15 Dog Breeds That Can’t Handle the Cold
Photo by Chewy
Most dogs jump at the opportunity to spend time outside (the more walks, the better!). But for some dog breeds that can’t handle the winter chill, their enthusiasm for outdoor activities drops as temperatures dip.
Some breeds aren’t equipped for cold weather because they have low body fat, a short coat, or experience breathing problems when the temperature is too low. But large or small, all dogs need exercise (and potty breaks!), so you can’t give up on outdoor excursions all winter long.
Here’s what you need to know about dogs who are sensitive to the cold, and what you can do to keep your pup safe and comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- While some dog breeds were bred to thrive in the snow, others aren’t built for cold weather.
- Dogs who can’t handle the cold often have a short, thin coat; flat face; or low body fat.
- Pet parents should always monitor their dog for signs of distress, especially in cold temperatures.
- Dog clothing, blankets, warm bedding, and booties can all help keep dogs warm in winter.
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
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- Size: Medium
- Life expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Active, loyal, eager to please
American Pit Bull Terriers are energetic dogs who love outdoor activities, but they’re far from snow dogs. These pups have a short, thin coat that offers little insulation, so they get cold easily.
Because a Pittie will still have plenty of energy regardless of the weather report, invest in a good-quality dog coat for daily walks. And don’t forget booties to protect their paws, too.
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2. Basenji
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- Size: Small
- Life expectancy: 13–14 years
- Temperament: Aloof, clever, energetic
Basenjis originated in Africa, and their short, smooth coat isn’t a match for plunging temperatures.
When it’s too cold to venture outside for long, puzzle games and training exercises are ideal for these smart dogs. Keep activities novel and the stakes high with a special treat to ensure your Basenji stays interested!
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3. Boxer
Photo by Chewy
- Size: Large
- Life expectancy: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Active, easygoing, silly
As a flat-faced dog breed, the Boxer has a shorter-than-average muzzle that can make it harder to breathe comfortably in cold weather conditions (and in hot weather, too).
Because Boxers are high-energy dogs, pet parents should stay alert for signs of breathing issues during play and exercise.
4. Bull Terrier
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- Size: Medium
- Life expectancy: 12–13 years
- Temperament: Energetic, funny, silly
Expect a Bull Terrier to be up for any outing—except when temperatures start to fall. These short-haired dogs aren’t well-prepared for cold conditions and would rather stay snuggled up on the couch than face the snow.
But because obesity can be a problem for the breed, don’t slack off on regular exercise. Put a doggy sweatshirt on your four-legged friend and keep up your walking routine.
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5. Chihuahua
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- Size: Extra small
- Life expectancy: 14–16 years
- Temperament: Charismatic, chatty, cheeky
The itty bitty Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, weighing only 4–6 pounds. So it’s no surprise that these dogs can’t handle cold weather.
They often shiver when cold and might need to wear a cute sweater, even when they’re inside. In fact, if you ever can’t find your Chihuahua, look under a blanket—they probably burrowed underneath for warmth.
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6. Chinese Crested
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- Size: Extra small
- Life expectancy: 13–18 years
- Temperament: High-spirited, Velcro dog, sensitive
The Chinese Crested is a small, typically hairless dog (though some have a thin coat of white fluff), and the little fur they do have isn’t enough to keep them warm in winter.
But there’s good news: Because Cresteds are so small, they can often get enough exercise with indoor playtime—try fetch, hide-and-seek, or other dog-friendly games right in your living room.
7. French Bulldog
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- Size: Small
- Life expectancy: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Quirky, bubbly, affectionate
Frenchies are the most popular dog breed in the U.S., but they’re not cut out for cold weather. Their flat face makes breathing in extreme temperatures difficult, and their short coat doesn’t offer much warmth.
So on winter walks, make sure your pup is bundled up and keep outdoor excursions short.
8. Great Dane
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- Size: Extra large
- Life expectancy: 7–10 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, calm, goofy
Great Danes may be one of the biggest dog breeds, but they don’t hold up well in cold weather due to their short coat and very little body fat.
Because they need 30–60 minutes of daily exercise, keep them warm with an extra-large dog coat and break up their activity into shorter walks so they’re not outside for long.
9. Greyhound
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- Size: Large
- Life expectancy: 10–13 years
- Temperament: Gentle, laid-back, independent
Take one look at a Greyhound and you’ll see that these dogs are built for speed, not snow.
With an ultra-lean body and a very short coat, Greyhounds lose heat quickly when temperatures dip. Suit up your Greyhound with a jacket when heading outside in winter, and consider dog boots to keep your pet’s paws ice-free.
10. Italian Greyhound
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- Size: Small
- Life expectancy: 14–15 years
- Temperament: Alert, playful, sweet
Small and slender, the Italian Greyhound also has very little body fat to insulate against chilly weather. Because of this, these dogs don’t do well in the cold without extra gear like a jacket or sweater.
They might even need a layer of doggy clothing when indoors, especially if it’s drafty.
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11. Miniature Pinscher
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- Size: Extra small
- Life expectancy: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Clever, cheerful, class clown
Small in size but big in personality, the Miniature Pinscher is a spunky pup who loves to play all day. But running through snowdrifts isn’t ideal for this breed. Instead, schedule indoor playtime with toys and treats to keep them happy and mentally stimulated.
12. Pharaoh Hound
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- Size: Medium
- Life expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Energetic, clever, selectively affectionate
The Pharaoh Hound has a sleek, chestnut-colored coat that gleams in the sun, which is where this breed feels most at home.
These hound dogs thrive in warm climates, thanks to their Egyptian origins. When cold weather strikes, get creative to provide these active, sporty dogs with the exercise they crave.
13. Pug
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- Size: Small
- Life expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: BFF, friendly, optimistic
Pugs are one of the most easily recognizable dog breeds thanks to their super-squishy face and abundance of wrinkles. But these cute traits also mean Pugs struggle in very cold (and very hot) temperatures.
Fortunately, Pugs tend to be homebodies. Keep walks short in cold weather and use indoor games to keep your Pug active and healthy—instead of letting them turn into a couch potato.
14. Whippet
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- Size: Medium
- Life expectancy: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Social, intelligent, athletic
The Whippet shares many similarities with their Greyhound and Italian Greyhound relatives, so it’s no surprise that these dogs also dislike cold weather.
These sleek sight hounds have a very thin coat and little body fat, making it easy for them to lose body heat when temperatures drop.
15. Xoloitzcuintli
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- Size: Small to medium
- Life expectancy: 13–18 years
- Temperament: Loving, loyal, alert
It’s easy to see why the Xoloitzcuintli can’t handle cold weather. Also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, Xolos have thick, smooth skin and usually no fur, though some have tufts of hair on the head, tail, and feet, and a few are born with a flat, short coat of fur on the body.
Like other hairless dogs, you’ll need to keep a Xolo insulated against cold temperatures with proper doggy clothing when venturing outside and provide soft, warm bedding for your dog to snuggle into indoors.
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