10 Best Dog Breeds for Cold Weather

By
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone, writer for The Spruce Pets
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 03/12/21
Three sled dogs in the snow

Pal Szasz / Getty Images

Some dogs have been bred to be more tolerant of cold weather than others. They typically have thick, insulating double coats and bushy tails designed to wrap around their bodies to keep them cozy. Plus, their paws are often wide and covered in snow-repelling fur, and their ears tend to be small to prevent frostbite. These dogs are generally fairly large, though there are some breeds on the smaller side as well. They tend to be quite athletic and range in personality.

Here are 10 dog breeds that thrive in cold weather conditions.

Tip

Cold weather care and safety should be top considerations, even for breeds meant to withstand the cold. Your dog should always have access to warm shelter when the temperatures plummet. On walks, protect paws from ice, grit, and salt. And don't let your dog stray out onto frozen ponds or lakes.

  • 01 of 10

    Siberian Husky

    A Siberian husky lying on a rug

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

    When you think of snow dogs, undoubtedly the popular Siberian husky will come to mind. Huskies are known for their energy and endurance, their thick coat, and their ability to cope with sub-zero temperatures. All of these qualities make them excellent sled dogs. While they are friendly and intelligent, they can be rather intense, are often prolific howlers, and require a lot of exercise. They are also prolific shedders.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 20 to 23 inches

    Weight: 45 to 60 pounds (male); 35 to 50 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Thick double coat; colors include combinations of black, gray, white, and tan

  • 02 of 10

    Newfoundland

    Black Newfoundland standing in snow

    Sveta Elfimova / Getty Images

    The gentle and fluffy Newfie was originally bred to support Canadian fishermen negotiating the icy waters of the North Atlantic. These dogs helped with hauling the fishing nets and were known to dive into the water to rescue those who fell overboard. They continue to be used for water rescue today. Despite their massive size, their high shedding, and their propensity to drool excessively, they are a popular companion breed because of their calm and loving nature.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 26 to 28 inches

    Weight: 130 to 150 pounds (male); 100 to 120 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Thick, water-resistant double coat; colors include brown, black, gray, or black and white

  • 03 of 10

    Finnish Lapphund

    Finnish Lapphund jumping in the snow

    Eerik / Getty Images

    The Finnish Lapphund is a Nordic breed developed to help move herds of reindeer across the tundra of Lapland in the Arctic Circle. Finnies have an incredibly thick double coat and a distinctive curled tail that can be wrapped around them to keep snow away and provide warmth. While they're wary of strangers, these dogs thrive on company and are typically friendly and energetic. However, they are prolific shedders and rather vocal.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 18 to 21 inches (male); 16 to 19 inches (female)

    Weight: 30 to 50 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Muscular; thick, coarse double coat; comes in a variety of colors

  • 04 of 10

    Akita

    Japanese Akita standing in the snow

    Eudyptula / Getty Images

    Native to Japan, the Akita was initially developed as a watchdog and hunter in the cold mountainous regions of the country. These dogs are fiercely loyal, noble, and generally quiet. They can be wary of strangers and strong-willed, and they don't always get on with other dogs. Like many dogs bred to live in cold climates, Akitas have webbed toes, helping to distribute their weight better when walking on snow and ice.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 26 to 28 inches (male); 24 to 26 inches (female)

    Weight: 100 to 130 pounds (male); 70 to 100 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Broad head; erect ears; distinctive curly tail; short, thick double coat; common colors include brindle and pinto (each with white markings)

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Keeshond

    Keeshond covered in snow

    David Edwards / Getty Images

    The Keeshond is native to the Netherlands, where it acted as a companion and watchdog for the barges on the Dutch canals. On the waterways, these dogs often had to be out on top of the barge for long periods of time in all weather conditions, and their dense double coat kept them snug. They are known for being friendly, affectionate dogs with plenty of stamina.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 17 to 18 inches

    Weight: 35 to 45 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Almost fox-like in appearance; thick plumed tail; mask around the eyes; thick double-coat; usually a mixture of gray, black, and cream but shading can vary

  • 06 of 10

    Samoyed

    Samoyed on a chair

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris 

    The ancient Samoyed originated in Russia, where it had to cope with freezing temperatures working as hunters, herders, and sled dogs for the semi-nomadic Siberian people. These dogs are known for being gentle and forming strong bonds with their families. But they do need a lot of attention and can develop problem behaviors or separation anxiety without it.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 21 to 24 inches (male); 19 to 21 inches (female)

    Weight: 45 to 65 pounds (male); 35 to 50 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Pricked ears; curled plumed tail; thick, water-resistant coat usually white in color but can occasionally cream or light brown

  • 07 of 10

    Alaskan Malamute

    Alaskan Malamute on a leash in the snow

    Svetlana Serdiukova / Getty Images

    Alaskan malamutes are bigger and stronger but not as high energy as a husky. They also often develop stronger bonds with their owners and are a more companionable breed. But malamutes are not a pack dog and don't always enjoy the company of other dogs as much as a husky will. Bred by the Mahlemiut Inuit tribe from Alaska for hundreds of years, these dogs are able to pull heavy sleds over long distances and in frigid temperatures.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 23 to 25 inches

    Weight: 75 to 85 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Erect ears; plumed tail; very dense double coat; colors include shades of gray, black, sable, and red

  • 08 of 10

    Finnish Spitz

    Finnish Spitz trotting through the snow

    Johner Images / Getty Images

    The Finnish spitz, or Finkie, as they are often affectionately called, is a fairly small but hardy hunting breed. Helped by their thick coat, these dogs had to cope with the harsh conditions thrown at them in Finland. Known for being amiable, fun-loving, and full of energy, they also tend to be rather vocal and can have a high prey drive.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 17.5 to 20 inches (male); 15.5 to 18 inches (female)

    Weight: 25 to 32 pounds (male); 20 to 28 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Small, square, fox-like build; medium-length dense coat; comes in shades of red

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Great Pyrenees

    Great Pyrenees standing in the snow

    rpbirdman / Getty Images

    The dignified and calm Great Pyrenees was originally bred hundreds of years ago to guard livestock in the mountainous Pyrenees region between France and Spain. They are still used for this job today. In the winter, temperatures in the mountains plummet, and the breed's exceptionally thick coat allows the dogs to stay out watching over their flock through the night. These dogs are known for being gentle and loyal toward their family. But socialization and training are required to keep their watchdog and barking instincts in check.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 26 to 32 inches (male); 25 to 29 inches (female)

    Weight: Around 100 pounds (male); around 85 pounds (female)

    Physical Characteristics: Thick, weather-resistant double coat; usually all white; sometimes contains light markings in gray, red, tan, or badger; males especially have a pronounced ruff around the neck

  • 10 of 10

    Chow Chow

    Chow chow standing in the snow

    Petrichuk / Getty Images

    With their majestic ruff around their face and their unique blue-black tongue, chow chows can't help but attract admirers. This ancient Chinese breed was originally used to guard the sacred temples erected in the freezing mountainous Northern Steppes regions that connected Mongolia, Siberia, and China. Their exceptionally thick coat kept them warm while performing this task. Nowadays, they are generally loyal but independent, calm companion dogs. They can be aloof with strangers and don't always get along with other dogs.

    Breed Overview

    Height: 17 to 20 inches

    Weight: 45 to 70 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Heavy-boned, square build; high set, curled tail; large head; deep muzzle; blue-black tongue; comes in rough or smooth dense double coats; pronounced ruff around face and neck; commonly red but other colors include black, blue, cinnamon, and cream

Breeds to Avoid

In general, the very small dog breeds and the breeds that have lightweight coats are not ideal if you live in a region that experiences lots of harsh, cold weather. For example, it could be challenging trying to keep a chihuahua or greyhound snug. Other breeds that need protection from cold weather include the pug, Great Dane, French bulldog, boxer, and Yorkshire terrier. 

Keep Your Dog Safe and Warm in Winter