Mountain Dogs: How to choose the right dog breeds that can live in high altitudes and be your pet? The mountainous and hilly regions are a tough choice for a human as well as animals to live and the way to overcome the problems is a matter of proper choice of breed of animals, especially dogs.
With this in mind, to start us off, we will speak about 6 dog types that make great living options in real steep and high-altitude area. Moreover, we will not only concentrate on adaptability but also the question of their resistance to weather conditions and their strength are among them.
These dogs are fearless with the soaring mountains and the same time are vibrant companions of those who like to take a risk. They are tough dogs and are also very fun to have as pets. Simply put, the dog breeds that live in the mountains and go through the experience of hiking are the best to add an extra layer of joy to your joy of life or it could just be the idea of high places to live or going for walks.
1] Tibetan Mastiff:
The Tibetan Mastiff lives well in high places, and it is a great dog. They are from the Himalayan region and are very strong. They also have a dense coat, which supports them in harsh weather conditions.
The most important thing is that these dogs can breathe well in places where the oxygen level is low. Tibetan Mastiffs are also strong and big animals and look very serious, plus they are very faithful pets and can scare off strangers due to their senses and size. This is why they can be used as guard dogs.
Mastiffs are independent; however, they require a little bit of training. People have been enjoying these mountain dogs as great companions for many years. Therefore, if you live in a hilly area and would love to have such a big and strong friend with you, then the Tibetan Mastiff is your best option.
2] Sherpa Dogs (Lhasa Apso):
The little Mountain Sherpa dog is not depleted of the power. They might appear small, but regarding their built, they are damn strong. This doggie was natural to the Himalayas, and the Sherpas used it there. Mountain Sherpa dogs are unique animals, the only dog breed that has an inborn trait of living in high areas.
The Sherpa Dog is fluffy, so even in extreme winter conditions, they don’t get cold. Apart from that, they are also very brave, courageous, and loyal to their owners.
They are not only proper family pets but are very good working as assistant dogs in the case of complex rescue missions. They are shatteringly physically built and have tactful brains. A common characteristic of Sherpas is that they are family people and, therefore, want to be around their families most of the time. As a result, in case you are living in a high area and a dog is required that can endure harsh conditions then a Sherpa Dog would be indeed an appropriate choice as a Mountain Dog for your need.
3] Alaskan Malamutes:
The Malamute was originally used to drag loads in the Arctic regions. What is more, they are the most loyal and bravest of all the dog breeds. Alaskan Malamutes bear some resemblance to wolves and alongside this, they have very dense and thick fur that helps to keep them warm.
These types of dogs are mostly found in the places with low oxygen concentration, as hilly regions mostly have thin air. Their powerful bodies allow them to breathe more effectively even at lower oxygen levels. This is the major reason for them to be capable of living in such high mountains’ areas.
To sum up, these dogs are the most accomplished in adapting to the toughest weather conditions and in addition, they have enormous tolerance period for which they can execute their tasks. Thus, sled duties or hiking through rough terrains with their humans can be and are an enjoyable activity owing to the loyalty and companionship of these animals to their owners up in the hills.
4] Bernese Mountain Dog:
With a reputation for strength and endurance, the Bernese Mountain Dog is considered to be the high-altitude companions and they just excels in this.
It is one of the big, strong dog breeds that has its roots in the Alps of Switzerland. Their personality is cheerful and they make really good pets. They just should be part of the family so that they can make you happy as well. They, in fact, have a very thick coat that enables them to cope with the harsh cold weather around them. Laborious loyalty is one of the qualities that the Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for and they always want to be near the owner.
When they have quite the rugged personality, it makes them ideal for playing or walking in fields and hilly tracks. Intelligent build allows them to survive with minimal care. They do not really take much time to adopt the surrounding and are very quiet pets, so they may also be an ideal wife for a tourist destination.
5] Samoyed Dog:
The Samoyed dog is a good choice for high altitudes as they are cold-tolerant. They belong to the Spitz family and come with a beautiful white coat. The Samoyeds are very fluffy, so their fur which is like their coat, makes them warm easily, even if they are in very cold weather. They were used by the people in Siberia for different tasks.
These mountain dogs are full of energy and are very hardworking. Additionally, they love to play outside, which again makes them ideal for life in high regions. They were first kept by the people that came from Samoyed living in Siberia. Samoyeds were used for pulling the sleds and herding of the animals besides other tasks or purposes.
Due to the passage of time, they have become famous all over the world not only for their working abilities but also for the reason that they are adorable and good companions to their owners. Hence, if you live in a mountainous area and you want a dog that can make a good friend, it is a great idea for you to have a Samoyed.
6] Australian Shepherd:
Even though they are not usually connected to high altitudes, Australian Shepherds are adaptable and versatile. Due to Australian Shepherds’ strength and their ability to live in different environments, they do not have any difficulty in living in high places.
Originally, these Shepherds used to be only concerned with herding livestock, primarily in the Western part of the United States. Thick fur covers them and warm them even in the coldest temperatures, thus they can be your furry buddy in higher altitude areas.
They are not very big but they have colorful eyes – and some of them even have blue eyes. These dogs are not only intelligent but also energetic and devoted. Their strong minds and fit bodies make them not only able to live in high areas with ease but also make them the ideal pets for people with an active lifestyle.
Mountain Dog Conclusion:
So concluding this, if you are considering to keep a dog in a high altitude place, you should take into account things such as the dog’s size, type of furs they have and their ability to cope with the area’s difficulties. Additionally, you will have to train your pet to do well in a high-altitude homes. A small breed that has a thick coat could do better. In short, whether it’s a special mountain dog or another breed that can adapt in the hilly region, getting a dog that helps in such a place and giving time to educate them makes sure they are happy in the high-altitude regions.
