12 Snow Dog Breeds Made for Cold Weather

Snow dog breeds excel in cold environments and generally have warm, fluffy coats, although they vary in size. While some breeds are developed for speed, guarding, hunting, or companionship, others are specifically bred to endure extreme temperatures. These are known as snow dog breeds.

Explore these 12 snow dog breeds to find the perfect snowy companion for your lifestyle.

Tip

Although some snow dogs are adaptable, their thick coats are tailored for cold climates, making them unsuitable for hot environments.

01 of 12

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies can have two different colored eyes. Credit: TRAVELARIUM / Getty Images

Known for their sled-pulling strength, Siberian huskies are the quintessential snow dogs. They are a favorite among active families, celebrated for their vocal nature and fluffy appearance.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 21-23.5 inches (males); 20-22 inches (females)
Weight: 45-60 lbs (males); 35-50 lbs (females)
Personality/Temperament: Family-friendly, vocal, energetic
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: White, black, and a combination of white with red, black and tan, gray, brown, agouti, black, or sable, medium length hair
Life Span: 12-14 years
02 of 12

Samoyed

Samoyeds are known for their smiles. Credit:
Getty Images/bruev

Samoyeds, or "Sammies," are famous for their smiles and love for snow. This medium to large, white, fluffy dog blends perfectly with snowy landscapes.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 21-23.5 inches (males); 19-21 inches (females)
Weight: 45-65 lbs (males); 35-50 lbs (females)
Personality/Temperament: Vocal, active, protective
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: White, biscuit, or cream, long hair
Life Span: 12-14 years
03 of 12

Saint Bernard

While not fluffy, St. Bernard fur is still warm. Credit:
Purple Collar Pet Photography Moment/Getty Images

Often pictured with a small cask of brandy around their necks, the Saint Bernard didn't actually carry liquor in the Swiss Alps, but they are affectionate snow dogs. This giant breed was bred to find and rescue people trapped in the snowy mountains so they're made to be in snow.

Breed Overview

Group: Working

Height: 26 to 28 inches (females); 28 to 30 inches (males)

Weight: 120 to 140 lbs (females); 140 to 180 lbs (males)

Personality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, protective

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Brindle and white, brown and white, mahogany and white, orange and white, red and white, or rust and white with/without a black mask, short to medium-length, smooth or rough double coat

Life Span: 8-10 years
04 of 12

Great Pyrenees

Also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Great Pyrenees is a popular dog breed. Credit:
Getty Images/BenC

As a gentle giant, the Great Pyrenees hails from France's snowy Pyrenees Mountains. This large, double-coated breed is often vocal but generally remains calm.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 lbs (males); 85 to 110 lbs (females)
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, patient
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: White, but may have markings of gray, tan, badger, or reddish-brown, thick, double-coat
Life Span: 10-12 years

Continue to 5 of 12 below
05 of 12

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute has been in existence for thousands of years. Credit:
razvanchirnoaga/Getty Images

Often mistaken for the smaller Siberian husky or the Alaskan sled dog, the Alaskan Malamute is a large sled-pulling breed developed by Alaska's indigenous Mahlemut tribe. While Siberian huskies are racers bred for speed, Malamutes are bred for strength and hauling heavy loads. The Alaskan sled dog is a mix of both breeds.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 24 to 27 inches (males); 22 to 24 inches (females)
Weight: 85 lbs (males); 75 lbs (females)
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, bright, courageous
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Solid white or combinations of white and gray, seal, red, black, or silver, thick, double coat
Life Span: 10-12 years

4 Best Alaskan Dog Breeds
06 of 12

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs are small snow dogs. Credit: blendshapes / Getty Images

Popularized by their early appearances in Barnum and Bailey circus shows, the American Eskimo Dog is intelligent and hardworking. Despite the misleading name, this breed wasn't developed by indigenous Arctic groups. Instead, their white coats and German spitz farm descendants lend to their identity as snow dogs.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 9 to 12 inches (toy variety); 12 to 15 inches (miniature variety); 15 to 19 inches (standard variety)
Weight: 6 to 10 lbs (toy); 10 to 20 lbs (miniature); 25 to 35 lbs (standard)
Personality/Temperament: Alert, friendly, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: White or slightly cream-colored, thick, glossy double-coat with thick ruff around neck and chest
Life Span: 13-15 years

Explore 40 Spitz Breeds: Unique Traits and Origins of Spitz Dogs
07 of 12

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Unlike most snow dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have short fur. Credit:
Getty Images

Closely related to the Bernese mountain dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was bred to endure the cold and snowy Swiss Alps. Strong and dependable, they were designed to haul carts to market.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 23.7 to 27 inches (females); 25.5 to 28.5 inches (males)
Weight: 85 to 110 lbs (females); 115 to 140 lbs (males)
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, dependable
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Black, red, white, short and smooth
Life Span: 8-11 years
08 of 12

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are big snow dogs. Credit:
Getty Images/~User7565abab_575

The Tibetan Mastiff, an ancient giant breed, thrives in snowy conditions. Though their exact origins are uncertain, these dogs are known for guarding livestock in the Himalayan Mountains for centuries.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 24 inches and taller
Weight: 70-150 lbs
Personality/Temperament: Aloof, protective, independent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Double outer coat is fine but hard, straight, and stand-off; undercoat is heavy, soft, and woolly, black, brown/chocolate/liver, blue, gray, or gold/yellow
Life Span: 10-12 years

Continue to 9 of 12 below
09 of 12

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are popular family dogs and livestock guardians. Credit:
Getty Images/Christopher Kimmel

Bred in Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle snow breeds. Their thick coats shield them from snow and cold, while their size allows them to perform tasks typical of mountain farm dogs.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 23 to 26 inches (females); 25 to 27.5 inches (males)
Weight: 70 to 95 lbs (females); 80 to 115 lbs (males)
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, even-tempered, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Thick, medium-length double coat, black, rust, and white or black, tan, and white
Life Span: 7-10 years
10 of 12

Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs are gentle giants. Credit: Bread and Butter Productions / Getty Images

Originating from Canada, Newfoundland dogs are gentle giants perfect for children to cuddle. Bred to be strong rescue swimmers, they excel in frigid waters.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 26 inches (females); 28 inches (males)
Weight: 100 to 120 lbs (females); 130 to 150 lbs (males)
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, sweet, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Black, brown, gray, white and black, medium to long double coat
Life Span: 9-10 years
11 of 12

Keeshond

The Keeshond loves the snow. Credit:
David Edwards / EyeEm / Getty Images

Thought to originate in arctic or sub-arctic regions, the Keeshond is rightly called a snow dog breed. Its fluffy, thick coat is perfect for staying warm in these climates.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 18 inches (males); 17 inches (females)
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Personality/Temperament: Lively, outgoing, alert
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Very thick with a double topcoat, wooly undercoat, and long outer coat, cream, black, and gray color combinations with black markings around the eyes
Life Span: 12-15 years
12 of 12

Akita

Akitas originated in Japan. Credit:
Eudyptula / Getty Images

Originating in northern Japan's snowy mountains, Akitas were initially bred as powerful hunters. Today, they're often utilized as family guards. Their thick coat provides protection from cold climates but also contributes to heavy shedding.

Breed Overview

Group: Working
Height: 26 to 28 inches (males); 24 to 26 inches (females)
Weight: 100 to 130 lbs (males); 70 to 100 lbs (females)
Personality/Temperament: Protective, independent, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, thick, double-layered coat, brindle and pinto, each with white markings
Life Span: 10-14 years

More Snow Dog Breeds

If you’re interested in learning more about snow dogs, explore these additional breeds:

6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active in the Winter

FAQ

What special care do snow dog breeds require in warm climates?

Snow dog breeds have thick coats meant for cold climates, which can make them uncomfortable in warm weather. It's important to ensure they have access to plenty of water and shade, and consider grooming strategies to help them stay cool.
Are snow dog breeds good with children?

Many snow dog breeds, like Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards, are known for their gentle and loyal nature, often making them great companions for families with children.
Do snow dog breeds require a lot of exercise?

Most snow dog breeds have high energy levels and were bred for active tasks like sled-pulling or herding. They typically require ample exercise and room to roam to maintain their health and happiness.