It’s almost time to put away the rakes and jackets and grab your snow shovels and coats. Winter is almost here, and it’s time to get ready. You’re kids aren’t the only ones that are excited about the snow, there’s a good chance your favorite furry companion is too. While it’s true, there are some dogs, that want nothing to do with the cold and wet, there are others that are built for it. Here are five breeds of dogs that absolutely love the snow.
Siberian Husky
No snow dog list would be complete without the Husky. Huskies hail from the eastern regions of Asia, bred from the native tribes in Siberia, hence the name. The Siberian huskies are one of the oldest breeds of dogs around today. Sleek and strong, Huskies have a dense undercoat, and superb hunting instincts which makes them the perfect winter hunting dog.
Alaskan Malamute
Malamutes are not only gorgeous, but have a long standing history as being the largest breed of Arctic sled dogs. Named after an Alaskan Inuit tribe, Malamutes are bred for endurance and strength, making them surprisingly strong and hearty in the cold. They also have a very thick coat which helps to keep them warm as well as an adorably fluffy tail which makes this breed stand out from the rest.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is originally a herding dog from the Pyrenees mountain range. They were found throughout Asia, as well as certain parts of France and Spain. These are one of the few breeds that can almost be consider “all weather” dogs. Bred on the mountains where the climates are prone to change in little to no time, their thick double coat goes a long way to helping keep them warm and dry.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are yet another breed of Siberian dogs that have a great love of snow. Unlike most other breeds, Samoyeds are bred independently from other dogs, making them one of the only four groups of dog breeds to be considered direct descendants of wolves. Samoyeds saw a variety of work as herding dogs, sled dogs, or just something to help keep their owners warm during the harsh and freezing cold of the Siberian mountains.
Newfoundland
You might not think it, but Newfies also do really well in the snow. Their long, sleek coat is not only pretty, but does wonders to help keep them warm. Newfoundlands are also incredibly strong dogs, capable of pulling drowning swimmers ashore. While that’s not necessary a concern in the front yard, there’s something to be said for watching your newfie run and kick up the snow behind them.
These dogs are built for the snow, and certainly adapt well to cold conditions, however, most dogs enough romping and playing in the snow. Between chasing snow balls and pulling your children across the yard, there’s a lot of fun to be had watching your pup play. Just make sure you keep an eye on them, even the snow breeds. Just because they have a fur coat, doesn’t mean they don’t get cold. Dogs can also get hypothermia and frostbite, the same as humans. So take them out, let them play, just bring them back inside when all the fun is done.
+Neil Kilgore is the Jack (Russell) of all trades at Greenfield Puppies in Lancaster Pa. He regularly blogs about dogs, breeders and puppies on the Greenfield Puppies website.
