Some places in the United States barely feel a change from summer to winter. In other cities, the change is quite pronounced. For several months out of the year, you trade sunshine for a great deal of snowfall. If you live in one of these latter cities, then you want to make sure you get a dog that is well-acclimated for the climate.
Some dogs were bred in incredibly cold conditions. They have thick coats of fur, so the cold does not bother them as much. After all, you probably still want to take your dog for a walk often, and you do not want your pooch shivering the entire time. A nice doggie coat can help some canines deal with the winter better, but sometimes, you just want a dog that is naturally equipped to handle the cold. Here are some great dog breeds that are well-suited for excessively cold and snowy locations.
- Tibetan Terrier
As the name suggests, the Tibetan Terrier was bred to withstand the harsh climate of Tibet. It gets incredibly cold over there, so no matter where you live in the United States, this terrier breed will be well-suited for the occasion. This canine has huge, flat feet that are capable of giving it great traction even in heavy snow. They essentially function as snowshoes, so it will still manage to run when snow is on the ground. It also has a protective double coat that makes it soft to the touch. They are agile and love to climb, making them great companions to have when you are stuck in the snow. - Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies were bred for dog sledding. Naturally, this makes them well-suited for the cold. The breed originated from Northeast Asia, but it has become incredibly popular in the States. They are hard workers and have a lot of pent-up energy. Therefore, if you plan on getting one, then you want to make sure it has plenty of space to run around in. A big backyard will help immensely. You also want to keep in mind that Huskies tend to shed a lot, so have a vacuum cleaner handy. - Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are incredibly confident dogs. They also tend to be vocal, so be ready for a lot of talking. They are always up for exploring, so when you take them outside, they will want to check out everything. Luckily, they are not bothered by the snow because they have a double coat of incredibly thick fur. One thing you will probably notice about your Shiba Inu is that it loves to search for things. When there is a lot of snow on the ground, do not be surprised if your Shiba Inu goes digging in search of doggie treasures. - Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards grew in popularity in the early 1990s thanks to the hit film Beethoven. They may be big, but they are lovers who will have no problem protecting you and your family. You just need to prepare for the fact yours will grow in size and probably end up being between 120 and 200 pounds. Saint Bernards do not have a ton of energy, so you likely will not see yours running around too often. However, they are incredibly affectionate, and they are willing to work when the time arises. Being heavy dogs with lots of fur, these pooches do not mind dropping temperatures in the slightest. - Newfoundland
Newfies are the ideal family dog. They do not have a lot of energy like Saint Bernards, but they more than make up for it by being friendly and protective. This is an incredibly calm breed, but they will act in emergencies. Newfies weight up to 150 pounds and have incredibly heavy coats. This is why they are commonly used for icy water rescues. They have no problem jumping into a cold lake to rescue somebody. They have no problem with freezing temperatures, and the main thing you have to watch out for is that they do tend to drool a lot. - Bulgarian Shepherd
Also known as a Karakachan Bear Dog, the Bulgarian Shepherd makes for a great working and guardian dog. They are loyal pets with highly protective instincts. These dogs usually end up being between 80 and 120 pounds, and they love to be in open spaces. In fact, they prefer to sleep outdoors even if it is raining or snowing. They will typically not seek shelter from the snow, so do not be surprised if you see your little bear dog frolicking in the snow while you are inside enjoying a nice fireplace. - Chow Chow
Chow Chows are perhaps most well-known for having excessively wooly coats. This makes them highly resistant to cold temperatures. You will be able to take your Chow Chow anywhere with you even if there is snow on the ground. They love the outdoors, and they are very affectionate. Your Chow Chow will want to go everywhere with you, even if you are just running a few errands. - American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo originally came from Germany oddly enough. It received its name from its white coat and not necessarily any connection to the Eskimos. They are playful and can easily learn tricks. Their coats are generally resistant to soaking, and they have thick ears that help them regulate their body temperatures, so they stay warm in the cold. - Akita
One of the most royal dogs you will find in the world is the Akita. This breed of dog originally came from Japan, and at one point, they were owned exclusively by the Imperial family. This dog was bred to be a hunting companion in cold weather. They have a harsh outer coat and dense undercoat to help them withstand dropping temperatures. They can be independent, but they are always loyal to their families.
When you live somewhere that has cold temperatures often, consider one of these great pups to add to your family. Otherwise, you may want to look into getting a doggie sweater so that your furry friend is not shivering all the time.