Breeds of Snow Dogs: Top 12 and Beyond

The Alaskan Malamute is a popular breed for snow dog enthusiasts, known for its thick coat and robust build, which allows it to thrive in cold climates.

The Siberian Husky is another top choice, bred to pull sleds in the Arctic and requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Some snow dogs are better suited to families with children, like the Samoyed, which is playful and gentle.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller breed that still loves the snow, requiring regular exercise and a thick coat to stay warm.

These hearty sled dog breeds were once used for a variety of jobs, but advancements in technology like airplanes, highways, trucks, and snowmobiles eventually put them out of work.

Sled dog breeds and their owners still participate in recreational mushing, which is another name for racing.

The Iditarod, a 1,100-mile endurance event, is one of the most famous mushing events. It takes place over 10 or 11 days, depending on the weather.

The Iditarod begins with a ceremonial launch in Anchorage, Alaska, where mushers run 20 miles to Eagle River along the Alaskan Highway.

For more insights, see: Sled Dog Breeds

The Alaskan Malamute is a sturdy breed that originated in Alaska, weighing between 70-95 pounds. They are known for their strength and endurance.

In the harsh Alaskan climate, the Alaskan Malamute's thick coat helps them survive the extreme temperatures. This breed's thick coat is one of the thickest among all dog breeds.

The Alaskan Husky is another breed that thrives in the Alaskan wilderness, built for speed and agility. They are highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Their ancestors were used for transportation and hunting, making them a valuable asset to the Inuit people.

Worth a look: Breeds of Dogs That Start with S

The Alaskan breeds are truly special, and for good reason - they were developed to thrive in the harsh Arctic environment. The Alaskan Husky, for example, is bred specifically for its performance as a sled dog, with a weight range of 18-34 kg and dense or sleek fur.

These dogs are incredibly well-suited for hard work, and can handle extreme variations in weather and temperature. In fact, the Alaskan Husky is not even considered a purebred dog, but rather a mix of different Inuit and polar dogs, hunting dogs, and possibly others.

For more insights, see: Snow Husky Dogs

One of the most notable Alaskan breeds is the Alaskan Malamute. Weighing between 36-54 kg, these dogs are strong and sturdy, with round faces and soft features. They're known for their broad chests, thick coats, and tough feet, making them perfect for hauling heavy loads and handling rough terrain.

The Alaskan Malamute is also one of the oldest domesticated breeds of dogs, originating from Alaska. They're highly regarded for their pulling strength, but their speed is less important to mushers. In fact, these dogs were the dog of choice for hauling and messenger work during World War II.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds:

As you can see, the Alaskan Malamute is a bit larger and heavier than the Alaskan Husky. But both breeds are incredibly intelligent and eager to learn, making them a joy to work with.

Overall, the Alaskan breeds are a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of dogs. Whether you're a seasoned musher or just a dog lover, these breeds are sure to captivate and inspire.

The Sakhalin Husky is an ancient breed of sled dog. It's nearly extinct, with only about 20 dogs left on Sakhalin Island as of 2024.

This breed has a unique bear-shaped head. The Sakhalin Husky once helped Japanese researchers explore Antarctica.

The Sakhalin Husky typically lives for 12-14 years. Its weight range is between 65-90 pounds.

Here's a summary of the Sakhalin Husky's key characteristics:

The Mackenzie River Husky is a breed that originates from the Arctic region. Its lifespan is around 12-15 years.

This breed is known for its dominant, eager, and intelligent temperament. It's built for heavy freighting, with a muscular body that gets good traction even in deep snow.

One of the notable features of the Mackenzie River Husky is its large size, with some specimens exceeding 100 pounds. Its weight typically ranges from 65-105 pounds.

If you're considering getting a Mackenzie River Husky, be prepared for a lifelong commitment of around 12-15 years.

Canadian and Greenland Breeds are known for their incredible endurance, particularly the Greenland Dog, which can withstand the harsh winter conditions of Greenland.

In Greenland, the Greenland Dog is actually the primary mode of transportation during the winter, preferred by most hunters over snowmobiles due to their reliability.

The Greenland Dog has a significant population in Greenland, with about 15,000 living there as of 2016, and conservation efforts are in place to ensure the breed's survival.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a breed that's well-suited for colder climates. It can pull between 45 and 80 kilograms per dog for distances between 24 and 113 kilometres.

This breed was originally bred by the Canadian government, and it's capable of handling tough tasks like hunting and sledding. The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 40 and 66 pounds.

It has a thick double coat, which helps it thrive in cold temperatures. The breed's temperament is affectionate, intelligent, and alert, making it a great companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

Here are some key characteristics of the Canadian Eskimo Dog:

As a pack-oriented dog, the Canadian Eskimo Dog gets along well with humans but may get aggressive towards other dogs when out for a walk.

Greenland has a unique breed that's perfect for long expeditions and winter transportation. The Greenland Dog is a hardy and reliable companion, often preferred by hunters over snowmobiles.

In Greenland, dog sled teams are a common mode of transportation during the winter, and the Greenland Dog is well-suited for this purpose. They're also used for recreational dog sled adventures.

The Greenland Dog is a strong and sturdy breed, with many reaching 100 pounds in weight. They have a wide head, small ears, and a thick, double coat that keeps them warm in the harsh Arctic climate.

Efforts are in place to protect the breed's purity, as it's nationally and culturally significant to Greenland. As of 2016, there were about 15,000 Greenland Dogs living in Greenland.

The Siberian Husky is a popular breed known for its high energy and love of snow. They're perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities together.

Some Siberian Huskies are specifically bred for their athletic ability, like the "Sport Husky" mentioned in the article, which is ideal for hard work, like a sled dog.

Winnie, an Alaskan Malamute, loves water and swimming, and is also a great guard dog who will defend her home.

Here are the top 12 breeds of snow dogs mentioned in the article:

Shane, a Siberian Husky, is shyer with strangers, but loves to play tug-of-war with her leash. Marco, an Alaskan Malamute, was completely untrained when he arrived at 1 year old, but quickly learned to respond to praise.

Some breeds of snow dogs are well-suited for cold climates, such as the Siberian Husky. They can withstand extremely cold temperatures and are often used for sled pulling.

The Alaskan Malamute is another breed that thrives in cold weather. They have a thick coat and are built for endurance, making them a popular choice for snow dog enthusiasts.

The Samoyed is a fluffy and friendly breed that originated in Siberia, where it was used for herding and guarding.

Balto, a jet-black Siberian Husky, was the lead dog of the team that carried diphtheria serum on the last leg of the relay to Nome during the 1925 diphtheria epidemic.

He was the lead dog on the 53-mile final leg of the relay, but many argue that it was Siberian Husky lead dog, Togo, who was the true savior of the day. Togo traversed an astounding 264 miles, compared to an average of 31 miles each for the other teams.

Balto's story was immortalized in a 1995 movie called "Balto", which earned three out of four stars from famous film critic Roger Ebert.

A bronze statue in Balto's honor stands in Central Park, but Togo received his own statue in NYC's Seward Park in 2001.

Expand your knowledge: Togo Dog Breed

The Chinook is a relatively rare breed of sled dogs developed in New Hampshire in the early 1900s.

It's a blend of English Mastiff, Greenland Dog, German Shepherd Dog, and Belgian Shepherd, making it well-suited for sled pulling with its robust body and tireless gait.

Their coat color is always tawny, ranging from a pale honey color to reddish-gold.

Summer is a great time to take your Chinook on long walks, but don't forget to take precautions against ticks that start crawling around in the bushes during this season.

The Chinook's robust body and tireless gait make it an excellent sled dog, perfect for activities like Norway's Toughest Dog, an online competition that's a great way to engage with your furry friend.

Discover more: Great Mixed Breed Dogs

The Samoyed is a breed that originated in Siberia, where they were used by the Samoyede people to herd reindeer and hunt.

These dogs were incredibly important to their owners, who allowed them to sleep indoors in the tents together with their families.

The Samoyed's original purpose involved hauling sleds, which required a strong and agile build.

Their compact build and agile nature make them a strong and fun breed to be around.

The Samoyed needs plenty of physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy, so owners should be prepared to provide them with plenty of activity.

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that's extremely powerful and has plenty of endurance. They're originally from Siberia and were bred to herd reindeer, hunt, and haul sleds.

These dogs are friendly and enjoy being around children, making them a great family pet. They're also highly intelligent and can be trained to pull heavy loads.

One of the most famous Siberian Huskies was Togo, who traversed an astounding 264 miles during the Great Serum Run. His incredible performance earned him recognition and a statue in NYC's Seward Park.

Here are some key characteristics of the Siberian Husky breed:

The Siberian Husky is a popular breed for sled dog racing, and it's not hard to see why - they're built for endurance and can pull heavy loads.

The American Eskimo is a playful and compact breed that originated from Germany, where it was originally called the White German Spitz. It's a versatile dog that can thrive in various environments.

Its thick coat resists soaking, making it a great choice for outdoor activities. I've seen this breed run around in the snow and stay warm, thanks to its thick ears that keep the cold out.

The American Eskimo was once a popular performer in the Barnum and Bailey Circus, where it would entertain audiences with its indoor tricks.

Chow Chows are perhaps best known for their black tongues and wooly coats, which make them extremely tolerant to cold temperatures.

Their love for the outdoors is unmatched, and they thrive in snowy environments.

If you love the outdoors and are owned by a Chow Chow, then you should take him or her everywhere you go in the snow.

Chows are most delighted when with their humans, so be prepared for a lifelong companion that will follow you everywhere.

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that's perfect for adventurous families. They were once used to herd livestock on steep mountain slopes of France.

These dogs are naturally athletic and love to hike, but they're also elegant and calm. They weigh in at 80 to 100 pounds, making them a sturdy companion for outdoor activities.

Their thick, double coat protects them from cold temperatures, making them a great choice for families who love winter sports.

The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient breed from Scandinavia with Nordic traits. It was originally used for hunting elk, but now makes a perfect hiking companion.

This breed is always ready for adventure, especially in the snow, due to its high energy level. It has a smooth outer coat and a wooly undercoat.

With high agility and lasting endurance, the Norwegian Elkhound is perfect for long hikes and outdoor activities.

Saint Bernards are really big dogs, weighing 120 to 200 pounds.

They aren't super playful, but they make up for it with affection and a willingness to work.

These muscular dogs are capable of trekking for miles through deep snow to search for lost travelers.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a unique breed that's adapted to extreme temperatures, thanks to its thick double coat that keeps it insulated. This coat is heaviest in the winter and lightens up in warmer months.

They come in a variety of colors, but most often you'll see them as black or brown.