January 2015: Top 7 Cold Weather Dog Breeds
There’s good reason why some dogs seem born to pull sleds and others seem more at home, curled up in your lap in front of the fire. Meet our favorite 10 dog breeds that thrive in some of the harshest snow covered terrains in the world; and learn a few facts about them as well!
Bernese Mountain Dog
Most at home in the cold weather, the Bernese Mountain Dog is used for hauling and driving cattle in the mountainous regions of Berne in Switzerland.
Samoyed
Originally bred for herding reindeer, hunting and pulling sleds. Considered one of only four dog breeds in the world descended directly from wolves.
Newfoundland
Known for their giant size, calm disposition and loyalty. Used as working dogs for fisherman, excelling in water rescue due to their muscular build, thick double coat and webbed feet.
Alaskan Malamute
The ultimate cold-weather canine and the oldest and largest of the arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute is built for endurance with a thick coarse coat to keep them warm.
St Bernard
Muscular, large dogs known for their willingness to work and locate people trapped in snowstorms and avalanches. Named after the harrowing Great St. Bernard Pass on the border of Switzerland and Italy.
Tibetan Terrier
With flat, large textured feet that provide heavy traction in the snow, along with a protective double coat, the Tibetan Terrier is built to withstand extreme climate conditions; particularly those found in Tibet, its place of origin.
Great Pyrenees
Once used to herd livestock on steep mountain slopes of France, the Great Pyrenees love wintery conditions and have a thick double coat that protects them from all but the most arctic of temperatures.
