Some doggos are made to survive the winter while others are born to enjoy the sultry summer. Depending on its coat and fur, each dog breed will have varying tolerance levels to extreme temperatures. Usually, short-coated dogs are best for hot weather while fluffier canines are ideal for the snowy season. In this post, we will help you find the best dog breed for hot and cold weather that suits you.
It’s not like you’re going to switch dogs each season. By knowing what dog breeds can tolerate a specific temperature, you can assess if getting a certain breed as a new pet will be ideal for your location.
Making sure that your choice of dog suits the weather in your location is also a matter of protecting their welfare. Extreme temperatures can take a toll on your dog’s health if they’re not made for it.
For cold weather
1. Husky
If there’s one highly recognizable winter dog, it would the Huskies. The Siberian Husky has a double coat that allows it to withstand very low temperatures, like the freezing environments of Alaska. They were among the oldest dog breeds that are traced from the Chukchi tribe in Siberia.
In 1908, Siberian Huskies were imported to Alaska and were used for sled races and snow-related tasks. Soon enough, they were being imported to North America and other parts of the world.
As much as they can tolerate very cold temperatures, they also work in packs. Huskies will thrive on the care of an experienced owner who will be their alpha. Still, Huskies are affectionate to almost anyone.
Siberian Huskies are a blend of charming, playful, mischievous, and dignified personalities. The only problem with this breed is they love howling and barking plus they will wander if left unsupervised. Also, they’re not one of the all weather dog breeds.
2. Saint Bernard
Known as the Gentle Giants, Saint Bernard is a picture of calmness, patience, and obedience. This dog is initially bred to rescue and help injured and lost travelers in Switzerland. They were also the guards of a namesake hospice in the same country.
Saint Bernard’s has a large body and a thick coat which allows them to endure the outdoor cold during extended periods. If domesticated, they need a large yard where they can roam freely.
For clean freaks, owning a Saint Bernard could be a nightmare. This doggo drools and sheds like there’s no tomorrow.
Overall, Saint Bernard dogs are calm and prefer staying indoors with their family. But if threat ensues, they won’t retreat and they’re ready to bark at anything that may harm their pack. For households looking for a guard dog, the large size of a Saint Bernard is enough to send burglars away.
3. Alaskan Malamute
Often compared to Siberian Huskies, the Alaskan Malamute is actually the largest Arctic dogs with a heavier coat to shield them against the freezing environment.
They are also known to be the oldest Arctic dog and the best dog breed for hot and cold weather if taken care of properly.
The Malamute dog is affectionate to its owners but they may take a little while to be attuned to kids. Nevertheless, they are welcoming of strangers but not with other dogs. Their wolf-like stature makes Malamutes appealing to many dog owners.
However, for those living in an apartment, Malamutes will prove to be a handful. They are active canines that need to work and dispense their intense energy. Malamutes also like barking and howling which can disrupt the neighborhood.
Nevertheless, Malamutes are highly trainable and intelligent. If you satisfy their exercise needs through daily walks and play time, they will have less interest to wander or chew on things.
4. Samoyed
No, you didn’t saw a walking cloud, it’s a Samoyed dog frolicking on the now. This breed came from Siberia and widely known for their “Sammy” smile and their black lips.
Samoyed dogs are fond of humans and they also love playing with kids. This roots back to their close ties to the Samoyede people that bred and raised them thousands of years ago.
They were used to pull sleds, hunt reindeers, and guard against predators. Their majestic coat, if kept well, will blend with the snow. They can also become of the all weather dog breeds.
Samoyeds are also dignified dogs and highly intelligent. However, this breed tends to have favorites among the members of the household. Still, they will give love to anyone who treats them right.
Although Samoyeds can endure dropping temperatures, their coat is a pain to groom. It requires frequent brushing and it’s a nightmare if your doggo decides to roll in the mud.
5. American Eskimo Dog
From its name alone, you’ll know that the American Eskimo Dog is born to survive the snowy weather. They share the majestic coat of Samoyeds as well as the latter’s friendliness and affection toward its owners.
American Eskimo Dogs has a jaunty and intelligent personality that captivates the heart of many aspiring owners. True enough, this breed excels on tasks where it will need to use its brain. Eskies are known to be clever dogs which made them a staple of circus shows back in the days.
Remember, Eskies are independent doggos with a strong will. This will manifest during training but since they are one of the flexible breeds, it wouldn’t be a pain to fix their stubbornness.
As much as this breed thrives living in an apartment, they can be problematic barkers if left alone. Still, don’t be relieved if the Eskie stopped talking. Most likely, the dog is busy chewing.
6. Akita
Lauded for its nobility and intimidating personality, Akita dogs used to be guards for the royalty back in the feudal days of Japan. As a guard dog, Akitas are always ready to fight its enemies. This breed is passionately loyal but they aren’t the best choice if you have kids.
Akita dogs have similarities to Shiba Inus. Both came from Japan and have the iconic curled tail. However, Akitas have thicker fur that allows it to survive in a very cold environment.
This dog can also be the best dog breed for hot and cold weather in the right environment. They are also bolder and require an experienced owner.
Remember that Akitas are dominating dogs. They will try to dominate you unless you show who the leader of the pack is. Also, Akitas perceive prolonged eye contact as a challenge and they will surely react aggressively.
If you have other pets in your home, Akitas will chase them to no end. Training them requires consistency and a lot of patience.
Looking for more breeds? Here’s a video with more cold-weather doggos!
For hot weather
1. American Water Spaniel
If you’re looking for a dog that can withstand hotter temperatures, the American Water Spaniel is an excellent candidate. They were bred as an all-around hunting dog that retrieves waterfowl and chases animals. With proper care, this spaniel dog can be one of the all weather dog breeds.
This water spaniel dog has a medium size and a rather stocky body. Their appearance is also remarkable due to their curly coat.
Although it looks thick, their coat is thin enough to keep them cool under the sun. This type of coat actually acts as a shield against water, intense sunlight, and other outdoor elements that may scathe their skin.
As an active dog, the American Water Spaniel doesn’t thrive in cramped households. They have a demanding need for exercise and play although their intensity is quite low.
Even though this breed is fun to be with outdoors, you should always watch out as American Water Spaniels have a strong drive to explore its environment.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are very energetic dogs that are ready to romp on the park at any time of the day. They love catching Frisbees, chasing, and basking under the sun.
For those who are planning to own a Collie, they should have the energy to keep up with this breed’s level of athleticism. Border Collie is also one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
If you don’t know how to channel their cleverness into something good, they will be bossing around the household.
Although Border Collies are known for their unwavering stamina, they are also affectionate to its owners including kids. But to live harmoniously in a domesticated setting, you have to subject the dog to early socialization and obedience training.
Still, don’t expect Border Collies to be cuddly and couch potatoes. They always have the need to do something as a herding dog. The same nature may also cause them to flock kids which you should watch out for.
3. Golden Retriever
As the quintessential family dog, Golden Retrievers has an endless love affair with water as a former waterfowl retriever. Goldies are an active breed that loves to play in the park, swim in the pond, or hike with their owners. Overall, they are the best dog breed for hot and cold weather.
Although they have thick coats that shed endlessly, Golden Retrievers are not big fans of the cold weather. Still, their tolerance of the hot temperature isn’t that far from their sensitivity to the winter season.
As a large dog, Goldies may succumb to heat exhaustion if not hydrated and allowed to rest.
When it comes to affection, nothing beats the love Goldies give. They are buddies for life and they are the most patient when it comes to naughty kids. To keep this dog happy, you need to take them to daily walks and play times.
As much as Goldies may bark at strangers, they are too friendly to be guard dogs.
4. American Foxhound
The Foxhound dog is one of the rarest native breeds in the U.S. They were initially bred to be hunting dogs. Despite their agility, this breed is sweet, loyal, kind, and easy-going. And since this breed loves running, they make excellent jogging companions.
When it comes to affection, the American Foxhound is a total sweetheart. This trait also makes them poor guard dogs as they tend to be welcoming of strangers too.
With their hard-wired urge to run and chase, Foxhounds are challenging to train and their intelligence is a tad lower than most dogs. Their appearance and love for wandering is something they share with the Beagle breed.
Overall, American Foxhounds are mild-mannered. However, you should be ready with their baying that they can put up for hours. Unless your neighbor lives far enough, no one will be spared from the concert this hound willingly hosts.
5. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds. They are crazily smart and can get really bored if you don’t provide them with toys and tasks.
As a sporting dog, they always have to run, chase, and stay active. Airedale Terrier love basking in the sun while doing their tasks.
Airedale Terriers also love mouthing things. In addition, their intense prey drive may send them chasing after a squirrel or a rabbit. This breed also loves howling and barking. Still, they are highly trainable to dampen all these issues.
When it comes to work, Airedale Terriers will deliver come hell or high waters. In fact, during World War I, an Airedale Terrier named Jack was tasked to deliver a note to the British headquarters. The pooch has to sprint for over half a mile while artillery is raining on him. Jack delivered the message but had died shortly after sustaining a broken jaw and leg.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an energetic and herding breed known for their protective nature for their families. This working dog loves being part of family activities and anything that will keep it busy. If you fail to meet their need to work, they will be destructive.
The Aussie Cattle Dog is recognizable through its patched eyes and what looks like a masked face.
This breed is affectionate but you need to subject the dog to intense training before letting it mingle with small kids. They have very intense energy levels that can knock a kid down on its way. If you want this dog to get along with kids, you need to raise the doggo with them from puppyhood.
Australian Cattle Dogs also tend to be clingy with their owners, sometimes labeled as a Velcro dog. Although this doggo is sweet, you simply can’t keep him indoors.
Didn’t find your match? Here are more summer-loving breeds:
Have you found the best dog breed for hot and cold weather that suits you? Aside from tolerance to extreme temperatures, it’s also important to look into a dog’s personality and temperament.