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If you live in a chilly climate or enjoy outdoor winter activities, choosing a dog that actually thrives in cold weather can make the winter months a lot more enjoyable.
While coats and boots can help, certain breeds are naturally equipped to handle frosty temperatures and snowy conditions better than others. Of course, you'll still need to take steps to keep them comfortable and safe when it's very cold outside, especially during walks.
Let's explore the best dog breeds for cold weather, including those that excel in hunting and winter activities!
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At a glance - the top five dog breeds for cold weather
| Breed | Energy level | Grooming needs | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siberian Husky | Very high | Moderate | Medium |
| Saint Bernard | Moderate | Moderate | Giant |
| Samoyed | High | High | Medium |
| Newfoundland | Moderate | High | Giant |
| Great Pyrenees | Moderate | Moderate | Large |
What makes a dog “suited” to cold weather?
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Breeds that do well in the cold usually have a mix of:
A bigger size, which helps retain heat
Big, furry paws
Higher levels of body fat
Thick double coats
Thick ears
Usually, these breeds originate from the colder parts of the world, and they’ve adapted to survive these harsher conditions. These features all work together to keep these dogs warm, dry and comfortable.
Siberian Husky
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Traits: Known for their striking blue eyes and thick double coats, Siberian Huskies are the quintessential snow dogs. Bred as sledge dogs, they have incredible endurance and love cold weather.
Best for: Active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
Things to consider: Huskies can be escape artists and need a secure garden.
Why they’re good in the cold: Specialised double coats and efficient metabolisms to generate heat.
Alaskan Malamute
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Traits: Larger than the Husky, Alaskan Malamutes are powerful and built for hauling heavy loads. Their dense, waterproof coat keeps them warm in harsh conditions.
Best for: Those who appreciate a strong, independent dog with a love for the outdoors.
Things to consider: Malamutes need consistent training and socialisation due to their strong-willed nature.
Why they’re good in the cold: Thick, double coat, big paws and a specialised bushy tail to keep heat retained.
Saint Bernard
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Traits: Famous for their rescue work in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are gentle giants with a thick, oily coat that repels snow and water.
Best for: Families or individuals who can provide space and a moderate exercise routine.
Things to consider: Their size means they need plenty of room, and they can be prone to drooling.
Why they’re good in the cold: Huge body size, big paws and a coat adapted to the cold and wet.
Labrador Retriever
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Traits: Labrador Retrievers are versatile hunters with a love for water, thanks to their water-resistant double coat. They're energetic, friendly, and great companions for cold-weather hunting, hiking, or camping trips.
Best for: Active families or hunters who can provide plenty of physical activity.
Things to consider: They shed a lot and need regular grooming. They're also prone to some health conditions, like hip dysplasia, so buying from a reputable breeder and staying on top of vet visits is important.
Why they’re good in the cold: Water-repellent coat, webbed toes to handle water and a dense undercoat.
German Shorthaired Pointer
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Traits: With a sleek, dense, and water-resistant coat, German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent cold-weather dogs. They're known for their agility, endurance, and keen hunting instincts.
Best for: Active pet parents and hunters who can meet their high energy levels.
Things to consider: They require extensive exercise and mental stimulation.
Why they’re good in the cold: Water-repellent coat, fast metabolism and high energy generate heat.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Traits: Originating from the Swiss Alps, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick coat and love cold weather. They're calm, affectionate, and excellent with children.
Best for: Pet parents with a spacious garden and home.
Things to consider: Like many giant dogs, they have a shorter lifespan than some other breeds and can be prone to certain genetic health issues, so adopt or shop carefully.
Why they’re good in the cold: Big, sturdy build and a thick, water-repellent coat.
Samoyed
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Traits: Known for their friendly "smile," Samoyeds have a dense, fluffy coat that keeps them warm in freezing temperatures. They are social, playful, and great with families.
Best for: Active families who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide ample exercise.
Things to consider: Their thick coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
Why they’re good in the cold: Double-layered fur, specialised lips that prevent their fur from getting wet with drool, and hairy paws that keep the heat in.
Newfoundlands
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Traits: These gentle giants have a thick, water-resistant coat and are excellent swimmers. Newfoundlands are known for their strength and calm demeanour, making them ideal family dogs for cold-weather climates.
Best for: Pet parents who appreciate a large, gentle companion.
Things to consider: They drool (a lot) and require regular grooming due to their thick coat.
Why they’re good in the cold: Highly resistant to water and have lots of fat reserves.
Great Pyrenees
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Traits: With a dense double coat, Great Pyrenees are natural guardians of livestock and love cold weather. They are calm, patient, and protective.
Best for: Pet parents with large properties and/or those seeking a reliable guardian for their livestock.
Things to consider: Pyrenees are working dogs, so they thrive when they're given a role. They can be independent and require a firm, consistent hand in training.
Why they’re good in the cold: Efficient metabolism, big paws and a bigger body.
Akita
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Traits: Originating from Japan, Akitas have a thick double coat that insulates them well in cold climates. They're loyal, courageous, and make excellent guard dogs.
Best for: Experienced dog owners who can provide firm training and ample exercise.
Things to consider: Akitas can be reserved with strangers and need proper socialisation to play well with others.
Why they’re good in the cold: Natural oils and a thick coat keep them warm.
American Eskimo Dog
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Traits: Despite the name, American Eskimo Dogs hail from Germany. With their dense, fluffy coat, they're well-equipped for cold weather. They're intelligent, playful, and affectionate.
Best for: Active pet parents who can provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Things to consider: They need regular grooming and can be prone to separation anxiety.
Why they’re good in the cold: Double coat, thick, small ears and a plumed tail keep them wind-and-cold-resistant.
Chow Chow
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Traits: Chow Chows are known for their distinctive lion-like mane and dense double coat, which provide excellent insulation against the cold. They're independent, loyal, and dignified, often with a reserved demeanour.
Best for: Experienced dog owners who can provide consistent, firm training and socialisation. They thrive in homes where they can have their own space and a solid routine.
Things to consider: Chow Chows can be aloof with strangers and other animals. They require regular grooming to maintain their thick coat and prevent matting.
Why they’re good in the cold: Thick mane and a double coat trap in heat efficiently.
The bottom line
Choosing a dog that thrives in cold weather means more fun for both of you in frosty conditions. Whether you need a hunting buddy or a family pet that loves the snow, there’s a perfect cold-weather breed (or blend of breeds!) out there.
Oh, and be sure to read our winter guide, too, which includes cold-weather safety tips for every type of dog.
FAQs
What’s the best dog breed for cold weather?
There isn't a single "best" dog breed for cold weather. Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Saint Bernards are all well adapted to colder climates.
But the right dog depends on factors like their personality and how well they fit your lifestyle (activity level, living space, temperament, etc).
What dog breed likes snow the most?
Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and Samoyeds are breeds known for loving snow. But it mainly depends on your dog’s personality, not their breed.
Are small dogs good in cold weather?
Small dogs typically struggle in colder weather. Their small bodies mean they lose body heat faster, and larger dogs typically have more body fat.
What dogs shouldn’t live in cold climates?
Dogs with thin coats and low body fat will struggle in cold climates, like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds.
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