Cold-hardy dog breeds for outdoors and the yard

In short Cold-hardy breeds with a dense double coat thrive outdoors and in cold climates — ideal for a house with a yard.
How we rated

The higher the “Weather” score, the higher the position. We factored in cold tolerance and suitability for outdoor life.

Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1Moscow WatchdogMoscow WatchdogWeather 5.0Energy 2.5Shedding 4.05.02Slovak CuvacSlovak CuvacWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.03Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd)Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 3.05.04Bulgarian Shepherd Dog (Karakachan Dog)Bulgarian Shepherd Dog (Karakachan Dog)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.05Himalayan SheepdogHimalayan SheepdogWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.06American Tundra ShepherdAmerican Tundra ShepherdWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 4.05.07Savoy ShepherdSavoy ShepherdWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 3.55.08Akbash DogAkbash DogWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.09Lapponian Herder (Lapinporokoira)Lapponian Herder (Lapinporokoira)Weather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 3.55.010Swedish LapphundSwedish LapphundWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 3.55.011Finnish LapphundFinnish LapphundWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 4.05.012Greenland DogGreenland DogWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.55.013Russo-European LaikaRusso-European LaikaWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.014Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)Weather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.015NorrbottenspetsNorrbottenspetsWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 3.55.016Black Norwegian ElkhoundBlack Norwegian ElkhoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 4.05.017East Siberian LaikaEast Siberian LaikaWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.018West Siberian LaikaWest Siberian LaikaWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.019Halden HoundHalden HoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.020Hygen HoundHygen HoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.021Estrela Mountain DogEstrela Mountain DogWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.022Styrian Coarse-haired HoundStyrian Coarse-haired HoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.023SchillerstövareSchillerstövareWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.024Pyrenean MastiffPyrenean MastiffWeather 5.0Energy 2.5Shedding 4.05.025Rafeiro do AlentejoRafeiro do AlentejoWeather 5.0Energy 2.5Shedding 3.55.026TornjakTornjakWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.027Canadian Eskimo DogCanadian Eskimo DogWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.55.028Bucovina Shepherd DogBucovina Shepherd DogWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.029Karst ShepherdKarst ShepherdWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.030Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Karabash)Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Karabash)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.0
FAQ
Which breeds handle frost best?
Northern spitz and shepherd breeds: Husky, Malamute, Samoyed, Elkhound, Pyrenean and Caucasian dogs — they have a dense double coat.
Can such a dog be kept outdoors in winter?
Cold-hardy breeds withstand the cold but still need an insulated kennel, dry bedding and non-freezing water.
And do they cope with heat?
Poorly — the dense coat overheats; in summer they need shade, water and cool spots.
Т
The tvaryny.com editors — canine experts and vets
Ranking based on structured breed ratings. Updated regularly.