Sledding, skiing, building snow forts – the list of cold weather outdoor activities has plenty of activities you can enjoy with your friends and family. Ready to add a dog to the winter fun? Look for a dog bred with ideal characteristics for spending time in the snow. The following dog breeds are known for their love of the cold; However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that just because a dog was bred to endure cold temperatures, it is not safe to leave them outside in cold weather.
The name “Malamute” comes from the Alaskan Inuit Mahlemiut tribe, who developed this breed as an arctic sled dog. In fact, the breed is the oldest and largest of the sled dog breeds, and due to its larger size, the Alaskan Malamute hauls heavier loads through snow at a slower pace over long distances. distances.
Although gentle and calm most of the time, the Great Pyrenees shows the protective traits he was bred to when he senses a threat. This dog, with its considerable strength and thick coat, originally protected sheep from wolves and other predators in the snow-capped mountains of the Pyrenees between France and Spain.
From his past as a watchdog and companion on Dutch houseboats, the Keeshond has developed a profuse coat perfectly suited to keep him warm in snow and freezing temperatures. The breed was – and is – so beloved in his homeland that he is still held up as a symbol of Dutch patriotism.
The tall, friendly Newfoundland has worked with Canadian fishermen aboard their boats, and his natural swimming skills have helped him perform life-saving water rescues. Because he was bred to work in icy waters, the Newfoundland’s thick coat continues to help him stay warm in cold, snowy weather.
An ancient breed originating in Scandinavia, the Norwegian Elkhound was a companion, herder, and hunting dog for the Vikings.
Did you know that this breed actually got its name from a monk named Bernard? Beginning around the year 1050, Bernard de Menthon and the other monks who lived at a pass in the Swiss Alps raised the ancestors of this dog to locate travelers lost in snowstorms. The large and powerful Saint Bernard retains the thick coat that makes him an ideal dog in snowy weather.
This breed is native to northeast Asia. Well known for their snow sledding abilities and historic races in the frozen terrain of Alaska, the Siberian Husky is biologically conditioned to survive freezing temperatures, thanks in part to their thick coat.
One of the original guard dogs, this breed protected isolated farms in the Himalayas, roaming the property and guarding families. withstand snow and cold.
The “Sacred Dog of Tibet” has long been associated with Buddhist monasteries, where the dog served as a protector and beloved companion. The breed’s long, double coat and large, flat feet are perfectly suited to snowy terrain.
Living in a hot and humid southern state like Florida? These are not the best dog breeds for you. Go for the safety of keeping them in the AC when it gets really hot and muggy. Watch out for symptoms of heat stroke, especially when these breeds are puppies or seniors or when there is a sudden fluctuation in temperature that does not allow the dog to acclimate.
