Today’s weather update is, with the icy winds picking up and temperatures dropping consistently below, leaving half of America shivering and the other half experiencing the pleasantly cool change of scenery. The winter weather is officially upon us.
But before all the common folks rush to warm their hands on a kindled fireplace and prepare themselves for some cozy winter nights in their den. Stacking up those groceries and buying all the ingredients for the perfect s’mores. An unconventional wanderer’s heart doesn’t relate to time spent indoors.
For a true explorer, the mountains are always calling, and life is only truly lived on the road.
So, if you are someone who lives for adventure and can’t wait to dash your way through the snow. We have gathered some exceptional dog breeds for snowy adventures and fun that not only thrive in cold climates but are also equally in love with exploration in frigid temperatures.
Exceptional Dog Breeds for Snowy Adventures & Fun
1. Siberian Husky
Dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh is so last season, people. Pick these outdoorsy, cheeky, and social puppies with a hint of mischief hiding in their eyes to enjoy your time in the snow outdoors.
Continental Kennel Club says try skiing with these ultrafast Siberian Huskies developed by the nomadic Chukchi tribe to help you and your dog burn off some energy and follow up with some happy playtime in the snow. An active dog breed like these Huskies will find it exhilarating as you let them run in front of you, as you trail closely behind.
Skijoring or ski driving is a great winter sport with its roots in Scandinavian lands. Where the ancient practice of harnessing animals for transportation is combined with the thrill of skiing. All you need is a harness, your trusty skis, and you and your brilliantly blue-eyed puppies. To have some fun in this extreme cold.
2. Alaskan Malamute
If cross country skiing is not your cup of tea, and you want to do something more slow-paced than hiking out in the cold weather is one of the most entertaining activities you can enjoy with this indigenous creation.
Your Alaskan Malamute puppy is going to be so ecstatic when it is allowed to smell the different scents in the woods and gaze at the new scenery. Not to mention, it’s also the perfect addition to a family when it’s time to deck the halls with bells of holly because these dogs with a dense double coat are naturally jolly.
Orvis says originally bred to be adventurous, intelligent, and spirited, these massively muscular and double-coated dogs with a wolf-like appearance once worked for the indigenous Inuit tribes. Hence, taking these playful and fluffy big dogs out in the cold just makes perfect sense.
3. Samoyed
Another sled dog in the building, try some kick sledding with your ever-smiling Sammy to turn it into a merry man in the great outdoors. All you need is some flat lying snow, a sled of course, a harness, a towline, and you and your precious doggo for this activity.
Let this dog pretend that it is a part of some famous sledding team, and as it pulls you across the street, in front of your favorite winter retreat. Hence, don those parkas or double coats and take these thick, white, double-layered pooches out for a ride in the snow.
Perfect for snowy adventures and perfect for gifting to your loved ones on a white Christmas morning. PetMD notes these active, cheery, and outgoing pups were once also used for herding reindeer, hunting, and protecting families. They stand among the primitive or ancient breeds of dogs belonging to the spitz or northern dog group.
Samoyeds are the ultimate snow dog breed that look right at home next to a snowbank. Hence, when you are out there frolicking in the fresh white powder, make sure to take some Instagram-worthy pictures of these bright and mystical pups while they are prancing happily and playing in the snow.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
It’s not difficult to believe that this affectionate, fun-loving, and loyal Bernese Mountain Dog hailing from the icy Swiss Alps has a love for snow. It is a true mountain dog that was born and bred in the Swiss Alps. And though they might not pull sleds, they drove carts filled to the brim with valuable dairy to and fro, from the farms to markets below.
Now that their crucial role of transportation and driving has been taken over, it’s high time that they let loose and enjoy the snow. Sure, running and walking in the snow country is itself a great way to make moments and have fun in the freshly fallen snow. But what if we say that it’s time to go for some wintertime camping with your tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog?
This way, your pup won’t just enjoy a single winter activity but a whole electrifying package of them, from running on trails to exploring, in the picture-perfect winter landscape, to searching for food and eventually snuggling in the tent when it gets cold.
There is so much more that you can do on this camping trip: scale snowy mountains and gaze at frozen glaciers, have a snowball fight, and breathe in that chilly air as the sun sets on the horizon. You are in for the adventure of a lifetime with this cold-weather dog.
5. Saint Bernard
Simply cannot resist your calling in the snowy mountains or itching to go climb another peak and ski your heart out in the Swiss Alps, then what better dog to adopt and take along on this bone-chilling, adrenaline-pumped adventure than a Saint Bernard?
The dog, who is practically deemed “The hero of the Swiss mountains,” indeed. Saints are terrific rescue dogs that won’t let you lose your way when you have bigger fish to fry and you seek higher peaks to conquer.
Purina US recalls originally bred to rescue travelers, mountain climbers, and skiers, these pups bond deeply with their folks and are the best choice of cold-weather dogs among all other candidates. Saint Bernards are so caring, therapeutic, and selfless that they don’t even have to vie for a position to be chosen. They are the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions freezing conditions.
6. Akita
If draping your home in subtle shades of blue and white and turning your abode into a cozy hearth is not your forte. And seeking some cozy comfort and cuddles by the fire pits filled with burning embers is something that makes you feel awkward and out of place.
Then you should get one of these Japanese pooches, covered in a dense coat and equipped with webbed feet that act like snowshoes.
And if you are asking why? Then know that AKC mentions these Akitas were once prized by nobility, are literally called “snow country dogs,” and aren’t some of the cuddly, clingy type either. They are born adventurers just like you and blessed with an equally passionate wandering heart and soul.
Hence, if you aren’t keen about snuggles or baking cookies or wearing matching pjs in your vacation cabin in the woods.
Then take this pup out and try all sorts of fun activities in the snow. You can go hunting, running, or sliding in the low temperatures or plan a visit to northern Japan to learn more about the heritage of your four-legged friends. The world is your oyster when you have such wonderful companions by your side.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Grab a harness and a line, then tie on those snowshoes tight for another great winter outing, and this time, snowshoeing being at the reigning at forefront of your mind. The best part about this activity is the choice of pace that you and your pup can set for yourself.
If you want things easy breezy and calming, you can lead the stroll in a snowy mess, and if you want things to get more exciting or vigorous, let your dog take over the lead and enjoy your time amidst the thick blanket of snow.
VCA Animal Hospitals notes used for guarding in the Himalayan mountain tops, these lion-like pups with puffy chests and manes don’t particularly have a very affectionate nature, but make incredible travel partners when you are exploring steep mountains, cliffs, or glacial landscapes.
8. Great Pyrenees
Don’t like any of our suggestions for some winter fun? You can also get creative and invent your own adventures, like a winter-themed agility course, or a photoshoot capturing you shivering in your boots. These mountain dogs are sturdy and fiercely protective of their flocks, resilient enough to thrive in the frosty winter wonderland, and also quite adept at juggling their way through the snow.
Omlet notes these Pyrs are warm, soothing, and calm. They have their own special way of showing love and always have this unkempt energy flowing through their veins, which, when harnessed and utilized, gets their tails wagging instantly.
Hence, we’d recommend that you take them for a winter drive and let them inhale that fresh, crisp winter air as they experience the winter wonderland outside.
Find new exciting routes or hiking spots and take the journey of discovering nature with these pups by your side, and you will never regret your choice of furry friends for walking in the harsh climate and bitterly freezing zones.
Resembling polar bears due to their white fur and size, these pups are actually quite gentle, which makes them ideal as family pets. These pups hailing from the snowy tops of the Pyrenees mountains are also quite patient with the children and confident, even-tempered, and smart, which makes them well-suited for the task at hand.
9. Norwegian Elkhound
When there is a sturdy hunter in the mix, we can’t think of a better activity than a snowy scavenger hunt. With a bit of snow on the ground, you build up some snow mounds and hide a few of your pup’s favorite treats and toys in there.
Soon, your Norwegian pooch will rush around in search of those treats, digging, tracking scents, and rolling around in the snow, which pairs perfectly with his hunting ancestry.
Britannica says these high-energy hunters of moose, reindeer, lynx, and bears were once faithful companions of the Vikings and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, have an inbuilt passion for winter runs and long weekend hikes.
Not to mention, these silver-gray puppies are also loyal, intelligent, and so versatile that they not only provide protection to their humans from the harsh wintry weather. But will prove to be great, reliable buddies when you get lost or stranded somewhere away from home.
Conclusion
Natural endurance, thick double coats, and snowshoe-like paws, these pups are the best dog breeds for snowy adventures because they can withstand cold weather like pros. They were built to thrive in snowy terrains and have existed in the arctic circle from centuries or more.
With some gentle giants that guard livestock like it’s an honor, to the heroic spitz that have helped humans survive in chilly temperatures. These pooches covered in thick fur look like living stuffed animals.
They are best accompaniment when you are trudging your way through a tundra, or need some help in hauling heavy loads, need some rescuing from the merciless avalanches, or just need some added warmth or snuggles despite wearing a heavy coat.
Some of these pups are natural protectors, comforters, or just plain working dogs. But they are perfectly suited for a winter escapade, and now you know.
Hence, pick one of these fluffy big dogs with weather-resistant coats and get out there, you winter aficionado. What’s stopping you? This cold weather never bothered you anyway. Hence, let loose and let your worries go.
