Ski, snowboard, build a snow fort — the list of cold-weather outdoor activities includes many that you can enjoy with friends and family. Ready to add a dog to winter fun? Look for a dog bred with traits that are ideal for time in the snow. The following breeds are known to love cold weather; however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that just because a dog is bred to tolerate cold temperatures, it is not safe to leave them outdoors on cold days.
The name “Malamute” comes from the Mahlemiut tribe of the Alaskan Inuit tribe, who developed the breed into the Arctic sled dog. In fact, the breed is the oldest and largest sled dog breed, and because of its larger size, the Alaskan Malamute hauls heavier loads over the snow at a slower speed over long distances.
Although most of the time gentle and calm, the Great Pyrenees display protective traits they were born to have when sensing a threat. This breed, with its considerable strength and thick coat, originally protected sheep from wolves and other predators in the snowy mountains of the Pyrenees between France and Spain.
From his past as watchman and companion on barges on the Dutch canal, Keeshond has developed a rich coat ideally suited to keeping him warm in snow and frigid temperatures. The breed was – and is – so beloved in its homeland that it is still considered a symbol of Dutch patriotism.
Large, friendly Newfoundland worked with Canadian fishermen on their boats, and his natural swimming skills helped him perform life-saving underwater rescues. Because he was bred to work in icy waters, Newfoundland’s thick coat continues to help him stay warm in cold and snowy weather.
An ancient breed that originated in Scandinavia, the Norwegian Moose Hound was a companion, herding and hunting dog of the Vikings. Today, the breed’s thick coat and sturdy body make them feel at home in the snow and frigid temperatures.
Did you know that this breed actually got its name from a monk named Bernard? Beginning around 1050, Bernard of Menthon and other monks living on a pass in the Swiss Alps bred the dog’s ancestors to locate travelers lost in a snowstorm. . The large, strong Saint Bernard retains a thick coat that makes it the ideal snow-weather dog.
This variety is native to Northeast Asia. Renowned for their ability to sled dogs in the snow and historic races across Alaska’s icy terrain, the Siberian Husky is biologically conditioned to survive freezing temperatures in part because of their thick coat.
One of the original guard dogs, this breed guarded isolated homes in the Himalayas, roamed the grounds and guarded families. The freezing temperatures of the Himalayas have allowed the Tibetan Mastiff to develop a massive double coat, one of the traits that makes it tolerant of snow and cold weather.
The “holy dog of Tibet” has long been associated with Buddhist monasteries, where dogs act as protectors and beloved companions. The breed’s long, double coat and large, flat paws are well-suited to snowy terrain.
Live in a southern state as hot and muggy as Florida? This is not the best dog breed for you. To be on the safe side, leave them in the air conditioner when it gets too hot and muggy. Be on the lookout for symptoms of heatstroke, especially when these breeds are puppies or older dogs, or when sudden temperature changes make the dog uncomfortable.
