Although some aren’t the biggest fans of winter, there are plenty of us out there that think it’s one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Even better, there are a handful of dog breeds that just can’t wait until it starts getting nice and cold! If you’re a winter lover and looking for the dog breed best suited for your type of weather, check out these pups.
#1 – Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large sled dog used for hauling heavy freight across the frozen arctic. While many of these dogs still perform as working sled dogs today, others are happy participants in sports like sled dog racing, skijoring and bikejoring. Malamutes are very social with people and do best in very active homes.
#2 – Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a Northern breed, also used for pulling sleds. Originating in the harsh climate of Siberia, these dogs do very well in and even prefer colder temperatures. They require a very active home and are known for being fairly independent, although friendly. Siberian Huskies are escape artists that need supervision when left alone in the yard.
#3 – Akita
The Akita is a large Japanese breed originally used as a hunting dog. They have very thick double-coats that help protect the dogs in the cold Japanese winters. The breed is active and does best with an experienced owner. They are very loyal but often protective, being wary of strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other animals.
#4 – Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed from the Swiss Alps. Originally used as a general purpose farm dog, their size and willingness to work made them excellent draft animals. The breed is good-natured and docile towards family and strangers alike. They are active dogs that enjoy ample amounts of exercise and get along well with children.
#5 – Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large livestock guardian dog from the Pyrenees Mountains. They have thick, heavy coats to protect from the harsh winters there, while allowing them to continue their work throughout the year. They are powerful but gentle dogs, known for being affectionate with adults and children of all ages.
#6 – St. Bernard
The St. Bernard is a large working dog from the western Alps. The breed is docile but dedicated to its work. They are the breed most famous for alpine rescues, finding people buried under snow after avalanches. To do this work, they need to be able to perform for long periods in very cold weather.
#7 – Newfoundland
The Newfoundland comes from Canada and is known for its outstanding water rescue capabilities. The breed has a very thick, water-resistant coat that protects them from the freezing Canadian waters. They are extremely gentle dogs that make excellent companions for adults and children.
#8 – Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a hunting dog coming from Norway. It has been used for hunting elk, moose, bear and wolves in the harsh Norwegian winter climates. They are powerful and hardy dogs that should be supervised around other animals due to their strong prey drive. However, they are very social dogs that enjoy spending time with their families.
#9 – Keeshond
The Keeshond is a German spitz breed created to be a family companion. This is a job the dogs do very well, as they are very playful, boisterous and fun-loving dogs. The breed enjoys spending time with its family as well as meeting new people. Their thick coats require regular grooming, but keep them comfortable in cold weather.
#10 – Samoyed
The Samoyed is a Russian breed originally used for herding Reindeer and pulling carts and sleds. They are very active and intelligent dogs that excel at a variety of dog sports but, most importantly, make wonderful family companions. Their beautiful white coats protect them from harsh winter climates and need regular grooming.
#11 – Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a very large livestock guardian dog used for protecting sheep and property from large predators such as wolves, leopards and bears. Tibet is known for its very harsh climate and these dogs posses a very thick, warm coat to help keep them comfortable during their time outdoors. Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and independent dogs, often wary of strangers and not recommended for novice dog owners.
