Winter gets a lot of hate.
This can be especially true for those of us with Poodles. Can Poodles even be real snow dogs?
Winter loathing makes sense, I suppose... Winter brings with it the cold and dry air mixed with lots of deep, wet snow.
We also contend with the short days of sunlight. In my area of Alaska, we get only about 3-4 good hours of daylight before the world goes right back to black.
And for me personally, none of those conditions get me particularly excited about strapping on my boots to go outside.
BUT- do you want to know what does get me excited for the outdoors in the winter time?
Watching my dogs love the snowy days!
To tell you the truth, dogs tend to LOVE winter time! And living in or near snow covered trails and backcountry is the best way for dogs to experience winter adventuring.
You may not believe me when I tell you, but the hair on a Standard Poodle is perfect for the cold winter weather.
Poodle hair is naturally water resistant. This hair keeps the Poodle warm in the cold waters of Northern Europe where they would retrieve fowl. And when you take that Poodle with that hair and plant her in snowy Alaska… you get the perfect combination for a great winter snow dog!
My Catahoula Leopard Dog leads the charge for my snow dog pack. The Poodles chase and follow her through the deep snow, in and out of the woods. I love that my Galavanting crew enjoys the winter with so much passion!
Do you want to know the best part about dogs and winter? It’s the simple fact that stimulating the mind and body is never as easy as it is on a snowy, cold winter day. Oh yeah, that goes for both the dog And the human!
Take a look at the photos below and you’ll see exactly how Galavanting Poodles (and their Catahoula sis!) get after the Alaska winter:
Wallace will lay in the snow for hours, if I let him. His Poodle hair is corded, providing extra protection to the winter elements.
Poodle hair is naturally water resistant. This hair keeps the Poodle warm in the cold waters of Northern Europe where they would retrieve fowl. And when you take that Poodle with that hair and plant her in snowy Alaska… you get the perfect combination for a great winter snow dog!
Standard Poodle Bryce has found his element in the deep snow of Talkeetna, Alaska! His Poodle hair is only a few months in to the cording process. But already, I can see the benefit of his corded hair in the snow!
Jupiter is the rescue Catahoula of the Galavanting pack. She leads the charge and the Poodles follow her everywhere!
Ms Pali makes the perfect Snow Queen with her correct Poodle hair protecting her major organs and keeping her cozy and warm.
Nothing phases Standard Poodle Kluane. Winter is her favorite season!
Before my eyes open, I can feel his breath on my face. His nose pressed as close as he dared without touching my face. He senses I’m awake. My eyes are still closed, but he knows the rhythm of my breathing as though it were his own. I smile. Slowly, I open my eyes, squinting from the bright sun pouring in through my window. It’s barely 7 am, but the Alaska sun is high in the sky.