Let it Snow: 5 Dog Breeds That Love Cold Weather

For many of us, the arrival of winter weather means the end of outdoor activities until spring rolls around again. But for others, the crisp cold weather is an invitation to head outside to crunch around in the snow and partake in fun-filled winter activities like skiing, sledding, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more! Snowy activities can also be a great way to bond with your pup – especially if their breed is built for cold weather. 

Given the opportunity, most dogs will jump at the chance to burrow and roll around in the snow, chomping at snowflakes, and barking at the neighborhood snowmen. Many domestic breeds will need to be winterized with a coat and booties to keep them safe and warm in the snow, but others are simply built for it. Originally bred for use in cold climates, these breeds possess sturdy muscular bodies and heavy coats that allow them to enjoy snowy outdoor activities.

Read on to learn more about some of the cutest cold weather dogs you will ever see!

(If the thought of cold snowy weather makes you and your doggo shiver, you may want to check out our indoors winter activities blog post HERE. And don’t forget to pick up a Holiday Hot Cocoa for your pup to curl up with in front of the fireplace!)

Saint Bernard

One of the most iconic and beloved snow-loving dog breeds, the mighty Saint Bernard is famous for its massive size and reputation as a snow rescue dog. Originally bred as a working dog, they were used by farmers for drafting, herding and guarding duties. Sometime between 1660 and 1670, monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice along the Italian-Swiss border acquired these dogs to protect travelers from bandits. Soon thereafter, the monks discovered the dog’s natural ability to locate and rescue travelers along the snowy and often treacherous mountain pass.

Sporting a thick double coat and weighing in at over 120 pounds, working Saint Bernards are typically used today as snow and avalanche rescue dogs. They are often portrayed wearing a cask of brandy around their neck, but the monks of St. Bernard dispute this is a myth. The first artistic depiction of a Saint Bernard with a cask around its neck is from the 1820 painting Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler by Edwin Landseer. 

Bernese Mountain Dog 

Originally bred as an all-around farm dog in the Swiss region of Bern, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four Swiss mountain dogs known as the Sennenhund. Used for everything from drafting carts and droving livestock to herding and guarding the farm, the versatile breed affectionately nicknamed Berner also makes a wonderful family pet. An easy-going and affectionate breed, they are happiest when they are with their family.

Possessing a thick double coat of silky fur, this tri-color cutie thrives in cold weather and enjoys partaking in outdoor winter activities like hiking and snowshoeing. They also do well at competitive activities like agility, conformation, herding and obedience – but they truly excel at pulling activities like drafting and carting. Berners are not considered a high-energy breed but do require at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

Keeshond

Originating from Holland, the adorable little Keeshond is the national dog of the Netherlands. Primarily bred to be a companion dog, the Keeshond often lived on canal barges and was commonly referred to as the Dutch Barge Dog. Its playful personality and smiling expression have also earned it the nickname of the Smiling Dutchman. Known to be extremely affectionate, the lively Keeshond is an ideal family pet that loves to be in the company of their people.

The Keeshond’s dense double coat and thick ruff around its neck insulates the spunky little fluffball, helping to protect it from cold and damp climates. When snow comes, the Keeshond would much rather be romping around in the snow with you than to be curled up inside their home without you. If cross-country skiing is your thing, it will likely be theirs too. These dogs are down for almost anything, so if you are looking for a cute little snow buddy to pal around with, look no further than the Keeshond.

Akita Inu

The largest of Japan’s six native spitz-type breeds, the Akita Inu originates from the mountainous northern prefecture of Akita. Originally known as the “snow country dog,” Akita dogs were used to hunt wild boar, elk, and small bear. Made famous by the heartwarming story of Hachikō, the Akita dog is celebrated in Japan for its unwavering loyalty. Visitors to Tokyo can visit a statue of the beloved Hachikō and view the Hachiko Family Mural at Shibuya Station.

The Akita Inu is a heavy-boned, strong, and muscular breed with a thick triple coat which protects them from the elements. The combination of a straight coarse topcoat, a soft top undercoat, and a thick and woolly undercoat keeps them insulated from cold and makes them virtually waterproof. In addition to their warm protective coat, they also have webbed toes that help to distribute their weight, allowing them to walk on snow with ease.

Samoyed

Named after the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia where the breed originates, the Samoyed is built to survive harsh winter weather and frigid temps. Originally bred to hunt, herd reindeer, and pull sleds, these dogs were extremely valuable companions for the nomadic people of the region. Resembling a fluffy cloud or a living stuffed animal, the Samoyed’s thick double coat of beautiful white fur serves to protect them against snowy weather and extreme temperatures. 

Besides its beautiful white fur, another distinctive trait of the breed is its “Samoyed smile.” With upturned corners to their mouths, Sammies always appear to be smiling adorably. But, just like that thick white fur, this perpetual smile also serves a purpose, helping to keep the Samoyed from drooling and forming icicles around its mouth. It’s also worth noting that its thick coat can also help keep it cooler in hot weather.