Best Cold-Weather Dog Breeds

There are many good cold-weather dog breeds. Most are huge breeds like Great Pyrenees or Alaskan Malamutes, but smaller dogs like Shiba Inus can handle cold. 

Discover some cold-loving breeds & their traits. Most cold-weather dogs are from chilly climates. 

They were employed for hunting big game, dog sledding, & search-&-rescue. Their history can explain why they're good cold-weather breeds. 

Akitas are "snow country dogs" from the rough Japanese mountains. Their short, thick coat insulates them from cold temperatures. 

They're protective to their owners & don't need much exercise. Cold-loving canines are usually Alaskan Malamutes. This breed came from Alaska, where they pulled sleds & hunted bears & seals. 

High-energy breeders need intense physical exercise and play to keep healthy. The Bernese Mountain Dog, a working dog from the Swiss Alps, protects, herds, and pulls big goods. 

They love snow & cuddling indoors. Though gentle with family, Bernese need moderate to high activity. Chinooks were bred to be sled dogs despite their appearance. Chinooks can adapt to warmer climates. 

Breeders are smart & diligent. They're not hyper or agitated, but as working dogs, they need mental & physical stimulation to keep healthy. 

Chow Chows are easily recognised by their lion-like mane & woolly coat. This old breed evolved to survive chilly northern Chinese winters. Chow Chows are territorial, unsocial dogs. 

Before adopting, owners should research their training and temperament. Finnish Lapphunds were bred to herd reindeer. Their thick, waterproof coat helps them survive Arctic winters. Although placid, working dogs need regular, vigorous exercise & mental stimulation to keep fit. 

The German Shepherd Dog was a herding dog from Germany before becoming a popular home pet. Though susceptible to extremes, their muscular bulk and thick coats allow them to survive freezing weather. 

German Shepherds need moderate to high exercise, but they are eager to please & train, so they may not acquire some of the behavioural issues associated with high-energy working dogs who don't get enough.

The Great Pyrenees was bred to guard herds. In Europe's Pyrenees Mountains, these huge, hairy dogs adapted to tough conditions. Pyrenees need modest activity to be healthy.

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