If you’re looking for a dog that loves the snow and cold temperatures of winter, then look no further! Winter-loving breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed make excellent family companions, and they also excel in dog sports like sledding and skijoring. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best breeds of dogs to bring into your home if you’re looking for a canine companion that loves the winter season. Read on to learn more about these special breeds!
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The Alaskan Malamute
This is a powerful and majestic breed of dog, originating from Alaska. These Arctic dogs were bred by the Mahlemut Eskimos for use as sled dogs, and to haul heavy loads over long distances. The Alaskan Malamute is the largest of the Arctic sled dogs, standing up to 27 inches tall and weighing up to 85 pounds. With their thick fur and impressive size, they are well-suited to cold weather and love the snow.
Here are some fun facts about the Alaskan Malamute:
• The Alaskan Malamute was named after the Mahlemut tribe of Alaska’s Norton Sound region.
• These dogs have been used in arctic exploration since the late 19th century, famously helping Admiral Robert Peary reach the North Pole in 1909.
• Alaskan Malamutes can be incredibly affectionate and loyal, making them great family pets.
• They are also known for their incredible strength, capable of pulling carts and sleds up to 1,500 pounds!
• These dogs have thick double coats with a soft undercoat and coarse outer coat that protects them from the cold.
Photo by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash
The American Eskimo Dog
This is a small- to medium-sized spitz-type dog that has a thick, white double coat and a strong muzzle. They were originally bred in the United States for their intelligence, athleticism, and ability to guard and perform tricks. They are known for their alertness and loyalty, as well as their tendency to bark at strangers. American Eskimos enjoy being outdoors in colder climates and love winter weather, making them perfect for families living in snowy areas.
Here are some fun facts about the American Eskimo Dog:
• American Eskimos are active dogs who need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love playing fetch and going on walks, hikes, and runs. They do best with an owner who can provide them with consistent training and socialization, as they can be a bit aloof with strangers.
• They are excellent watchdogs, and can be suspicious of people they don’t know.
• When it comes to grooming, American Eskimos need regular brushing to keep their coats clean and healthy. They may also need occasional trims to keep their hair from getting too long.
• American Eskimos are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Common health issues can include hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Photo by Bigandt, Deposit Photos
The Icelandic Sheepdog:
Sometimes referred to as the Iceland Dog, this is a loyal, friendly and energetic breed that loves the snow and cold weather of winter. This small Nordic dog, with its thick coat and curled tail, has a long history of being bred for herding sheep in Iceland. They have a thick double coat that protects them from the elements and makes them well-suited for colder climates.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are intelligent and sociable dogs that thrive in an active home environment. They are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. With proper training, they make great family pets, although their high energy levels can be difficult to handle if not managed properly.
In terms of fun facts:
• This breed is known to be quite vocal – they bark and howl to express themselves.
• They also have an interesting ‘drooling’ behavior when excited or anticipating a reward, which can be quite amusing to watch!
• Icelandic Sheepdogs also love to play fetch and other interactive games with their owners.
The King Shepherd
This is a relatively new breed of dog that was created by crossbreeding German Shepherds and Shiloh Shepherds in the 1990s. This is a large, powerful breed with a strong protective instinct that loves to be with its family. This breed needs plenty of exercise and will do best in an active home.
Fun Facts About the King Shepherd:
• The King Shepherd is a naturally intelligent and independent breed that is known for its loyalty and affection towards its owners.
• King Shepherds were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep, so they are incredibly protective of their loved ones.
• King Shepherds have a double coat, which allows them to stay warm in cold climates and even thrive in winter.
• King Shepherds are not only beautiful but also incredibly versatile, excelling at agility, obedience, and other activities.
• Although they may look intimidating, King Shepherds are actually quite gentle and love to spend time cuddling up with their owners.
Photo Cred to [email protected], Deposit Photos
The Alaskan Klee Kai
This small breed of dog was developed in the late 1970s in Alaska. The breed is a mix between the Siberian Husky and other small spitz-type dogs. They are often referred to as a “miniature husky” due to their similar appearance. Alaskan Klee Kai are typically friendly and loving companions, although they can be quite independent and require lots of exercise.
These dogs make great family pets, as they are known for being loyal and devoted to their humans. However, due to their high energy level, they need regular daily exercise and stimulation to keep them from getting bored. They are also very intelligent, so it’s important to keep them mentally stimulated as well.
Alaskan Klee Kai love winter and enjoy playing in the snow. They have thick double coats which help them withstand even the coldest temperatures. When temperatures dip below freezing, they need to wear a coat or sweater to keep them warm. In addition to their thick coat, they have a strong natural instinct to burrow, which helps keep them warm in the winter.
Fun facts about Alaskan Klee Kai:
• The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
• They come in four different colors: black and white, gray and white, red and white, and solid white.
• They have an average lifespan of 12-15 years.
• They are considered one of the most cat-like breeds of dog due to their intelligence and independent nature.
• They are extremely loyal and devoted to their owners.
• They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
• They are excellent swimmers and love playing in the snow!
Photo Cred, @Naiathebuhund, Facebook
The Norwegian Buhund
This dog is a cheerful, intelligent and loyal spitz-type dog breed that loves to be around its family. Originally from Norway, these active and robust dogs have been used for centuries as herding and hunting dogs. The Norwegian Buhund is considered a great family companion and are known for their devotion, playfulness and loyalty.
Fun facts about the Norwegian Buhund:
• The Norwegian Buhund is an ancient Nordic dog breed, which has been used since the Viking era to herd sheep and guard homes and properties.
• They were popular among sailors and fishermen in Norway, as they make excellent watchdogs with their sharp senses and alertness.
• In addition to being an excellent herder, the Norwegian Buhund is also an excellent watchdog, as they are very alert and will bark when they sense danger.
• Norwegian Buhunds have a thick double coat that comes in a range of colors, including wheaten, black, gray, fawn and sable.
• These dogs are very energetic and love to play and stay active, making them a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
• They are also highly trainable and intelligent, making them easy to train for obedience competitions or other sports activities.
• The Norwegian Buhund is an especially good breed for families living in cold climates, as they have thick coats to keep them warm in winter.
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Newfoundland
These are one of the best breeds for winter thanks to their thick double coat. Native to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, these large and strong working dogs are known for their sweet personalities and loyalty. Here are some fun facts about Newfoundlands:
• Newfoundland dogs were originally bred to be working dogs, used to help fishermen with tasks like pulling in nets and rescuing people who had fallen overboard.
• Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet and thick water-resistant coat.
• The average lifespan of a Newfoundland is 8-10 years.
• They are well-known for their gentle nature and patience with children, making them ideal family pets.
• Newfoundland dogs require lots of exercise and grooming, which is especially important during the winter months when the weather can be extreme.
• Despite their size, Newfoundlands are not considered aggressive dogs, so they make great companions for other animals too.
• Some Newfoundlands have even been trained as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs.
If you’re looking for a loyal and loving dog that loves winter, the Newfoundland is definitely worth considering! With its patient and gentle nature, this breed is perfect for families of all sizes and offers plenty of companionship during the cold winter months.
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The Samoyed:
This breed of fluffy white and cream-colored herding dogs was originally bred to help their owners in the cold climates of Siberia. They were traditionally used to herd reindeer, but nowadays they make great family pets. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty and affectionate nature. Samoyeds love to be around people and are incredibly social animals.
Fun Facts About Samoyeds:
• Samoyeds were named after the Samoyedic people, who originated in Siberia.
• The Samoyed’s thick coat was developed to protect them from the cold, harsh conditions in the North.
• They have an instinctive “smile” when they’re happy – their mouths curl up into a permanent grin.
• Samoyeds can be trained to pull sleds and compete in dog sports such as agility and mushing.
• They are also great watchdogs, as they will bark at anything unusual or suspicious.
• Samoyeds love to cuddle, and will often curl up in a lap for a nap.
Photo by Mike Turner on Unsplash
The Great Pyrenees:
A large, majestic breed of dog that is native to the Pyrenees Mountains in southern Europe. These dogs are known for their beautiful, long white coats and regal appearance. They make great family pets, as they are loyal and devoted to their owners. The breed is also known for its love of the outdoors, so they make excellent companion animals for those who enjoy spending time in nature.
Fun facts about the Great Pyrenees include:
• Great Pyrenees were bred to be guard dogs, and they are still used today to protect flocks of sheep and other livestock.
• The Great Pyrenees has a double coat made up of a thick undercoat and a wooly topcoat. This makes them well-suited for cold climates and outdoor activities.
• The Great Pyrenees is often referred to as the “Gentle Giant” due to their friendly, loving nature.
• The Great Pyrenees is one of the oldest known breeds of dog and has been around since at least the 1700s.
• These dogs are natural hikers and love spending time in the outdoors with their families.
• The Great Pyrenees is an independent thinker, which means it can be difficult to train them.
• They have a loud bark that can be used to warn off any intruders or wild animals.
• This breed loves children and is known to be gentle and patient with them.
• The Great Pyrenees is a very strong swimmer and enjoys taking part in water activities with its owner.
• Great Pyrenees are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they only need occasional brushing and occasional bathing.
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