While many people prefer to live life as snowbirds, fleeing icy temperatures in search of warmer areas of the world or (more than likely) sheltering indoors with a good book and steaming mug of hot chocolate, some of our favorite household pets actually want to do exactly the opposite! Generations of evolution bred many pets you may see daily into true winter warriors, thriving with cold temperatures and several inches of snow on the ground.
Here are some adorable furry friends thoroughly enjoying that cold weather and don't mind when there's an extra bit of chill in the air!
1. Alaskan Malamute
Being that the Alaskan Malamute is the oldest and largest of the Arctic sled dogs, it only makes sense that they enjoy the cold weather! After all, they don't seem to complain much about being used for freighting in the Arctic, a tradition that still continues in isolated areas of the world. This unique quality is biologically supported, since they have a thick, coarse coat that keeps them warm.
2. Siberian Husky
If you live in a perpetually warm place in the world, it's probably best to avoid adopting a Siberian Husky. Hailing from the cold climate of Northeast Asia, this breed was bred to be sled dogs and do best when winter weather strikes. Huskies sport a thicker coat than most other dog breeds, made up of a dense cashmere-like undercoat and a longer, coarse top coat.
3. Saint Bernard
Did you know that the Saint Bernard comes from the Swiss Alps? As a working breed, they were originally used to locate freezing and helpless travelers during vicious snowstorms. These big lovers are not only used to living in cold and snowy regions, but they rather seem to enjoy it! If you are planning a winter holiday family outing by sledding or playing in the snow, make sure to include that big, slobbery Saint Bernard in on the fun!
4. Maine Coon
When it comes to house cats, the Maine Coon would be the most excited to see fall go and winter come; they were practically built for it. Having adapted the best to survival in winter climates, Maine Coon cats have dense, water-resistant fur that's even thicker on their chests and bellies, perfect for walking through the snow. Their tails help insulate them by curling it around their bodies, and their paws serve much like snowshoes, letting them cross snow without sinking.
5. Sheep
When it comes to farming in the winter, sheep are some of the easiest livestock you can raise, and they certainly won't complain about harsher weather. After all, they come with their own built-in insulation systems! It may just be a relief for them to see the cooler climate come into town. You'll have a hard time convincing them to go inside the barn, since they might prefer to stay out in the snow after a long summer.
6. Goats
Goat certainly won't be upset about the cold winter weather. Goats can not only handle temperature drops, but many genuinely enjoy the cooler temperatures because they grow a thick undercoat of cashmere in winter. And if you've got some goats yourself, you may even notice that your goats look "fuzzier" in winter, as their coat and body prepares for the next several months outdoors.
7. Horses
During the winter, most barn horses shiver and seek survival in hoods and waterproof blankets. However, there are a few horse breeds, like Icelandic, Finn, Welsh, Bashkir, and Kabarda breeds, that actually thrive in and thoroughly enjoy the colder weather. This is because they are cold-blood breeds that were bred to withstand some of the harshest winters over the years, in particular ones that traveled great distances through Nordic countries.
8. Rabbits
While domesticated rabbits should be living indoors, they thoroughly enjoy the snow! It's actually recommended to let them play in it for short periods of time for their stimulation and enjoyment. Because rabbits naturally love to dig and burrow, going out in the snow is the perfect enrichment activity, as long their delicate feet or ears are back indoors before frostbite becomes an issue, especially for rabbits weighing on the leaner side and do not have as much natural protection from the elements.
9. Chinchillas
These adorable and popular pets are native to the Andes mountains, experiencing temperatures that range from almost freezing to boiling hot. In actuality, these rodents do much better if their environments are on the cooler side rather than the warmer side. The turn of the season is call for celebration for these adorable cuties, with their soft coats keeping them safe and warm.
10. Siberian Cat
And of course, we couldn't end this list without mentioning another adorable cat friend. The Siberian Cat is a naturally occurring breed from Russia, a country known for having one of the harshest and coldest climates in the entire world. A little snow wouldn't bother this pet one bit, since this breed is especially happy in cold weather because its coat keeps it so comfortable.
Does your pet love to romp in the snow? Show them off on our Wide Open Pets Instagram!
