10 Dog Breeds Who Love Snow
Are you looking for a dog who just can’t get enough of winter? Maybe you work in search and rescue in the mountains or perhaps you’re an avid snowshoer and are looking for a great companion.
We’ve rounded up five stellar dog breeds that are more at home in snow than they are anywhere else.
Samoyed
The Samoyed dog breed is known for taking part in both Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. The Samoyed breed was originally used for herding reindeer and hauling sledges for the Siberian Samoyede people. They are clothed in white fur and always have a warm and ready grin.
This breed is known for being gentle and outgoing and adores his family, even cats if he’s raised with them. You’ll want to reinforce training with your Samoyed because he can be a bit stubborn at times.
He’s affectionate, child friendly and is a great watchdog. He will need to be brushed often because he sheds heavily.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is another breed who prefers being in the snow. They hail from the Swiss Alps and were originally kept as farm dogs. This breed officially began in 1907 yet it took until 1937 for the American Kennel Club to recognize it as part of the Working Group.
While they adore being outside, they are also well-behaved inside. Their size requires activity and exercise but they have more sprint than stamina. If they don’t have any joint issues, they love to hike. Without enough exercise, they tend to bark and harass others.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
Alaskan Malamute
Originally bred for hauling heavy freight because they are strong and have a lot of endurance, the Alaskan Malamute eventually turned to sled dog racing.
Because they are such outdoor dogs, they have double coats. The undercoat tends to be oily and wooly and can be as thick as 2 inches. The outer coat is coarse and stands off the dog’s body. They have small ears in proportion to their size and, with their heft, they can be quite a formidable breed.
But because they have had to survive in very harsh environments, malamutes tend to be strongly independent. They’re very fond of people but are known to have a high prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
Great Pyrenees
Originally, this dog was used by shepherds as a guard dog.
Like the Malamute, the Great Pyrenees sports a weather resistant double coat. The outer coat is long and thick and lays over a fine, wooly undercoat. Their coat tends to be thicker around the neck and shoulders where it appears like a mane.
Loving the outdoors, this breed enjoys being in the snow. And, while it is known for its confidence and gentleness with children, Great Pyrenees are also known to be strong willed and independent.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
St. Bernard
One of the most popular of the large breed, winter loving dogs is a Saint Bernard. But despite its size, it’s full of gentleness and joy.
Saint Bernards have been known for search and rescue in the mountains because they are powerful and well-muscled. This breed is named after St. Bernard pass – a treacherous pass in the Alps between Italy and Switzerland where the breed rescued many lost people in avalanches and snow. This dog is patient, gentle and easygoing with children so even though they like cold weather – their personalities are warm.
Short runs and moderate walks are all the Saint Bernard needs to be happy. Their coats require weekly brushing and even more during shedding season.
[tps_title]
[/tps_title]
Anatolian Shepherd
SOURCE:
http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_samoyed
http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_bernese_mountain_dog
http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_alaskan_malamute
http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_saint_bernard
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com