When it gets nippy outside, you grab your coat and gloves, put on a hat, and wrap up in a cozy scarf. But what about pups? If you live somewhere with plenty of chill in the air and want to adopt a dog, what kind of pooch should you get? To start, look for dogs that thrive in cold weather.
Dog breeds that are naturally built for cold, snowy climates take their winter wear with them wherever they go. But it’s not all about their natural fur coats. Here are several dog breeds that were made for the snow and ice.
6 Dogs That Were Born for the Snow
No matter where you live, it’s wise to consider the climate when choosing the best dog for you. When it comes to lots of snow, you would do best looking for a pup that can weather the cold. Ongoing low to freezing temperatures are a lot different from the occasional chilly day, where slipping a doggy coat onto your pup might suffice.
Not all dogs can handle cold weather, so being a responsible pet parent means you choose a pup that thrives in your local climate. Here are 6 dogs that do great in the snow and the cold.
1. Siberian Husky
Huskies were originally bred to pull sleds across the expansive frozen tundras of Siberia. Therefore, this breed knows how to handle the cold. They have thick, medium-length double coats, sickle-cell tails, erect ears, and almond-shaped eyes.
Siberian Huskies have a strong pack mentality, so they do well with other dogs. But they are extremely energetic, so make sure you can keep up.
Exercise Needs: High, extremely active
Grooming: Weekly brushing, rake the undercoat, trim paw fur
Cold-Weather Care: Provide warm, dry shelter, protect paws from ice and salt with a salve or booties, adjust food intake to match extra energy needs
2. Saint Bernard
The epitome of a rescue pup, Saint Bernards are known for rescuing stranded people in the snowy Swiss Alps. These strong pups were bred to handle the icy, snowy conditions of mountainous terrain, making them a good fit for cold weather.
They have double coats that can be either short or long, are very muscular, and have broad heads with a short muzzle. Saint Bernards make excellent family dogs thanks to their gentle, calm demeanors.
Exercise Needs: Moderate, daily exercise with adequate rest to protect joints
Grooming: Occasional baths, weekly brushing (daily during shedding seasons), routine nail trims
Cold-Weather Care: Provide plenty of fresh water and a dry, straw-lined shelter protected from wind and ice. Monitor their paw pads for any problems, and look out for overexertion in deep snow.
3. Alaskan Malamute
A native Alaskan tribe known as the Mahlemut originally bred these strong pups to pull heavy sleds over frozen terrain. They are often mistaken for Siberian Huskies, but while Huskies are bred for speed, Alaskan Malamutes are bred for strength.
These pups possess thick double coats of medium length, furry plumed tails, and a heavy bone structure. They’re friendly and affectionate toward their families, but can be reserved with strangers.
Exercise Needs: Daily exercise and firm training
Grooming: Requires daily brushing to keep their natural insulation working efficiently, regular ear cleanings, and nail trims.
Cold-Weather Care: Give them a well-insulated shelter with hay or similar bedding, extra calories to balance their energy needs, and a constant supply of fresh water. Use balm or booties for paw protection.
4. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog, despite the name, was not bred by the Inuit people. These pups come from German Spitz that were bred in Germany as working dogs for farms. Immigrants came to the US (to the Midwest) with their German Spitz and created the American Eskimo Dog.
They have fluffy, white double coats that shed frequently, erect ears, fox-like faces, and furry tails that curve over their backs. Although they can handle the cold and love to romp in the snow, they really adore curling up inside a warm home with their favorite human.
Exercise Needs: High, needs plenty of focused, daily exercise and mental stimulation
Grooming: Regular brushing two to three times a week, regular nail trims
Cold-Weather Care: Protect their paws and keep their coat well-groomed. Ensure proper hydration and limit their exposure to extreme cold, especially wind.
5. Samoyed
Samoyeds were bred in Siberia and made to withstand the harsh cold. They are known for their iconic “Sammy smiles” and fluffy, white fur coats (although they can also come in cream, biscuit, light brown, or variations of these).
Samoyeds have an elegant, muscular build and are medium-sized pups. They are affectionate with their family, good with other dogs, and have a protective nature.
Exercise Needs: High, requires daily activity
Grooming: Daily brushing to prevent mats and nail trims every three to four weeks
Cold-Weather Care: Protect paws from ice and salt using booties or balm, limit outdoor excursions in extreme cold, and provide 24/7 access to warm indoor spaces and fresh water.
6. Great Pyrenees
These gentle giants were bred to handle the cold and snowy conditions of France’s Pyrenees Mountains. Originally, these pups were livestock guards in the mountainous regions between Spain and France.
Great Pyrenees are large with double coats that are usually white with various colored markings, and they have strong, muscular builds. These patient pups are affectionate with their families but often aloof with strangers.
Exercise Needs: Moderate daily exercise, overall a low-energy breed
Grooming: Weekly brushing and regular nail and teeth care
Cold-Weather Care: Provide a warm shelter that has dry bedding and access to fresh, unfrozen water.
More Dog Breeds That Thrive in Cold Weather
Need a few more options for dogs that do well in the snow and cold? Here are great picks if you live where there’s plenty of ice and snow.
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Akita
- Chow Chow
- Newfoundland
- Keeshond
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Finnish Lapphund
Always Monitor Dogs for Too Much Cold
Even dogs made for the snow can get too cold. Always monitor your pup and watch for signs that their body temperature is getting too low.
Signs that your dog is becoming too cold include:
- Shivering
- Tucked tail
- Hunched posture
- Seeking warmth
- Whining
- Reluctance to move
- Cold extremities
- Lethargy
- Curling up into a ball
If you notice any of these signs, bring your dog inside or somewhere warm as soon as possible. Wrap them in blankets and monitor their temperature. A normal temperature for dogs is between 100.0°F to 103.8°F.
Contact your vet for further instructions. If your dog’s temperature drops too low, your vet will likely have you bring your pup to the clinic immediately.
These Dogs Are a Go for Snow!
If you’re all about the snow, then find a dog that can handle chilling (literally) with you. Winter fun with your dog is much more rewarding when your furry friend enjoys the snow, too.
Regardless of what breed of dog you have, always make sure to keep your dog warm in winter, and know when to take a break from the cold. Check out the Neater Pets blog for more tips and resources on all things pets, and get ready to have a wonderful winter with your fur baby.