Living in the polar weather is not easy for anyone, let alone animals who cannot even properly convey their troubles. Those who reside in boreal regions know how difficult it is to get bundled up for almost the entire year to survive the biting cold. But having the resources to cover yourself up in layers is a luxury that many don’t have, like animals-particularly those who are not naturally cold-tolerant.
That is why not all pets can survive the freezing weather in the frigidly cold parts of the world, so animal lovers need to make conscious choices when selecting an animal to bring home. Keeping that in mind, we decided to round up 7 dog breeds for colder regions to help future dog owners make sound choices.
If you are a dog person looking for cold-tolerant dog breeds, these are some of your top options.
The universally recognized dog to comfortably get by in the iciest climates; the Siberian Husky
Siberian huskies are gorgeous wolf-like dogs with double-thick coats, pricked ears, supple bodies, and mesmerizing eyes. They are known to survive the most freezing-ly cold weather conditions because they were bred to lug sleighs in the snowy Russian tundra. Therefore, the stunning Siberians are so comfortable in the snow.
Moreover, they carry a fondness for humans from their early days as their first job of pulling sleds required them to be with humans most of the time. As a result, these magnificent canines have a soft spot for their owners, making them perfectly suitable for any home.
Another dog breed that thrives in freezing temperatures is the Bernese mountain dog. These are adorable-looking, fluffy canines with thick fur to protect them in cold weather. Their appearance makes them pretty approachable, which also matches their friendly nature. To simply put, Bernese mountain dogs are medium-sized, playful dogs with an innate goofiness that reflects in their button nose, floppy ears, and overall innocent-looking face.
The pages of history describe them as all-purpose farm dogs bred to look after farms, tow milk carts, and herd livestock. Because Bernese doggies were all about serving their master, they still carry that aspect of their early personality. Obviously, they are not completely the way they were back in the day because now Bernese are not used on farms, but they still enjoy being around their owners and love to be of service.
Keeshond
Not a popular dog breed, Keeshonds make excellent pets as they love to be around humans. Their dense double coat makes them an ideal choice for domestication for colder regions, while their happy-go-lucky, fun-loving nature earns them a top rank among the best family dogs.
Keeshonds are medium-sized canines with pricked ears and a lithe body. They love to play and participate in all family activities. They are a common pet in many Holland households.
A commendable quality of Keeshonds is their willingness to stay home alone without getting disruptive. That makes them a suitable pet for working individuals who need to stay out all day. But obviously, that doesn’t happen from the start. First, you’ll have to familiarize your fluffy friend with their new home, and then you can leave them for hours alone.
Known for their guarding capabilities, German shepherds are, more often than not, adopted to be watchdogs. While that’s okay, they are also remarkably suitable for cold weather, so they can be kept as a pet in arctic regions.
Quick on their feet, German shepherds are incredibly intelligent and alert, which is why they are the first choice to be watchdogs. But you need to train them and make sure they exercise regularly, or else they can develop unhealthy habits and aggressive behaviors.
This German breed fits well in freezing regions. So, if you want to have an awe-inspiring canine companion to keep you company in your icy home, you should consider getting a German shepherd.
The strong and sturdy Saint Bernard is another cold-tolerant dog breed that doesn’t like heat at all.
History reports that Saint Bernards were bred to survive the freezing temperatures of the Alps, so their coats are as thick as they come. They love being in families and enjoy sharing affection with everyone, which is why they come among the most desirable pets in the world.
Their floppy ears, slightly pendulous lips, and drooping eyes come together to make one cute face that can melt anyone’s heart in an instant.
Add their love for humans to their endearing features, and you have the perfect pet, but only for icy climates.
Saint Bernards are super strong and can take down a buff human with surprising ease. So if you want a fluffy bodyguard, you should consider bringing a Saint Bernard home. But remember, you will have to regularly engage them in physical activity and train them relentlessly to understand cues as they can be a little slow-witted.
Alaskan Malamutes date back to 4000 years, making them an ancient breed. They are well-known sled dogs, so naturally, they do well in arctic temperatures. Their double coat keeps them sufficiently warm to survive the snow.
The name Malamute gives the nod to the first breeders of these Alaskan canines- the Mahlemuts. Alaskan Malamutes are friendly dogs, which makes them good pets. However, training them can be tricky, especially for a new and inexperienced dog parent.
The exceedingly fluffy Alaskans resemble Siberian huskies a bit in their wolf-like appearance, but the former breed is relatively smaller than the latter.
The last cold-tolerant dog breed on our list is Newfoundland.
Newfoundlands come with heavily thick fur to keep them comfortable in frigid temperatures. They have submissive personalities and can adjust to all kinds of lifestyles. However, they need plenty of food in their early years, particularly the first year; after that, they become less ravenous. They also need space to work out regularly to stay active.
With small ears, a big head, and webbed paws, a Newfoundland dog loves to wade around water. So, if you choose to bring one home, be sure to provide your pet with sufficient space and water to live comfortably.
All cold-tolerant dog breeds share one similarity: a heavy coat, which is understandable because that helps them get through freezing temperature spells.
So, if you think you want some other breed than the ones mentioned in this article, be sure to get one with thick fur to sustain the polar weather in your region.