Snow dogs are the fluffy, muscular, mischievous-looking dogs that grow and thrive in the winter world. These dogs have been helping mankind who reside in snowy parts of the world for centuries, but are now slowly being adapted in other regions too.
Though this is not recommended by most professional veterinarians, if you have the correct resources present in the home and can assure the best care, petting these dogs wouldn’t be an issue.
From pulling sleds to guarding houses to just snuggling while the temperature drops below zero, these super soft furry buddies are pros when it comes to cold weather.
Most of the snow dogs have a thick double coat to counter the cold weather, with pointy ears to hear snowstorms and a muscular frame to carry heavy loads or journey long distances. What is more interesting about these dogs is that they are very loyal and playful, and have their own personality.
There are some that really ‘talk,’ or ‘talk back,’ but there are others who are all about cuddles, and some just have a serious ‘can I please do my work’ face.
1. Siberian Husky
These are the celebrities among the snow dog world. With their beautiful blue eyes and a reserve of energy for endless playtime, zoomies, and a whole lot of howling, Huskies survive best in the cold.
Originating from Siberia, the breed was meant to pull sleds across frozen lands. They love to run and howl at pretty much anything and everything. Plus, Huskies can get bored fast, so keep their minds busy.
When getting a husky, remember that they will throw some extreme, dramatic tantrums whenever they want to or are not getting enough attention.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Think of Malamutes as the bigger, fluffier cousin of the Husky. These dogs are muscular, hence quite powerful, and are used for heavy sled-pulling work.
The Malamutes are extremely kind, gentle, and affectionate towards humans. They are strong-willed by nature, so training them requires a great deal of patience. But their goofy smiles and bear-like faces will win the heart of any onlooker.
3. Samoyed
Have you ever seen a dog that looks like a living cloud? That is a Samoyed. Their thick white coat is not just for show; it protects them in harsh cold conditions.
Samoyeds were originally used to herd reindeer in Siberia. They are very friendly and always appear to be smiling. But the only thing to be aware of about them is that they shed. And it’s a lot.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
These gentle giants hail from the Swiss Alps. Being farm dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs were used for cart pulling and the protection of livestock.
They are calm and loving and make an excellent companion for children. Their coat color is tricolor all the way, and this breed prefers to spend every minute with its favorite people. That being said, due to the heavy coat, they prefer a cooler temperature.
5. American Eskimo Dog
This breed of dog doesn’t originate from Alaska but is the descendant of German spitz breeds.
These dogs are classified into three different sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—and all of them are shaggy types.
They are intelligent, easy to train, and make great watchdogs. The jet-white coats give them the look of mini snowballs.
6. Saint Bernard
These dogs are snow rescue legends. Known to have come from the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards were trained to find lost travelers trapped by snowstorms.
These huge dogs are calm by nature. They are capable of drooling a lot (or little), but they make patient and good-natured companions. Although large, they have a loving heart and are loyal to families.
7. Norwegian Elkhound
This ancient breed comes from Norway and was used to hunt large animals in cold forests. Norwegian Elkhounds are sturdy, alert, and very loyal.
They have a thick silver-grey coat that keeps them warm. These dogs are independent but bond closely with their families.
8. Keeshond
Pronounced as “kayz-hawnd,” these happy furry fellas were bred in the Netherlands. Though not a sled dog, their very thick coat and tolerance of cold weather make them a part of this list.
They are very affectionate and good with children. Their fox-like, quizzical faces and puffed-up coats make them look like little fluff balloons with legs.
9. Akita
From snowy Japanese mountains, Akitas stand strong, silent, and dignified.
They were bred to protect royalty and hunt large game. Akitas are deeply loyal to their owners but can act rather indifferent with strangers.
Their heavy double coat and curled tail keep them warm against harsh climates, and they feel happiest at times when they have a job to do.
10. German Shepherd
You’d rarely think of a German Shepherd as a snow dog; they are built for all-weather work. They are used by the military and police throughout the world.
Because of their double-thick coat, stamina, and intelligence, they make snow-clad lands their ideal habitat. And they’re easy to train and super protective!
11. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
A Bernese cousin, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is less hairy but just as sturdy and loving.
They were also used for pulling carts in the Alps. For temperaments, they are calm and gentle and form strong bonds with families.
Despite their giant size, they are very sociable and love spending time with people.
12. Canadian Eskimo Dog
Keeping it one of the oldest native breeds in North America, the Canadian Eskimo Dog was bred for snow-based regions.
The Inuit bred these dogs for pulling sleds and hunting. They are strong, loyal, and exceptional in work situations. Sadly, they are not very common today, but they are resoundingly snow dogs.
Conclusion
There is just a long way to consider being a snow dog with its long coat and fluffy face. They have their history and skills, plus they are excessively loving.
Whether they were supposed to pull sleds through tundra or to guard mountain-village homes in snow, these dogs remain champions of the colder climates.
For those not living in a winter wonderland, many of these breeds can still make excellent companions, although you may wish to have a roller brush in hand quite often and take some time.
To suggest one of these magnificent animals that can be brought into the home, we would say it is very important to make sure their needs can be met. Whichever snow dog you choose will require space, daily exercise, constant air conditioning during the summers, and, sometimes, a brush and broom just for all the shedding. But, in return, these amazing animals will defend you and provide you with immense loyalty.
