If you live in a chilly, snow-covered climate, these winter-loving dogs are a perfect match for your lifestyle.
Snow dog breeds are built for life in cold climates, often featuring thick, fluffy coats that help them thrive in snowy, icy conditions. These hardy breeds vary in size and temperament—some were bred for pulling sleds, guarding flocks, or hunting in the wild, while others simply make loyal and loving companions in chilly weather. Because they’re designed to handle freezing temperatures, these dogs are commonly known as snow dog breeds.
Thinking of adding one to your family? Check out these 12 snow-loving dog breeds to find the perfect cold-weather companion for your lifestyle.
Snow dog breeds are built for life in cold climates, often featuring thick, fluffy coats that help them thrive in snowy, icy conditions. These hardy breeds vary in size and temperament—some were bred for pulling sleds, guarding flocks, or hunting in the wild, while others simply make loyal and loving companions in chilly weather. Because they’re designed to handle freezing temperatures, these dogs are commonly known as snow dog breeds.
Thinking of adding one to your family? Check out these 12 snow-loving dog breeds to find the perfect cold-weather companion for your lifestyle.
Pro Tip:
While many snow dogs can adjust to a range of climates, their dense coats make them best suited for cooler regions. They may overheat in hot or humid environments, so always consider your local weather before choosing a breed. While many snow dogs can adjust to a range of climates, their dense coats make them best suited for cooler regions. They may overheat in hot or humid environments, so always consider your local weather before choosing a breed.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky: The Ultimate Snow Dog Companion
When it comes to snow dog breeds, the Siberian Husky is one of the first that comes to mind. Originally bred for sled pulling in harsh Arctic conditions, this iconic breed is as tough as it is beautiful. With their striking looks, thick coats, and high energy levels, huskies thrive in cold climates and are a great match for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Known for their vocal personalities and playful spirit, Siberian Huskies love to “talk” to their humans and often charm their way into being the center of attention. These dogs do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation.
Breed Overview
- Group: Working
- Height: 21–23.5 in (males); 20–22 in (females)
- Weight: 45–60 lbs (males); 35–50 lbs (females)
- Temperament: Energetic, friendly, vocal
- Energy Level: High
- Coat & Color: Dense, medium-length double coat in a variety of colors including white, black, red, gray, sable, agouti, and combinations
- Life Span: 12–14 years
Samoyed
Samoyed: The Smiling Snow Dog That Loves Winter
If you’re looking for a snow-loving dog breed that’s as cheerful as it is beautiful, the Samoyed—affectionately called the Sammie—might be your perfect match. Famous for their signature “Sammy smile” and bright white, fluffy coats, Samoyeds are built for cold weather and thrive in snowy climates.
Originally bred in Siberia to herd reindeer, pull sleds, and keep their people warm, Samoyeds are hardworking, social, and affectionate. They love being around their families and do best in homes where they’re given both physical activity and attention. Their thick double coat not only keeps them warm in winter—it also makes them look like walking snow clouds!
Breed Overview
- Group: Working
- Height: 21–23.5 in (males); 19–21 in (females)
- Weight: 45–65 lbs (males); 35–50 lbs (females)
- Temperament: Vocal, active, protective, affectionate
- Energy Level: High
- Coat & Color: Dense, long double coat in white, biscuit, or cream
- Life Span: 12–14 years
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard: The Gentle Giant of the Snow
Though you might picture them with a tiny barrel of brandy around their necks, Saint Bernards never actually carried liquor through the Alps—but they did save lives. Bred by monks in the Swiss Alps to rescue lost travelers in snowy conditions, these gentle giants are built for winter.
With their massive size, thick coat, and calm demeanor, Saint Bernards are ideal cold-climate dogs. They’re known for being incredibly affectionate, protective, and patient, especially with children. While they don’t need intense daily workouts, they do require space and regular exercise, making them great for families with room to roam.
Breed Overview
- Group: Working
- Height: 26–28 inches (females); 28–30 inches (males)
- Weight: 120–140 lbs (females); 140–180 lbs (males)
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, protective
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat & Color: Brindle, brown, mahogany, orange, red, or rust and white (with or without black mask); short to medium-length, smooth or rough double coat
- Life Span: 8–10 years
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees: Calm, Snow-Loving Gentle Giants
Originally bred to guard livestock in the snow-covered Pyrenees Mountains of France, the Great Pyrenees is a majestic and powerful snow dog known for its serene and loving nature. With their thick, white double coat, these dogs are built to handle freezing temperatures and rugged terrain.
While they can be vocal—especially when alerting to potential threats—the Great Pyrenees is typically calm, patient, and deeply affectionate with their families. Their gentle temperament and protective instincts make them ideal for families seeking a large, cold-weather companion who’s both watchful and kind.
Breed Overview
- Group: Working
- Height: 25–32 inches
- Weight: 100–150 lbs (males); 85–110 lbs (females)
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, patient
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat & Color: Thick double coat; primarily white, sometimes with markings of gray, tan, badger, or reddish-brown
- Life Span: 10–12 years
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute: A Powerful Snow Dog Built for Strength
Often mistaken for their smaller cousins, the Siberian Husky or Alaskan sled dog, the Alaskan Malamute is a large, muscular snow dog originally bred by the Mahlemut people of Alaska. While huskies are built for speed, Malamutes were designed for strength—capable of pulling heavy sled loads across long, snowy distances.
These cold-weather dogs are known for their friendly personalities, intelligence, and bravery. Their thick double coat helps them thrive in frigid conditions, making them a great match for active families living in colder climates.
Breed Overview
- Group: Working
- Height: 24–27 inches (males); 22–24 inches (females)
- Weight: 85 lbs (males); 75 lbs (females)
- Temperament: Friendly, bright, courageous
- Energy Level: High
- Coat & Color: Thick double coat; solid white or white with gray, black, seal, red, or silver
- Life Span: 10–12 years
American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dog: The Smart and Spirited Snow Dog with Circus Roots
Famous for their early appearances in the Barnum and Bailey Circus, the American Eskimo Dog is a highly intelligent and hardworking breed. Despite their name, these dogs were not developed by indigenous Arctic peoples. Instead, their fluffy white coats and heritage as descendants of German Spitz farm dogs give them their snowy, winter-ready look.
These energetic dogs come in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—making them a versatile choice for many families who want a lively, alert companion with a beautiful double coat.
Breed Overview
- Group: Non-Sporting
- Height: 9–12 inches (toy); 12–15 inches (miniature); 15–19 inches (standard)
- Weight: 6–10 lbs (toy); 10–20 lbs (miniature); 25–35 lbs (standard)
- Temperament: Alert, friendly, intelligent
- Energy Level: High
- Coat & Color: Thick, glossy white or cream double coat with a prominent ruff around neck and chest
- Life Span: 13–15 years
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: The Powerful Alpine Cart Hauler Built for Cold Climates
Closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust and dependable breed originally bred to brave the harsh, snowy conditions of the Swiss Alps. Known for their strength and stamina, these dogs were traditionally used to haul heavy carts to market, making them true working companions.
With a short, smooth tricolor coat, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog combines beauty and brawn, making them loyal and affectionate family members who thrive on activity.
Breed Overview
- Group: Working
- Height: 23.7–27 inches (females); 25.5–28.5 inches (males)
- Weight: 85–110 lbs (females); 115–140 lbs (males)
- Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, dependable
- Energy Level: High
- Coat & Color: Short, smooth coat in striking black, red, and white
- Life Span: 8–11 years
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a majestic and ancient breed known for its size and strength, perfectly suited for cold, snowy climates. This giant dog has a long history of guarding livestock in the harsh Himalayan mountains, where its thick double coat provided protection from the elements. While the exact origins of the breed remain uncertain, Tibetan Mastiffs are well-respected for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions.
These dogs have a calm, independent, and aloof temperament, making them ideal guardians for those with experience in handling such strong-willed breeds. Their protective nature combined with their loyalty makes them exceptional companions for the right owner.
Breed Overview
- Group: Working
- Height: 24 inches and up
- Weight: 70-150 lbs
- Temperament: Aloof, protective, independent
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat & Color: Double coat with a coarse, straight outer layer and a soft, woolly undercoat. Color options include black, brown, chocolate, liver, blue, gray, and gold/yellow.
- Life Span: 10-12 years
Their noble stature and unwavering loyalty make the Tibetan Mastiff a standout in the world of snow-loving dog breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed native to Switzerland, is known for its striking appearance and friendly temperament. Built for the cold and snowy Swiss Alps, this breed boasts a thick double coat that allows it to thrive in harsh winter conditions. Originally, these dogs were bred to work on farms, helping with tasks like herding, pulling carts, and guarding livestock, making them perfectly suited to chilly, mountainous environments.
Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants, known for their calm, affectionate nature. They’re incredibly loyal and often form strong bonds with their families, making them ideal companions for households with ample space. Their friendly, even-tempered personalities make them great for families with children and other pets.
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, loyal, and even-tempered
- Energy Level: High
- Coat & Color: Medium-length, thick double coat in black, rust, and white, or black, tan, and white
- Life Span: 7-10 years
With their gentle demeanor and breathtaking appearance, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a fantastic choice for those seeking a loyal, loving companion who thrives in snowy climates.
Newfoundland
Originating from Canada, the Newfoundland is a massive and gentle snow dog breed that’s perfect for families, especially those with children who love to cuddle. Known for their loving nature, these dogs were originally bred for their strength and swimming abilities, excelling in rescue work in cold, icy waters.
With their thick, water-resistant double coats, Newfoundlands were designed to work in frigid conditions and are natural swimmers. They are also incredibly gentle and patient, making them wonderful companions for children and a perfect addition to any home seeking a large, loyal dog that loves to be a part of family activities.
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 & Color: Black, brown, gray, white and black, with a medium to long, water-resistant double coat
- Life Span: 9-10 years
Newfoundlands are a wonderful mix of strength and tenderness, making them an excellent choice for families, particularly in colder climates where their impressive swimming abilities can be fully appreciated.
Keeshond
The Keeshond, often dubbed a “snow dog,” was originally developed in cold, arctic or sub-arctic regions, making them perfectly suited for chilly climates. With their thick, fluffy coats, these dogs are well-equipped to stay warm in freezing temperatures while remaining active and alert.
Keeshonds are known for their energetic, lively personalities and their constant readiness to engage with their family. Their alertness and outgoing nature make them wonderful companions, whether they’re playing outdoors or snuggling inside during colder months.
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 & Color: Very thick, double coat with a wooly undercoat and long outer coat. Color combinations include cream, black, and gray, with distinctive black markings around the eyes.
- Life Span: 12-15 years
These dogs not only excel in colder environments but also thrive in active households, where their alert and affectionate nature is greatly appreciated.
Akita
The Akita, a majestic breed from northern Japan, was originally bred to withstand the harsh, snowy climates of the region’s mountainous terrain. These powerful dogs were initially used as hunters but today, they are more commonly seen as family guardians, thanks to their protective and loyal nature.
Their thick, double-layered coats were designed to keep them warm in freezing temperatures, making them well-suited for snowy environments. However, be prepared for heavy shedding, as Akitas naturally shed throughout the year.
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 & Color: Short, thick double-layered coat in brindle or pinto with white markings
- Life Span: 10-14 years
With their striking appearance and loyal demeanor, Akitas make excellent protectors for families. However, their independence means they require an experienced owner who can provide proper training and structure.