Dogs for Colder Climates

It is estimated that humans brought the first domesticated dogs to the New World more than 12,000 years ago, according to the University of California. The deep partnership between humans and dogs has led dogs to become followers, willing to travel to distant lands and adjust to different climates. Despite most dogs' high level of adaptability, some dog breeds are significantly better equipped to withstand cold climates than others.

  1. Retriever Dogs

    • Chesapeake Bay retrievers often had to break through ice.

      Retriever dogs are equipped to withstand cold weather because they have a long history of being used for waterfowl hunting. Chesapeake Bay retrievers, for instance, were used to hunt fowl under the most adverse weather conditions, often in rough and icy waters. The breed's wool-like undercoat helps prevent cold water from reaching the skin and aids in quick drying, explains the American Kennel Club. Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers are further examples of dogs equipped with a weather-resistant undercoat providing protection from water and the cold.

    Livestock Guardian Dogs

    • These dogs have been used for centuries to defend livestock against predators, often in harsh winter conditions. Anatolian shepherd dogs, for instance, are large, rugged and powerful dogs which thrive in cold environments. The Great Pyrenees is another example of a faithful livestock guardian dog that does not seem to mind dipping temperatures, courtesy of its thick, weather-resistant coat which lies over a woolly undercoat. The Kuvasz is another breed of dog known to tolerate cold climates well, due to its double coat formed by stiff guard hairs and a soft, fine undercoat.

    Spitz Dogs

    • Siberian huskies are known for their endurance in cold climates.

      Spitz-type dogs originated from either the Arctic or East Asian regions and are characterized by long, thick double coats. Many were developed to work primarily in cold environments, pulling sleds, herding reindeer or hunting elk. The first example of a cold-weather Spitz-type dog that comes to mind is the Siberian husky, a hardy dog equipped with a thick double coat which allows it to withstand the harsh winter conditions of its native land. Norwegian elkhounds, keeshonds, samoyeds, akitas and malamutes are further examples of Spitz-like dogs which do well in cold climates.

    Working Dogs

    • Saint Bernards worked in the cold and treacherous Saint Bernard Pass.

      A wide array of working dogs are capable of withstanding cold climates since their duties often involve spending considerable time in the outdoors. Saint Bernards, originally used to locate freezing travelers during snowstorms in the frigid Swiss Alps, are equipped with very dense coats, making them excellent winter dogs. Bernese mountain dogs and the Greater Swiss mountain dogs are two examples of draft dogs that thrive in cold weather. The Newfoundland, with a long history of helping fishermen, is another breed equipped with a superior coat which allows it to tolerate even the coldest water temperatures.