Most dog parents know that dogs love snow, but only a few actually know the root of this snow-related fondness.
The first reason dogs like snow is because they see it as a giant toy. Dogs like the snow’s texture, fluffiness, moisture, and even taste.
Basically, they see the snow like a massive toy. Since the need for play is instinctual, almost like the need to sleep or eat, it is understandable why dogs love snow.
The second reason is that the love of snow is wired deeply into the dog’s genetic code.
In general, predatory animals enjoy the snow while prey animals hate it. Because the dog’s wild ancestor was an intense predator, it is easy to understand its love of snow.
The third reason is that snow offers new explorative experiences. Snow makes the landscape change, the ambient temperatures change, and the surrounding smells change.
These changes make everything seem new, thus encouraging the inner explorer buried deep inside our beloved dogs.
Top 25 Dog Breeds That Love Snow
For the following dog breeds, the concept of cold does not exist. They were bred to survive in harsh, cold, and snowy conditions.
They thrive in temperatures below zero and love playing in the snow.
Siberian Husky
As a Northern breed, the Siberian Husky was developed by the semi-nomadic Chukchi people to perform challenging tasks in even more challenging conditions – pulling heavy loads over frozen waters.
The Siberian Husky’s personality can be described as loyal and dignified yet clownish and mischievous. It is friendly and enjoys spending quality time with its family.
The Siberian Husky is the ultimate escape artist – there is no fence it cannot jump or dig underneath it.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a real Arctic sled dog – healthy built, thick coat and inner motivation are the breed’s hallmarks.
It is believed that the Alaskan Malamute is a direct descendant of the wolf-dogs that hunted alongside Paleolithichunters.
Alaskan Malamutes are playful, affectionate, and sometimes even clownish.
Interestingly, these dogs do not know how to bark. However, they can be quite vocal – they howl, talk, and sing when in the right mood.
Great Pyrenees
With origins buried deep in Central Asia and Siberia, the Great Pyrenees or the Pyrenean Wolf Dog is a faithful sheep flock guardian.
Later on, the breed became immensely popular among French nobility, and it was decreed as the “Royal Dog of France” in 1675 by Louis XIV.
Unaware of its massive size, the Pyrenees acts like a real lap dog.
Great Pyrenees is extremely affectionate and cuddly with family members and particularly fond of small children.
Chow Chow
Because of its tongue’s unique coloring, the ancient temple guardian – the Chow Chow is popularly known as Black Tongue Dog or Black Mouth Dog.
As one of the oldest dog breeds, the Chow Chow is believed to be an outcross between the ancient Tibetan Mastiff and the Samoyed.
“The wild dog of China”, as Queen Victoria used to call it, is very possessive and protective of its belongings.
Due to its stubbornness and reluctance to please, the Chow Chow’s personality is often described as “cat-like”.
Keeshond
Formerly known as the “overweight Pomeranian”, the Keeshond originates around 300 years ago in Holland.
Today, the Keeshond is popularly known as the smiling Dutchman, because it can curl its lips and bare its teeth in a funny grimace.
Originally, Keeshonds were used for guarding small boats on the Rhine River. Today, they make remarkable therapy dogs.
They are naturally friendly, pleasant, and playful. Plus, they are particularly fond of kids of all ages.
Norwegian Buhund
Originating in Norway’s rainy coastline, the Norwegian Buhund is the oldest Nordic dog breed and a close relative of the Arctic wolf. Its name literally translates to farm dog.
The Norwegian Buhund is a hard-working and tenacious dog that thrives on having a job to do.
It is alert, self-confident, and always vigilantly watching over its human family. This breed should be a great option for experienced dog owners.
Male Norwegian Buhunds are more affectionate, while females are more independent and prefer spending quality time alone.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland’s origin is a controversial topic. While some believe that the gentle giant’s ancestors go back to the ancient Tibetan Mastiff, others claim the Newfoundland is a cross between the Great Pyrenees and several indigenous Eskimo dogs.
Capable of displaying human-like emotions, Newfoundland dogs are affectionate, playful, and vibrant.
Newfoundland’s thrive on human affection and enjoy participating in family activities, especially if they take place outdoors. They are not very active but like being in nature.
Norrbottenspets
Originating from Sweden, the Norrbottenspetz is the smallest member of the primitive dogs’ group.
Its initial purpose was hunting smaller game such as grouse, squirrel, raccoon, ermine, fox, and marten.
Today the Norbottenspetz is a loving companion, prized for its abilities in search and rescue missions.
The Norrbottenspets is exceptionally active and dog with go-all-day stamina.
If not correctly physically and mentally stimulated, it will manifest boredom vices – destructive chewing, excessive and unprovoked barking, running around, and garden digging.
Leonberger
Turbulent, mysterious, and clouded are the three adjectives describing Leonberger’s history.
From what is known, the breed was developed by the mayor of Leonberger, near Stuttgart, Germany, whose goal was creating a lion-like dog.
Surprisingly affectionate and endlessly kind with people, including small children, the Leonberger is worthy of its popular nickname – the “Gentle Lion”.
The Leonberger is laid back, steadfast, and even-tempered by nature.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog was born in England around 200 years ago to perform demanding tasks in harsh environments – from driving sheep and cattle through defending against fierce enemies to pulling sleds.
The Old English Sheepdog is an intelligent, independent, calm, and even-tempered dog.
This hard-working dog with a powerful, bear-like gait is protective, devoted and loyal to its human family.
Finnish Lapphund
Originating long before literacy entered Finland, the Finnish Lapphund’s history is blurry and not well-recorded.
It is a widespread belief that the Finish Lapphund descended from the dogs, indigenous Nordic tribes used for reindeer herding.
Finnish Lapphunds are focused, watchful, quick, and crafty. They are the canine world’s overthinkers – they analyze everything before acting. True to their herding heritage, even modern Finnish Lappunds are alert and vocal.
German Shepherd
Known as the Alsatian, the German Shepherd was born sometime in 19th century Germany.
Believed to be the most intelligent and obedient dog, today the German Shepherd performs many tasks – chasing down criminals, sniffing out drugs, leading the blind, searching and rescuing victims.
German Shepherds are aloof with strangers but immensely affectionate with friends and family members. They have good protective instincts and are not afraid to act upon them.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers were initially named St. John’s Waterdogs, after the capital of Newfoundland, where they hailed.
Labs resulted from crossbreeding the Newfoundland dog with smaller local water dogs.
Labrador Retrievers have kind facial expressions and even more easygoing personalities. They are easy-going, tolerant, mellow, and loveable.
Labs are active dogs and enjoy swimming, hiking, running, and playing fetch for hours. They are incredibly patient and kind and get along very well, even with bothersome children.
Karelian Bear Dog
As a Nordic hunting dog, the Karelian Bear Dog originated with the Vikings alongside other Spitz-type dogs to hunt big game such as moose, wild boars, wolfs and bears.
In its native Finland, the Karelian Bear Dog is considered a national treasure.
Karelian Bear Dogs are tenacious, courageous, and quite aware of their abilities. They make exceptionally skilled silent hunters, guardians, and protectors. They are affectionate and firmly bonded with their human families.
Icelandic Sheepdog
Extensively described in Icelandic Sagas, Icelandic Sheepdogs have followed the Vikings on their quests.
Their initial purpose was guarding and herding livestock. They were highly praised for their ability to distinguish which sheep belongs to which herd based on smell alone.
Icelandic Sheepdogs have a solid, willing, and hard work ethic on the field.
At home, they are loving, playful, and affectionate pooches that enjoy spending time with their human families.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Formerly called the “the poor man’s horse”, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is among Switzerland’s oldest and largest dog breeds.
It is a descendant of the Mastiff type dogs, and its genes contributed to the development of two new breeds – Saint Bernard and the Rottweiler.
Swiss Mountain Dogs are fiercely loyal and crave constant human companionship. They are bold, alert, observant, and vigilant. As highly territorial and loud barkers, they make excellent watchdogs.
Entlebucher Sennenhunds
The EntlebucherSennenhunds is the smallest member of the native Swiss mountain dogs group.
It descended from the Molossus dogs, which the Romans brought when they passed through Helvetia, over two thousand years ago.
The EntlebucherSennenhunds is confident, lively, persistent, self-assured, and determined.
True to its hard-working heritage, it loves having a “to-do” list. Playful and energetic, this dog is quite protective of smaller dogs and other pets.
Hungarian Kuvasz
With a name that translates to “armed guard of noblemen”, the Hungarian Kuvasz is a thousand-year-old dog breed with roots buried deep in ancient Mesopotamia.
Only royals and noblemen were allowed to own Kuvasz dogs in the past.
The large yet not bulky Hungarian Kuvasz has a sweet facial expression but a fierce attitude when guarding its family.
When surrounded by friends and family, the Kuvasz lets its guard down and exhibits its playful side – a sense of humor and clownish personality.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is the picture of beauty and dignity, alertness and agility.
This Spitz family member offers the complete package – brain and beauty. Despite its name, the breed cannot be linked with indigenous culture and people.
The lion-like ruff gives the Eskimo Dog a majestic appearance, but the smiling facial expression reveals its true nature – friendly, loving, and affectionate.
Believed to have invented the term “eager to please”, the American Eskimo Dog is one of the most easily trainable dogs.
Tibetan Mastiff
There is no bigger mystery in the canine world than the Tibetan Mastiff’s history.
In addition to being ancient, this dog originated in a secluded and well-isolated area, which makes tracking its footsteps impossible.
The rare and immensely expensive Tibetan Mastiff is an aloof, vigilant, and fierce protector.
In its native Tibet, this dog is known by the name “do-khyi” which translates to “tied dog” because Tibetan Mastiffs were traditionally kept on chains near the gates and allowed to roam freely only by night.
Tibetan Terrier
Developed over centuries in the Lost Valley’s secluded isolation, the Tibetan Terrier is among the oldest dog breeds. However, its Terrier part of the name is just a popular attachment.
Tibetan Terriers are not Terriers at all – not in terms of the job description, not in temperament, and not in the genetic lineage.
To survive the snowy mountains of its homeland, the Tibetan Terrier developed flat and large, so-called “snowshoe” feet.
The Tibetan Terrier has an attention-seeking personality and thrives on human companionship.
Samoyed
The Samoyedic people bred the fluffy, white Samoyed dog in Siberia to help the reindeer herding process. This smiling sled dog is true to its Siberian and hard-working heritage.
The Samoyed is a smart and social dog that requires plenty of love and affection. It has a naughty side, and it is not afraid to brag with its shenanigans.
On its quest to reach the South Pole, Roald Amundsen was faithfully accompanied by Samoyeds.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The beautiful and tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog was initially bred to be a multi-purpose farm dog.
By doing everyday farm tasks like pulling milk carts to the local market and protecting the farm, this dog was essential for Switzerland’s export trades of chocolate and milk.
The Bernese Mountain dog is a naturally friendly, reliable, and even-tempered dog. Faithful to its working background, this beautiful giant enjoys learning new commands and performing tricks.
Saint Bernard
On the Swiss-Italian Border, there is a passage known as the Great Saint Bernard Pass, and the Saint Bernard Dog is its most remarkable employe.
Namely, this dog was bred with the sole purpose of doing rescue missions with the hospice of the pass.
We all remember the loveable, drooling, and naughty Saint Bernard from the popular Beethoven movie. The movie character is an accurate depiction of real-life Saint Bernard dogs.
Akita Inu
The Great Japanese and the Silent Hunter are popular names for the unconditionally faithful and profoundly devoted Akita Inu.
This foxy-looking dog was bred to be an efficient, versatile, and robust hunting dog.
The Akita Inu is devoted to its human family and can be a remarkable companion, but training is a handful, especially for first-time dog parents.
The Akita is stubborn, strong-minded, and tenacious. These qualities are highly praised when working on the field but not so desirable during training sessions.
The Bottom Line
If you are a proud parent of one of the dogs mentioned above, do not be jealous of its fondness of snow.
No matter how much your dog loves snow, it undoubtedly loves you more. And if you learn to love the snow just a bit, you can both spend some quality time together – making snowmen, throwing snowballs, or merely running through the snow.
These activities were meant not just for you, but your snow-loving dog as well. Enjoy the winter together!
If you have a dog with a short coat and no undercoat, make sure that you talk with your veterinarian on how to keep your dog warm and healthy.
