10 Snow Lovers Of The Canine World
If you think only Huskies love the cold, you are wrong. Chilly weather might seem daunting for some dogs, but there are breeds out there that’ll roll in the snow and curl up in frosty air like it’s their happy place. Some are small, some are fluffy, and a few might totally surprise you. Ready to meet the dogs that treat winter like their playground? Here’s all you need to know about these dog breeds.
Alaskan Malamute
Those big, strong paws on an Alaskan Malamute aren’t just for looks; they truly act like built-in snowshoes, keeping them steady on slick ice. The breed owns a seriously thick double coat, perfect for sealing in heat and shrugging off snow like it’s nothing. They truly evolved to haul heavy loads in the Arctic’s absolute worst conditions, so a frosty backyard feels like a vacation to them!
Keeshond
The Keeshond’s thick, cloudlike coat keeps it snug through winter chills and river mist alike. Back when it stood guard on Dutch riverboats, that dense fur was a trusty barrier against cold winds and damp decks. Even today, the breed thrives when the temperature drops and the frost begins to bite.
Newfoundland
A Newfoundland wears its thick, water-resistant coat like a natural wetsuit, perfect for frigid mornings and freezing seas. They were bred to brave rough northern waters, pulling ropes, nets, and sometimes people to safety. With webbed feet built for strength, it conquers both snowbanks and stormy waves.
Norwegian Elkhound
Hailing from the freezing, unforgiving Scandinavian forests, the Norwegian Elkhound developed an incredibly dense, weather-resistant coat over centuries of hunting. That rugged build keeps them perfectly warm while they tirelessly track moose through snowy terrain. The ancient Viking companions genuinely possess the stamina and insulation necessary to thrive through the most challenging Nordic winters.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff possesses a truly remarkable, ultra-thick insulating coat, a critical adaptation developed to endure the harsh, unpredictable temperatures of the high Himalayas. Their plush coat traps warmth even when the mountain winds bite hardest. Historically, this resilience was essential for them to guard livestock against predators in those extremely cold, rugged environments.
Saint Bernard
The breed was originally bred by Alpine monks for rescue missions in the snowy mountains. Mother Nature gave them this magnificent thick coat for a very specific reason. Its incredible insulation allowed them to carry out the job: finding and rescuing stranded travelers in the freezing cold. They are built tough, perfectly equipped for deep snow and biting mountain air.
Labrador Retriever
These dogs were bred to plunge into icy lakes and oceans, helping fishermen pull in nets off the coast of Newfoundland. Labrador Retrievers aren’t just skilled swimmers—but also true cold-water experts. The strong, otter-like tail also acts like a built-in rudder, which leads them smoothly through freezing currents. Labs were born for the cold.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Built for the snowy slopes of Switzerland, the Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, tri-colored double coat that offers serious protection against the cold. Once, they trudged through fields glazed in frost, muscles straining against wooden carts. The cold never bit—it simply belonged to their world. They even have a calm nature and love for outdoor play, making them ideal winter companions.
American Eskimo Dog
Originally bred from German Spitz dogs and made famous in circuses for their intelligence and agility, these clever, cold-resistant pups are perfectly built for both brains and endurance. Their double coat includes a dense weatherproof outer layer and a thick insulating undercoat, which makes them highly resistant to snow and freezing conditions.
Chow Chow
Hailing from northern China, the Chow Chow’s lion-like mane conceals a famously dense coat built for the cold. Ancient hunters and temple guards relied on that natural insulation to survive bitter winters. Beneath the fluffy exterior lies a stoic, independent spirit perfectly matched to frosty, windswept days.
