There are many dogs suited for a certain type of weather and can’t tolerate cold weather. These dogs usually have a single coat that can’t warm them up.
However, did you know that there are dog breeds that can deal and tolerate cold weather?
Here are the top 15+ cold weather dog breeds who can tolerate freezing temperatures.
Table of Contents
Top 15+ cold weather dog breeds who can tolerate freezing temperatures
1.) Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky a beautiful dog with a thick coat that comes in different colors and markings. Their fur is usually black and white or gray.
They are graceful and athletic dogs who are actually very independent and smart.
They are very affectionate with all people but don’t need constant attention or pestering from you.
As for their temperament, they aren’t known to be aggressive and do well in homes with lots of dogs.
They have lots of energy and a very thick double coat that will keep them warm during the winter.
The Siberian Husky has an incredible ability to tolerate sub-zero temperatures.
They need to be exercised 30 to 60 minutes daily to keep them from being bored.
2.) Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a very strong dog who is a very old dog breed with looks that haven’t been altered greatly over the years.
This breed is very intelligent and needs a job so they don’t get bored. They are highly energetic so they require lots of exercises.
The Alaskan Malamute isn’t well suited for apartment life because they need to have space to move around freely.
They need plenty of grooming to keep their coat healthy because they shed a lot.
As for their coat, they have a double coat that is thick and coarse where it can keep them warm during really cold weather.
The outercoat is thick and coarse but not long or soft. While the undercoat is oily and woolly repelling wetness and cold.
This helps during the cold seasons where they can stay warm.
They originally come from Alaska where they are the oldest and largest of the Arctic sled dogs who were used to transport goods in the Arctic.
3.) Akita
The Akita is a large and bold dog with a powerful appearance that makes them suitable for areas with deep snow and rugged terrain.
The Akita has never been bred to work in groups rather they were bred to work alone or in pairs.
As for their coat, the coat is generally short to medium in length. They have a double coat where they have a dense and straight undercoat while also having a straight and rough outer coat.
This combination helps against insulation from water and cold weather.
A thick undercoat makes the Akita suitable for cold weather although it thins out during warm weather.
4.) American Eskimo
The American Eskimo has a white coat with a sweet expression and black eyes.
They are lively and active companion dogs who love to join activities with their dog parents and loved ones.
Even though the American Eskimo breed is very friendly toward family and friends, they are reserved toward strangers.
The American Eskimo is a very intelligent and independent thinker who is smart enough to solve problems.
They excel in activities that use their minds such as obedience training, tricks, agility, and other dog sports.
They are very large and independent where they are hardwired to protect those they love.
As for their coat, they have a very dense coat that comes in several colors including white.
Their thick coat helps against cold weather; however, they may be prone to overheating during hot weather.
The Akita has a soft thick undercoat and a straight harsh outer coat.
This helps them tolerate cold weather; however, they aren’t totally an outdoor type dog; they need human companionship where they need to be indoors at times.
5.) Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is a family dog; however, they don’t do well with children; they need to be treated properly.
They do well with other dogs and pets when they have been raised with them so it’s better to introduce them to dogs and other pets at a young age.
The Tibetan Terrier makes an excellent watchdog and will bark whenever they see something unusual so they can easily protect you from any threats.
They are energetic dogs who need to have daily exercise so they don’t become bored or frustrated. This can make it easier for them to live in apartments.
As for their coat, they have a double coat that can be wavy or straight protecting them against the cold weather.
The undercoat is soft and dense while the outercoat is also soft but not silky.
When their hair is left to grow, their hair can fall over their head, neck, and back.
Their coat helps them during harsh cold weather. Also, they have large and flat feet that helps them when they are walking over snow.
6.) Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Moutain Dog is an adaptable working dog who was bred to herd cattle, train as a watchdog, and being a loyal companion.
They are a very strong breed suitable for different training such as obedience, agility, herding, and tracking.
They enjoy being working dogs and need to have a job that they can do so they won’t become bored.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is very strong and fast in their movements. Characterized by their loyalty, they are very devoted to their dog parents.
They have a double coat which consists of a wooly undercoat and a long outer coat making them perfect for the cold weather.
This breed was originally bred in Switzerland where they were used in carrying heavy loads and guarding livestock.
They are highly energetic where they require frequent exercise so they can release the pent up energy that they have.
7.) Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large dog breed. They were originally bred to be working dogs who are well-suited to work on land or water.
Being strong swimmers, they can have jobs where they are underwater.
Sweet and responsive, they make excellent family dogs. They have a high amount of energy where they will need to get enough exercise both physical and mental.
They have a flat and water-resistant double coat where the outer coat is coarse and long making them ideal for cold weather.
8.) Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound was originally used to hunt moose and other animals; they have a high prey drive and are considered one of the top cold weather hunting dog breeds.
Also, they are very loyal and affectionate where they do well with children and strangers. However, they can be very aggressive toward other dogs and animals so it’s important to socialize them while they are young.
Being a working breed, they have a high level of intelligence, energy, and independence and require a strong leader dog parent.
They are also very protective of their dog parents and loved ones.
The Norwegian Elkhound prefers cold weather because of their double coat that is water-resistant.
Their coat consists of a topcoat that is short and thick and an undercoat that is dense and woolly.
Today, they are perfect to be hiking dogs who have high endurance and protectiveness of their dog parents.
9.) Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is a large-sized dog breed who is generally very quiet and can live in apartments. They take time to mature mentally so you will enjoy the company of a puppy-like dog for some time.
Even though they make wonderful family companions, they don’t do well with children because they can unintentionally hurt them.
Like all dogs, they are known to be very loyal and affectionate toward their dog parents.
They were originally bred to tolerated cold temperatures in the Alps so they don’t do well in hot weather.
There are cases where Saint Bernard dogs were used to find humans trapped in snow in the mountains; they did so for decades tracking them down.
As for their coat, they can be found in two types of coats which are either short-haired or long-haired.
The short-haired coat is smooth but dense while the long-haired coat is slightly wavy without being curly.
They are considered one of the best cold weather dog breeds because of their coat.
10.) Keeshond
The Keeshond is a really old dog breed who were originally companion and watchdogs over boats that traveled the canals and rivers in Holland in the 17th and 18th century.
They are known for their intelligence and alertness which made them very suited to be watchdogs.
They are a medium-sized dog who likes to spend time in the cold weather. However, they need to be around people so you cant leave them in the backyard; they will need to live inside with their families.
The Keeshond is an excellent family dog who is really good with children and other dogs that you get provided that they are introduced to them at a young age.
They are considered one of the best cold weather dog breeds because of their coat that can withstand the coldness. The Keeshond has a double coat that consists of a thick topcoat and a wooly undercoat.
Their coat provides insulation during the summer so it’s important to never shave their coat down.
11.) Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees dog was once used to herd livestock on mountains in France along with shepherds.
They are known for their high intelligence where they work on their own to figure out things; a great quality when there is danger.
However, they are hard to train and need an experienced dog parent who can train them with positive reinforcement and socialize them.
Their intelligence and nature make them good guard dogs. Because of their double coat, they do well in cooler climates that are cold. Also, depending on the climate, they can be average to heavy shedders.
Their topcoat is long and thick while being coarse in texture. The undercoat is dense and woolly.
12.) Kuvasz
The Kuvasz dog breed is a large guarding dog who came from Hungary. They were originally bred as white-colored dogs so people can distinguish them from wolves easily.
The Kuvasz is a very loyal and patient companions with their loved ones; however, they are very wary and aloof of strangers. They can act politely when introduced to strangers but won’t easily befriend them.
Given their large size, they can move really fast when there is a sign of danger; they are very protective of their loved ones.
Even though they are highly intelligent, they aren’t easy to train due to them being independent thinkers.
As for their coat, they have a dense coat that can grow up to 6 inches in length. Their coat is also odorless and repels water so you won’t need to bathe them often.
Their double coat makes them perfect mountain dogs and can tolerate cold conditions making them one of the cold weather dog breeds.
13.) German Shepherd
The German Shepherd breed is a highly intelligent breed that is very adaptable to different roles such as being police and military dogs, guide and assistance dogs, herding, drug detection, and companion dogs.
They are among the top 10 most popular dogs in the U.S and one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world.
Still, they are a bit wary and aloof toward strangers so it’s important to socialize them at a young age.
The German Shepherd isn’t the type of dog to tolerate when you are away for a long period of time; they can become anxious or bored leading them to destructive behavior.
They are highly intelligent and energetic dogs who need to stay preoccupied with both mental and physical exercise.
Because they were originally bred to herd livestock in cold weather, they have evolved to tolerate cold weather.
Their coat can either be short-haired, medium-haired, or long-haired. The ideal type of coat is the medium-haired one.
For years, their double coat has acted as a protection against rain and snow. Therefore, they are considered one of the dog breeds that love cold weather.
14.) Chow Chow
The Chow Chow dog has an independent and proud spirit. They are very aloof of strangers but with the right dog parent, they are a very loyal companion.
Their appearance may make you think that they are mean; however, this is far from the truth. They aren’t aggressive if they were well-bred and raised.
Chow Chow dogs aren’t fond of being hugged but they will be a quiet and attentive companion to their dog parents.
They will also accept children but won’t tolerate abuse so they are best for older children who know how to treat a dog.
As for their coat, they are known to have two coat types. One type of coat consists of the topcoat being rough and thick. While their undercoat is soft and woolly.
While the other smooth coated Chow Chow coat comes with a topcoat that is dense and smooth. They also have an undercoat that is woolly.
Their coat makes them one of cold weather dog breeds.
15.) Samoyed
They were originally bred to hunt and herd reindeer and were a valuable companion Samoyede people.
Some of the breed’s duties include pack hiking, tracking, and warming their dog parents by sleeping on top of them.
The Samoyed is strong-willed but they remain friendly, gentle, and devoted to their dog parents and loved ones.
They have a white and fluffy coat that requires frequent grooming.
The Samoyed dog likes to be kept busy so you can keep them preoccupied with walks, hikes, and canine sports.
They are very friendly and good-natured as well as loving toward children.
They have a straight outer coat and a soft thick undercoat. The coat is pure white and can shed heavily.
They are considered one of the best cold weather dog breeds because of their coat.
16.) Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu role was to catch birds and small game. They were also used to hunt wild boar.
As for their personality, they have a spirited personality that is bold and fiery.
They are also very alert, intelligent, and strong-willed dogs who value independence so they can be hard to train.
Also, they can be aggressive with other dogs and chase small animals they see as prey.
Even though they are small in size, they need to have plenty of room to move.
As for their coat, the Shiba Inu has a thick double coat that makes them look like a Teddy Bear.
The topcoat is stiff and straight while the undercoat is soft and thick. They are one of the dog breeds that love cold weather where they play in the snow.
17.) Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd originated from Turkey. They were bred to accompany shepherds and guard livestock.
They are very protective and possessive toward their loved ones whether they are humans or animals.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a very large dog who may appear intimidating to others; however, they are very calm and friendly with their family.
They can also be guard dogs because they are wary and suspicious of strangers and those outside their flock.
The Anatolian Shepherd is highly trainable but needs a strong dog parent so they will listen to them.
As for their coat, they have a very short topcoat which is at least an inch long and a thick undercoat.
Being one of the cold weather dog breeds, their coat warms them up during the cold weather.
Conclusion
These are the best cold weather dog breeds that can tolerate cold weather very easily because of the nature of their coat.
The main common aspect between all these breeds is that they have a double coat that helps them stay warm during harsh and cold weather conditions.
Share your experience. Do you have any dog who is on this list and what do they do when there is cold and snowy weather?
