Best Dogs for Cold Weather
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for cold weather in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for cold weather evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Russia, this medium-sized breed from the Working group weighs 35–60 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Switzerland, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 70–115 lbs and lives 7–10 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 7–10 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1500–$3000
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from United States, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 75–85 lbs and lives 10–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Samoyed
The Samoyed earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Russia, this medium-sized breed from the Working group weighs 35–65 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $2000–$3500
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Belgium, this large-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 80–110 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Canada, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 100–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 9–10 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1500–$3000
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this small-sized breed from the Terrier group weighs 18–22 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Switzerland, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 120–180 lbs and lives 8–10 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 8–10 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from England, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Canada, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500