If you see a dog left outside in freezing temperatures, your first instinct might be concern—after all, keeping pets safe in winter is a priority for animal lovers everywhere. But sometimes, well-meaning worry leads to some awkward situations for responsible dog owners. Case in point: Huskies.
When “Neglect” Is Just a Husky Living Its Best Life
Husky owners know the drill. Every winter, they brace themselves for concerned neighbors, anonymous calls to animal control, and accusations of neglect—all because their snow-loving pups prefer to stay outside in icy conditions rather than coming inside where it's warm.
The colder it gets, the happier these dogs are, leading to some comical situations where people mistake a blissful Husky sunbathing in the snow for a case of animal cruelty.
Take, for example, one viral video featuring Nuko, a Husky lying contentedly in a snow-covered yard. His owner shares:
“The cops and animal control both showed up at my house last night because someone reported that we left our dog outside in the cold weather. It’s pretty cold here in Maryland. And when the cops showed up, they said, ‘Oh, we’re sorry. If we would have known that, we wouldn’t have come. This is kind of a waste of time.’”
@freezinghusky
Can’t believe the neighbors called the cops. #freezinghusky
Husky owners everywhere can relate. Their dogs don’t just tolerate the cold—they thrive in it.
Some Dogs Were Built for the Snow
While concerns about dogs being left outside in winter are valid—since cold temperatures can be dangerous for many breeds—certain dogs are designed for Arctic conditions.
Breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, and Saint Bernards have thick, insulated coats and a natural affinity for snow. Many of their owners find themselves begging their dogs to come inside, only to be met with stubborn refusal.
@enzo_thesamoyed
Abuse at its finest 
#enzo_thesamoyed #Snowdog #winter #dogsofttiktok #throwback #samoyed
If you see a dog from one of these breeds lounging outside in the snow, chances are they’re not suffering—they’re in their happy place.
Cold-Weather Dog Breeds That Love the Snow
Siberian Husky
Bred to be sled dogs in Northern Asia, Huskies have a dense, wooly undercoat that traps heat and longer guard hairs that repel water, keeping them warm and dry even in harsh winter conditions.
Samoyed
Known as the “smiling sled dog,” the Samoyed was bred for cold climates and is easily recognizable by its fluffy, pure-white coat.
Alaskan Malamute
Think of Malamutes as Huskies on steroids—twice the size and built for pulling heavy loads across long distances.
Norwegian Elkhound
This “silver viking” is a Nordic hunting breed that thrives in snowy environments.
Saint Bernard
Famous for mountain rescues, Saint Bernards are equipped with thick coats and sheer size to handle frigid conditions.
Newfoundland
Originally bred for icy Canadian waters, Newfoundlands have a thick, water-resistant double coat that protects them from freezing temperatures.
Before Calling the Cops…
If you see a fluffy snow-loving dog happily lounging in the cold, take a moment before assuming the worst. While all dogs should be monitored for extreme weather conditions, many winter breeds are choosing to stay outside and would probably give you a confused look if you tried to “save” them.
Of course, if you ever suspect true neglect, checking in with the owner first can help avoid unnecessary police visits. Because chances are, that “poor, freezing dog” is actually living its best life.