It’s officially that time, “Winter is coming” snowflakes will soon be falling from the American skies, and even though there are clouds over Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, and warm weather in Orlando and Miami, soon most of America will be adorned with sweaters and parkas.
Hence, welcome to the not-so-chilly but cool November, where the air is getting crisp and the rhythm of nature is just perfect for baking cookies. Thanksgiving is near, and soon our doors will be knocked on by cheerful carolers, as the 12 days of long-awaited snowy Christmas begin.
But just as the winds of winter weather enter our continent, leaving many people thinking about putting up lights, decorating Douglas fir and pine trees, and anticipating snow angels. All the dog enthusiasts are just thinking about which puppy they should bring home and which would fit their Winterfell castles.
But don’t you worry, as we are here with a fresh updated winter-friendly puppy list that hate hot and humid climates and are only well suited to chilly cold weather.
Did you know? Most northern breeds are fans of everything icy, not built for the extreme summer heat and hot weather. These pups with insulated thick double coats enjoy cold temperatures and are prone to overheating.
Sensitive Dog Breeds Who Prefer Cool Climates
Tip: Pet parents should always be mindful of extreme temperatures, never leave their dogs outside when its too cold. As doing so can expose even the fluffiest of breeds to frostbite or hypothermia.
Moreover these breeds are also sensitive to heat so extra precautions need to be taken when temperatures rise and stay extra vigilant for signs of overheating. Because these big fluffy pooches love the lying in the AC rather than sunbathing in the sun shine.
1. Siberian Husky
Activity is key to keeping these arctic spitz happy. Huskies are smart, outdoorsy, and just the right amount of cheeky. These dogs with a northern heritage and amber or blue eyes are not just striking, they are like a winter lovers dream.
These silly puppies love exploring the world and are tried and true adventure junkies, so much so that they’ll often be found guilty of trying to break out of their play pens, jumping fences, and devising escape plans for the sake of roaming around.
Filled with an endless amount of energy and covered in a thick coat that protects them from the harshest of colds, Huskies make fantastic family dogs. But with an added mischievous and rambunctious flair. Hence, either lace up those hiking boots or dust off your parkas and take these doggos in the cold outside, or they will show you the cons of leaving them alone by chasing wildlife endlessly.
This breed is also not ideal for blazing hot temperatures; hence, make sure you protect these escape artists from overheating and dehydration.
2. Alaskan Malamute
If Winterfell ever got a short on canine actors, these Alaskan malamutes could totally replace the Northern Inuit dogs for the role of dire wolves. Because the Veterinarians literally call these puffy pooches “Snow Dogs,” and they are evolutionarily developed to survive and thrive in harsh frigid climates.
Mals have thick double coats for insulation, a strong, muscular build for endurance and stamina, and an instinct for teamwork and livestock guarding. This puppy was bred for pulling sleds with heavy equipment, herding livestock, and guarding property in the alpine mountain or arctic environments.
Purina US notes that these pack dogs with strong predatory instincts have an imposing stature and a constant need for physical and mental stimulation, but once you fulfill their energy requirements, they’ll happily curl up on the couch right beside you.
Alaskan malamutes are adoring, playful, and hardworking family pets that might survive but not thrive in summer heat; hence, it is necessary to be cautious and take steps to keep these pups cool when seasons change and the temperatures rise, as these dogs are prone to heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Did you know? Alaskan Malamutes descended from domesticated wolf dogs that migrated alongside hunters crossing the Bering Strait into North America more than 4000 years ago. These excellent hunting companions distracted bears during hunts and found seals using breathing holes.
3. Saint Bernard
These Hollywood superstars of the dog world are gentle giants and renowned for their patient and caring nature. Saint Bernards were bred to be mountain rescuers and have an incredibly honorable history in the Swiss Alps.
This powerful workhorse of a dog has a boisterous and intimidating presence but an incredibly affectionate and comforting nature. Saints are healthy pups with massive heads, a huge frame, powerful limbs, and a bushy tail.
The AKC says these Saint Bernards have a playful and curious nature, love for cuddles, and an endearingly loyal personality. These dogs make excellent family members for families with young kids.
But these alpine rescuers can struggle to stay cool in hot weather. Hence, it is necessary to keep vulnerable mountain dogs indoors in heat and humidity.
4. Newfoundland
The loyal, devoted breed with a loving personality is another sweet-tempered and laid-back dog who doesn’t like high heat. Their flat, water-resistant double coat makes them survive and thrive in icy temperatures and cold water.
Agile and relatively athletic Newfies have an intelligent, easy-to-train, social, and patient disposition. The exact roots and ancestry of this older dog have been lost in the sands of time and the mist of history.
But did you know? Legend says a dog resembling a Newfoundland accompanied Leif Erikson when the Vikings landed on the coast of Newfoundland over 1,000 years ago.
Chewy says with hearts as big as their bodies, these dogs were built for withstanding cold and wet weather conditions.
Developed to assist fishermen in hauling nets and perform on-time water rescues, these excellent swimmers with webbed paws can even survive in ice-cold water. However, their giant size, thick coat, and dark color make them especially susceptible and at risk for heat stroke.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The cooler times call for a cool dog breed, don’t you think? We taught so too. These tricolor sennenhunds with their short, smooth coat and burly bodies and rounded and strong paws. These large Bernese mountain dogs are total softies.
Hill’s Pet US says affectionate, fun-loving, and loyal, Berners have a diverse ability to handle demanding tasks, as they were bred to be farm dogs. But might we tell you these pooches have a silky, long double coat that provides protection from harsh weather, but weekly brushing sessions are necessary.
Moreover, if you want these smart canines to stay comfortable in hot weather, make sure you are raking their undercoat with a brush regularly to remove excess fur.
These strong, self-confident, and generally easy-going pups bond strongly to their people and are even good with other animals and pets. Just make sure you take this striking, sturdy dog with surprising agility along with you on short walks in the early morning to meet their energy and stimulation requirements. Not all dogs fare well in hot climates, and the Berners don’t either.
These pups with heavy coats can regulate their body temperature marvelously in snow, but are susceptible to overheating and heat stroke in the summer heat.
6. Samoyed
An elegant and pristine angelic white coat, a friendly personality, and a permanent smile on their face. “Smiley dogs” are playful, alert, powerful, and active. Sammies are fluffy arctic canines that love playing in nature and outdoor activities.
Hence, if you want a good-natured, loving puppy who is literally as white as snow, then these pooches are your ideal companion for extreme weather.
Historically, these dogs were originally bred to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and guard them against predators in cooler climates. But the Continental Kennel Club says, other than pulling heavy loads, Sammies also provided warmth by snuggling up with the members of the tribe.
A suggestion for prospective pet parents looking for a winter breed is that these Sammies can make a wonderful Christmas present for your kids. Because these pups with a forever cheerful glee have a connection with reindeer, and second, they can easily haul a wagonload of children to the park or on a ski resort and winter escapade.
Interestingly enough, Samoyeds were part of the first team of explorers to reach the South Pole. The only con is that these snow-loving adventure dogs from the icy terrains of Siberia will need a lot of regular grooming and cannot survive in the hottest parts of the world unless you have a really good AC installed at your home
7. Norwegian Elkhound
Outgoing and dependable with an endearing eagerness to please. These Norwegian Elkhounds have sensitive and trusting natures and a luxurious silver-gray coat. This National dog of Norway is born athletes and hunters with a flair for tackling outdoor exercise and adventures every day.
From herder, hauler, hunter to guardian and watchdog, these adaptable dogs have held many jobs in their long history and are known for their strong work ethic.
These furry pups have a strong presence in Norse history and mythology and were the aids and companions of Vikings, which was proven by a Norwegian Elkhound Skeleton found buried beside its Viking master in a cave dating back to 4,000 B.C. and a Norwegian Elkhound dubbed “King of the Land” in Trondheim.
These bold, energetic, and devoted companions thrive in any winter land due to their thick double coat, a dense woolly undercoat, and weather-resistant overcoats. Norwegian elkhounds are compact-sized pooches with straight backs, muscular necks, and broad, wedge-shaped heads.
In summer heat, always make sure your elkhounds have shade and access to fresh water, or they can overheat.
Conclusion
If you live in Minnesota or Newyork where the chillier temperatures and darker skies have brought in a pleasant, merry feeling of anticipation for Christmas, then these fluffy pups will only increase the happiness and coziness in your hearths and homes. But if you are still facing autumn in your region, some of the sensitive puppies from the canine kingdom will be your ideal cuddle buddies in the upcoming frosty season.
Moreover, if you are not satisfied with this long list of cool dogs and are still on the lookout and tracking for more winter-friendly pooches. We recommend the Great Pyrenees, which is known for its thick fur and coat, and the flat-faced French bulldog with short fur and muzzle, with an added hoodie on top for those colder months ahead. Happy Almost Winter.
