44 breeds · updated Oct 2026

Best dog breeds for cold weather

Breeds with a high cold-tolerance rating are generally more comfortable in winter weather, which makes them a natural fit for snowy climates and cold-season hobbies like hiking.

This list includes breeds rated 4 or 5 for handling cold, highest first, with general health used to break ties. A high rating does not mean a dog should live outside. Wet fur, wind and extreme temperatures can put any dog at risk of hypothermia and frostbite, and the AKC notes that small dogs, puppies, senior dogs and short-coated dogs lose body heat fastest.

The flip side of cold tolerance is summer. Cornell's veterinary college lists thick or dark coats among the risk factors for heatstroke, so many cold-hardy breeds need cool rooms, shade and careful exercise when the weather turns warm.

  1. 1

    Anatolian Shepherd Dog

    Working · Giant · 80–150 lb (36–68 kg)

    The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a massive Turkish livestock guardian that stands 27 to 29 in (69 to 74 cm) and weighs 80 to 150 lb (36 to 68 kg). It is loyal and calm with its family but wary of strangers and in…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  2. 2

    Keeshond

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 35–45 lb (16–20 kg)

    The Keeshond is a fluffy, silver-gray spitz with a fox-like face and "spectacle" markings, standing 17 to 18 in (43 to 46 cm) and weighing about 35 to 45 lb (16 to 20 kg). It is a friendly, people-loving famil…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  3. 3

    Shiba Inu

    Non-Sporting · Small · 17–23 lb (8–10 kg)

    The Shiba Inu is Japan's smallest native spitz breed, a fox-like 17–23 lb (8–10.5 kg) dog that is bold, clean and famously independent. It is a rewarding companion for patient owners, but it sheds heavily, has…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  4. 4

    Siberian Husky

    Working · Medium · 35–60 lb (16–27 kg)

    The Siberian Husky is a friendly, athletic sled dog with endless energy, a love of running and a famously independent streak. It is a rewarding companion for active, experienced owners but a poor fit for homes…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  5. 5

    Akita

    Working · Large · 70–130 lb (32–59 kg)

    The Akita is a large, dignified Japanese guardian breed that is loyal, quiet and devoted to its family. It is also strong-willed, reserved with strangers and often intolerant of other dogs, so it needs an expe…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  6. 6

    Alaskan Malamute

    Working · Large · 75–85 lb (34–39 kg)

    The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, friendly Arctic sled dog built for strength and endurance rather than speed. It is affectionate and sociable, but also independent, strong-willed and very hard to keep indoo…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  7. 7

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 55–80 lb (25–36 kg)

    The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tough, waterproof-coated duck dog from Maryland that weighs 55 to 80 lb (25 to 36 kg). It is loyal and protective with its family, more independent than other retrievers, and…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  8. 8

    Great Pyrenees

    Working · Giant · 85–120 lb (39–54 kg)

    The Great Pyrenees is a calm, white livestock guardian standing at least 25 in (64 cm) and weighing roughly 85–120 lb (39–54 kg), bred to protect flocks in the mountains. It is gentle with its family and very…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  9. 9

    Pomsky

    Hybrid · Small · 10–35 lb (5–16 kg)

    The Pomsky is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, popular for its miniature-Husky look. It is lively, vocal and independent, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily. With no breed standard,…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  10. 10

    Samoyed

    Working · Medium · 35–65 lb (16–29 kg)

    The Samoyed is a friendly, fluffy white spitz-type dog with a perpetual smile and a fondness for people. It is energetic, social and chatty, but it demands daily exercise, frequent brushing and company. It is…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  11. 11

    Chow Chow

    Non-Sporting · Medium · 45–70 lb (20–32 kg)

    The Chow Chow is a dignified, lion-maned dog from China with a blue-black tongue, typically 17 to 20 in (43 to 51 cm) tall and 45 to 70 lb (20 to 32 kg). It is loyal and aloof, sheds heavily and struggles in h…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  12. 12

    Golden Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 55–75 lb (25–34 kg)

    The Golden Retriever is a warm, patient, highly trainable sporting dog that typically weighs 55 to 75 lb (25 to 34 kg). Goldens suit active families well, but they shed heavily, need daily exercise and company…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  13. 13

    Leonberger

    Working · Giant · 90–170 lb (41–77 kg)

    The Leonberger is a giant, lion-maned working dog from Germany that stands 25.5 to 31.5 in (65 to 80 cm) tall and can weigh 90 to 170 lb (41 to 77 kg). It is gentle, confident and devoted, but it sheds heavily…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  14. 14

    Newfoundland

    Working · Giant · 100–150 lb (45–68 kg)

    The Newfoundland is a giant, gentle water-rescue dog with a famously sweet nature. It is patient with children and devoted to its family, but it drools, sheds heavily and needs a cool home with room to spread…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  15. 15

    Saint Bernard

    Working · Giant · 120–180 lb (54–82 kg)

    The Saint Bernard is a giant, gentle working breed from the Swiss Alps, famous for patient, calm companionship. It needs space, firm early training and a tolerance for drool, and its size means a shorter lifes…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  16. 16

    Bernese Mountain Dog

    Working · Large · 70–115 lb (32–52 kg)

    The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, gentle Swiss farm dog with a striking tricolor coat and a sweet, family-loving temperament. It is affectionate and patient, but it sheds heavily, overheats easily, and has…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  17. 17

    American Eskimo Dog

    Non-Sporting · Small · 6–35 lb (3–16 kg)

    The American Eskimo Dog is a bright, fluffy white spitz that comes in three sizes, from about 6 lb (2.7 kg) to 35 lb (16 kg). Eskies are affectionate, very trainable and good with kids, but they shed heavily,…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  18. 18

    Australian Cattle Dog

    Herding · Medium · 35–50 lb (16–23 kg)

    The Australian Cattle Dog is a compact, tough herding dog bred to move stubborn cattle across rough country. It is smart, loyal and tireless, and it needs a real job and a lot of exercise. In the right active…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  19. 19

    Border Collie

    Herding · Medium · 30–55 lb (14–25 kg)

    The Border Collie is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and trainable dogs, a 30–55 lb (14–25 kg) herder with tireless energy and intense focus. It thrives with active owners who offer hours of exe…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  20. 20

    Border Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 11.5–15.5 lb (5–7 kg)

    The Border Terrier is a small, scruffy, good-natured working terrier, about 12 to 15 in (30 to 38 cm) tall and 11.5 to 15.5 lb (5.2 to 7 kg). It is affectionate, good with kids and easy to groom, but its stron…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  21. 21

    Cairn Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 13–14 lb (6–6 kg)

    The Cairn Terrier is a small, scruffy, bold earthdog from the Scottish Highlands, standing about 10 in (25 cm) tall and weighing 13 to 14 lb (5.9 to 6.4 kg). Cairns are cheerful, curious and long-lived, but th…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  22. 22

    Miniature American Shepherd

    Herding · Medium · 20–40 lb (9–18 kg)

    The Miniature American Shepherd is a smart, athletic herding dog that weighs 20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg) and looks like a small Australian Shepherd. Minis are loyal, eager to learn and happy to join any activity,…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  23. 23

    Standard Schnauzer

    Working · Medium · 30–50 lb (14–23 kg)

    The Standard Schnauzer is a sturdy, square-built German farm dog with a wiry pepper-and-salt or black coat and a bearded face. Adults stand 17.5 to 19.5 in (44 to 50 cm) and weigh 30 to 50 lb (14 to 23 kg). Sm…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  24. 24

    Australian Shepherd

    Herding · Medium · 40–65 lb (18–29 kg)

    The Australian Shepherd is a brilliant, athletic herding dog that thrives on work, training and time with its people. Despite the name, the breed was developed in the United States. It is a superb partner for…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  25. 25

    Beagle

    Hound · Small · 20–30 lb (9–14 kg)

    The Beagle is a compact, merry scent hound that weighs up to about 30 lb (14 kg). Friendly with children and other dogs, it is easy to groom but hard to train off-leash, because a Beagle's nose and voice often…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  26. 26

    Cardigan Welsh Corgi

    Herding · Small · 25–38 lb (11–17 kg)

    The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a long, low, fox-tailed herding dog that stands 10.5 to 12.5 in (27 to 32 cm) tall and weighs 25 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg). Cardigans are intelligent, loyal and a bit reserved with str…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  27. 27

    Collie

    Herding · Large · 50–75 lb (23–34 kg)

    The Collie is a graceful, gentle herding dog from Scotland that stands 22 to 26 in (56 to 66 cm) tall and weighs 50 to 75 lb (23 to 34 kg). It is devoted, quick to learn and good with children, but it barks re…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  28. 28

    Giant Schnauzer

    Working · Large · 55–95 lb (25–43 kg)

    The Giant Schnauzer is a strong, bearded working dog that stands roughly 23.5 to 27.5 in (60 to 70 cm) tall and weighs about 55 to 95 lb (25 to 43 kg). It is loyal, smart and protective, and it needs an experi…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  29. 29

    Labrador Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 55–80 lb (25–36 kg)

    The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, athletic, food-loving retriever that typically weighs 55 to 80 lb (25 to 36 kg). Labs are eager to learn and good with families, but they need daily exercise, careful weig…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  30. 30

    Lhasa Apso

    Non-Sporting · Small · 12–18 lb (5–8 kg)

    The Lhasa Apso is a small, long-coated Tibetan watchdog that stands 10 to 11 in (25 to 28 cm) tall and typically weighs about 12 to 18 lb (5 to 8 kg). It is loyal, alert and independent, with a bold personalit…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  31. 31

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Sporting · Medium · 35–50 lb (16–23 kg)

    The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever, a red, fox-like gundog that weighs 35 to 50 lb (16 to 23 kg). Tollers are smart, affectionate and tireless, so they thrive with active owners w…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  32. 32

    Old English Sheepdog

    Herding · Large · 60–100 lb (27–45 kg)

    The Old English Sheepdog is a big, shaggy, good-natured herding dog that typically weighs 60 to 100 lb (27 to 45 kg). OES are affectionate, funny family dogs with a loud bark, but the famous coat takes real, r…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  33. 33

    Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    Herding · Small · 25–30 lb (11–14 kg)

    The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, sturdy herding dog with a big personality, short legs and a fox-like face. It is smart, funny and eager to work, but it sheds heavily, barks readily and can gain weight and…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  34. 34

    Pomeranian

    Toy · Toy · 3–7 lb (1–3 kg)

    The Pomeranian is a tiny, fluffy, fox-faced toy dog with a big personality. It is lively and fits apartment life well, but it is vocal, needs regular grooming, and is too fragile for rough handling.

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  35. 35

    Scottish Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 18–22 lb (8–10 kg)

    The Scottish Terrier is a compact, dignified and fiercely independent little terrier that stands about 10 in (25 cm) tall and weighs 18 to 22 lb (8 to 10 kg). Scotties are loyal and bold watchdogs, but they ca…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  36. 36

    Sheepadoodle

    Hybrid · Large · 25–85 lb (11–39 kg)

    The Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle, typically a fluffy, loyal and clever dog that is usually gentle with its family. With no breed standard, size ranges from medium to lar…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  37. 37

    Shetland Sheepdog

    Herding · Small · 15–25 lb (7–11 kg)

    The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small, long-haired herding dog that stands 13 to 16 in (33 to 41 cm) tall and weighs 15 to 25 lb (7 to 11 kg). Shelties are bright, devoted and eager to learn, but they…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  38. 38

    West Highland White Terrier

    Terrier · Small · 15–20 lb (7–9 kg)

    The Westie is a small, sturdy, snow-white Scottish terrier with a big, cheerful, self-assured personality. It is friendly, entertaining and adaptable, but it still has a terrier's love of digging, chasing and…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  39. 39

    Bernedoodle

    Hybrid · Large · 10–90 lb (5–41 kg)

    The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, typically a gentle, loyal dog with a fluffy tricolor coat. With no breed standard, size ranges from small to large depending on the Poodl…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  40. 40

    Flat-Coated Retriever

    Sporting · Large · 60–70 lb (27–32 kg)

    The Flat-Coated Retriever is a cheerful, glossy black or liver retriever that weighs about 60 to 70 lb (27 to 32 kg) and tends to stay puppyish for years. It is a devoted, active family dog, but its short aver…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  41. 41

    German Shepherd Dog

    Herding · Large · 50–90 lb (23–41 kg)

    The German Shepherd Dog is a confident, intelligent working breed, typically 22 to 26 in (56 to 66 cm) tall and 50 to 90 lb (23 to 41 kg). It is loyal, highly trainable and a superb all-round worker, but it ne…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  42. 42

    Pekingese

    Toy · Toy · 7–14 lb (3–6 kg)

    The Pekingese is a small, lion-maned companion from the Chinese imperial court that weighs up to 14 lb (6.4 kg). Pekes are loyal, dignified and independent, and they suit calm homes, but the flat face makes th…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  43. 43

    Rottweiler

    Working · Large · 80–135 lb (36–61 kg)

    The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident guardian breed that typically weighs 80 to 135 lb (36 to 61 kg). Loyal and intelligent, it can be a calm, devoted family dog in experienced hands, but it needs early soc…

    Handles cold
    Shedding
  44. 44

    Irish Wolfhound

    Hound · Giant · 105–120 lb (48–54 kg)

    The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed the AKC recognizes, with males at least 32 in (81 cm) tall and 120 lb (54 kg), and a gentle, dignified nature to match. It makes a calm, loving housemate, but its giant…

    Handles cold
    Shedding

How we ranked them

Breeds qualify with a cold-tolerance rating of 4 or 5. We score each by doubling that rating and adding a small bonus for a higher general health rating, which mostly acts as a tiebreaker. Ratings come from our breed profiles and describe the typical dog of each breed. Every dog is an individual, and age, health, coat condition and wetness all change how a dog copes with cold.

See how we research and rate breeds.

Before you choose

Dry your dog after wet walks. A damp dog in frosty air can develop frostbite or hypothermia, and ears, tail and toes are the usual trouble spots. If skin there looks pale, blue or hard, call your vet and do not rub it.

Watch for shivering, sluggishness and curling up for warmth, the early signs of getting too cold. Move your dog somewhere warm and contact your vet if you are worried.

Give short-coated, small, young and older dogs extra protection, such as a coat, but never leave clothing on an unattended dog. Keep winter walks short in extreme cold, avoid icy or salted surfaces where you can and check paws afterward. For summer care, read about heatstroke, and compare the hot weather dogs list.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is too cold for a dog?

There is no single number. It depends on the dog's size, coat, age and health, and on wind and whether the dog is wet. Small, short-coated, very young and senior dogs get cold sooner. If your dog shivers or slows down, end the outing.

Can thick-coated dogs stay outside in winter?

Not for long periods. A thick coat helps, but dogs can still get hypothermia or frostbite in harsh conditions, especially when wet. The AKC notes that keeping pets in temperature-controlled areas is generally safer.

Do dogs need coats in winter?

Short-haired and smaller dogs may benefit from a coat or sweater, and booties can protect paws. The AKC calls these an extra layer rather than a substitute for proper care, and says they should never be left on an unattended dog.

What are the signs of hypothermia?

Early signs are shivering and curling up, followed by sluggishness, slow reflexes and pale gums. Move your dog somewhere warm and contact your vet immediately, because untreated hypothermia can be life-threatening.

Sources

  1. AKC: Hypothermia in Dogs: How Cold Is Too Cold?
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Dog Winter Safety Tips
  3. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Heatstroke: A medical emergency
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Running with Your Dog

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