10 Dog Breeds That Love the Winter

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10 dog breeds that love the winter

Baby, it's cold outside! And according to the Farmer's Almanac, it is going to get even colder. A quick look at the Almanac's predictions for the winter of 2024-2025 reveals that the frigid forecast includes above-normal amounts of winter precipitation in New England and the Northeast at large. Across the country, it's predicted the final week of January into the beginning of February will be the coldest stretch of winter weather, with everywhere from the Northern Plains to the Great Lakes region experiencing the worst of it. While that news may send plenty of people packing for warm winter getaways, it spells months of fun for skiers, snowshoers, ice fishermen, and, of course, dogs who adore romping in the snow.

To find out which popular dog breeds most love the winter, Stacker consulted various lists created by the American Kennel Club and ranked each dog breed based on its popularity in 2023 (the most recent data, released in April 2024). This gallery features many dogs with thick coats who originated from places like the Swiss Alps and the Himalayan Mountains. While some of the dogs pulled sleds back in the day, others plodded through icy water and helped travelers who got lost in the snow—and many breeds continue as working dogs today.

Whether you want to see how your dog stacks up to the most cold-hardy breeds, you're in the market for adopting a dog that loves the snow, or you just really like dogs, keep reading to learn more about which dogs make the most ideal companions for people this winter.

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#10. Finnish Lapphund

- Popularity rank: #135 (out of 200)

Finnish Lapphunds are friendly and submissive but can be skittish when it comes to strangers. Their startle reflex may be a result of hiding from the antlers of unhappy reindeer. Lappies' luscious coats keep them plenty warm, but anyone considering the breed will want to invest in some solid dog brushes: The breed sheds a lot.

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#9. Tibetan Mastiff

- Popularity rank: #143 (out of 200)

Originated in the cold of the Himalayan Mountains, the double and thick-coated giant is an excellent choice for families that are looking for a guard dog. Weighing in at over 100 pounds, the Tibetan Mastiff would make a warm, snuggly friend on a cold night.

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#8. Norwegian Elkhound

- Popularity rank: #115 (out of 200)

The Norwegian Elkhound is accustomed to hunting in the frigid cold, as it is an ancient breed that originated in Scandinavia. Its Nordic traits have remained with the breed, making it a perfect cold-weather friend. One of Europe's oldest dogs, it is the quintessential dog of the north.

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#7. Keeshond

- Popularity rank: #89 (out of 200)

The Keeshond's arctic heritage makes it a great cold-weather companion. Its thick coat kept it warm on the canals in the 17th and 18th centuries in Holland. The breed is a people-loving pet adored in Holland and around the world.

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#6. Chow Chow

- Popularity rank: #88 (out of 200)

The Chow Chow's wooly coat keeps it toasty all year long. Although the breed looks fluffy and friendly, the Chow Chow is known to be aloof. While it was bred to endure frigid weather, these dogs should not be left outside for prolonged periods.

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#5. Samoyed

- Popularity rank: #50 (out of 200)

A herder of reindeer for the Samoyed people, the Samoyed delights in the outdoors any time of the year. A thick double coat made up of two layers provides them twice as much insulation. The Samoyed people also used this breed's fur to make clothes.

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#4. Alaskan Malamute

- Popularity rank: #71 (out of 200)

The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest and largest of the arctic sled dogs. They delight in being outside in the winter, and their thick, coarse coat provides excellent insulation. This affectionate canine was bred to be a pack animal: The breed is loyal and playful.

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#3. Saint Bernard

- Popularity rank: #55 (out of 200)

Saint Bernards originated from the Swiss Alps, where they helped locate travelers stranded in snowstorms. The AKC says this massive and powerful dog is one of the most beloved breeds in the world.

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#2. Newfoundland

- Popularity rank: #42 (out of 200)

Newfoundlands are often thought of as nanny dogs because they're great with kids. Weighing in at around 150 pounds, the Newfie's heavy coat offers protection for this breed that was bred to work in icy waters.

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#1. Siberian Husky

- Popularity rank: #24 (out of 200)

When people think of snow dogs, they usually imagine Siberian Huskies. Bred as sled dogs, they came from the chilly climate of Northeast Asia. Their bodies were designed for cold weather. This breed has a dense coat undercoat, a long coarse topcoat, and almond-shaped eyes that help protect them from flying snow and ice.

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