Different dog breeds have certain characteristics about their appearance and personality depending on where they were bred and for what purpose. For example, some dogs such as Poodles and Labrador Retrievers were bred for retrieving waterfowl or performing water rescues. These dogs tend to have webbed feet or water resistant fur.
Then, you have other dogs that were bred in cold, snowy regions for transportation or resuce purposes. These dogs tend to have thick, fluffy coats that provide insultation. These same dog breeds tend to be the ones that prefer snow and winter weather over other dogs.
Here are five dog breeds that love winter.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is perhaps the most famous winter-loving dog breed. Huskies were originally bred in Northeast Asia (Siberia) by the Chukchi people for the purposes of pulling sleds and companionship. Siberia is known for its harsh winter weather, so the dogs had to be able to withstand this weather also, hence their thick, fluffy coat. Huskies were brought to Alaska from Russia in the early 1900s for pulling sleds and racing, which they are still known for today.
Siberian Huskies are also known for being "hero dogs," carrying medicine for diphtheria to Nome, Alaska during the diphtheria epidemic in 1925. Sleds were the only transportation that could get to Nome during this time, and the Siberian Husky's strength, stamina, and ability to survive the cold winter weather and harsh conditions of Alaska made them the perfect choice for the job. Today, Huskies are mostly used for companionship outside of Alaska and Russia, but they still love winter weather regardless of their purpose.
Alaskan Malamute
Another breed that is perfectly adapted to winter weather, Alaskan Malamutes look similar to Siberian Huskies, but are slightly larger and tend to have a thicker and sturdier coat. While Huskies were bred partially for sled dog racing, Alaskan Malamutes were bred to be working dogs.
They were also bred to pull sleds over snows, but mostly carrying heavy equipment and supplies due to being sturdier and stronger than Huskies. Still, Alaskan Malamutes make great companion dogs today, and there are often videos on social media of Alaskan Malamutes leaping and bounding in the snow and refusing to come inside.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is another iconic snow-loving dog breed. Saint Bernards origintated in the Swiss Alps and were bred for rescuing people from the snow and avalanches. So, it makes sense that they would love winter weather, and they are often more active in the winter and can be digging in the snow. That's just part of their breed nature.
Saint Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds and have a very thick coat. In addition to saving people caught in snowstorms, these dogs were used by farmers for herding and guarding. Did you know that Saint Bernards are often depicted carrying a barrel on their neck because it was believed these barrels carried whiskey or brandy to provide warmth to snowstorm victims until help could arrive. But there has never been proof that the dogs actually carried these barrels.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland dog, also known as a Newfie, originated from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. Newfies are large dogs with thick, fluffy coats and webbed feet. That's because they were bred to perform rescues in the cold waters of Canada.
A Newfoundland's coat is water-resistant and they have a large lung capacity and strong legs for swimming. Even today they are used for rescue work, but there are many Newfies that are companion dogs as well. Newfies are another breed that is known for refusing to come inside when it is snowing. These gentle giants sure do love winter weather!
Samoyed
Samoyeds are intelligent, adorable, white fluffy dogs that always look like they are smiling. This has earned them the nickname "smiling sammies." Like the Husky, Samoyeds were bred in Siberia, but they were primarily used for hunting and herding reindeer.
Today, Samoyeds are known for their stunning white coat, but this coat served a practical purpose. It enabled them to blend in with the snow while hunting without being detected. Although they are mostly used for companionship today, if you own a Samoyed, it can be hard to find them while they're out frolicking in the snow.
Do you have a dog breed that loves winter?