While some puppies do best on warm, sunny days, breeds that thrive in colder climates have thick double coats that allow them to thrive in the winter. Many of these dogs’ ancestors came from the Arctic and other frigid regions, but they can now be found all over the world.
If you live somewhere cold, these dogs may be perfect for your home (but be careful) invest in a good brush For all that fur). That said, pet parents should always keep an eye on the temperature and never leave their dog outside when it’s too cold. By doing so, even the fluffiest snowdog can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia. Additionally, these breeds tend to be sensitive to heat, so special care should be taken when temperatures rise.
Here are some dogs that are perfect for cold weather.
1. Siberian Husky
The ancestors of today’s Siberian Huskies were developed by the semi-nomadic Chukchi people and have since grown in popularity across the United States. These tenacious winter dogs thrive in cold weather thanks to their thick double coats that provide a cozy layer of insulation. But a husky’s fur does shed a lotExpect some fur to fly around, especially in the spring and fall.
2. Alaskan Malamute
The indigenous Malamute people relied on Alaskan Malamutes for survival, relying on them to hunt seals, scare away polar bears, and carry heavy loads on sleds. Although they look very similar to huskies, malamutes are taller, about 20 pounds heavier, and have thicker coats.
3. Saint Bernard
The St. Bernard is the epitome of a snow dog and has been used for centuries as a search and rescue dog to find people buried in the snow. St. Bernards are still used today as avalanche rescue dogs, but their calm and friendly temperament also makes them popular family pets.
4. Finnish Lapphund
It is no surprise that the Finnish Lapphund originates from Finland. It’s also no surprise that they have thick, weather-resistant coats to keep them warm in the cold. This medium-sized dog breed Originally used for reindeer herdingBut they also make good-natured companions for active families.
5. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a cold-weather dog that dates back to the Viking Age. The Elkhound, now the national dog of Norway, was originally used as a hunting dog. This history means they are prey-obsessed and may chase small animals such as squirrels, rabbits, and cats. Introducing a cat should be done with care, and pet parents should keep their elkhound on a leash or in a fence when outdoors.
6. American Eskimo Dog
Despite the name and resemblance to the arctic fox, the American Eskimo Dog is a descendant of the German Spitz and is not related to the North American Inuit. However, these dogs thrive in cold climates thanks to their thick double coats and small, thick ears that help retain heat in cold temperatures.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog with records dating back to 1100 B.C., and it looks more like a lion than a dog. The giant dog had a wide, very thick woolly mane that kept him warm in the mountains of Tibet, the breed’s birthplace. Tibetan Mastiffs can be aloof towards strangers and, like other breeds, require consistent socialization.
8. Bernese Mountain Dog
A loving, cold-weather breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a kind heart that loves to play. These puppies were bred in Switzerland as farm dogs and enjoy playing outside. The thick double coat protects the skin from moisture and cold temperatures.
9. Samoyed
The Samoyed is an arctic dog breed with an elegant white coat. These dogs are A member of the Samoyed tribe of Siberia For generations until it came to the United States in the early 20th century. Samoyeds are loved for their friendly personalities and always smiling faces.
10. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large working dog that lives in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France. Although not of arctic origin, this dog was created for navigating snowy terrain, where it historically protected livestock from predators. The Great Pyrenees is a calm and gentle breed with a reputation for being good with children.
11. Keeshond
The Keeshond is a fluffy dog breed that originated in the Netherlands and lived alongside humans on barges and boats. Their thick fur is designed to keep them warm in cold climates as well as in frigid canal waters. Keeshondens (plural for Keeshond) need to be thoroughly brushed several times a week, if not every day.
12. Akita
The Akita is a breed that carries significant weight in addition to its weight (which can weigh well over 100 pounds). cultural It is so heavy that it is considered a national treasure in Japan. Akitas are generally independent and reserved, but will form strong bonds with close relatives. The luxurious double coat comes in a wide range of colors.
13. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds, with artifacts dating back to China’s Han Dynasty (200 BC to 220 AD). Like other cold-adapted dogs, they have a thick double coat and shed a lot, so they require consistent grooming at home. Chow Chows can be identified by their fluffy coat, flat face, and blue-black tongue.
14. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands (commonly called Newfies) are from the Canadian island of Newfoundland and are winter-suited. These large, powerful dogs were bred to help sailors on ships and pull carts. Like all double-coated dog breeds, Newfoundlands shed a lot of hair in the spring and fall. This is a process called blowing coat, where your puppy’s undercoat is shed in thick layers in preparation for the upcoming change of seasons.
Featured image: Adobe/Happy Monkey
