3 Dog Breeds that Love Winter

This past winter has been a stark reminder of just how cold it can get in various parts of the country. With arctic blasts coming from down north, heavy snows falling across multiple states, and wind chill bringing the weather into the negatives, it can all be a little intimidating! Not just for you – but for your dog, as well! Many dogs struggle with winter weather, with some of them being so unprepared for harsh winter weather that it is absolutely unhealthy, and even dangerous, for them to be outside at certain temperature levels or during high levels of snow and/or ice.

On the flip side, there are several breeds of dog that absolutely love cold weather. If you want your canine companion to be fearless in the face of February, then you’ll want to select a breed that is not just able to handle the cold, but is at home in it!

1. Akita

The Akita is Japanese in its origins, a breed that once belonged to the Imperial family of Japan and that continues to enjoy cultural popularity through the statues of Akita often given to new parents as symbols of health and happiness. You may not know it, but Japan actually gets very cold and snowy during the winter, especially in the northern climes of the country, and the Akita is bred for that environment. With a thick undercoat and tough outer coat, the Akita is a great protector and friend in the winter.

2. Alaskan Malamute

You know the Alaskan Malamute from just about any story of dogs in the great white north: tough, strong, and hairy, the Malamute is bred to live in the coldest of climates and even thrive there. They were used as sled dogs, and the breed descends from the biggest and strongest of those dogs, as they were needed for the freighting industry in Arctic regions. Their thick coat keeps them very warm during winter weather, as you can imagine!

3. Chow Chow

Up to now, we’ve only discussed relatively large dogs, but the Chow Chow is a smaller dog that is nonetheless very tolerant of cold weather. With black tongues and thick, warm coats, cold temperatures don’t bother them. In fact, they love playing in the snow!