Although there is no all-weather dog, certain breeds of dogs can live outside as long as they are matched for the local climate. While some can live happily outdoors in the cold, others need temperate to warm temperatures.
Small Dogs That Can Live Outdoors
There are several breeds of dogs that are capable of living outdoors, particularly from the terrier group. Both the Scottish Terrier and Australian Terrier are able to live outdoors in temperate to warm temperatures, while the Fox Terrier, (smooth,) should only live outdoors in a warm climate. The Welsh Terrier can live outdoors during nice weather, but, should sleep inside when the weather turns cold.
The Puli and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi can live outdoors in temperate to cool weather, although both make very good house dogs. Beagles can also be outside dogs as long as they have a shelter and bedding. Even though the above mentioned small dogs are suited for living outdoors, most prefer to spend time indoors as well with the family.
Medium Size Dogs That Can Live Outdoors
The Standard Schnauzer and Brittany can live outdoors in a temperate climate. The Harrier can also live outside in a temperate climate as long as it has a warm shelter and bedding. Although the English Foxhound and American Foxhound are able to live outdoors in mild temperatures, neither one should be left alone because they are both very social breeds of dogs.
Additional medium size dogs that can live outdoors are the Norwegian Elkhound and the Keeshond, who can both live in temperate to cool weather conditions. In a cool climate, the Bearded collie, Siberian Husky, and Samoyed can live outdoors, although it really isn't recommended for the Samoyed as it is such a family oriented dog. If living in a warm climate, the Dalmatian is recommended.
Large Breeds of Dogs That Can Live Outdoors
There are quite a few breeds of dogs from the sporting group that are able to live outdoors. The Labrador Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and German Shorthaired Pointer are capable of outdoor living. Both the Pointer and the Irish setter can live outdoors in temperate to warm climates, although the Irish Setter should be brought indoors on cold nights.
From the herding group of dog breeds, the German Shepherd, Collie, Briard, Border Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, and Belgian Malinois are able-bodied enough to live in temperate to cool weather. However, the German Shepherd especially is much better suited spending time indoors with its family.
Additional large dogs that can live outside include the Doberman Pinscher, (only in a temperate climate,) the Rottweiler, Alaskan Malamute, and Otterhound, which can survive in temperate to cool weather conditions, although the Otterhound definitely needs a good shelter.
Very Large and Giant Breeds of Dogs That Can Live Outdoors
Previously used as a rescue dog, the Saint Bernard likes cold weather and has very little heat tolerance. Like the Saint Bernard, the Mastiff also does not do very well in heat, but is able to live outdoors in a temperate to cool climate. Additional large and giant dogs that can live outdoors in mild to cool temperatures are the Rottweiler, Giant Schnauzer, Kuvasz, Akita, and Great Pyrenese.
Although the dogs mentioned in this article are capable of living outdoors, it doesn't mean that outdoor living is best for the dog. Many of these wonderful breeds are highly social and need human interaction and affection. With most of them, it's best to let them divide their time between indoors and outdoors.
Readers may also enjoy How to Choose a Dog, along with Best Guard Dog, and The Best Family Dogs.
Sources:
- Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D., (Barron's Educational Series, Inc.,) 1998
- We're Having a Puppy, Eric Swanson, (St. Martin's Press,) 1997
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