12 Snow Dog Breeds Made for the Cold Weather (2024)

FAQs

What dog is best in the snow? ›

Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Bernese Mountain Dog, Shiba Inu, American Eskimo, Newfoundland, and Saint Bernard all have thick double-layered coats. Look at breeds whose lineage is based in cold climates.

Newfoundland. Hailing from Canada, the Newfoundland is a giant snow dog. This breed is gentle and furry, perfect for children to hug and cuddle. They were developed to be strong rescue swimmers in frigid water.

What Breeds Make the Best Sled Dogs? The Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Chinook are some of the most well-known of the sled dog breeds. Sled dogs probably evolved in Mongolia between 35,000 and 30,000 years ago.

Siberian Husky

Siberian huskies were born to run and absolutely love companionship. Huskies are the perfect cold-weather canine for active families that also live near a dog park or have other large furry friends in the household.

Alaskan Malamute

Another strong-headed dog that looks like a wolf, the Alaskan Malamute is just as handsome as the Husky. Bigger and slightly fluffier, Alaskans will also know their way around a sled.

Breeds used as livestock guardians, including Great Pyrenees, Maremma, Komondor and Akbash, possess the ability to act independently of shepherds while working to protect the sheep. These dogs are hardy animals and even during severe weather may choose to not enter shelter such as a doghouse or barn.

Avalanche dogs are trained not only to detect scents associated with humans buried in snow, but also to navigate and work effectively in challenging alpine terrain. Knowing the terrain is a critical aspect of their training to ensure they can assist in search and rescue operations in avalanche-prone areas.

Samoyeds, the smiling sled dogs, were bred for hard work in the world's coldest locales. In the Siberian town of Oymyakon, for instance, temperatures of minus-60 degrees are common. The Sammy's famous white coat is thick enough to protect against such brutal conditions.

The Pyrenees has extra tolerance for cold weather and would be a good companion for cross country skiing. Keep him on a leash though, or he might wander off and get into trouble. The Pyrenees' thick double coat requires approximately thirty minutes of weekly brushing.

Is A Husky A Snow Dog? ›

Husky is a general term for a dog used in the polar regions, primarily and specifically for work as sled dogs. It refers to a traditional northern type, notable for its cold-weather tolerance and overall hardiness.

Some dogs just hate the cold, and perhaps with good reason. For certain breeds, including dogs with short legs (like Dachshunds and Basset Hounds) and those with long hair that hold on to ice (like Spaniels and Collies), winter can be a very uncomfortable season.

Siberian Husky

They are extremely friendly and, if you make them part of your pack, they will be loyal for life. They were bred in northeastern Asia, and were used to haul light loads across frozen wastelands in sub-zero temperatures, making them an ideal breed for snow.

Can you walk your dog in the snow? Our vet nurses can confirm that you can walk your dog in the colder temperatures including in the snow. However, there are some precautions you should take beforehand. Consider dog sweaters, jackets, boots, or socks to place a barrier between them and the cold.

Many dogs love the other sensory aspects of snow. They seek out the cold, fluffy feeling of snow and probably relish the different sensory experiences and the playful opportunity this new substance offers them. That's why they roll in it and toss it about.