth, an invitation to stroking and their ears are naturally pointed and erect. These pets will require a moderate amount of exercise to keep their impressive muscles well-toned.
[4] Samoyed
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The Samoyed breed originated in Siberia, and just as you would assume, this dog has a thick double layer of fur to protect it from the cold.
This can create shedding problems in your household, but its cuddle ability may make this dog well worth the effort. Most Samoyeds are white as the snow of their homeland, making them look like animated snowballs.
They are affectionate and playful, carrying this playfulness into their old age and not leaving it behind in their puppy years.
It is debatable whether miniature Samoyeds are a distinct breed. Most of them are simply designated as smaller than the average members of the breed. Samoyeds grow up to 19 to 24 inches (48.3-61 cm) at the shoulder and can weigh between 50 to 60 pounds (22.7-27.2 kg).
Although the most common color is white, this breed can also be cream color, biscuit, or a combination. Some dogs even show a bit of silver mixed with the white color, which can make them seem to sparkle. Samoyeds have perky ears that stand erect, and a trademark “Sammy smile”. A natural upturn at the corners of the mouth, which makes them seem eternally happy.
[5] Pomeranian
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The Pomeranian is a distant cousin of the Samoyed, as they are both members of the Spitz family of canines. The Pom is a true miniature dog, standing just 7 to 12 inches (17.8-30.5 cm) tall, and weighing in at a wispy 3 to 7 pounds (1.36-3.2 kg).
Poms have a luxurious double coat of hair, just like their cousins, with a soft, fluffy undercoat and a long, silky outer coat. Because of this, they will require quite a bit of brushing and grooming to keep them looking presentable.
Pomeranians are an affectionate breed and grow quite attached to their owners. They get along well with children as a rule, but small children can be a problem. This breed of dog has a small face, a long snout, and erect ears, giving it a foxlike appearance.
The coat can be of many colors, not just a very attractive white, but everything from brown to black to tan and everything combination imaginable.
[6] American Eskimo Dog
Yet another member of the extended Spita family of dogs is the American Eskimo. This dog comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, from toys to miniatures to standards.
A toy Eskie can weigh as little as 6 pounds while a standard starts at 30 pounds and works its way upward. Toys start at just 9 inches (22.8 cm) tall, while standards can be up to 19 inches (48,3 cm).
Its triangular, upright ears give it an alert appearance. When it comes to colors, virtually anything possible, such as cream, biscuit, and, of course, snow-white, even though bred for the northern climes, this is an inside dog, preferring to curl up with its family, with whom it forms great bonds of affection.
But it will need considerable exercise to accommodate its high energy levels. Because of its double coat, the Eskie can require more than a bit of grooming.
[7] Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are the national dog of Mexico, and their demeanor suggests that they take great pride in the title. Chihuahuas have been called the little dog with a big attitude. They are feisty, fierce, and loyal. Their large spirit is belied by their small body, weighing in at under 6 pounds (2.8 kg).
The chihuahua comes in two varieties, a smooth-coated version, and one with longer hair. But, no matter the type of coat, these are the same animal at heart. These tiny dogs are extremely loyal and certainly charming. Their erect ears and luminous eyes give them an extremely expressive look. Because of their size, they may not be appropriate for households with small children, however. But, with such a wide variety of coats and color choices, they can be perfect for any urban home.
[8] Chinese Crested
For those of us who favor an unusual-looking companion animal, the Chinese crested may be just the ticket. When most people hear the name, they may think of the hairless variety of the breed, with its smooth skin and tufts of long silky hair at the ears, feet, and, of course, adorning its long tail.
Adorable as this type may be, there is also a coated variety, which sports the long silky hair all over its lithe and graceful body. The Chinese crested is a small dog standing 11 to 13 inches (27.9-33 cm) and weighing just 8 to 12 pounds (3.6-5.45 kg). The Crested requires little exercise beyond short daily walks and the occasional play session. Don’t be lulled into thinking that because you have selected the hairless variety, your grooming duties will be less than usual.
The AKC warns that with all that bare skin; the dog is susceptible to skin irritation and infection, and must be carefully tended to. Also, all that long, flowy hair around their erect ears, neck, face, feet, and tail must be groomed. Although you may most often have seen the iconic image of this bread with white fur, other colors are available, from brown and black to cream and tan.
[9] Miniature Schnauzers
Miniature Schnauzers can be excellent companion animals. They are playful, get along well with other dogs in the household, and can be extremely affectionate toward their masters. They require a moderate amount of exercise and a moderate amount of grooming.
Their wiry coat will require brushing about twice a week to keep it soft and manageable, and professional grooming every few months.
Schnauzers sport a sort of sturdy, square look, with upright ears, and an intelligent, bearded face. Their coat may be a variety of colors ranging from white to gray to black. Mini Schnauzers stand from 12 to 14 inches (30.4 -35.5 cm) and weigh in at 11 to 20 pounds ((5-9.1 kg).
[10] Papillon
One look at a Papillon and you will understand why this breed, one of the oldest of the toy breeds, was named after the French word for butterfly. Its tall ears are fringed with long silky fur, giving them the appearance of a butterfly in flight. Papillons, also called Continental Toy Spaniels, have been bred as companion animals for centuries, and they perform this function admirably.
They love being with their humans, and will happily accompany them anywhere. Or simply sit on their laps, basking in their presence. Papillons will require a bit of grooming to care for their silky hair, They make excellent indoor pets, with little exercise requirement beyond a bit of daily play. Papillons are small, barely 8 to 11 inches (20.3-27.95 cm) tall, and weigh from 3 to 10 pounds (1.36-4.5 kg).
[11] Rat Terriers
Don’t be put off by the name – rat terriers make excellent pets. These dogs are highly intelligent, which makes them relatively easy to train.
They have naturally erect ears and generally sport an alert expression. These dogs are very active and playful, which makes them an excellent choice for households with kids.
They are small but sturdy, standing 10 to 18 inches (25-46 cm) at the shoulder, and weigh just 10 to 25 pounds (4.5-11.3 kg). Rat terriers come in a variety of colors.
They can sport coats of black, white, brown, pearl, gray, lemon, and apricot. They should be bi-color or Tri-color, but white is always one of these colors.
[12] Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Not only did the 26th President of the United States have his face carved into a mountain, but he also had a dog breed named for him, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. Like the closely related rat terrier, the breed was developed as a farm and hunting dog, specializing in catching rats and other rodents.
These dogs are highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train. And they can adapt to virtually any environment, making them ideal for apartment dwellers. They are energetic and require a bit of exercise, but nothing too excessive.
Their ears are positioned on the edges of the skull and are v-shaped. They can be either erect or button. This terrier is not a large dog, varying in height from 8 to 15 inches (20-38 cm). Weight should be proportionate to height. Coat colors for this breed can vary.
Solid white coats are common, as are other solid colors with markings, and white with colored patches.
Photo Credits
¹ Photo by Lydia Tan on Unsplash
³ Photo by Yuliya Strizhkina (Cartier) on Unsplash
⁵ Photo by Alex Russell-Saw on Unsplash
⁶ Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash
⁷ Photo by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash
⁸ Photo by Marissa Bracke on Flickr
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