Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • W I N T E R 2 0 1 8 20 Watch a St. Bernard play with a kitten. www.distinctlymontana.com/dog181 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL AKITA If there were a word to describe the Akita, "nobility," would certainly be it. Hailing as a breed from Japan with its primary role in pro- tecting the Imperial Family, there is no reason it wouldn't be an excellent choice for you either. Despite its obvious loyalty, its coat is extremely thick with soft, short, and dense fur making it a valuable choice for extreme temperatures. Although a thick coat often means shedding to unfathomable proportions, the Akita will simply handle wherever your Montana winter joys lay. It's truly a big dog, with an intimidating stance, snarl of a bark, and intense eyes. ese traits only mask its passionate and playful stature. However, you won't be able to open your door or come close to home without its barking out of control. But once it sees you, all it wants is to know how your day has been and wondering if you'll take it outside to play and use up all of that energy by diving into the snow. CHOW CHOW is Chinese canine has to be the single closest relative in looks to a sumo wrestler. e Chow is a thick-furred cuddle buddy that will keep you warm on the coldest of nights. ough its intelligence and ability to train well are like teaching a kindergartner calculus, what it makes up in lieu of its IQ are its independence and warmth factor. For those of you who unfortunately work long days and can't seem to make it out all in time to enjoy Montana's winter to the fullest, the Chow's ability to entertain itself and find comfort in an apartment setting make it a great companion without the worry or stress for care. A simple walk around the neigh- borhood will suffice. However, if there is a desire to go an adventure, it will hold its own just fine and stay warm no matter what the mercury says. GERMAN SHEPHERD Possibly one of the most recognizable species of dog on the planet, the German Shepherd simply exudes what most dogs wished they could aspire to. From its famous Hollywood roles to its importance during World War I, the reflection this dog has cast has landed it as the most versatile for whatever situa- tions in life arise. In its service for the U.S. Military and Police Force, its intelligence is unsurpassed. Owners laud their limitless energy and desire for exercise. erefore, those of you who love high- octane adrenaline sports and want a dog to be able to keep up, the Shepherd wont leave your side. ey need a significant amount of attention so if you leave home for long periods, these dogs tend to do unfortunate things to maintain their sanity. Chewing, gnawing, scratching, and barking are all their downfalls if they don't get attention. So despite needing to match their A.D.D. as well as purchasing a vacuum to go along with copious shedding, the German Shepherd is a great dog for any winter activity you desire. SAMOYED Since the Samoyed, originally from Siberia, was originally bred for herding reindeer, hunt- ing, and hauling sledges, its thick white coat and compact build make it suitable for winter. Its constant smiling face and energy make it a fun and affectionate pal. e Samoyed is an intelligent dog, yet easily bored with repetitive activities. Still, owners love their versatility, knowledge, and wild instincts. SIBERIAN HUSKY e Siberian Husky, hailing from the far northern reaches of Russia, is a reminder of how wild canines that look like wolves became domesticated. As a popular choice in Iditarod Races and for daily use as a sled dog in the Arctic re- gions, the Husky has an obvious good-for-winter repu- tation. Its name alone states that it is clearly ready to stand up to winter weather. e Husky walks proudly, enticing others to pet its gorgeous coat. Many owners say that training these independent- minded dogs are like teaching a cat to play catch. Ex- tremely smart and daring, the idea of walking it off leash isn't recommended, as its curiosity and playful- ness with others are unfathomable. Your winter run could turn into a game of hide and seek. Its desire to seek out new spaces may be the only real downfall; their boldness, beauty, wildness, and love are the greatest joys on offer for those looking for the same. SAINT BERNARD How can anyone forget the movie, e Sandlot? A group of misfit kids and a gigantic, slobbery dog that ended up being the most loving thing the kids feared. ough the slobbery part about the dog is accurate, few people know that it actually was the dog of choice from the monks of the Saint Bernard Hospice in Switzer- W INTER IS A SEASON THAT MANY MONTANANS LONG FOR. Our landscape gets covered in snow; our skis and snowboards dusted off and our snowshoes laced back on. We wrap our bodies in layers, freeing us to explore whatever temperature range winter brings. Our cold weather, furry, four-legged friends need little to do the same. Winter dogs share common adaptations to cold weather. Typically thick-furred, they are larger and smarter than normal dogs and bred to glide over powder and sniff out the faintest scents from intruders to people in need. ese dog breeds are our recommendations for accompanying us on our winter adventures. 1 2 3 4 5

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