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The Ultimate 9 Dog Breeds That Were Always There, Rain Or Shine

By: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| April 10, 2025

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Some dogs aren’t just companions—they’re emotional umbrellas, sunshine generators, and storm shelters rolled into one. Through every soggy morning walk, every heatwave hike, and every dramatic life downpour, these loyal breeds have stayed by their humans’ sides like furry little constants in an unpredictable world. Their resilience matches their loyalty, making them the true ride-or-die companions of the canine world. Rain or shine, mud puddles or sunbeams, these breeds have proven that no element is strong enough to break their bond with their people.

Labrador Retriever

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Labradors are the all-weather best friends we never deserved. Whether it’s pouring rain, snowing sideways, or blazing hot, these dogs are always up for whatever life (or the sky) throws their way. Originally bred to retrieve fishing nets in icy waters, Labs are natural swimmers tough as nails in bad weather. More importantly, their emotional forecast is always sunny—they’re steady, loving, and down for an adventure or a couch nap, whichever you need most. Their loyalty doesn’t melt, frizz, or rust—it’s weatherproof.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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If cuddling during a snowstorm was an Olympic sport, the Bernese Mountain Dog would take gold every time. Bred to work on Swiss farms in rain, sleet, and snow, these fluffy giants are built for endurance and devotion and look incredibly majestic in cold climates. Despite their size, they are gentle and affectionate, always sticking close to their humans no matter the forecast. Whether it’s a muddy yard or a cozy living room, a Bernese will be there, soaking up your stress and probably a fair amount of water. They’re like walking comfort blankets with big wet noses.

Australian Shepherd

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The Australian Shepherd doesn’t care about the weather—they care about you. These high-energy herding dogs were bred to work in rugged conditions and didn’t avoid bad weather or hard work. Rain? Just more hydration. Snow? Built-in playground. Heat? Shade-hopping pros. Aussies are incredibly loyal and intuitive, often glued to their owners through thick, thin, and sudden cloudbursts. If you need a canine sidekick to follow you into the storm and herd your feelings back into place afterward, this is your dog.

Boxer

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The Boxer is the goofy optimist who thinks storms are just applause for their personality. Rain or shine, these dogs are loyal, high-spirited, and always up for being your emotional cheerleader. Though they’re not the biggest fans of cold weather, they’re even less interested in leaving your side—so if you’re going, they’re going too, no matter what’s falling from the sky. Their protective instincts and playful nature make them ideal companions during both life’s rough patches and sunshine moments. And if you’re stuck indoors during a downpour? Expect a Zoomie-fueled floor show.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are golden not just in name but in heart—and that heart doesn’t shrink in a storm. These dogs were initially bred to retrieve waterfowl in wet, rugged conditions, and they still carry that same rain-or-shine energy into their roles as family companions. Need a muddy hiking partner? Done. A warm shoulder during a thunderstorm? Absolutely. These dogs will walk through fire (or a flooded sidewalk) to stay close to you, and they’ll do it with that trademark smile. They’re love in fur form, with built-in waterproofing.

Newfoundland

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The Newfoundland is basically a lifeguard with fur and a built-in poncho. Known for their bravery and strength, these gentle giants were bred to haul fishing nets and rescue drowning sailors—so a little rain is just bath time without the soap. Their thick coats and webbed feet make them excellent swimmers and cold-weather companions, but it’s their calm, nurturing nature that really shines through the clouds. Newfies don’t panic, flinch, or shy away—they stand beside you, soak up the storm, and ask if you need a hug. (Spoiler: you always do.)

Akita Inu

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The Akita is stoic, loyal, and immune to drama—including anything the weather throws at them. Initially from Japan and bred to withstand harsh mountain climates, Akitas are fearless guardians with a strong bond to their families. They’re not prone to whining or hesitation—if you’re stepping out into the storm, so are they. Emotionally, they’re just as steady, providing comfort without being clingy. An Akita won’t fuss over the rain—they’ll quietly stand between you and the thunder like a fluffy samurai.

Border Collie

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The Border Collie is a force of nature—so naturally, the weather doesn’t bother them. Bred to herd sheep in the harsh hills of Scotland and England, they were born to work through fog, wind, rain, and everything. But what really sets them apart is their intense bond with their humans. A Border Collie doesn’t ask, “why are we going outside in this mess?”—they ask, “how can I help?” Their loyalty is matched only by their energy level, and both remain consistent, rain or shine. Maybe invest in a really good towel.

Great Pyrenees

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The Great Pyrenees aren’t bothered by storms—they practically are the storm, only much fluffier. These ancient livestock guardians were bred to patrol mountains in snow and rain, often working alone and relying on their own instincts. Despite their calm demeanor, they’re fierce protectors and deeply loyal, sticking close to their family no matter how bad the conditions get. Whether it’s a bad weather day or just a bad life day, a Pyrenees is the kind of dog that will sit quietly next to you and absorb the weight of the world. And maybe also your favorite chair.

The Fur-cast Is Always Loyal

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No matter the wind, rain, thunder, or chaos—these dogs are the ones who show up without hesitation and stay until the storm passes (and sometimes long after). They don’t ask questions, check forecasts, or flinch at lightning—they walk through the weather of life with you every single step of the way. So if you’re ever caught in a downpour of emotions or an actual storm, you can count on these rain-or-shine legends to be right there, tail wagging, heart open, and probably tracking in just a little bit of mud.

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