š„ Some Dogs Are Built for SnowāOthers REALLY Need Your Help. Which One Do You Have?
- erin4609
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 12
š¾ Huskies vs. Short-Haired Breeds in Winter:
5 Key Differences & How to Keep Them Thriving in the Cold āļø
If youāve ever watched a Husky roll in the snow like itās a warm summer day, while your short-haired dog shivers and refuses to move, you already knowānot 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),Ā I see firsthand how different their cold-weather needs are.Ā They bothĀ love off-leash winter adventures, but the way I prepare and care for each of them is completely different.
Here are 5 key scientific differencesĀ between cold-resistant Northern breedsĀ and cold-sensitive short-haired dogs, and how we can modify our care so they both stay active, safe, and happy in the snow.
āļø 1. Coat & Insulation: The Built-In Winter Jacket vs. The Barely-There Layer
šŗ Northern Breeds (Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, etc.)
ā Thick double coatĀ ā A dense undercoat traps warm air, while a longer outer layer repels snow & moisture.
ā Sheds water & iceĀ ā Their coat stays dry and warm, even in freezing temperatures.
ā Seasonal adaptationĀ ā They bulk up their fur in winterĀ and shed it in warmer months.
š Short-Haired Breeds (Pit Bulls, Greyhounds, Boxers, Dobermans, etc.)
ā Little to no insulationĀ ā A single-layer coat provides zero cold protection.
ā Absorbs moisture easilyĀ ā Snow and rain soak their fur fast, making them colder quicker.
ā No seasonal adjustmentĀ ā Their coat stays thin year-round, making winter extra tough.
š” How to Modify Care:š¾ Northern breeds need coat maintenance, not extra layers.Ā Regular brushing prevents matting, which reduces their coatās insulation abilities.š¾ Short-haired breeds need winter gear.Ā A thermal coat or insulated sweaterĀ keeps them warm during outdoor activities.
š¾ 2. Paws & Winter Traction: Built for Ice vs. Prone to Frostbite
šŗ Northern Breeds
ā Countercurrent heat exchange systemĀ ā Their paws stay warm naturallyĀ because warm blood circulates down to the paws while cooler blood returns to the body.
ā Thick, fur-covered paw padsĀ ā Provides natural insulationĀ from ice & snow.
ā Strong grip & webbed toesĀ ā Designed to run on ice and snowĀ without slipping.
š Short-Haired Breeds
ā No built-in warmthĀ ā Their paws lose heat fast, increasing frostbite riskĀ in extreme cold.
ā Smoother pads = less tractionĀ ā They slip more on ice, which can lead to muscle strain.
ā More sensitive to de-icers & saltĀ ā Chemical de-icers burn their paw padsĀ easily.
š” How to Modify Care:š¾ Northern breeds rarely need booties, but checking for ice buildup between toesĀ after a long run is smart.š¾ Short-haired breeds benefit from bootiesĀ to protect from frostbite, salt burns, and slipping injuries.
š„ 3. Cold Tolerance: Thriving vs. Surviving in Freezing Temps
šŗ Northern Breeds
ā Cold-tolerant down to -50°F (-45°C)Ā ā Huskies and Malamutes are built for extreme coldĀ and may even overheat at just 0°C (32°F).
ā Active metabolism burns heat efficientlyĀ ā They naturally stay warm while running.
ā Overheating is a bigger concernĀ than the cold.
š Short-Haired Breeds
ā Struggle below 40°F (4°C)Ā ā Many need layers and limited outdoor exposureĀ at these temps.
ā Lose body heat fastĀ due to their lean build.
ā Cold weather burns more calories, making them tire faster.
š” How to Modify Care:š¾ Northern breeds need cool-down breaks, even in winter! Let them roll in the snow after high-energy play.š¾ Short-haired breeds need shorter, frequent outingsĀ instead of one long session to prevent chilling.
šāāļø 4. Running & Endurance: Distance Racers vs. Short Bursts of Energy
šŗ Northern Breeds
ā Bred for enduranceĀ ā They can run for miles in the snowĀ without tiring.
ā Built for pulling & weight resistanceĀ ā Harness work and sled pullingĀ keep them happy.ā Muscle stamina > speed bursts.
š Short-Haired Breeds
ā Sprinters, not distance runnersĀ ā They burn energy fastĀ but fatigue quickerĀ in the cold.ā Cold = tense musclesĀ ā More prone to strains and stiffnessĀ in winter.
ā Thin build = high wind resistanceĀ ā Strong winds exhaust them faster.
š” How to Modify Care:š¾ Northern breeds thrive on endurance runs.Ā Keep them moving for longer distances at a steady pace.š¾ Short-haired dogs benefit from interval trainingāshort bursts of activity followed by warm-up breaks.
𦓠5. Muscle & Joint Health: Cold-Resistant vs. Prone to Stiffness
šŗ Northern Breeds
ā Thicker muscles = better heat retention
ā Less prone to arthritis flares in winter
ā Cold strengthens their natural muscle endurance
š Short-Haired Breeds
ā Less muscle insulation = higher injury risk
ā Cold exacerbates joint pain & stiffness
ā More prone to post-exercise soreness in winter
š” How to Modify Care:š¾ All dogs benefit from pre-walk warm-upsĀ like gentle massage and range-of-motion exercisesĀ before heading out.š¾ Short-haired breeds benefit from infrared therapy or light post-walk stretchingĀ to prevent stiffness. Warm up a towel and wrap their limbs in the warmth both prior and after the walk.
š¾ The Bottom Line? Modify, Donāt Limit Their Winter Adventures!
š Both Northern breeds and short-haired breeds can thrive in winterāas long as we adjust our care to fit their biological differences.
ā Huskies & Malamutes need proper coat maintenance, hydration, and endurance activities.ā 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!
š¾ Want to learn more about keeping your dog moving safely all year round? Book a session with Soul Paws today!Ā www.soulpawsmassage.com
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