Dog ownership comes with many wonderful benefits. Not only will you have a best friend of life, but there are also a whole host of health benefits that you can enjoy. Many studies have shown that spending time with your canine companion can reduce your stress, lower your blood pressure and help you experience higher quality and more restful sleep. Dogs also need plenty of exercise and taking your furball for walks, hikes and even just playing with him can help you to maintain a healthy weight, keep you mentally stimulated and regulate your moods.
Finding the right dog to suit your needs and vice versa is essential. After all, it is unfair to take on a breed of pooch who doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle and needs more attention and care than you can provide. If possible, it is also best to find a canine who is comfortable in the typical climate where you live. Winter can pose a challenge for some breeds, particularly those who are short-haired and have less insulation from the cold such as Chihuahuas, Pugs, and some Terriers.
However, that doesn’t mean that people living in cold climates should avoid canine ownership. In fact, there are some breeds of dog that actually prefer colder temperatures and thrive in snowy environments. Here is our guide to the dog breeds that prefer winter.
Siberian Husky
Well-known for their use in dog-sledding, these mid-sized wolf-like working dogs have double-layered coats which act as perfect insulation in both hot and cold temperatures.
Alaskan Malamute
Quite similar in appearance to the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Malamute also has its roots in dog sledding. Extremely strong, this cold-weather canine has a thick, coarse coat of hair which helps keep him warm whether he is hauling freight or frolicking in the snow.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Renowned for their gentle temperament and unwavering loyalty, the Bernese Mountain dog requires much less exercise than other winter-loving dogs, making this breed the perfect choice for busy couples or families living in colder climates.
Great Pyrenees
Many people like this breed to a polar bear, and it is easy to see why. Weighing in around 80 to 100 pounds and covered in a thick, double layered coat, the Great Pyrenees can withstand some of the coldest climates in the world.
Akita
If you are looking for a loyal and protective companion, then look no further than the Japanese Akita. Once the breed of choice by the imperial family, the Akita has a double layered coat that allowed him to once be the perfect cold-weather hunting companion.
American Eskimo Dog
Completely white, fluffy and full of fun, this breed of dog, which originally came from Germany, has a soak-resistant coat and incredibly dense ears which help keep him toasty as temperatures plummet.
Chow Chow
If you were to look up the term ‘furball’, there should almost certainly be a picture of a Chow Chow next to the definition. These extremely friendly and fluffy canines are characterized by a black tongue and amazingly thick coats which are perfect for keeping them warm in the snow.
Tibetan Terrier
Originally bred and raised in the mountainous monasteries of ancient Tibet, this breed of canine companion has a double layered coat of thick, coarse hair to protect him against sub-zero temperatures. Their feet are particularly useful for walks in the snow as they are large, flat and similar in style to snowshoes, which make traversing fresh powder much easier.
If you are living in colder climates and want to find a breed of dog who will be happy to enjoy the great outdoors with you whatever the weather, then some of the varieties of canines on this list may be the perfect companion. If you would like more information on dog breeds that can cope with the winter chill, contact and speak with our vet at Guardian Animal Medical Center.