If you live in the northern United States, Canada, Scandinavia, Iceland, Russia, or the Arctic, you may need to think carefully before adding a dog to your family. Most dogs (like every other living creature) prefer warmth over cold and summer over winter.
But does that mean your wish and circumstances have no middle ground? Does that mean you can’t keep a dog ever unless you change your residence?
Well, not exactly.
Fortunately, nature has blessed us with a few snow-loving dog breeds. These dogs prefer winter over summer. They like to play in the snow!
Let us introduce you to a few snow-loving dog breeds:
Get to know snow-loving dog breeds
By the rule of thumb, typical traits of snow dogs include heavyweight, almond eyes, a thick outer coat, a wooly undercoat, and small ears.
So, if you see a dog breed with these physical features (other than those listed below), dig a little deeper to see if it loves snow.
But if not, familiarize yourself with some of the most popular snow-loving dog breeds.
Siberian Husky
With its thick greyish coat, the Siberian Husky is an absolute joy to the eye and looks elegant against the white snow. This breed is known for its dog-sledding abilities.
And its joyful and friendly nature complements its look. At a glance, the dog may appear as cold as the snow with its alert behavior, erect & small ears, and triangular eyes.
But once you familiarize yourself, it will be the most gentle pack of wonder you’ve met.
Siberian Huskies can live as long as 12-15 years and are comfortable in temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius. However, they are also known to adapt to warm weather if trained.
Tibetan Terrier
As the name says for itself, the Tibetan terrier originated from the mountains of Tibet, where it was tamed to look after sheep herds and fetch different objects from the mountainside. The term terrier suggests that it resembles the Terrier dog breed.
With that said, Tibetan terriers prefer colder temperatures all through the year.
Due to their dense, heavy coats and large, round paws, they struggle in warm temperatures. If your summers are harsh, arrange air conditioning for your Tibetan terrier.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes can survive in temperatures as low as -35° Celsius.
They can survive and be immensely active in such low temperatures.
If you take an Alaskan Malamute for a walk outside in snowy winters, you’ll find it jumping with joy here and there without its dog boots or sweaters on.
Its natural features keep it warm and healthy, while its exploration and play keep it active.
Newfoundland
Compared to the other dog breeds listed here, Newfoundlands are relatively calm. These are the best indoor winter dogs. Sure, Newfies like to play in the snow, but only occasionally.
You will often find these huge fur balls wrapped in their sheets, napping, or silently observing their surroundings. These dogs can also serve as excellent support dogs.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has unique looks compared to other snow-loving dog breeds. At a glance, you might not find its coat as long and thick to classify as a winter dog.
However, if you pet it, you’ll realize how deep your hand sinks into its one-length, shiny, deep-dark long coat.
It comes from the Swiss Alps and has about 10-11 years of life expectancy.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a charming and friendly breed known for its beautiful, fluffy white coat and infectious smile.
Originating from Siberia, the Samoyede people bred these dogs to herd reindeer and pull sleds in extremely harsh, cold conditions.
Samoyeds thrive in snowy climates with thick double coats and easily withstand frigid temperatures.
They are highly social and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with their families and enjoying playtime in the snow.
This breed is also known for its high energy levels, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Samoyeds are delightful companions that bring warmth and joy, even in the coldest winter.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed recognized for its striking tri-color black, white, and rust coat.
Initially developed in the Swiss Alps for herding cattle and pulling carts, these dogs are gentle and affectionate, making them great family pets.
They are intelligent and trainable but can be slightly stubborn.
Regular exercise and grooming are essential to keeping them healthy and happy. They are known for their calm demeanor and good nature with children and other animals.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a lively and intelligent breed known for its striking white coat and playful personality.
There are three size variations: Standard, miniature, and toy.
These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and strong protective instincts, making them great companions and watchdogs.
They are highly trainable and enjoy participating in agility and obedience training activities.
With their friendly demeanor and pleasant nature, American Eskimo Dogs thrive in active households and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized breed with a wolf-like appearance. It has a thick double coat that can be gray, black, or brindle.
Originally from Norway, these dogs were used for hunting large game, especially moose.
The dogs are friendly and loyal and make great family pets, but their high energy levels require regular exercise.
With a strong prey drive, they may not be suitable for homes with small animals unless well-socialized.
Regular grooming is needed to manage shedding.
Overall, they are devoted companions ideal for active families.
Training and socialization
Bringing cold-weather dog breeds into your home means embracing their unique traits and needs.
Proper training and socialization are essential to ensure these dogs are well-behaved, happy, and a joyful part of your family.
Here are some tips to help:
Start early: Socialization should begin at a young age. Expose your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals to foster a well-rounded temperament. Snow-loving breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes can be particularly energetic and stubborn, making early exposure vital for developing good manners.
Positive reinforcement: Use techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage desirable behaviors. Snow-loving dogs respond well to rewards, especially when training in an environment miming their natural, snowy habitat. This technique builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Be consistent: Establish a routine for training sessions, including commands and boundaries. This will help your dog understand what is expected of them. Snow-loving breeds often possess a strong independent streak, so consistent reinforcement will encourage them to follow your lead.
Incorporate activities: Many snow-loving breeds have high energy levels and require ample physical activity. Incorporate fun and engaging activities into your training routine to keep them motivated. Activities like winter hikes, agility exercises, fetch in the snow, or teamwork-based play can help reinforce their training while allowing them to burn off energy.
Leash training: Because snow-loving dogs can have a strong prey drive, teaching them to walk well on a leash is crucial. Start training in low-distraction environments and gradually increase the difficulty by introducing different environments, such as parks or busy streets.
Socialize in the snow: Take advantage of the winter by allowing your dog to experience snow in a controlled, safe environment. Allow them to play with other dogs in a snowy setting, which can enhance their social skills. Supervise playtimes to ensure they interact positively and learn proper behaviors.
Obedience classes: Consider enrolling your dog in obedience classes designed for its breed. These classes can provide structured training in various commands, and socialization opportunities with other dogs and people will contribute to their development.
Monitor behavior: Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior during training and socialization. If they display signs of stress or fear, adjust your approach. Creating a positive experience is essential to ensure they feel secure and confident as they learn new skills.
Foster independence: While training is critical, allowing your snow-loving dog to develop independence is just as important. This breed often has a strong work ethic, so give them tasks or challenges that stimulate their brains and keep them engaged. This can include puzzle toys or training sessions focused on learning new tricks.
Caring for snow-loving dog breeds
Taking care of snow-loving dog breeds during winter requires special attention.
With their thick coats and natural affinity for cold weather, these breeds thrive in snowy conditions, but proper care is essential to keep them healthy and happy.
Grooming
Regular brushing: Snow-loving breeds often have thick, double-layered coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and remove loose fur, especially from the downy undercoat. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils, keeping their coat healthy and water-resistant.
Bathing: While these breeds don’t need frequent baths, cleaning them after playing in the snow is essential. Use a gentle dog shampoo and ensure they are thoroughly dried to prevent chilling.
Paw care: Paw pads can accumulate ice and salt between paw pads in cold weather and snowy conditions. After walks, check their paws for ice balls and wipe them with a damp cloth. Consider using dog booties for extra protection against rough terrain and chemicals used on sidewalks.
Exercise
Regular activity: Snow-loving breeds are typically energetic and require regular exercise. Engage them in activities like snowshoeing, sledding, or even walks in the snow to help burn off energy and stimulate their minds.
Monitor time outdoors: While these dogs enjoy cold weather, it is vital to monitor them for signs of discomfort, like shivering or reluctance to move. Adjust the duration of outdoor playtime based on their tolerance.
Interactive play: Snow can provide the perfect opportunity for interactive play. Toss snowballs or hide toys in the snow for them to find, which can entertain and exercise them simultaneously.
Nutrition
Caloric needs: Cold weather can increase a dog’s caloric requirements as they expend more energy to maintain body heat. Make sure to provide high-quality dog food with adequate fat and protein content.
Adjust portions: Pay attention to your dog’s weight and energy levels. Depending on their activity level during winter, you may need to adjust feeding portions or switch to a higher-calorie food.
Hydration: Providing fresh water at all times is vital. Dogs can become dehydrated if they’re active in the cold. Don’t let your dog eat too much snow. Small quantities are OK, but snow can contain hazardous chemicals, and overeating can lower your dog’s core body temperature and increase the risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
Brace yourself for shedding
As you might’ve observed, almost all snow-loving dog breeds have a specific physique. And well, it demands care in a precise manner.
Since they have long hair, you should prepare to deal with shedding. Similarly, expect to deal with difficult showers during mild winters. In extreme conditions, however, consider dry showers.
If you’re new to keeping a snow-loving canine, use this new puppy checklist to help you prepare yourself and your home appropriately.
Final thoughts on snow-loving dog breeds
Dogs are synonymous with warmth when it comes to pets. There’s a reason they say dogs are man’s best friend.
So, go ahead if you feel a connection with these bundles of joy and think their companionship is a true calling.
Do not let the cold temperatures keep you from embracing and giving out your love for dogs. Bring a snow-loving dog breed home right now.
Shawn Mack is a content writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. His educational background in the business and technical field has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He also likes writing engaging articles on technology & digital marketing-related topics.
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