Best dogs
Best dogs for cold climates
The breeds rated best at coping with cold weather and snow.
Breeds with thick double coats and a history in cold regions cope best with winter. Even they need shelter, and small, thin-coated and hairless dogs need extra protection. The breeds below are the ones rated best in cold weather.
The list
| # | Breed | Size | Typical weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bernese Mountain Dog | Large | 70 to 115 lb | 7 to 10 years |
| 2 | Siberian Husky | Medium | 35 to 60 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 3 | Collie | Large | 50 to 75 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 4 | Shiba Inu | Small | 17 to 23 lb | 13 to 16 years |
| 5 | Newfoundland | Large | 100 to 150 lb | 9 to 10 years |
| 6 | Samoyed | Medium | 35 to 65 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 7 | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Large | 55 to 80 lb | 10 to 13 years |
| 8 | Akita | Large | 70 to 130 lb | 10 to 13 years |
| 9 | Saint Bernard | Large | 120 to 180 lb | 8 to 10 years |
| 10 | Great Pyrenees | Large | 85 to 115 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 11 | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | Medium | 35 to 50 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 12 | Alaskan Malamute | Large | 75 to 85 lb | 10 to 14 years |
| 13 | Keeshond | Medium | 35 to 45 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 14 | Chow Chow | Medium | 45 to 70 lb | 8 to 12 years |
| 15 | Tibetan Terrier | Small | 18 to 30 lb | 12 to 15 years |
About the breeds
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, tricolor Swiss farm dog known for a gentle, affectionate nature and a thick coat, with a short lifespan. Read the Bernese Mountain Dog profile.
2. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized northern sled dog with a thick coat and striking eyes, known for endurance, independence and a love of running. Read the Siberian Husky profile.
3. Collie
A graceful, gentle herding dog from Scotland, famous for its flowing coat and loyal nature, in both rough-coated and smooth-coated varieties. Read the Collie profile.
4. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a small, fox-faced Japanese spitz known for its independence, cleanliness and thick double coat. Read the Shiba Inu profile.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant, water-loving working dog from Canada, famous for its sweet temperament, webbed feet and lifesaving swimming ability. Read the Newfoundland profile.
6. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a fluffy white northern herding and sled dog from Siberia, known for its smiling face, sociable nature and heavy coat. Read the Samoyed profile.
7. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tough, independent American retriever with an oily, wavy coat, bred to work in icy water all day. Read the Chesapeake Bay Retriever profile.
8. Akita
The Akita is a large, dignified spitz-type dog from Japan, loyal and strong-willed, with a thick coat and a reserved, guardian nature. Read the Akita profile.
9. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a giant Swiss Alpine dog, calm and good-natured, famed for mountain rescue work and for a heavy build that drools and sheds. Read the Saint Bernard profile.
10. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a large white livestock guardian from the Pyrenees mountains, gentle with its charges, independent in thought and a night-time barker. Read the Great Pyrenees profile.
11. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever, a red, fox-like Canadian dog that lures ducks to shore and is very energetic. Read the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever profile.
12. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a big, strong Arctic sled dog built for hauling heavy loads, with a thick coat, a friendly face and an independent mind. Read the Alaskan Malamute profile.
13. Keeshond
The Keeshond is a friendly, silver-and-black Dutch spitz with a plush coat and spectacle markings, known as a watchful family companion. Read the Keeshond profile.
14. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is an ancient Chinese spitz with a lion-like ruff, a blue-black tongue and an aloof, dignified manner that suits experienced owners. Read the Chow Chow profile.
15. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-small, shaggy-coated companion from Tibet with large flat feet, a gentle manner and a lively, loyal nature. Read the Tibetan Terrier profile.
How this list was made
Breeds rated 4 or 5 for cold tolerance, ordered by that rating. The ratings come from the breed profiles on this site, which rate each breed as a whole. Individual dogs differ, so use the list to decide which profiles to read, then meet the breed before you choose.