10 Best All-Weather Dog Breeds

When choosing a dog to buy or adopt, there are so many factors that come to play. Many people are breed-dependent. That means they pick a dog based on the breed. Others are geared more towards the health of the dog. As long as the dog is healthy, they don’t ask too many questions.

The ability to tolerate the weather is also a pretty big factor here. If you live in a cold area, you don’t want a Chihuahua or a Great Dane. Their coats are not made for such weather. Similarly, stay away from the Bulldog and Chow chow if you live in a hot region as they tend to suffer heat strokes fast.

While most dogs are either made for the cold or warm weather, there are some that can tolerate both sides.  People that experience a good dose of both seasons find these breeds to be ideal for them. If you are one of them, read on as we explore 10 all-weather dog breeds.

1. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is hands down the best dog to have if your area experiences both heat and cold weather. Bred in the mountains of Afghanistan, this breed comes with massive paws to navigate rocky terrain with ease. The paws are all covered in fur for protection. Speaking of the fur, the single coat boats a whole lot of it. The hair is silky and long, keeping the dog protected when the mercury drops and acts as insulation when it’s hot. Besides having hair all over the body, the Afghan Hound also has low body fat which means he can handle heat pretty well.

2. Labrador Retriever

With the ability to do search and rescue jobs, hunt, and be a good pet, the Labrador retriever is America’s favorite dog. He also happens to be an all-weather dog which adds to his popularity. A lab’s coat is double-layered. The inner coat is what keeps the dog warm during winter and cools him down in summer. In addition, the coat is water-repellent which means it keeps the dog dry when swimming and walking on ice. Because the coat sheds often, it ensures your fur baby doesn’t overheat during summer. The lab also has special webbed feet to avoid snow from accumulating between the toes.

3. Samoyed

With a double luscious white coat, the Samoyed is always classified as a cold-weather dog. After all, it is one among many Arctic dog breeds known to man. However, this dog can also tolerate heat pretty well. The double coat ensures that the cold doesn’t come in contact with the skin. However, for those dogs that reside in the southern states, the same also works to their advantage. It insulates the canine’s body from the heat so he can remain cool.  As long as he is not shaved, the Samoyed can tolerate the heat. Of course, he needs plenty of water and shade to truly survive it.

4. Canaan Dog

Vigilant, devoted, alert, and docile, this herding dog from Israel was bred to herd flocks. Rumor has it that the Canaan Dog was used by Jews to herd their livestock during Bible times. He comes with all the bodily features to help him survive the heat of the Israeli wilderness. The coat has moderate fur which is enough to keep him warm when the temperatures hit the zeros and also ensure he is cool during summer. He is rugged, tireless, and agile which makes him a great fit for herders. If you want to, he can also make for a great pet at home.

5. Jack Russell

The Jack Russell terrier has a short coat with some fur on it. It is neither dense nor smooth which means the breed can survive both the heat and the cold. The little fur keeps him warm in winter and insulates him from the summer heat. While the coat helps the dog adapt to different climates, it can also be a disadvantage in very harsh weather.

When temperatures dip below 50⁰F, the Jack Russel can easily get too cold. In this case, he will need to stay indoors most of the day. In the same breath, he can easily overheat when the temperatures are too high. More water, staying indoors, hanging out in the shade, and keeping a close eye on your dog will come in handy. In general, this dog can pretty handle both sides of the spectrum quite impressively.

6. Golden Retriever

If you love a Golden (who doesn’t?), you’ll be happy to know that he is suited for all kinds of weather. With a long, thick, and dense coat, cold weather is the most ideal for him but he can also handle the heat as long as he gets enough water and shade.

Essentially, this breed is okay with temperatures of 50⁰F – 85⁰F. Anything more can cause a heat stroke, especially if he stays out for too long without some water and shade. On the other hand, when temperatures drop below 20⁰F, your Golden can get really cold, particularly if he’s exposed for too long.

7. Poodle

The Poodle is a beloved dog breed across the world for a number of reasons. The common one is beauty. From Miniature to giant versions and everything in between, the Poodle is a beauty to behold. He also comes in many physical variations. You can get one with a full coat of hair or another with some of the parts exposed. Either way, you will end up with a cute canine friend. Besides beauty, poodles come with delightful temperaments. They are playful, good with kids, eager to please, responsive, bright, obedient, and very friendly.

To crown it all, these dogs can survive in both hot and cold weather conditions. They have a single coat of fur abounding with dense, thick curls. The reasonable amount of fur helps them lose body heat during summer and insulate the skin from the cold.

8. Sussex Spaniel

Being a long-time hunter, the Sussex spaniel is an outdoor breed. He comes with a thick-double coat that goes through a semi-annual shedding period, meaning he can handle both climates without a problem. Whether you want him to run in the snow or hike with you during summer, he will not disappoint you. The abundant coat offers the necessary protection from the heat and makes sure the dog doesn’t suffer a heat stroke. When winter comes around, the coat also creates a barrier between the cold elements and the skin of the canine so he stays nice and warm.

9. Chinook

If you are looking for an athlete for a dog, you will absolutely love the Chinook. This is a natural runner who thrives very well in a number of dog sports including obedience trials, agility as well as outdoor activities like camping and hiking. He was bred mainly for sled dog racing and drafting, so he has all the features for these tasks. His double coat comes in handy as it ensures the dog is warm in winter and cool in summer.

10. Parson Russel Terrier

Like the Jack Russel, the Parson Russel is another great all-weather dog breed. His average height is 13-14 inches and his weight 13-17 pounds. This is a perfect size for an athletic, high-energy, and vigorous dog. That’s just what the Parson Russel loves to do—run in the snow, chase prey hiding in earth holes, go camping, you name it. As long as it is an outdoor activity, count him to come along with you. His coat can be broken or smooth. In any case, it is designed to be waterproof to help him stay dry and warm/cold.

Final Thoughts

Nothing makes a dog owner worried than knowing that their dog is sick, uncomfortable, or in pain. Owning an all-weather dog breed helps you live in peace no matter the time of the year. You can let the dog enjoy the outdoors any time, any day.