If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, you might want to consider a dog breed that likes snow and is naturally adapted to cold weather. There are several varieties of cold-tolerant dogs, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These dogs have thick coats that trap body heat and keep them warm when temperatures are low.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is one of the most cold-tolerant dogs, but they're also susceptible to a few health issues. The first is retinal dysplasia, which affects the retina and causes decreased vision. This condition can be screened for by DNA testing. The second is progressive retinal atrophy, a disease that affects light-sensing cells in the retina. The condition can eventually lead to blindness in young and middle-aged Samoyeds.
The Samoyed is also known for its long, fluffy white coat. Its double coat is a result of its Siberian and Russian heritage and was designed to protect the dog from harsh winters. In the past, these dogs were used to herd reindeer and pull sleds. Although these dogs love the snow, they're also capable of thriving in a variety of climates.
Siberian Husky
Siberian huskies were originally bred to survive in Siberia's cold climate and some think of them as a best snow dogs. These dogs can survive temperatures as low as -59 degrees Fahrenheit, or -75 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, they would not survive the cold without proper protection. That's why the Chukchi people would bring huskies into their homes at night and let them rest and play with them. During the day, they would roam freely, but would return home when food became scarce.
The Siberian Husky's double coat makes it one of the most cold-tolerant dogs. This coat is incredibly thick and keeps the dog warm. Even though it can tolerate cold temperatures better than most dogs, this dog should not be left outside in freezing temperatures. This is because their metabolism will quickly begin to break down.
Tibetan Terrier
In ancient Tibet, Tibetan terriers were never sold. Instead, people gave them away to friends as a symbol of good luck. The breed was most commonly owned by nomadic herdsmen who needed dogs to guard their herds and keep watch over their tents at night. The breed was introduced to a wider audience in the 1920s by an English doctor named Agnes R. H. Greig, who began a breeding program for the European market. It wasn't until 1937 that the breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club.
The Tibetan terrier is a breed of dog that was originally bred for the mountainous region of Tibet. Their flat, snowshoe feet and double coat protect them from harsh weather conditions. They are also very agile and enjoy climbing.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the world's most cold-tolerant dogs. This ancient Swiss breed of Sennenhund is known for its thick, double-layered coat that is naturally resistant to harsh climates. The breed was originally bred for farm work, pulling carts, herding sheep, and protecting their owners' property.
This double coat helps the Bernese Mountain Dog to withstand freezing temperatures, and it is no surprise that the breed is fond of playing in the snow. In fact, it is believed that the colder the weather, the more the Berner enjoys playing in it. The breed is also an excellent working dog, which means that it may be used to tow sleds back up a mountain.
Although the Berner is a low-energy dog, it does need 45-60 minutes of activity a day. This amount of exercise can be split between daily walks, agility courses, and training sessions. Although this breed is generally well-behaved, they can get bored easily and become destructive.
Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is one of the most cold-tolerant dogs in the world, and they are extremely tolerant of cold weather. However, their stubbornness can be a problem for inexperienced owners. For this reason, it is important to begin training your Anatolian Shepherd at a young age. Early socialization is very important if you want your dog to be a great companion. Anatolian Shepherds are also very large dogs, so they need an owner who knows how to control them.
The Anatolian Shepherd is a large dog breed that originally served as a flock guard in the mountains of Turkey. This breed is large enough to pull a cart, and its low energy and protective nature makes it a perfect companion for families who live in cold climates. Though their temper can be protective, Anatolians don't require high levels of exercise and are best suited for people who know how to take care of them.