Large white dogs were previously used primarily as sheepdogs because they were easily recognizable even at night. But there are also exceptions.
In terms of personality, these four-legged friends don't really have much in common. Below you will also find lists of the other different sizes:
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#1 Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog
The Great Pyrenees is a large white dog from France. He was mostly used as a guard dog and sheepdog for herd animals. [1]
This large German Shepherd reaches a shoulder height of up to 80 cm and a weight of up to 73 kg. By nature, this four-legged friend is more active at night.
This dog is very reserved towards strangers. That's why he barks a lot and, with this character trait, is one of the most unpopular dog breeds in the world.
For beginners, this large, strong-willed dog can be a big challenge. Owners with experience are better suited here.
Fun fact: 400 years ago, a French king declared the Pyrenean Mountain Dog “royal”. His rank was therefore higher than that of the majority of the population.
#2 Giant Schnauzer
The intelligent Giant Schnauzer is an often white large dog breed from Germany. This four-legged friend was bred in Munich. He served as a guard and protection dog. [2]
Today the dog is often kept as a family or guard dog. With a shoulder height of up to 70 cm, the Giant Schnauzer is one of the largest dogs in the world.
The four-legged friends usually weigh up to 47 kg. Her long beard and long eyebrows are particularly noticeable. These dogs are also often used as police dogs.
They are territorial in nature and need a lot of mental and physical activity. These four-legged friends do not cope well with loneliness or boredom.
Fun fact: In addition to specimens with white fur, you can also find these dogs with two other different fur colors – black and “pepper salt”. The latter color is a shade of gray.
#3 White German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd is an alert, eager four-legged friend from the USA. As the name suggests, it is a large white dog. [3]
The four-legged friend is a subspecies of the German Shepherd dog. He sheds heavily, barks little and has a mediocre hunting instinct.
Since this fearless dog is very territorial, it is also easy to keep as a guard dog breed. The four-legged friend is very open-minded and affectionate towards the family.
He needs a lot of attention and loves to be with you everywhere. This four-legged friend doesn't like loneliness. Since he is easy to train, he is also suitable for first-time owners.
Fun fact: These dogs' noses are so good that they will stick their noses in literally anywhere.
#4 East Siberian Laika
The East Siberian Laika is a white large dog breed from Russia. The loyal, protective four-legged friend was primarily used as a hunting dog. [4]
The breed was sometimes kept as a guard or sled dog. The four-legged friends are very intelligent and playful. Even though they are among the top dogs, they bark very little.
The four-legged friends are less suitable for life as an apartment dog. Even if they are adaptable, as an owner it is better to have previous dog experience.
Early socialization and a firm hand are absolutely necessary to turn this calm four-legged friend into a loyal companion.
Fun fact: “Laika” is Russian and means “barking”. Curiously, these dogs bark very little.
#5 Akbas
The following four-legged friend is a large white dog with an independent and courageous character. This giant was bred in Turkey. [5]
He was primarily used as a shepherd and guard dog. The Akbaş can reach a shoulder height of up to 80 cm, so it is not suitable for first-time owners.
It's not just the size and weight of this animal that can be a challenge. The four-legged friend is very protective and independent. He needs a firm hand.
The biggest advantage of this dog breed is that it can stay alone very well and requires little exercise. However, the four-legged friend can only be trained moderately well.
Fun fact: Although these four-legged friends can stay alone well, they also enjoy a cuddle session with their owners. Did I mention that they weigh up to 70kg when fully grown?
#6 Mastín del Pirineo
This four-legged friend is a muscular dog from Spain. This was primarily used as a guard and shepherd dog. He then guarded the herd against wolves and bears. [6]
This large white dog is gentle, friendly and courageous. His white fur usually has dark spots. Compared to others, this breed is quite independent.
This means that this German Shepherd requires relatively little attention and can get along well on its own. Conversely, this also means that he is not very trainable.
If socialized well, the four-legged friend gets along very well with children and other pets. Strangers, on the other hand, are viewed with skepticism and are usually barked at.
Fun fact: These dogs have repeatedly caused concerned citizens to call the police because they saw a “loose bear.”
#7 American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is a mostly white, large, shedding dog from the USA. He has a strong hunting instinct, is moderately easy to train and barks relatively little. [7]
The white four-legged friend can be used in a variety of ways. He is often found on farms as a guard dog or sheepdog. He is also often kept as a hunting dog.
Despite its size, this four-legged friend can live up to 15 years. In the past, the muscular dog was used for bloody dog fights. Therefore, he is still considered a “fighting dog” today.
But the bad reputation doesn't suit the friendly and gentle four-legged friend. With strict training and know-how, this dog is a loving companion for the family.
Fun fact: If an American Bulldog doesn't get enough attention and is left alone a lot, he'll gnaw on your furniture and dismantle your furnishings piece by piece. So think carefully about whether you really have enough time for your four-legged friend.
#8 Maremma-Abruzzo Shepherd Dog
The Abruzzo Mastiff is an alert German Shepherd breed from Italy. The large white dog reaches a weight of 45 kg and a shoulder height of 73 cm. [8]
Primarily, this awesome dog was bred to herd a herd and protect it from wild wolves. The four-legged friend fulfills this task with flying colors.
These working animals are usually kept in packs of three to four individuals. In a group, they are particularly intimidating to attacking wolves.
The large, loyal dogs are also suitable as family and guard dogs. They get along well with other dogs or pets, but require plenty of exercise.
Fun fact: The collars of these dogs used to weigh up to 3 kg. Because they were equipped with long metal spikes to protect the four-legged friends from attacking wolves.
#9 Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky originally comes from the USA. There he was bred as a sled dog. Later he was also used as a guard and family dog. [9]
By nature, these dogs are intelligent, energetic and sociable. They are among the 20 most popular dog breeds worldwide. They bark little, but need a lot of exercise.
The dogs come in many coat colors, including large white dogs. They don't have a particularly strong hunting instinct, but are adventurous and curious.
These beautiful animals can be kept well as domestic dogs. But you should remember that they are very persistent, tireless four-legged friends. So a lot of action is mandatory.
Fun fact: Huskies are absolutely agile and free spirits. Therefore, they are also professionals at escaping. It doesn't matter whether they have to dig a way, bite or jump over meter-high fences. If they want to go somewhere, they will find a way.
#10 Great Dane
The Great Dane is a submissive four-legged friend with a patient, reserved nature. It is moderately trainable, sheds a lot and needs a lot of exercise. [10]
The four-legged friend appears in different fur colors. There are also big white dogs. Due to its size, this breed only lives between 8 and 10 years.
It was originally used as a hunting dog for wild animals. Later, the short-haired dog also gained popularity as a family dog.
The large four-legged friend is very people-oriented and trusting of the family. However, due to its size, the breed should not be kept by first-time dog owners.
Fun fact: At just one year old, these giant four-legged friends weigh around 50 kg. Since they are not aware of their size, they love to cuddle with you like little dogs. So be prepared for some serious cuddles.
#11 Porcelain
The Porcelaine is an active, independent four-legged friend from France. The beautiful dog was primarily used as a tracking or hunting dog. [11]
This four-legged friend is gentle and friendly in nature. He barks a moderate amount, sheds little and needs a lot of exercise. He also has a strong hunting instinct.
This large white dog is not particularly suitable for apartment life. He finds it difficult to stay alone and wants to be there everywhere. He also likes to go to the office.
Thanks to his friendly nature, the floppy-eared four-legged friend is easy to train, even for beginners and seniors. This breed is very friendly even towards strangers.
Fun fact: The fur of these dogs is said to be so shiny that it is reminiscent of porcelain. This also explains the origin of her name.
#12 Berger Blanc Suisse
The Berger Blanc Suisse is a white German Shepherd from Switzerland. Visually, the large white dog is reminiscent of a white wolf. Large specimens weigh up to 40 kg.
The beautiful breed is descended from the German Shepherd, but has a slightly different personality. They appear mindful, lively and protective. [12]
Berger Blanc Suisse need a lot of exercise. They like to run and love sporting activities. The four-legged friends shed a lot all year round.
These active four-legged friends are only partially suitable for life as an apartment dog. A garden where they can play and run around is better.
Fun fact: These dogs like to follow you wherever you go. They are often so loyal that they will accompany you from your bed to the kitchen at night if you just want to drink a glass of water.
#13Rajapalayam
Vbala0733 & Vbala0733, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Rajapalayam is a friendly, large white dog from India. His character is protective, territorial and fearless. The…