When the temperature drops, some pets need to put on boots and a sweater—and other dogs really hit their snowy stride.
These cold weather companions were bred to perform in some of the chilliest climates in the world, from the Arctic circle to the Swiss Alps and beyond. They’re also some of the fluffiest, warmest snugglers out there, as highlighted on the Nationwide Pet HealthZone®.
Originated in Siberia, huskies were bred by the Chukchi people to handle sledding and herding in one of the world’s most frigid climates. Their compact, muscular bodies and bushy tails help conserve heat, and their paw pads are tough and insulated, allowing them to walk on snow and ice without discomfort. Huskies famously grow a dense undercoat that provides insulation in sub-zero temperatures, plus a longer topcoat that repels snow and water.
A working dog’s working dog, this large breed is the most energetic of the cold weather lovers on this list. They require daily walks, runs and other activities to stay in good health and out of trouble. It’s also no surprise that Siberian huskies are among the most prolific shedders in the canine world, due to their double coat—which comes off by the handful in the spring and summer months.
Read more about Siberian huskies.
Originally from Alaska, this breed was developed by the Mahlemut tribe to pull heavy loads through brutal conditions. Larger and more resilient than huskies, they’re known for their strength and endurance for heavy sledding over long distances. It’s no surprise that this breed requires a lot of exercise, preferably in cold environments. They also require careful training—due to their large size and powerful body, they’re capable of pulling a grown adult off their feet.
With all that size and cozy warmth also comes hair—and lots of it. Not surprising for a dog developed to thrive in bitterly cold, snowy landscapes, the Alaskan malamute has a lot of coat. While the breed sheds all the time, the malamute “blows” its coat in spring and fall, dropping fur in astonishing volume. Regular deep combing and brushing will help somewhat with shedding, but you'll still be dealing with a lot of fur.
Read more about Alaskan malamutes.
A gentle giant, this Swiss breed was originally developed as an alpine farm and cart dog. They are intelligent, eager to please and relatively easy to train. Unlike many cold-weather breeds, these dogs meet their exercise requirements with a daily walk. They’re also great for families who have the room for an extra-large companion (and all the hair they’ll shed).
Befitting a breed originating from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese mountain dog has a lot of coat—both a downy undercoat and a weather-resistant overcoat. While the breed sheds all the time, the Berner sheds most heavily in spring and fall, and because of their size, that means a lot of fur. The best way to manage your Bernese mountain dog's shedding is to be proactive about it: Brush and comb your Berner down to the skin a couple of times a week and use a shedding rake to pull out any loose fur.
Read more about Bernese mountain dogs.
Aptly known as Le Grande Chien de Montagne—the “Big Dog of the Mountains,” en Français—this popular livestock guardian was developed to live and thrive outdoors in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain.
Pyrenees are a loyal and protective breed who loves to have a job. Daily walks meet this breed’s exercise needs, but they thrive when given extra activity and enrichment to flex their independent, free-thinker side.
Great Pyrenees have a thick double coat, but the amount of shedding fluctuates more for these pups. While spring and fall bring a significant uptick in shedding, there can be some less hairy days to enjoy in summer and winter. Basic tools for grooming the Great Pyrenees include a metal comb, a metal pin brush and slicker brush, and a rake for shedding season. These will allow you to keep the coat clean of debris, reduce shedding and remove any mats before they are set in place.
Read more about Great Pyrenees.
Learn more about these pets and over one hundred dog and cat breeds on Nationwide Pet HealthZone, where we’ve used our claims data to generate valuable insights on health, behavior and more. While you’re there, download a custom pet health report for your pet! Go to thepethealthzone.com to explore.
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet