Small White Fluffy Dogs to Win Your Heart

small white fluffy dogs.

10 Small White Fluffy Dogs = Cuteness Overload

They’re tiny, they’re adorable, often a little ball of fluff, and most small white fluffy dogs are far too cute not to want to bring home!

What they lack in stature, they make up for in personality. These mini canines can be playful, ever so loving, and outwit most other pets. If you've never owned a small white dog before, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.

Whether you’re hoping to own a small white fluffy puppy, or just want to read a bit more about these pint-sized pooches, we’ve picked 10 of our favorites.

10 Small White Fluffy Dog Breeds

Each of the following tiny white fluffy dogs has their own personality and traits — but which little bundle of joy will you be dreaming of snuggling up to?

1. Bichon Frise

small white fluffy dog bichon frise.

The name ‘Bichon’ literally translates from French to mean “small dog.” And, ‘Frise’ refers to its frizzy-like hair, which makes them even more adorable.

But this canine isn’t of French origin. These popular cute small white dogs originate from the Canary Islands. They were popular companions of Spanish sailors, and at one time, referred to as the Bichon Tenerife back in the 1300s.

The Bichon Frise typically weighs between 12 to 18 pounds and is less than 12 inches tall at the shoulder, but they make up for it with personality. They’re instantly recognizable by their friendly faces and fluffy white fur.

Super friendly, affectionate, and confident little dog, the Bichon gets on well with kids and other canines. Their size makes them ideal for apartment living. However, while they’re ideal lap dogs, they can be lively— so make sure you have access to a safe park or outdoor space.

2. American Eskimo

small white fluffy dog american eskimo.

When you’re talking about small white dog fluffy, they don’t come much fluffier than the American Eskimo breed. The name Eskimo (or Inuit if you want to be politically correct) is quite misleading, as the origins never had anything to do with the Eskimos or even America. 

This breed is more likely to have evolved from the Spitz breed of Germany. Their fun-loving and eager-to-please nature made these adorable dogs the ideal choice for performing animals in the 19th century. Apparently, an American Eskimo was the first dog ever to have walked a tightrope.

The medium-sized Standard Eskimo can weigh up to 30 or 40 pounds, but you’ll also find this breed in — Miniature, and the other white fluffy dog small of only 6 pounds — the Toy Eskimo. Known for their bright white fur, their other trademark feature is their triangular ears.

Very clever dogs, you need to keep Eskies mentally stimulated before they find their own way of entertaining themselves — it usually involves the destruction of your best shoes. As well as plenty of obedience training, access to doggy toys or fun dog games can help curb that destructive nature.

3. Coton de Tulear

small white fluffy dog coton de tulear.

If you want a really fluffy little white dog, then after the American Eskimo, look at the Coton de Tulear. ‘Coton’ means cotton in French and is a reference to their cotton-like cloud-white coats, while ‘Tulear’ is a place in Madagascar where these white tiny fluffy dogs are the royal’s favorite breed.

Both lovable and playful, Cotons have what can only be described as a ‘clownish’ personality. As pups, they’re just as happy running around in the yard as they would be snuggling with you for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Coton de Tulears are easy to house train, and they’re very tolerant of children. The perfect white fluffy teacup dog for city-dwelling families!

4. Maltese

small white fluffy dog maltese.

From the same family as the Bichon (Barbichon), this breed comes from, yes, you guessed it — Malta. 

The Maltese is that tiny white fluffy dog you often see sporting a bow with a floor-length, silky coat. Regular baths and daily grooming are a must to keep this breed looking that good. But the best part, they’re low-shedding, so ideal if you have dog allergies. 

As well as the constant grooming, owners will also need to maintain strict obedience training with these cute small white dogs. They may have a face that could melt butter, but years of being a companion canine have the Maltese knowing exactly how to get what they want in mischievous ways.

That said, the Maltese is a lovable and playful little dog who doesn’t need too much exercise, they’d rather be cuddled. 

They’re a perfect white tiny fluffy dog for those who live in the city or have mobility issues. Maltese dogs aren’t however recommended for households with small children, they’re a little bit too delicate for the roughhousing of youngsters and can often snap if provoked.

5. Bolognese

small white fluffy dog bolognese.

The Italian member of the Barbichon family, the Bolognese originated several centuries ago in the city of Bologna. These dogs tend to be more stocky than other tiny white dog breeds and less energetic. Some would say they’re more serious and docile.

Thanks to their calm and loyal nature with only moderate exercise requirements, they’re the ideal choice for senior dog owners. They’re also one of the lower maintenance little white fluffy dog breeds — with just regular brushing, baths as needed, and no trimming required.

All this breed asks for is companionship, and lots of it. However, they don’t cope well when left alone for long periods of time and are prone to separation anxiety.

6. Havanese

small white fluffy dog havanese.

Another member of the Barbichon family, this time named after the capital of Cuba, the Havanese is a small and sturdy dog with a long silky coat and a very curly tail. They have a cheeky look about them, and don’t shed too much hair, but they do require daily brushing.

Like most of the small white fluffy dog breeds, the Havanese only requires a moderate level of exercise, a daily walk or playing in the backyard should be sufficient. They do enjoy agility training, which can be a great way of bonding with your new four-legged best friend. 

Small but not yappy, they can be very sensitive — so avoid harsh training methods. And, although they can be very sociable with other people, they don’t tend to cope well with feistier or more vocal canines — they much prefer the company of like-minded sweet-natured doggies.

7. Toy Poodle

small white fluffy dog toy poodle.

The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the Poodle breeds. They possess all those Poodle-like qualities and looks that people love so much, just in a scaled-down form.

While Poodles have gained a reputation for being extravagant, they were originally duck-hunting dogs in Germany. The German phrase ‘pudelin’ refers to splashing in the water.

This breed is one of the most hypoallergenic, they don’t shed much at all, and any dead hair becomes trapped within the curls. Hence, that coat will need brushing daily to avoid matting. Plus, they have to be trimmed or clipped at least once a month.

Toy Poodles aren’t just an energetic breed of white fluffy little dog, but are also highly intelligent. Training them is a must, they desire both mental and physical stimulation — without it, you got a sad pooch on your hands!

8. Pomeranian

small white fluffy dog pomeranian.

Pomeranians have been called the perfect companion by many pet parents. Weighing between 3 to 7 pounds, they tend to be very active and agile despite their size, earning the nickname of, ‘the little dog who thinks they can.’ Be warned though, Poms in white are rare and can be tough to find.

The Pomeranian almost has desires as noble as its origins, with it becoming a bona fide lapdog. However, thanks to their double coat, they’ll need regular trips to the groomers — roughly every four to six weeks. 

A very intelligent breed, these tiny fluffy dogs are easy to train and often used as therapy dogs. Being so small and so smart, you’re going to need an escape-proof harness and a lot of recall training. But, with being so small, they can easily get hurt by other dogs or young children who haven’t quite grasped ‘be gentle’ yet.

9. Japanese Spitz

small white fluffy dog japanese spitz.

The Japanese Spitz is a white fluffy little dog that’s so cute it could have been drawn by Walt Disney himself. With a fox-like pointed muzzle, a cute black button nose, and a pair of black-rimmed eyes, they always seem to have a smile on their face.

Exclusively white, they shed their shorter undercoat twice a year, which will require daily brushing to remove the fluff. Otherwise, the Japanese Spitz is quite a low-maintenance dog — requiring weekly brushing and infrequent baths when their fur gets a little too dirty.

These canine ‘comedians’ make excellent companion dogs. They’re loyal, smart, and eager to please. They absolutely love humans and just enjoy being with them. They will quite happily tag along on a hike, jump in the car for a ride or even join you on a trip to the beach or lake.

With an average height of 12 to 15 inches, they’re similar in build — and looks — to the Miniature American Eskimo. And, like the Eskimo, the Japanese is extremely trainable and makes an ideal family dog.

10. West Highland White Terrier

small white fluffy dog west highland white terrier.

For the final white fluffy little dog — we head over to bonnie Scotland for a bonnie wee Terrier — West Highland White Terrier or the Westie for short. 

At 15 to 20 pounds, this breed is one of the larger ‘small’ white fluffy dogs we’ve looked at. But they were still small enough to work as ratters or rodent hunters. However, their friendliness and devotion meant they quickly became popular family dogs.

Other than a quick daily brush-through, Westies are fairly low-maintenance — many choose to clip their coats every month or so. But the training routine may require more effort. With an independent nature, training can be challenging. They’re smart — trying to keep the training fun and entertaining is the secret to a well-trained Westie. 

As outdoor dogs, they’re high on energy levels and love to chase anything that moves, from cars to squirrels. If you’re planning on taking your Westie on more outdoorsy adventures, recall and leash training are essential.

Conclusion

From the Mediterranean Maltese, Madagascar’s Coton de Tulear to Cuba’s Havanese. There’s a small white fluffy dog breed out there for everybody from all corners of the globe.

Each breed has their own personality, but they’re all oh-so-cute little balls of fuzz that make excellent canine companions.

Are there any small white fluffy dogs on our list that are currently in your family? Or have we tempted you to add another four-legged friend to your home? Let’s hope so.

White Fluffy Small Dog Breeds FAQs

Which Breed Is a Tiny White Fluffy Dog?

Some of the popular dog breeds which are considered to be little white fluffy dogs include:

Do Little Fluffy White Dog Breeds Shed a Lot of Fur?

It depends very much on the breed. Some tiny fluffy white dogs like the Bichon Frise and Maltese are known for their low shedding coats. Other breeds such as the Pomeranian or American Eskimo will require more frequent grooming to manage the shedding.

Are Small White Fluffy Dogs Hypoallergenic?

Yes and no. Some are, they shed less and produce less dander. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic, and some people may still suffer allergy symptoms around some small white dogs. So, try spending some time around the specific little white fluffy dog breed you’re considering before taking one home with you.

You can find out more in our guide on hypoallergenic dogs

Are Fluffy White Small Dogs Good with Children?

Yes, most make excellent family pets and get along well with even the younger members of the family. However, socialization is essential, and you must supervise any interactions with the kids. 

Many small white fluffy dogs are so tiny and can be quite nervous with overzealous children — some may even snap if nervous. But don’t worry, at this size, it’s normally a case of their bark being worse than their bite!

Are Small Fluffy White Dogs Easy to Train?

Generally, most are quite intelligent and eager to please, making them very responsive to training with positive reinforcement techniques. That said, some breeds — particularly those with an independent streak — can be more of a challenge.