Neither French bulldog nor poodle, this dog breed can’t stand cold weather

When winter rolls in and the temperatures drop, most dogs seem ready to embrace the season. Huskies bound through the snow, and Saint Bernards look like they’re on standby for a mountain rescue. But not all breeds are equipped for frosty adventures. Some need a little extra TLC to make it through the chill, and the answer to which breed struggles the most might surprise you.

Cold snaps aren’t one-size-fits-all for dogs. Much like humans, some dogs bundle up in a stylish sweater, while others just shiver through it. If you’re the proud owner of one of these breeds, or thinking about adopting one, knowing their limits in colder weather could save you a lot of trouble – and potentially a big heating bill.

Why some dog breeds don’t mix with cold weather

Dogs’ ability to handle the cold largely comes down to biology. Breeds with dense fur and a bit of extra padding fare better in freezing temperatures. Think Siberian huskies or Alaskan malamutes – they were built for snowdrifts and icy winds. But those with thinner coats, lean bodies, or origins in warmer climates? Not so much.

Take the chihuahua, for instance. This pint-sized dog hails from, you guessed it, Chihuahua, Mexico, a place where the sun is a year-round guest. With its short coat and petite frame, it’s no wonder this breed needs an extra layer (or three) once the mercury dips. Even long-haired chihuahuas aren’t immune to winter’s chill – they might look fluffier, but they’re not fooling anyone.

The unlikely cold-weather underdog

Another breed that struggles in colder climates is the greyhound. Despite their elegance and speed, these dogs are not built for winter. Their sleek frames and thin coats, optimized for racing in warm conditions, leave them shivering at the first sign of frost. Similarly, the whippet, a smaller relative of the greyhound, also doesn’t thrive when temperatures drop.

Then there’s the miniature pinscher, a spunky and assertive breed with origins in Germany. You’d think a dog from a cold country might handle the weather better, but this isn’t the case. Their thin coats and small bodies leave them just as susceptible to the cold as their southern counterparts.

And we can’t forget the pit bull. Despite their muscular build – and generally threatening demeanor – their short coats provide little insulation, making them another surprising breed that prefers the indoors when winter arrives.

So which breed struggles the most?

If you’d already pictured one of these dogs at the start of the article, then well done... and the prize, if you call it that, goes to the chihuahua. These tiny, desert-bred dogs are undeniably the most cold-sensitive breed on the list. When snow starts falling, their idea of survival involves burrowing under a blanket or reluctantly donning a sweater.

• What are the dog breeds that best and worst tolerate heat?

How to keep your cold-sensitive dog cozy

If you share your home with one of these frosty-weather underdogs, there’s no need to panic. A few simple steps can help your dog stay comfortable: invest in a warm dog coat, limit time outdoors, and provide plenty of cozy spots inside. And while it might seem over the top, a heated dog bed can be a game-changer for those perpetually chilly paws. Or just snuggle up together.

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