You may have heard the term “crusty white dog” thrown around and wondered what it means. Here’s why crusty white dogs have got social media abuzz.
The term “crusty white dog” originated in Twitter and TikTok memes. It refers to a small, white dog that you typically find living with older people. The term has gained popularity over the years and “crusty white dog” has become associated with rich white families and small dogs living, for example, in your grandparents’ home.
The breed that is most frequently called crusty white dogs are Bichon Frises. These small lap dogs have a naturally fluffy, white coat, a short snout, floppy ears, expressive eyes, and a curved tail. These crusty white dogs, despite their somewhat unlikeable name, are actually adorable and playful companions with a friendly and affectionate nature.
Besides Bichon Frises, other small dog breeds like Shih Tzus and Maltese have also been called crusty white dogs. It’s because these breeds tend to form crusts around their eyes. The crust is actually dried up tears and mucus that builds up in the fur near the eyes. When the iron-rich porphyrin molecules in dog tears are exposed to oxygen in the air, they become rust-stained. Hence the name crusty white dogs.
Little white dogs can refer to any of several dog breeds that are small in size and have a white colored coat or fur. This includes Bichon Frises, Maltese, Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, American Eskimos, French Bulldogs, Puli, Chinese Crested, Miniature Bull Terriers, Japanese Spitz, Sealyham Terriers, Parson Russel Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Chihuahuas to name a few. If you’re considering a little white dog, read some of the pros and cons of small versus big dogs before you bring your puppy home.
Snow white dog typically refers to the Samoyed breed, which is famous as the smiling sled dog thanks to a perpetual smiling facial expression. The upturned corners of a Samoyed’s mouth are actually an evolutionary feature that prevent drooling and icicles forming near the dog’s mouth.
Samoyeds have a thick white coat that is particularly suitable to cold climates. (Here are some more breeds that adapt well to cold places). They are gorgeous dogs that look like they were meant for a life of pleasure, but they are actually highly functional canines that are powerful and tireless working dogs.
Well, now you know what “crusty white dogs” means. Stay tuned to the Puppy Hero blog for more news about our furry friends as well as the latest social media memes such as “What the dog doin?”
21 February, 2023