Some dogs are born to wear elegant coats and snooze by the fire. Some dogs are born to run high speed across the desert. And some dogs are bone to romp and play all day in the snowy wilderness.
Snow dogs share 3 important features. They all have double coats, including a short puffy inner layer and longer, protective overcoat that seal snow dogs into a warm fuzzy cloud. Extra fat deposits help insulate winter loving dogs. This fat reserve also serves as burnable energy for endurance sports or just to keep warm in sub-zero temperatures. Snow dogs share the trait of big hair paws, which help them traverse the snow with impunity.
Let’s check out some powder hounds doing what they love best!
Cold Weather Loving Dog Breeds
Norwegian Elkhound
Guardian of livestock and hunter of big game like moose, deer, and even bear, the Elkhound is a cold weather all-rounder, beloved in its native land.
Bernese Mountain Dog
This working dog was bred to guard and work on farms in its native Switzerland. Thier larger cousin, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog also pulls carts.
Siberian Husky
The poster child for winter athletes, these Siberian dogs are known for speed and endurance across the snow.
Shiba Inu
This little Japanese mountain dog was originally bred and kept for a hunting companion. Bold and energetic, this breed is not for beginners!
Alaskan Malamute
The biggest of the Arctic dog breeds, the Malamute is known for pulling capacity as a sled dog and a simply luxurious fur coat.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is another ancient breed with many modern ancestors. This “lion dog” is known for sporting a luxurious mane and puffy coat.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a mountain-bred herding dog, hailing from the mountain chain which separates Spain and France. Great with children and pets.
Saint Bernard
The heroes of the Swiss Alps, St Bernards are broad and strong, making them equally suited to rescue work and pulling carts.
Tibetan Mastiff
An intensely furry ancient breed, hailing from the Himalayas. Progenitor of many modern large working dog breeds.
Newfoundland
The Newfie hails from Canada, where the hardy breed is known for superior swimming ability. Like their cousins the Labrador, Newfoundlands have webbed feet for more powerful swimming strokes.
Samoyed
This Siberian spitz was bred to herd reindeer with the nomadic people of the same name. These happy dogs are just too friendly to be guard dogs.
Keeshond
The Keeshond (Kays-hond) hails from Holland, where this cold loving spitz is known for a winning smile and traveling by barge.
Akita
Akita are Japanese hunting dogs, bred to hunt bigger game. They are aloof with strangers and loving with family.
