“Sleeping outside” doesn’t mean “no care needed.” Shelter, dry bedding, protection from rain, access to food and water, and acclimatization are important. So, I have put together a list of 21 dog breeds that are more suitable for sleeping outside.
#1 Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a breed of working dog raised in Siberia by the Chukchi people. The coat of the Siberian Husky is double and medium in length. It’s basically like wearing a high-tech outdoor jacket 24/7. As you may already know, Huskies can sleep outside even in the winter.
#2 Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute was first bred by the Mahlemiut people. They have a special “double coat” which helps keep them warm in Arctic temperatures thanks to their thick, waterproof double coat. Alaskan Malamutes are more tolerant of cold weather than Siberian Huskies.
#3 Samoyed
Samoyed is a breed of working dog developed in Siberia. Samoyeds love running through the snow and can easily sleep outside. However, they prefer to sleep inside.
#4 Great Pyrenees
It was bred to be a livestock guard dog for the farmers in the Pyrenees Mountains. Great Pyrenees can tolerate cold weather without risk to themselves. They have a double coat, similar to that of Alaskan Malamutes or Huskies.
#5 Bernese Mountain Dog
It is a large dog breed originating from the canton of Bern. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a double coat, with a woolly undercoat and a longer outer coat.
#6 Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient working breed of the nomadic herders of the Himalaya. They have a double coat that keeps them insulated.
Editor’s Pick
#7 Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized breed of Spitz type originally from Finland. They have a coat designed to cope with the icy conditions of Lapland. The coat is also water-resistant.
#8 Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium to large-sized dog breed with a tail curled over the back, prick ears, and a thick coat. It has excellent tolerance for cold, even arctic temperatures.
#9 Carpathian Shepherd Dog
The Romanian Carpathian Shepherd dog is a natural guardian that originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. They have a double coat that is dense to protect them equally from heat and cold. Their character demands an outdoor life.
#10 Keeshond
The Keeshond is the largest representative of the German Spitz. They have a thick coat of black, gray, and cream fur which keeps them warm outdoors in cold.
#11 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is considered the oldest of the Swiss breeds. It is a descendant of Roman Molossian dogs. The Swissy has a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat. Their coat is tricolor, red, black, and white.
#12 Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog
It is a livestock guardian dog that was developed in the Carpathian Mountains. The Romanian Raven Shepherd Dog has a double fur, with an external flat one, bushier and harsher, and an underneath coating, bushy and short.
#13 Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a native of Turkey that was bred for its ability to independently guard livestock. They have a dense undercoat and an overcoat that’s either long or short. They are used to sleeping outside.
#14 Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog hails from the Estrela Mountains of Portugal. It comes in long and short-haired varieties. They are very affectionate and bond deeply with their families. Both types have a coat resembling the texture of goat hair. Since it was bred specifically for guarding large herds, the Estrela Mountain Dog can easily sleep outside.
#15 Beauceron
The Beauceron is a herding dog breed originating from France that has a hard outer coat and a woolly undercoat. The Beauceron can tolerate cold weather well.
#16 St. Bernard
The St Bernard is named after the monk who lived in the 10th century. They are gentle giants that can weigh as much as 180 pounds. Their coat can be either short-haired or long-haired. So, St. Bernards are well-equipped for the cold.
#17 Kuvasz
It is a Hungarian breed of flock guardian dog that is loyal and devoted to their family. The coat is thick and coarse, with a soft undercoat.
#18 Caucasian Shepherd Dog
It is a large livestock guardian dog breed from the Caucasus Mountains that can be strong-willed. Its thick coat protects against bad weather.
#19 White Swiss Shepherd Dog
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a Swiss breed of shepherd dog that has a lively and balanced temperament. The double coat is always white with dark skin. They are perfectly fine with sleeping outdoors.
#20 German Shepherd
GSDs have a double coat, which is close and dense with a thick undercoat. They can tolerate cold but not extreme conditions.
#21 Bucovina Shepherd Dog
It is a breed of livestock guardian dogs native to the Bucovina region. The Bucovina Shepherd Dog is known for its calm and even temper. Note – I observed this firsthand during my visit to Bucovina. They have a thick, dense coat as a form of protection and insulation against the cold.