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 affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestСторожовіНайбільшіНайменшіДовгожителіНайздоровішіНайспокійнішіДружні до котівМорозостійкіМисливськіНе слиняві
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Karst Shepherd (Kraški ovčar)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.02
Rafeiro do AlentejoWeather 5.0Energy 2.5Shedding 3.55.03
Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Karabash)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.04
Bucovina Shepherd Dog (Ciobănesc de Bucovina)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.05
Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo)Weather 5.0Energy 2.5Shedding 4.05.06
Tornjak (Bosnian-Herzegovinian-Croatian Shepherd)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.07
Canadian Eskimo Dog (Kimmiq)Weather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.55.08
Moscow WatchdogWeather 5.0Energy 2.5Shedding 4.05.09
Slovak CuvacWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.010
Kuchi Dog (Afghan Shepherd)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 3.05.011
Bulgarian Shepherd Dog (Karakachan Dog)Weather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.012
Himalayan SheepdogWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.013
American Tundra ShepherdWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 4.05.014
Savoy ShepherdWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 3.55.015
Akbash DogWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.016
Lapponian Herder (Lapinporokoira)Weather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 3.55.017
Swedish LapphundWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 3.55.018
Finnish LapphundWeather 5.0Energy 4.0Shedding 4.05.019
Greenland DogWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.55.020
Russo-European LaikaWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.021
NorrbottenspetsWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 3.55.022
Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)Weather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.023
Black Norwegian ElkhoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 4.05.024
East Siberian LaikaWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.025
West Siberian LaikaWeather 5.0Energy 5.0Shedding 4.05.026
Halden HoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.027
Hygen HoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.028
Estrela Mountain DogWeather 5.0Energy 3.0Shedding 4.05.029
Styrian Coarse-haired HoundWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.030
SchillerstövareWeather 5.0Energy 4.5Shedding 2.55.0FAQ
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.