10 dog breeds for cold climates

Dogs make great companions in all walks of life — from icy, mountain regions to sunny coastal cities. When choosing a dog, it’s important to consider the climate they are most suitable.

Many dogs have been bred for specific climates over thousands of years. Your dog’s body type, temperament, and energy level help determine whether or not it is ready for snowy hikes and icy temperatures.  When it comes to choosing a dog for cold weather, most dogs share common characteristics.

Here are the top 10 dogs for cold climates.

The Alaskan malamute is the quintessential snow dog. This highly intelligent breed is one of the oldest sled dog breeds and was bred to pull heavy loads. Alaskan malamutes are large dogs and require lots of outdoor exercise. They aren’t the fastest breed, but they have a lot of energy. A thick, waterproof double coat helps the Alaskan Malamute stay warm in cold climates.

Facts about the Alaskan malamute

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — Average
• Life span — 10 to 14 years

The Siberian husky is an iconic sled dog (famous huskies Balto and Togo come to mind). These incredibly independent dogs require training from a young age. Another highly intelligent and energetic dog breed, huskies need lots of exercise to keep them stimulated. The Siberian husky’s thick fur ensures it can spend time running and playing in snowy temperatures.

Facts about the Siberian husky

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — Often
• Life span — 11 to 13 years

Bernese mountain dogs have long double coasts built for cold weather climates. Brought to the Swiss Alps over 2,000 years ago, these dogs are hard-working, intelligent dogs. However, Bernese mountain dogs don’t require as much exercise despite their size. Bernese mountain dogs have a relatively low life span as compared to the other dogs on this list. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and are also some of the most affectionate breeds.

Facts about the Bernese Mountain Dog

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — When necessary
• Life span — 7 to 9 years

Newfoundlands or Newfies are sometimes called “nanny dogs” for their affectionate temperaments — especially in households with children. Despite their size, they are great swimmers due to their partially webbed feet. Newfies have thick, double coats that allow them to withstand cold temperatures, including cold water.

Facts about the Newfoundland

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — When necessary
• Life span — 9 to 10 years

The St. Bernard is named after the notoriously dangerous Great St. Bernard Pass in the Alps that many travelers crossed in the early 18th century. St. Bernards were responsible for rescuing hundreds of travelers from avalanches over the years and have gained a legendary reputation as snowy rescue dogs. Similar to the Newfoundland, St. Bernard dogs are also referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their gentle nature towards children and family.

Facts about the St. Bernard

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — Moderate
• Barking — When necessary
• Life span — 8 to 10 years

Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs, originally bred to be reindeer herders, and have experienced very little genetic intervention from humans. With thick coats, they could withstand the sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic Circle, their native land. Therefore, they still make great dogs for cold climates. The Samoyed breed is very energetic and requires lots of exercise.

Facts about the Samoyed

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — Very vocal
• Life span — 12 to 14 years

Elkhounds are the only dog on the list from the hound group. The Norwegian elkhound has a deep history going back to Viking warriors of 5,000 B.C. where they served as protectors and companions. Today, Norwegian elkhounds are still hard-working, helpful dogs. They have double coats, enabling them to stay warm in cold weather.

Facts about the Norwegian elkhound

• Breed group — Hound group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — Very vocal
• Life span — 12 to 15 years

Great Pyrenees get their name from the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain, where they were bred as guard dogs. These days, these large pooches are just as loyal companions and protectors for their humans. Their thick double coat and white fur help protect them from the cold.

Facts about the Great Pyrenees

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — Moderate to High
• Life span — 10 to 12 years

Herding dogs, like the Australian shepherd, are highly-energetic and highly intelligent dogs. Shepherds need a job, and when they don’t have one, they can be destructive at home.

Australian shepherds are the only herding dogs in our group, and their dense, weather-proof coat makes them great breeds for cold climates.

Facts about the Australian shepherd

• Breed group — Herding group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — More vocal than other breeds
• Life span — 12 to 15 years

Native breeds of the Akita Prefecture region of northern Japan, Akitas weren’t introduced to the U.S. until the 1930s. Traditionally Akitas were bred as watchdogs and to hunt game like boar and elk. Today, their double coat allows them to spend hours playing in the snow with their human companions.

Facts about the Akita

• Breed group — Working group
• Intelligence — High intelligence
• Barking — Rarely without reason
• Life span — 12 to 15 years

Thick, double-layered coats. The most obvious characteristic of a dog built for cold temperatures is one with a double-layered coat. A double-coated dog has an inner coat of short hair (which sheds in the summer) and an outer coat of longer hair.

Powerful, stocky builds. Most cold-weather dogs are larger dogs, over 100 lbs. Large dogs are traditionally bred for hauling and protection.

High energy levels. Prancing and pounding in a foot of snow can wear a dog out. Many dogs on this list are high-energy dogs, which allows them to spend long hours in their favorite white powder.

Even if your dog is a cold climate breed, it may need some adapting to the cold. Adopted dogs, or dogs bred in warmer climates, may spend their early days never seeing cold weather. Here are some tips for adapting your dog to cold weather.

👉 In general, dogs that live outdoors need more food than indoor dogs to maintain their body temperature properly.

Gradual exposure to cold and snow. Instead of getting right out on the hiking trail, give your dog some time to acclimate to the snow. Keep an eye on your dog’s paws to ensure that they stay safe from frostbite.

Monitor your dog’s body temperature and comfort. Even though your dog is built for cold weather, it doesn’t mean it should be subjected to subzero temperatures for long periods. If you are cold, chances are your pup is too.

Keep all body parts hydrated. Dogs need extra water if they are expending lots of energy — which they will do when rollicking out in the snow. But staying hydrated also means keeping skin, nose, and paws hydrated as well. Consider using balms on your to prevent cracked paw pads or flaky noses during winter.

Precautions for frozen water sources and slippery surfaces. Sodium chloride and calcium chloride are commonly used chemicals to keep streets and sidewalks ice-free. But these chemicals can make your dog sick if ingested and irritate and burn your dog’s paws and skin. Regularly check your dog’s paws for cracking or redness Trusted Source American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Not-for-profit organization representing 97,000+ vets. Go to source from a weather-related injury.