If your winter wardrobe includes thermal socks, snow boots, and three layers of fleece, shouldn’t your dog come with a built-in winter coat too? Some pups were born for cold weather, thriving in the frost with coats so thick they make puffer jackets jealous.
For families living where the winters are long and the snow never quits, choosing a breed that loves the cold isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
These winter-ready dogs aren’t just tolerant of extreme temperatures; they adore it. Think bounding through snowbanks, guarding in sub-zero temps, or curling up next to the fire after a brisk hike in the snow. These breeds are the true snow warriors of the canine world. They’ve got the endurance, the fluff, and the history to prove it.
So if you’re ready for a companion who’ll turn a blizzard into a playdate, grab your mittens—we’re diving into the best dog breeds for cold winter living.
Dog Breeds for Cold Winters
1. Siberian Husky
If there’s a dog breed born for cold winters, it’s the Siberian Husky. These majestic pups wear their thick, double-layered coats like built-in snow suits, designed to keep them cozy even when temperatures drop well below freezing.
Forget the cold — Huskies practically thrive in it, bounding through snowdrifts with the energy of a thousand snowballs. Originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds across frozen tundras, these dogs have endurance and spirit for days.
And that signature wolf-like face with those stunning blue (or sometimes mismatched) eyes? Instant winter royalty. Huskies are friendly and outgoing, but don’t mistake their charm for couch potato vibes—they’re high-energy explorers who need lots of exercise to keep warm and happy.
Siberian Husky Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Thick double coat that laughs at frostbite
✔️ Incredible stamina, perfect for snowy adventures
✔️ Playful, social, and a little bit mischievous (snow angels, anyone?)
Huskies are known for their friendly nature, which means they typically aren’t the best choice for guard dogs. They tend to be welcoming toward strangers, often greeting newcomers with a wagging tail rather than barking.
Because of their pack-oriented background, Huskies usually don’t do well when left alone for extended periods or too frequently—they thrive on companionship and social interaction.
2. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are the OG snow rescue heroes—big, fluffy, and built for winter adventures. Though Saint Bernards continue to work as search and rescue dogs today, most of them are found in homes where they shine as affectionate and gentle companions.
Before bringing a Saint Bernard into your family, make sure you have enough space to accommodate its large size. These gentle giants typically weigh between 120 and 180 pounds and can stand up to 30 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their thick, warm coats keep them snug even in the iciest conditions, making them perfect partners for hikes through snowy trails or just lounging by the fire after a brisk walk.
These gentle giants are famously patient and sweet, with a calm demeanor that balances their size and strength. They’re like the friendly neighborhood snowplow—ready to clear the way and keep you safe, all while giving the best slobbery kisses.
Saint Bernard Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Dense, water-resistant coat perfect for snowy escapades
✔️ Massive size that’s intimidating (in a friendly way)
✔️ Calm, loving nature that warms hearts as much as their fur warms bodies
They love spending time playing with and being close to their family members. With a moderate energy level, Saint Bernards need at least one 30-minute walk daily, but they’re happy to join longer walks or hikes when given the chance.
3. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are like the heavyweight champs of cold-weather dogs. Built for strength and stamina, their thick double coats protect them from Arctic blasts, while their muscular frames are perfect for hauling heavy loads across snowy landscapes.
The Alaskan Malamute is a robust and sturdy dog, characterized by a broad head, upright ears, and a plume-like tail that curls over its back. Its dense coat typically comes in gray and white or black and white, often featuring distinctive cap-like or mask-like markings on the head.
Despite their rugged exterior, Malamutes are social, affectionate, and love being part of the family pack. They’re playful, intelligent, and always up for a snowy adventure—whether it’s sledding, hiking, or just a good old-fashioned snowball fight.
Alaskan Malamute Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Thick double coat that’s practically a built-in parka
✔️ Strong, muscular build for endurance in the cold
✔️ Friendly, loyal, and great with families
However, this breed can show aggression toward unfamiliar dogs. With proper training, Malinois can make decent watchdogs, but they usually aren’t suited to be protection dogs. When left alone for long periods, they may dig and howl excessively out of boredom or anxiety.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are like the perfect winter companion—big, beautiful, and built for cold temperatures with their thick tri-colored coats that keep them snug as they roam snowy mountains or cuddle up at home.
The first thing you’ll notice about Bernese Mountain Dogs is their impressive size—they typically stand between 23 and 27.5 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 70 to 115 pounds.
These gentle giants are known for their calm, affectionate nature, making them excellent family dogs who love being outside as much as they love a cozy spot by the fire.
Their sturdy build and weather-resistant fur make them well-suited for chilly climates, but they’re also total softies who’ll happily slow down for belly rubs and hot cocoa moments.
Bernese Mountain Dog Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Thick, weather-resistant tri-color coat made for snow
✔️ Calm and gentle, perfect for family fun in winter
✔️ Big enough to handle the cold but sweet enough to melt your heart
Their thick double coat, patterned in a striking tricolor of black, white, and tan, sheds heavily all year long. This means pet parents need to be committed to regular grooming and be prepared for plenty of thick fur on furniture, floors, and clothes.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be a bit reserved around strangers, but they usually show great patience with children and other pets. Of course, it’s always important to supervise any interactions between kids and dogs, regardless of breed.
5. American Eskimo Dog
Don’t let their small-to-medium size fool you—the American Eskimo Dog is packed with snow-loving spirit!
According to Wikipedia, the American Eskimo Dog has served both as a loyal watchdog and a cherished companion. During the 1930s and 1940s, it gained widespread popularity in the United States for its impressive performances in circuses.
Typically, these dogs sport a white coat, and they have a dense double coat made up of thick, straight fur, featuring a distinctive ruff around the neck and shoulders. Their tails are bushy and usually curl gracefully over their backs.
They’re smart, lively, and love being part of the family’s winter fun, whether that means romping in the snow or cozying up indoors. Eskies are great watchdogs, alert and vocal, but their friendly personalities mean they’re more “hello, neighbor” than “stay back.”
American Eskimo Dog Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Thick white double coat perfect for snowy weather
✔️ Intelligent and lively, loves active winter play
✔️ Friendly and alert, great with families and other pets
American Eskimo Dogs need regular combing and brushing at home to keep their coats in good condition, but they typically don’t require frequent professional grooming.
6. Samoyed
Samoyeds are like fluffy rays of sunshine on a snowy day. With their thick, pure-white coats, they’re built to handle freezing temps and blizzards with style—and they do it all while flashing their trademark “Sammy smile,” a happy grin that melts hearts faster than snow in spring.
These friendly, affectionate dogs love being outside in the cold, running, playing, and even pulling sleds (they come from Siberia, after all). They’re also social butterflies who adore their family and thrive on lots of attention and activity.
Samoyeds are playful, alert, and friendly dogs, making them wonderful companions, especially for first-time pet owners who are ready to commit to their high exercise and grooming needs.
Samoyed Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Thick, immense double coat that’s pure snow-proof magic
✔️ Friendly and playful—perfect for active winter families
✔️ Famous “Sammy smile” that lights up even the darkest winter days
These hardworking dogs require daily brushing to keep their very thick coats in top shape and don’t tolerate heat well. Owners should watch closely for signs of overheating, as Samoyeds are prone to heatstroke in hot weather.
On the flip side, they absolutely thrive in cold climates and adore bounding through the snow. While they’re diligent workers by nature, Samoyeds are also full of playful energy and need plenty of physical activity and mental challenges.
PetMD noted that without enough stimulation, they can get bored and may resort to destructive habits like chewing and digging.
7. Newfoundland
Weighing between 100 and 150 pounds, a fully grown Newfoundland is as heavy as many humans. They typically stand around 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and sport a thick double coat that sheds throughout the year.
Newfoundlands are the ultimate snow-loving giants. Their dense, water-resistant coats protect them from icy winds and snowy adventures, making them perfect for winter weather. Despite their size, they’re known for their calm and sweet personalities—true gentle giants who adore families and other pets alike.
They don’t need crazy amounts of exercise, but regular walks in the snow keep them fit and happy. Just be ready for some serious puppy-dog eyes and maybe a few slobbery kisses!
Newfoundland Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Thick, water-resistant coat built for snowy climates
✔️ Calm, loyal, and loving—a true family favorite
✔️ Gentle demeanor that makes them excellent with kids and pets
Known to drool quite a bit, they’re patient with children and usually get along well with other dogs and cats, making them wonderful family companions.
Newfoundland dogs are incredibly affectionate, which means some can develop separation anxiety when left alone. To help ease their stress, make sure your Newfie gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation when you’re together.
8. Great Pyrenees
With their majestic, fluffy coats and sheep-herding roots, Great Pyrenees are built for cold climates and outdoor adventures. The Great Pyrenees is another giant breed, originally developed to guard livestock in the snowy Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France.
These dogs stand between 25 and 32 inches tall at the shoulder, with females averaging around 85 pounds and males tipping the scale over 100 pounds.
These gentle giants are calm, collected, and incredibly loyal, always keeping a watchful eye on their family, whether that means guarding sheep or just making sure no one sneaks in without a hello.
Great Pyrenees Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Thick, weather-resistant coat made for mountain life
✔️ Calm, steady temperament—perfect for families and explorers
✔️ Loves roaming and guarding with a noble presence
Despite their abundant fur, Great Pyrenees don’t require excessive grooming since their long outer coat resists dirt and tangles naturally.
They need plenty of space to roam and stretch their legs, so if you’ve got a big backyard or countryside vibes, they’re your perfect snowy sidekick.
9. Borzoi
Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was once the prized hunting companion of Russian nobility—think of them as the aristocrats of the dog world, with silky fur and graceful moves to match. With their long legs and flowing coat, Borzois are perfectly designed for snowy runs and graceful hikes.
The Borzoi is a large breed, with males standing at least 28 inches tall at the withers. Male Borzois typically weigh between 75 and 105 pounds, while females are generally about two inches shorter and a bit lighter.
They are loving and gentle with family members, including children, but they prefer not to engage in rough play. It’s important for kids to understand and respect the Borzoi’s personal space, as their size means they could accidentally injure very young children.
Borzoi Winter Survival Kit:
✔️ Long, silky coat perfect for cold weather
✔️ Graceful and speedy—built for running through snowdrifts
✔️ Calm and affectionate with family, but a natural athlete outdoors
When it comes to other pets, Borzois tend to get along best with other large dogs. Because they were originally bred to hunt, they may view smaller animals, including cats and small dogs, as prey.
WebMD says they’re calm indoors but love sprinting and playing in the snow outdoors, making them ideal companions for active owners who want elegance with a side of speed.
Conclusion
When braving cold weather climates, certain snow dog breeds shine with their very thick coat, woolly undercoat, and Nordic traits built for low temperatures. From the sturdy Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and German Shepherd to the Tibetan Mastiff, Chow Chows, and Akita, these ancient breeds have adapted to stay warm with features like a coarse coat, thick ears, and natural shelter instincts.
Whether herding reindeer or snuggling with active families, dogs like Tibetan Terriers and the Norwegian Elkhound are perfect for arctic adventures. With their heavy coat and love for snow, these winter-ready pups are ideal for families living in chilly regions.
