🔥 Some Dogs Are Built for Snow—Others REALLY Need Your Help. Which One Do You Have?

Bowie (husky/malamute/English mastiff mix), his night, hike, pack mates Sully (coonhound Staffordshire terrier mix) & Callie (mini blue heeler and Bichon mix)

🐾 Huskies vs. Short-Haired Breeds in Winter:

5 Key Differences & How to Keep Them Thriving in the Cold ❄️

If you’ve ever watched a Husky roll in the snow like it’s a warm summer day, while your short-haired dog shivers and refuses to move, you already know—not all dogs experience winter the same way!

As a dog parent to both a Husky/Malamute mix (Bowie) and a short-haired Coonhound mix (Sully), I see firsthand how different their cold-weather needs are. They both love off-leash winter adventures, but the way I prepare and care for each of them is completely different.

Here are 5 key scientific differences between cold-resistant Northern breeds and cold-sensitive short-haired dogs, and how we can modify our care so they both stay active, safe, and happy in the snow.

❄️ 1. Coat & Insulation: The Built-In Winter Jacket vs. The Barely-There Layer

🐺 Northern Breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, etc.)

✅ Thick double coat – A dense undercoat traps warm air, while a longer outer layer repels snow & moisture.

✅ Sheds water & ice – Their coat stays dry and warm, even in freezing temperatures.

✅ Seasonal adaptation – They bulk up their fur in winter and shed it in warmer months.

🐕 Short-Haired Breeds (Pit Bulls, Greyhounds, Boxers, Dobermans, etc.)

❌ Little to no insulation – A single-layer coat provides zero cold protection.

❌ Absorbs moisture easily – Snow and rain soak their fur fast, making them colder quicker.

❌ No seasonal adjustment – Their coat stays thin year-round, making winter extra tough.

💡 How to Modify Care:🐾 Northern breeds need coat maintenance, not extra layers. Regular brushing prevents matting, which reduces their coat’s insulation abilities.🐾 Short-haired breeds need winter gear. A thermal coat or insulated sweater keeps them warm during outdoor activities.

🐾 2. Paws & Winter Traction: Built for Ice vs. Prone to Frostbite

🐺 Northern Breeds

✅ Countercurrent heat exchange system – Their paws stay warm naturally because warm blood circulates down to the paws while cooler blood returns to the body.

✅ Thick, fur-covered paw pads – Provides natural insulation from ice & snow.

✅ Strong grip & webbed toes – Designed to run on ice and snow without slipping.

🐕 Short-Haired Breeds

❌ No built-in warmth – Their paws lose heat fast, increasing frostbite risk in extreme cold.

❌ Smoother pads = less traction – They slip more on ice, which can lead to muscle strain.

❌ More sensitive to de-icers & salt – Chemical de-icers burn their paw pads easily.

💡 How to Modify Care:🐾 Northern breeds rarely need booties, but checking for ice buildup between toes after a long run is smart.🐾 Short-haired breeds benefit from booties to protect from frostbite, salt burns, and slipping injuries.

🔥 3. Cold Tolerance: Thriving vs. Surviving in Freezing Temps

🐺 Northern Breeds

✅ Cold-tolerant down to -50°F (-45°C) – Huskies and Malamutes are built for extreme cold and may even overheat at just 0°C (32°F).

✅ Active metabolism burns heat efficiently – They naturally stay warm while running.

✅ Overheating is a bigger concern than the cold.

🐕 Short-Haired Breeds

❌ Struggle below 40°F (4°C) – Many need layers and limited outdoor exposure at these temps.

❌ Lose body heat fast due to their lean build.

❌ Cold weather burns more calories, making them tire faster.

💡 How to Modify Care:🐾 Northern breeds need cool-down breaks, even in winter! Let them roll in the snow after high-energy play.🐾 Short-haired breeds need shorter, frequent outings instead of one long session to prevent chilling.

🏃‍♂️ 4. Running & Endurance: Distance Racers vs. Short Bursts of Energy

🐺 Northern Breeds

✅ Bred for endurance – They can run for miles in the snow without tiring.

✅ Built for pulling & weight resistance – Harness work and sled pulling keep them happy.✅ Muscle stamina > speed bursts.

🐕 Short-Haired Breeds

❌ Sprinters, not distance runners – They burn energy fast but fatigue quicker in the cold.❌ Cold = tense muscles – More prone to strains and stiffness in winter.

❌ Thin build = high wind resistance – Strong winds exhaust them faster.

💡 How to Modify Care:🐾 Northern breeds thrive on endurance runs. Keep them moving for longer distances at a steady pace.🐾 Short-haired dogs benefit from interval training—short bursts of activity followed by warm-up breaks.

🦴 5. Muscle & Joint Health: Cold-Resistant vs. Prone to Stiffness

🐺 Northern Breeds

✅ Thicker muscles = better heat retention

✅ Less prone to arthritis flares in winter

✅ Cold strengthens their natural muscle endurance

🐕 Short-Haired Breeds

❌ Less muscle insulation = higher injury risk

❌ Cold exacerbates joint pain & stiffness

❌ More prone to post-exercise soreness in winter

💡 How to Modify Care:🐾 All dogs benefit from pre-walk warm-ups like gentle massage and range-of-motion exercises before heading out.🐾 Short-haired breeds benefit from infrared therapy or light post-walk stretching to prevent stiffness. Warm up a towel and wrap their limbs in the warmth both prior and after the walk.

🐾 The Bottom Line? Modify, Don’t Limit Their Winter Adventures!

🐕 Both Northern breeds and short-haired breeds can thrive in winter—as long as we adjust our care to fit their biological differences.

✔ Huskies & Malamutes need proper coat maintenance, hydration, and endurance activities.✔ Short-haired breeds need extra warmth, shorter but effective exercise, and post-walk recovery.

A little preparation goes a long way in keeping every dog happy, active, and injury-free this winter!

🐾 Want to learn more about keeping your dog moving safely all year round? Book a session with Soul Paws today! www.soulpawsmassage.com