15 Best Dog Breeds for Cold Weather
The best dog breeds for cold weather have thick coats for extra insulation and other features to handle low temperatures, ice, and snow. If you live in a cold climate, you’ll want to find a pup that can take the freezing temps (or prepare to stock up on some canine clothing). Whether you live in a place with frigid winters or are just curious, this list of the best dog breeds for cold weather includes the most cold-resistant pooches to battle the toughest of wintery conditions.
Also, keep in mind that even snow dogs need some special care in winter, so check our our Winter Dog Care Tips to make sure your furry friend stays healthy all season.
Best Dog Breeds for Cold Weather
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are the quintessential snow dog. This Nordic spitz breed hails from Alaska and was bred to haul sleds over long distances. Malamutes have a thick double coat for insulation from the cold and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius). Their broad paws can grip ice and distribute their weight well to keep them from sinking in the snow. If you want a winter hiking or sledding buddy, Malamutes are perfect.
2. American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs are another spitz breed that’s well-equipped to handle freezing temps. Eskies, as they’re often called, have a thick coat, including a lion-like mane, for protection from the cold, and a bushy tail to give extra warmth when curling up in sub-freezing temps. These snow-loving pups also have small, furry ears that are well-insulated from the cold.
3. Akita
The Akita is another one of the best dog breeds for cold weather and is equipped to withstand sub-freezing temps. This spitz breed comes from the northern mountain regions of Japan and has a thick double coat, fluffy tail, furry triangular ears, and large paws that can walk on top of snow and ice. Akitas love snow and come to life in cold conditions.
4. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies usually top the list for the best dog breeds for cold weather. These quintessential snow dogs were bred for pulling sleds across Arctic landscapes and can tolerate temperatures as cold as -60 degrees F (-51 degrees C). Huskies love running and playing in the snow and make great running partners for cold weather.
4. Samoyed
Samoyeds are an Arctic dog breed with a thick double coat that allows the dog’s body heat to stay close to the body, protected from cold air. This pup is a native of Siberia and is perfectly comfortable in extreme cold temperatures. If you want a playful, friendly snow dog, Samoyeds are a great choice.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are snow-loving pups that come from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were bred for pulling carts in the mountains and they revel in cooler temps. They have a thick, double coat with long, silky fur.
6. Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are another Nordic spitz type dog that’s one of the best dog breeds for cold weather. They have a thick, double coat and hail from Scandinavia, making them well-equipped for freezing conditions. They even have extra fat on the pads of their feet to prevent frostbite in extreme cold.
7. Shiba Inu
If you want a compact cold-weather dog, the Shiba Inu is a great choice. These spitz dogs come from Japan and have a thick double coat to stay protected from the cold. These adventurous pups will be happy to explore with you in winter and they build up a tolerance to most cold weather.
8. Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog
Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs have thick double coats and a high tolerance for cold. These pups come from the snowy mountains in France and Spain and they enjoy cooler temps. Keep your Pyrenees’ coat well-brushed to ensure they have the best cold protection.
9. Newfoundland
If you want a partner for winter adventures, the Newfoundland is a great choice. These large, furry pups are one of the best dog breeds for cold weather. They have double coats that insulate them from cold air and water. Newfies were bred in Canada to pull carts and perform water rescues in freezing temps, making them ideal winter dogs.
10. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are another cold-weather dog bred for rescue work. These gentle giants have thick double coats and extra fat for insulation from the cold. Saint Bernards were bred for snowy mountain rescue work in the Swiss Alps and have a high tolerance for cold conditions.
11. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are a spitz-type of dog from northern China with a thick coat to protect against cold temperatures. These furry pups also have extra fat on their feet to prevent frostbite in below-freezing temperatures.
12. German Shepherd
They aren’t Nordic dogs but German Shepherds are well-suited to cold weather. With their thick double coats, shepherds are pretty insulated in cold weather compared to most dogs. This doesn’t mean you can leave your GSD outside 24/7 in below-freezing temperatures, but for most supervised outings in the cold, German Shepherds are hardy and able to tolerate freezing temps.
13. Keeshond
Another spitz dog is the Keeshond. These fluffy pups are one of the best dog breeds for cold weather. They have thick double coats, furry feet, and small, furry ears that can withstand frigid temperatures. Their playful nature and medium size make them versatile cold-weather friends.
14. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are a giant, furry breed from the mountainous regions of Tibet. Their double coats grow thicker in winter, offering extra protection from the cold. Their calm, protective nature and imposing appearance make them excellent guard dogs as well as cold-weather companions.
15. Caucasian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherds are large dogs with dense coats that offer extra insulation from the cold. These active herding dogs love to be outdoors in cool temperatures. They’re protective working dogs that are well-suited to winter weather conditions.
Cold Weather Dog Care
Just because a dog can tolerate sub-freezing temperatures doesn’t mean you should leave them outside for long periods unattended. Check out our Winter Dog Care Tips for ways to keep your pup safe in the cold months. Breeds vary in their tolerance to the cold and factors such as age and health can affect a dog’s ability to withstand the cold. Older dogs and those with illnesses have a lower tolerance for cold weather and need extra protection. In general, large dogs have more tolerance for cold weather than smaller dogs.
If your dog shows signs of cold-related issues, such as shivering, lifting up her paw, walking with a limp, or seems anxious or uncomfortable, seek shelter and warmth. It’s important to monitor your pup in extreme cold to make sure they don’t get frostbite or ice or salt stuck in their paws.
Do you have a cold-weather pup? Comment below with your favorite snow dog. If you’re interested in adopting a dog, check out our 10 Tips to Prepare for Adopting a Dog for help.
