When picking a new dog to join your family, there are a lot of factors to consider. Stuff like their temperament, their size, and the level of care they will require from you. But, people often forget to factor in the climate when making such a big decision. The temperature of your surroundings will have an immense effect on the dog you are bringing home. If you live in colder areas, the pups who can adjust in your home easily will be different than the ones who adjust to warmer or more humid climates.
Dogs that are fit to endure chilly weather usually have a long coat, but they also have a thick double-coat (which is even better).
Many varieties have a double-coat, with a rough outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat, which can provide exceptional warmth and comfort.
While several dog breeds are comfortable in cooler weather, the following breeds are the best double-coated dogs suited for cold climates:
Great Pyrenees
With snow-white coating, the Greater Pyrenees would originally protect livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France. Their long double-coats help them resemble sheep, which put the latter at ease. The dogs were bred to live away from their owners and fight off wolves and other predators. As a result, these double-coated dogs are less affectionate, but it also means they are less prone to experience separation anxiety.
Samoyed
Like the Great Pyrenees, Samoyed dogs were also formerly bred to herd livestock and draw sleds in Siberian winters. Later on, they served an even more vital purpose – to keep their owners warm during the freezing nights. While this means that the Samoyed is a breed that is affectionate and loves to cuddle, they do need frequent grooming. So, keep that in mind when making your choice!
Chow Chow
Chow Chows look like adorable teddy bears. But keep in mind that they are not cuddly dogs. They portray a sense of dignity and can be reserved in their affections. These double-coated dogs are of an ancient breed that has its origins in China, where they were bred as all-purpose dogs. They were trained to hunt, herd, and protect; and are a very intelligent and adaptable breed. They can be an intimidating guard dog as they are extremely territorial!
Alaskan Husky
Alaskan Huskies are bred to be working dogs, but they are not good watchdogs. They are warm, friendly, and tend to bark less as a result. Huskies generally have great physical endurance and can easily survive colder climates. This double-coated dog is the perfect family dog – affectionate, and they love children! Even though they are very intelligent and highly trainable, the huskies have a will of their own and can be quite stubborn. Keep in mind that training them requires patience and consistency.
Keeshond
Keeshonds are an old breed of dogs originating around the 17th and 18th-centuries in Holland. The Keeshond is a breed of dogs that is full of personality. They love everyone and are eager to be a part of family activities. Affectionate and friendly, these puppies can even be trained to perform! Because they are lively and alert, these dogs remain, almost exclusively, as companion dogs.
Shiba Inu
Originally bred to assist in hunting wild boar and to flush out birds and other small game, Shiba Inu have now become famous as companion dogs. A Japanese native breed, Shibas have a spread personality and display catlike agility. Though not particularly hyper, they enjoy going for walks and are fairly energetic. But, it is important to note that these double-coated dogs shed twice a year and can suffer mild separation anxiety.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are adorable goofballs who love to play around and are highly affectionate. They also just happen to be massive dogs that weigh from around 34 to 50 kgs, which can be a little tough to handle. These dogs were originally bred in Switzerland to pull heavy loads and livestock in the Alps. But they are extremely friendly and are very much at home in cold climates. The Bernese Mountain dogs are also very intelligent and love to please their people and are very easy to train.
American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dogs are also known as the German Spitz and Japanese Spitz Dogs. Even though they weigh only 9 to 18 kgs, the American Eskimo dogs are generally characterized as guard dogs. These dogs generally have long double coats and a bushy tail that help them adapt to colder climates very easily. Originally bred to protect homes and territories, the current members of the breed also retain a suspicious disposition. As a result, they tend to bark at perceived threats more easily.
Alaskan Malamute
The Malamutes were bred to drag heavy loads and, as a result, are quite built. But thanks to their heavy double coat, they tend to look even bigger than they are. The Alaskan Malamutes are friendly dogs who generally like strangers and approach them with wagging tails. But they can be slightly hostile towards other dogs and often do not get along with cats.
Newfoundland
Throughout their history, theNewfoundlands have carried out various jobs. Although they are most famous for helping fishermen work their nets in the freezing waters of Newfoundland, Canada, which is where the breed gets its name. They are known for their friendly nature and gentle disposition. They are not as hyper as, say, Labrador Retrievers (whom they are distantly related to), but they are very smart and eager to please.
BUT, even double-coated dogs can sometimes feel the chill in the air. So what can you do to help them brave the cold winters?
- You can give your dog a set of boots to help them keep their paws warm. Booties will also provide traction against frozen, slippery surfaces.
- A cozy dog sweater will not only look cute, but it will also make your pet feel more comfortable in the freezing weather.
- In cases where your dog cannot sleep in the home, you can provide a heated dog house for their comfort.