These Are 10 Ultimate Cold Weather Dog Breeds

Ah, winter. For those who live in northern climates, winter means snow, cold ice, wind, short days and long nights. While some of us may prefer to stay inside, maybe by a fireplace, others hit the ski slopes, zip. across the ice, or rev up the snowmobile. If you’re a fan of cold weather, hopefully your dog is too. Which got us wondering what are some of the best cold weather dog breeds? Here are ten dog breeds known for their ability to tolerate and even love the cold.

Great Pyrenees

These large.regal and protective dogs were originally bred to protect livestock and homes against bears and wolves in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. These gentle but powerful dogs have thick, heavy coats that protect them from winter’s harsh cold. Great Pyrenees are also known for being affectionate with kids of all ages, as well as adults.

Newfoundland

These friendly large dogs are named after the Canadian island where they originated. Originally, the Newfie was used for hauling heavy, wet fishing nets and equipment along Canada’s east coast. A cousin of the Saint Bernard, the Newfoundland is known as a superior water dog with large webbed feet.

that enhances the dog’s swimming ability. A dense coat protects the giant shaggy newfie from below zero temperatures.

Norwegian Elkhound

Contrary to its name, the Norwegian elkhound isn’t a hound at all. The breed has been used in Scandinavia since ancient times to guard homes and for hunting moose and bear. They’re very. adaptable dogs. Their love of snow and thick double coat make them excellent companions for outdoor winter activities.

Tibetan Terrier

This breed was bred to tolerate the cold, snowy climate and mountainous terrain of Tibet, where they were originally used for herding sheep and retrieving items from mountainsides. Tibetan terriers. have snowshoe like paws that provide traction in heavy snow and a protective double coat. They’re agile and love to climb, making these dogs excellent hiking companions.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is probably one of the first breeds that come to mind when you think about a cold weather. Dog breeds an ancient.
breed that originated in the harsh climate of Siberia. The husky is known for striking blue eyes, thick double coat, distinctive vocalizations, and pulling sleds across the frozen tundra. Siberian huskies are also known for their high energy smarts and independent nature.

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard.is a large 100 to £200 working dog that originated in the western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. The Saint Bernard is most commonly recognized as a search and rescue dog breed, famous for finding people buried under snow after avalanches. These dogs, however, have also been used as draught dogs, guard dogs, and cold weather hunting dogs.

Chow Chow

Best known for their huge lion’s ruff and blue black tongues, the chow chow heavy wooly coat makes him a great cold weather dog with a high tolerance for outdoor living. Daily walks are sufficient to keep this big boy happy and healthy, but because of his straighter rear legs and stiff gait, he’s not. speedy and best just walking with his owner on a snowy path, then running alongside a cross country skier.

Samoyed

Like many herding dogs, they need a loyal human companion to satisfy their need for guidance and leadership, even if they’re not out herding cold weather livestock. Their thick double coats are. made up of two layers a woolen undercoat and a straight outer coat, which gives them twice as much insulation. In fact, their fur is such an effective insulator that the Samoan people would often make clothing from their hair.

Tibetan Mastiff

This ancient breed originated in the Himalayan mountains to protect and guard sheep flocks.

from wolves, leopards, bears and tigers. DNA studies have shown that the Tibetan Mastiff, which technically isn’t a mastiff by breed, genetically descended from the wolf more than 58,000 years ago, compared to other common dog breeds that descended from wolves 42,000 years ago. The Tibetan Mastiffs course double coat keeps the. dog insulated and comfortable in both cold and warm temperatures. These dogs are known for being independent, strong willed, intelligent and tenacious.

Alaskan Malamute

often mistaken for being part wolf, the Alaskan Malamute is one of the world’s oldest breeds and one of the first developed in North America. The. Malamute is the largest of the traditional Arctic sled dogs, with large snowshoe type feet, thick pads, and a dense double coat. These dogs were bred to pull heavily loaded sleds, hunt seals, and chase polar bears. Some malamutes still work as sled dogs today, while others compete in sled dog racing or go skijoring with their owners.