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If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
One thing to take into consideration is that some dogs have been bred specifically to cope with – or even enjoy – living in a cold climate.
These hardy breeds will think nothing of long walks in snow and sub-zero temperatures, so if you have an ourdoorsy lifestyle they are the pups that should feature high up on your canine wish list.
Here are the 13 breeds of dog that thrive in cold conditions.
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1. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is probably the first dog breen most of us think of when it comes to canines comfy in cold climates. Bred to pull slades over vast distances of arctic tundra, this is a dog that can cope with anything the weather can throw at them. | Getty Images
2. Samoyed
Bred by the indigenous pople of Siberian of the same name, the always-smiley Samoyed was used to herd reindeer and pull sleds in arctic conditions. It's certain you'll get cold before they do. | AFP via Getty Images
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3. Newfoundland
With its thick black hair and hefty body, the Newfoundland can cope with the harshest of conditions. They are particularly well known for saving people from water - able to safely swim in the iciest rivers, lakes and seas. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Norwegian Elkhound
The Elkhound is a hardy Scandinavian breed has a dense double coat developed for hunting across Norway’s rugged, snowy landscapes. Norwegian Elkhounds tolerate cold exceptionally well and remain energetic outdoors. | LEHTIKUVA/AFP via Getty Images