Sled dogs and wolves can sleep in the snow and be all right. That is partly because they have special coats. Most dogs do not have this kind of fur. It is double-layered. The first layer near the skin is dense like fine wool, and traps body heat. The second layer is called the 'guard hair layer'. This repels moisture and snow. For them it's like being wrapped in a double duvet, the top one being near-waterproof.
There are other breeds who have a double coat, but it's best not to rely on that to keep them warm in below-freezing temperatures, when they do not have much freedom to run in order to get their circulation going. A dog out in a yard will not be able to keep warm enough. Also, even those coats are not as efficient as the ones on sled dogs and wolves.
Yet even sled dogs need boots sometimes to stop ice collecting between the toes and pads of their feet. This can cause a lot of damage and cripple a dog.
There are other breeds who have a double coat, but it's best not to rely on that to keep them warm in below-freezing temperatures, when they do not have much freedom to run in order to get their circulation going. A dog out in a yard will not be able to keep warm enough. Also, even those coats are not as efficient as the ones on sled dogs and wolves.
Yet even sled dogs need boots sometimes to stop ice collecting between the toes and pads of their feet. This can cause a lot of damage and cripple a dog.
