Many dogs don’t do well in the cold, especially the smaller breed like Chihuahuas. On the other hand, some dogs just adore the snow and love nothing more than to play the snow.
If you also love the snow and would love to take your dog on a walk through a snow-covered park these are the dogs for you:
Siberian Husky
This is the probably the first breed that comes to many people’s minds when they think of a ‘snow dog’. Originating from Siberia, these dogs were mainly bred as sled dogs. They look very similar to wolves, which is further amplified since they love to howl instead of bark.
Their almond-shaped eyes, which shield their delicate ocular tissues from the flying ice and snow, as well as the interiors of their ears, which have thick layers of hair to protect their ear canals from relentless cold winds, all serve as examples of how well-adapted they are to withstand freezing temperatures. They also have extremely thick, leather-like foot pads and fur, which helps them traverse challenging, snow-covered terrain.
Due to being sled dogs they are very high energy and need a lot of play and exercise. Despite their occupation Siberian Huskies are very independent and need a lot of time and patience to train. Infact in Siberia, the people let the Huskies find their own way through the snow. They are also escape artists so make sure there aren’t any places in your house or yard your Husky can escape through.
Alaskan Malamute
Looking very much like a Husky, this dog is bigger and not as energetic. They are some of the oldest dogs, which were also bred as sled dogs. While not used to running as long distances as huskies, due to their stockier build, they were much stronger and could pull up to 1500kg with proper training.
Their thick, double fur coat, which is one of the beefiest of all breeds and is made up of a rough outer layer and a thick, oily undercoat that may be up to 2 inches thick, is largely responsible for their ability to survive the toughest conditions.
Though not as much as Huskies, they are still independent and high energy breeds who love to howl, so need focus and determination to train.
Akita
Also known as Akita Inu, Japanese Akita, or Great Japanese Dog, these were originally kept as pets by the Japanese Imperial family.
Due to their thick double coat, they can easily withstand the cold and were used to hunt in the winters.
They are quite territorial and make excellent guard dogs. Also, they usually don’t get along with other dogs. They are very stubborn, and you need to make it clear pretty quickly that you are the Alpha.
Bernese Mountain Dog
As per their name, they were originally used as driving and drafting dogs in the Swiss Mountains. They are a huge dog breed that is capable of hauling some of your gear in addition to their own. They are also surprisingly tough, which makes them great hiking companions even in arid, chilly weather.
Unlike most breeds with similar origins in the colder parts of the world, the Bernese Mountain Dog’s coat isn’t snowy white. In fact, it’s actually a deep black, which helps it to absorb sunlight and maintain its body heat. Due to this, most Bernese Mountain Dog hate even a little heat.
Despite their size, they are known to be very gentle and affectionate and get along well with kids. Due their nature and loyalty they are often kept as pets in places where it is cold throughout the year.
Chow Chow
They are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and were used as guard dogs by Chinese Royalty. The fact that they are one of the very few dog breeds with black/blue tongues makes them possibly best known. There was no apparent reason for this, only myths, such as that they got their tongue from a bear or because they lapped up all the blue sky that fell to earth when the world was founded explain this peculiar trait.
Their thick coats, which give them somewhat of a lion-like appearance, makes them tolerant of cold weather, Despite this, these dogs can’t take cold for very long.
Despite their fluffy looking appearance, they are quite aloof and not fond of cuddling. They may not be the most fun-loving dog but the are still extremely loyal and protective of their family.
Samoyed
The Samoyed was bred by Samoyed people in ancient Siberia. Due to living along humans for so long they are hard workers, good learners and very loving.
As they were originally bred for herding reindeer, hunting, and pulling sledges in subfreezing temperatures, they are a true winter dog. They are small and nimble with a wolf-like appearance, and they have a thick white coat that virtually disappears under snow.
They are basically like less stubborn Huskies, in that they are very vocal. This dog always seems to have smile on its face and gets along very well with kids, making it a great family dog. Unlike, the Chow Chow, it also loves to cuddle.
