12 Snow Dog Breeds Made for Cold Weather
Snow dog breeds excel in cold environments and generally have warm, fluffy coats, although they vary in size. While some breeds are developed for speed, guarding, hunting, or companionship, others are specifically bred to endure extreme temperatures. These are known as snow dog breeds.
Explore these 12 snow dog breeds to find the perfect snowy companion for your lifestyle.
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Siberian Husky
Known for their sled-pulling strength, Siberian huskies are the quintessential snow dogs. They are a favorite among active families, celebrated for their vocal nature and fluffy appearance.
Breed Overview
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Samoyed
Samoyeds, or "Sammies," are famous for their smiles and love for snow. This medium to large, white, fluffy dog blends perfectly with snowy landscapes.
Breed Overview
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Saint Bernard
Often pictured with a small cask of brandy around their necks, the Saint Bernard didn't actually carry liquor in the Swiss Alps, but they are affectionate snow dogs. This giant breed was bred to find and rescue people trapped in the snowy mountains so they're made to be in snow.
Breed Overview
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Great Pyrenees
As a gentle giant, the Great Pyrenees hails from France's snowy Pyrenees Mountains. This large, double-coated breed is often vocal but generally remains calm.
Breed Overview
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Alaskan Malamute
Often mistaken for the smaller Siberian husky or the Alaskan sled dog, the Alaskan Malamute is a large sled-pulling breed developed by Alaska's indigenous Mahlemut tribe. While Siberian huskies are racers bred for speed, Malamutes are bred for strength and hauling heavy loads. The Alaskan sled dog is a mix of both breeds1.
Breed Overview
4 Best Alaskan Dog Breeds
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American Eskimo Dog
Popularized by their early appearances in Barnum and Bailey circus shows, the American Eskimo Dog is intelligent and hardworking. Despite the misleading name, this breed wasn't developed by indigenous Arctic groups. Instead, their white coats and German spitz farm descendants lend to their identity as snow dogs.
Breed Overview
Explore 40 Spitz Breeds: Unique Traits and Origins of Spitz Dogs
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Closely related to the Bernese mountain dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was bred to endure the cold and snowy Swiss Alps. Strong and dependable, they were designed to haul carts to market.
Breed Overview
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Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff, an ancient giant breed, thrives in snowy conditions. Though their exact origins are uncertain, these dogs are known for guarding livestock in the Himalayan Mountains for centuries.
Breed Overview
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Bernese Mountain Dog
Bred in Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle snow breeds. Their thick coats shield them from snow and cold, while their size allows them to perform tasks typical of mountain farm dogs.
Breed Overview
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Newfoundland
Originating from Canada, Newfoundland dogs are gentle giants perfect for children to cuddle. Bred to be strong rescue swimmers, they excel in frigid waters.
Breed Overview
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Keeshond
Thought to originate in arctic or sub-arctic regions, the Keeshond is rightly called a snow dog breed. Its fluffy, thick coat is perfect for staying warm in these climates.
Breed Overview
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Akita
Originating in northern Japan's snowy mountains, Akitas were initially bred as powerful hunters. Today, they're often utilized as family guards. Their thick coat provides protection from cold climates but also contributes to heavy shedding.
Breed Overview
More Snow Dog Breeds
If you’re interested in learning more about snow dogs, explore these additional breeds:
Kuvasz
Old English Sheepdog
Chow Chow
