8 Dog Breeds That Thrive in the Snow
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Searching for the best four-legged companion to trek through the snow with you this winter? Certain breeds really thrive in colder climates. I’ve created a list of several breeds that were bred with snowy weather in mind. But before we jump straight to the breeds, why exactly is it that certain dogs tend to do so well in the snow? I’ll first dive into a few characteristics you can look out for in dogs that may make them better equipped to endure the cold. So, if you’re looking for a cold-weather buddy the next time you’re at the shelter, and the dog jumping at you behind the glass is listed as a “mixed breed,” you can look for these traits to see if they, too, may be well suited for the snow! Of course, always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about what conditions are safe for your dog.
Cold Weather Dog Traits
So, what exactly are some of the characteristics to look for to determine if that mystery dog at the shelter might be cold-weather-compatible? Here are three key traits!
A Thick Coat
This may be one of the most obvious traits, but it truly cannot be understated. A thicker coat for dogs is like wrapping yourself in a thicker blanket for humans—it keeps them well insulated! Dogs with double coats have additional layers of protection that make them better for the snow. Double-coated dogs have a thick undercoat that helps to trap heat, protect the skin against the harsher climate, and sometimes even repel water. During warmer months, these dogs typically shed most of their undercoat to help regulate their body temperature. A dog's outer coat acts as a secondary layer of protection to insulate and help keep dirt and the elements from reaching the dog’s skin.
According to the American Kennel Club (Double-Coated Dogs: What the Double-Coat Does for Breeds), there are four different types of undercoats. Keep in mind that each coat type requires different maintenance when it comes to brushing and grooming. If you are considering a dog with a double coat, check out the American Kennel Club website to understand more about coat maintenance or contact a professional groomer for specific recommendations for your dog.
NOTE: My “Shelter Special” pup has a short undercoat, and the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding tool (Amazon) has been an absolute lifesaver during shedding season! I had tried so many different brushes before my trainer recommended the FURminator, and nothing worked well with her short undercoat. But this tool truly gets all of the loose undercoat (and it is honestly so satisfying to use). If you have a pup with a short undercoat, get yourself a FURminator & thank me later.
Small Ears
Dogs lose much of their heat through panting and paw pads, but they also lose some through their ears. I distinctly remember an example my high school biology teacher brought up when discussing adaptations—the example of the Fennec Fox vs. the Arctic Fox. These two canine species adapted to vastly different climates: the Arctic Fox in the frigid regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and the Fennec Fox in the deserts of North Africa. The Arctic Fox has remarkably small ears, whereas the Fennec Fox evolved to have disproportionately large ears. The reason for this is heat exchange. It was advantageous for the Fennec Fox to have larger ears to allow more heat to be released, while smaller ears made the Arctic Fox better suited for its environment, since smaller ears meant less loss of heat. Both are small changes that help the species regulate their body temperatures.
A distant cousin to the Fennec and Arctic Foxes, domesticated dogs benefit from similar adaptations. Generally speaking, smaller ears help to prevent heat exchange with the environment, while larger ears encourage it. For example, consider the ears of a Siberian Husky vs. those of a Basset Hound. Basset Hounds are not particularly well suited for cold weather. However, ear size is just a small piece of the puzzle that allows some dogs to be better adapted to cold climates.
Generally High Energy Levels
To be clear—this is not going to apply to all cold-climate dog breeds (Saint Bernards, I might be talking about you). However, high energy levels, when mixed with the previous two characteristics, can also be advantageous in colder weather. Just as in humans, exercise helps to generate body heat, which can help them maintain safe body temperatures.
The Breeds That Thrive in Snow
I’ve created a list of dog breeds that tend to do well in snowy climates. Each was bred to perform specific jobs in specific locations, which contributes to their adaptability in frigid climates. While individual dogs will have their own preferences and personalities, the following dog breeds are built for colder weather.
Saint Bernard – These gentle giants are native to the Swiss Alps and were originally bred to help save travelers buried by avalanches. Equipped with a thick coat and large stature, these dogs are well suited for cold and snowy climates.
Siberian Husky – Originating from Siberia, Huskies were bred to tolerate frigid temperatures as sled dogs. Their thick double coat and high energy make them well-suited cold-climate companions.
Akita Inu – Akitas originated from the Akita region of Japan, characterized by cold, snowy winters. They have webbed feet that help them walk in the snow.
Newfoundland – Native to Canada, these fluffy giants are good cold-weather dogs due to their long coats and large build. They were bred to swim in the icy waters of the North Atlantic and are still used as water rescue dogs today.
Bernese Mountain Dog – Originating in the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred with a thick coat to withstand harsh conditions.
Alaskan Malamute – Often mistaken for the Husky, the Alaskan Malamute was bred as a sled dog for slower but farther-distance travel.
Samoyed – The Samoyed’s beautiful, puffy, all-white coat keeps them well insulated in frigid temperatures. They were bred in Siberia and relied on for survival in extreme cold.
Great Pyrenees – Bred to protect sheep from mountain predators, this breed has a thick coat designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
A Few More to Conclude
Some other breeds that are generally understood to do well with colder weather include the American Eskimo Dog, Tibetan Mastiff, Keeshond, Chow Chow, Kuvasz, English Sheepdog, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Lapphund, Shiba Inu, German Shepherd, Anatolian Shepherd, Karelian Bear Dog, Tibetan Terrier, Caucasian Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd. I may need to write more posts to explain why I’ve included these breeds on my list as well.
Some breeds are simply better suited for colder climates than others—largely based on where their breed originated and what jobs they were bred for. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the dogs who may enjoy colder winter weather. There are probably other lesser-known breeds that did not make my list but would also be suitable. Keep in mind that regardless of breed, it is always best to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the cold weather in your area. Every dog’s tolerance level can be different, so always do your own research to make sure you do not put your pup in a potentially dangerous situation. After all, Mother Nature always wins.