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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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5. Tibetan Mastiff
Originating in the towering Himalaya mountains, the Tibetan Mastiff has a winter coat and a summer coat, meaning they can cope with all extremes of weather. | Getty Images
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6. Alaskan Malamute
They may look very similar to the Husky, but the Alaskan Malamute is a distinct breed - older, larger and stronger than their Siberian cousins. They may have been bred to pull sleds, but with the proper training they can also make for a loyal and loving family pet. | Getty Images
7. Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds were traditionally used for herding reindeer in northern Finland. Their thick, weatherproof coats and compact bodies protect them effectively from Arctic temperatures and snowy conditions. | AFP via Getty Images
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8. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow's luxurious and thick coat makes them look like a friendly lion and makes them seemingly impervious to dropping temperatures. Originally bred to guard royal palaces in their native China, they are quite happy to spend the majority of their time outside. | Getty Images