The Best Dog Breeds for a Cold Climate

Not all dogs are suited for cold or snowy weather. It is important to choose a breed that can live in these types of conditions. Many dogs can tolerate cold conditions to a point, but living and working outdoors requires a special type of dog with two coats of fur. Malamutes, Samoyeds, Huskies and Newfoundlands are four breeds out of many that are bred and raised to live in cold climates.

  1. Alaskan Malamute

    • An Alaskan malamute is a prime example of a dog well suited to cold climates. These are dogs bred for the cold and they are working dogs. Malamutes are known to be excellent sled dogs, which mean they must endure cold weather, snow and any number of harsh cold-weather conditions. Their coats are double-coated consisting of a thick woolly undercoat with a long guard hair-coat on top. The guard coat naturally repels snow and ice, while the undercoat insulates from cold and wind.

    Samoyed

    • Samoyed dogs attract plenty of attention with gorgeous thick white coats. This is another breed well suited to the cold with a coarse undercoat and soft, long white guard hairs. Samoyeds are happiest when working outdoors and they get plenty of physical exercise pulling sleds and herding reindeer. This strongly built breed requires a home where it can run outdoors and be assured of plenty of exercise. Samoyeds have been known to tolerate temperatures as low as 70 degrees below zero.

    Siberian Husky

    • Many dog breeds are bred to withstand icy cold temperatures and the Siberian husky is one of them. Generations of huskies are descendants from one of the first Arctic Chukchi tribes found in Siberia. The climate of Siberia demands a dog that can tolerate extreme cold conditions. Select breeding has developed working traits in the breed as well. They are well equipped to deal with Arctic cold with double-coats, which insulate them from water and retain heat.

    Newfoundland

    • Newfoundlands are very large black dogs well suited to cold weather with double coats. They actually require cooler weather to be comfortable because of their large frame and heavy weight. Newfoundlands are often put to work in search and rescue missions that involve water. Both layers of their double coat contain a natural oil that protects their hide and fur from water. With their strong muscles and caring nature, they are ideal rescue dogs for drowning people.