Dogs are one of the best things in the world but if you live somewhere cold you might want to consider this before choosing a type of dog. Here are 8 dog breeds suited for colder weather…
Dogs are remarkably good at adapting to their environment, but at the bottom end of the thermometer, some dog breeds find it easier to thrive than others. If you live in a colder region of the world and temperatures tend to be on the low side, like we often experience here on the Isle of Wight, you might consider adopting a dog that is better suited for the colder weather. Here are 8 of our picks of the dog breeds perfectly suited for our colder weather.
The Malamute
Of course, no list would be complete without a nod to the Alaskan Malamute. These gorgeous dogs were bred to be purpose built for extreme cold because they spent much of their lives pulling heavy sleds through cold and snow. Their double fur coat made of thick, coarse hair keeps them warm and insulated no matter the weather. The Malamute is a large dog breed though, and it is not uncommon for them to reach 70 to 80 pounds. This means you should keep in mind that these energetic and athletic dogs need space and lots of exercise.
The Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a truly unique breed and one that is adept at living and thriving in the colder climates. It’s a very distinctive looking dog breed with a golden coat that can often grow to resemble a male lion, making this black-tongued beauty as regal as they come. Chow Chows might not be the best dog breed for first time dog owners though. While they love company, they are not always the friendliest breed, preferring to spend their time in the company of familiar humans, but they can be left alone during the day without tearing the house apart. You’ll need some extra time and attention to train these majestic dogs, so you should know what you’re in for if you decide to adopt a Chow Chow.
The Bernese Mountain Dog
Our next breed hails from the mountains of Switzerland so you know they can take the cold. They’re bred to be primarily cattle herders. Don’t let their hard work fool you though; it doesn’t mean that these beautiful dogs don’t make wonderful companions! These big, fluffy dogs are calm and some of the friendliest dogs you’re likely to meet. They’re also not big on losing hair and make very good watch dogs if you don’t mind their loud bark. If you have smaller dogs at home already, you should be aware of the Bernese Mountain Dog’s love of play, which can be rougher than other breeds, particularly on smaller dogs. Their play is gentle and, once mature, they make a loving and loyal addition to any family, provided you’re able to keep up with their high energy demands!
The German Shepherd
Anyone who has owned a German Shepherd will know just why these gentle giants are so well loved and can claim the title of one of America’s most popular dog breeds. They’re built to work and are extremely intelligent – with good looks to boot! They’re one of the most adaptable breeds around, perfectly capable of performing any job they are trained for, including guide dogs, sniffer dogs and even police and military service dogs. If you’re looking for a dog that can take the cold weather in their stride and be the most loyal and faithful furry member of your family, the German Shepherd is worthy of serious consideration. Make sure you watch their weight carefully as they can put on a few pounds if you let them – and can drool at the smell of a good meal! It’s recommended that you give your German Shepherd some extra dietary attention, such as the all-natural ingredient pet supplements available at https://yumove.co.uk. These are made using only ActivEase Green Lipped Mussels to ensure the best quality supplements for your best friend.
The Keeshond
The Keeshond is as unique as its name and is one of the oldest dog breeds. Centuries ago, in the 1700s you would often spot these majestic, fluffy, and cuddly companion dogs riding proudly on canal boats around Holland, serving faithfully as a watch dog. These days, the Keeshond makes a wonderful companion, perfectly happy in the cold and snow and even more happy around people of all ages. They’re energetic and adaptable, even if you don’t have much space to keep them. Many Keeshond owners have marvelled at how well they thrive in apartment living too. You’ll probably spend a bit of extra time training them, but their intelligence will surprise you. They’re also quite good at being trained not to bark or howl, despite their ability to deliver quite a loud bark. You can expect the Keeshond to reach about 1.5 feet in height and weigh somewhere around 40 pounds once mature.
The American Eskimo Dog
If you had to enter any dog into a beauty pageant, you’d do well with an American Eskimo Dog. Like the name suggests, they love the cold and snow, but it’s their personalities that have earned them the loveable reputation and nickname – the Eskie. They’ve full of energy and need to be walked often if you don’t want a dog that just can’t sit still around the house, but despite their thick white fur coats, they don’t shed a lot of hair and are one of the friendliest breeds you’re likely to encounter. The American Eskimo dog is perfect as a family pet and can be easily trained. You’ll also not likely encounter many serious health issues with the Eskie either, making it an attractive choice!
The Saint Bernard
Loved the world over when he hit the big screen in “Beethoven”, the Saint Bernard is the absolute quintessential family dog. Bred to perform guard duty in Switzerland, these affectionate gentle giants will melt your heart and become part of the family in no time, even if they leave a bit of drool behind to let you know they’re there. You’ll also have to prepare yourself for a lot of shed dog hair around the house, because the Saint Bernard is a shedder. The Saint Bernard is a stubborn dog who likes a long rest as much as a good walk, but when it comes to friendliness and love, they just simply can’t be beaten.
The Tibetan Terrier
Nobody says you need a big dog for it to enjoy cold weather! The adorable and almost lap dog sized Tibetan Terrier might just be the cutest cold weather breed around. It’s bred purely for companionship and its soft fur coat hides an incredibly affectionate and friendly character underneath. The Tibetan Terrier will suit any living space and is at home with kids of any age. They aren’t the friendliest to strangers, but they don’t shed or drool and they’re reasonably easy to train. If you’re looking for a smaller breed in the cold, have a look at the Tibetan Terrier. Don’t forget to buy a leash when you adopt one of these guys because they’re going to insist on daily walks!
That’s our list of some of the best and well-suited dog breeds for the cold weather climate. There’s a huge variety to choose from and your next best friend is waiting for you. Remember to try and adopt and not shop for your new pet!
