8 Snowshoe Dog Breeds: The Perfect Breed to Join You On Your Snowshoeing Adventure

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The best friend an avid snowshoer could ask for? A dog who loves the snow and can handle the cold temperatures, and most importantly, has the strength and stamina for winter hiking!

If you’ve read our article about “Snowshoeing With Dogs: Is Your Dog an Ideal Candidate?” you know dog breed is one of the factors that determine whether or not they are a good fit for winter hikes.

And if you’re finding which one is best for this pastime, then you’ve come to the right page! We’ve compiled a list of eight dog breeds that will get you excited about those cold winter months.

1. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute
Caption: Alaskan Malamute

Bred to haul heavy loads in cold, harsh conditions, this is one of the best breeds for snowshoeing!

The Alaskan Malamute’s thick coat will keep them warm and dry in frigid temperatures. And with their tight, deep, and well-cushioned pads, they’ll be able to tackle long or rough days of snowshoeing with ease.

Alaskan Malamute is energetic and playful and will be more than happy to hit dog-friendly snowy trails with you.

2. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
Caption: Siberian Husky

Need an adventurous spirit with limitless energy who can handle the cold? Siberian Huskies may be a perfect choice!

Huskies are a working sled breed, which originated in Northeast Asia, with a thick double coat that can protect them in wintery, icy conditions.

This medium-sized dog has a muscular build and possesses the qualities needed for snowshoeing: intelligence, energy, stamina, and loyalty. All traits which make up a great companion for outdoor adventures!

3. Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound
Caption: Norwegian Elkhound

An ancient breed from Scandinavia, the Norwegian Elkhound was bred to hunt for elk in snowy forest environments.

This breed is a medium-sized athlete with a dense double coat to provide insulation and help them stay warm during brisk winters.

The Norwegian Elkhound has many qualities that make them excellent snowshoers: durability, endurance, speed, and intelligence. Plus, their friendly disposition will keep you smiling all day long!

4. Samoyed

Samoyed
Caption: Samoyed

Samoyeds were bred by nomadic tribes of Siberia to herd reindeers and pull sleds, so they need lots of exercises to release their energy!

This breed is a friendly, obedient dog who thrives on close human contact. And Samoyed’s coats are water-resistant, which can protect them from wind, snow, and rain. Plus, they are born athletes: intelligent, energetic, and fast-running, perfect for getting out into nature during the colder months.

And not only are they cute, fluffy, and have high energy levels, but this breed also has a sweet-smiling face!

5. Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terrier
Caption: Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier originates in Tibet and can withstand freezing climates. They have large, flat, rounded feet like a pair of snowshoes to provide excellent traction on snowy terrain and help them move around on slippery surfaces with ease.

This breed also has an affectionate personality, so they are typically good with other dogs. They don’t mind interacting with new people or animals, either. A perfect trait that will make your hike more fun than stressful.

6. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees
Caption: Great Pyrenees

This livestock guard dog, Great Pyrenees, is a large, muscular breed that also has high cold tolerance thanks to their long, coarse outer coat and soft, thick undercoat!

The Great Pyrenees has an easy-going temperament, which we know will be great during those long walks, and typically does well with other pets. So, if you’re bringing your other dog along, this pup won’t mind at all.

This breed has high-energy levels and loves getting out into nature, making them an excellent snowshoe dog breed.

7. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog
Caption: Bernese Mountain Dog

If there is one dog breed out there who loves winter as much as we do, it’s Bernese Mountain Dog.

These dogs have been bred for centuries in Switzerland and other mountainous regions of Europe as a working dog, capable of pulling carts up steep inclines and making their way through all the deep fluffy drifts! And while they look big and bulky, they are surprisingly agile in the snow.

This breed is incredibly loyal and has a sweet temperament who loves to be around people! Plus, they are calm and docile, which means that these sweethearts can perfectly fit into a family environment with young children!

8. Newfoundland

Pure Bred Newfoundland
Caption: Newfoundland

Don’t let their size fool you! This more than 100 pounds dog breed can conquer any snow environment and is a perfect companion to have on your next winter adventure.

In fact, a famous Newfoundland dog, Seaman, has traveled with Lewis and Clark over 8000 miles across America!

Newfoundland dogs are a giant dog breed with an even bigger heart. They are one of the most patient dogs with an incredible ability to get along well with kids and other animals. They enjoy being part of a family where their owners take good care of them by providing plenty of love, attention, exercise, and training.

If you are looking for that big furry friend who can accompany you on all kinds of winter adventures, then this could be the best breed option for you!