There is something about a dog in a winter hat that makes even the coldest day considerably more entertaining.
Maybe it’s the pom-pom bouncing above a very serious face. Maybe it’s a toque slowly slipping over one eye. Or maybe it’s simply the fact that a Siberian Husky—an animal essentially designed by nature for winter—looks wonderfully ridiculous wearing a knitted hat for extra warmth.
For this collection, we’re heading straight into winter. There are snowy cottages, frozen lakes, mountain trails, city sidewalks, old farmyards and even an ice-fishing hut or two. Some of these dogs are embracing the snow day with everything they’ve got. Others would very much like to go back inside.
From tiny dogs disappearing into snowdrifts to magnificent northern breeds looking unnecessarily stylish in knitwear, here are 20 dogs in winter hats that are ready for a snow day—whether they like it or not.
The First Snow of the Year
There may be no dog better equipped for the first snowfall than a Samoyed, which makes the enormous red toque wonderfully unnecessary. Surrounded by fresh powder and falling flakes, this very happy snow dog looks as though winter has finally arrived specifically for him.
The Canadian Cottage Dog
Some dogs seem as though they were made for cottage country, and a Chocolate Labrador in a wool toque may be the ultimate example. Sitting on the snowy steps with stacked firewood nearby and warm light glowing from the cottage windows, he looks perfectly content with winter—as long as somebody eventually lets him back inside.
The Tiny Snow Explorer
When you’re only a few inches tall, a fresh snowfall can turn the backyard into an Arctic expedition. Nearly swallowed by deep powder and peering out from beneath an oversized toque slipping toward one eye, this determined little Yorkshire Terrier is pressing onward—even if every step requires considerably more effort than expected.
The Après-Ski Regular
Some dogs come to the mountains for the skiing. Others are here for the fireplace. Wearing an impeccably knitted cream toque outside an elegant alpine lodge, this stylish Standard Poodle has the unmistakable air of a seasoned après-ski regular who considers one snowy photograph quite enough outdoor activity for the afternoon.
The Snowstorm Survivor
There was probably a moment when this seemed like a perfectly reasonable day for a walk. That moment has passed. With snow collecting on his eyebrows, beard and battered wool toque, this wonderfully scruffy dog is pushing through the storm with the unmistakable expression of someone who would like to speak to the person responsible for this decision.
The Frozen Lake Adventurer
A frozen lake, distant mountains and a biting northern wind are hardly intimidating when you’re a Siberian Husky. Standing confidently at the edge of the ice in a simple knitted toque, this natural winter adventurer looks completely at home in a landscape that would have the rest of us searching for the nearest heated building.
The City Snow Dog
A major snowfall looks a little different when the snowbanks are taller than you are. Bundled up in a snug pom-pom toque, this determined French Bulldog carefully makes his way along the freshly cleared sidewalk while the city carries on behind him. Short legs or not, somebody still has a neighbourhood to patrol.
The Cabin Morning Dog
The fire is warm, the coffee is hot and absolutely nothing outside appears urgent. Sitting by the cabin door in a slightly crooked hand-knitted toque, this sleepy Basset Hound is giving the snowy morning one long, doubtful look. Technically, it may be time for a walk. He would like to hear the alternatives.
The Toboggan Passenger
Some dogs merely tolerate winter. This Beagle has discovered transportation. With ears flying, a striped toque slipping sideways and an old wooden toboggan gathering speed beneath him, he appears to have embraced the snow day completely. Steering, braking and stopping are apparently problems for later.
The Ice-Fishing Supervisor
Every ice-fishing operation needs someone in charge. Seated beside the hut in an old-fashioned knitted toque, this serious English Bulldog is keeping a close eye on the fishing gear, the thermos and, presumably, whatever might eventually come through that hole in the ice. Nobody said supervision required actually helping.
The Mountain Trail Dog
Some winter hats are less about necessity and more about looking good at the summit. Surrounded by snow-heavy pines and spectacular mountain peaks, this Australian Shepherd looks every bit the seasoned backcountry adventurer. The hiking gear says serious expedition. The pom-pom says otherwise.
The Snowball Victim
Nobody said snow days were without risk. Caught at the exact moment a cloud of powder explodes around him, this startled Dalmatian looks genuinely betrayed by winter itself. The crooked blue toque only adds to the indignity—and suggests that whoever threw the snowball should probably start running.
The Old Canadian Gentleman
He has seen colder winters than this, and he would be happy to tell you about every one of them. With frost collecting in his magnificent whiskers and a thick-knit toque pulled firmly into place, this distinguished senior Schnauzer looks perfectly at home outside the old general store. Minus thirty? Apparently, that used to be T-shirt weather.
The Winter Window Shopper
Some dogs rush through their winter walks. This Whippet appears to have somewhere considerably more fashionable to be. Strolling past glowing storefronts as snow falls across the city, the perfectly fitted knitted hat completes a look that suggests window shopping is serious business—even when none of the stores sell treats.
The Deep-Snow Dog
For a Newfoundland, chest-deep snow is apparently less of an obstacle and more of an invitation. Charging through the powder with snow flying in every direction, this enormous winter enthusiast looks completely unstoppable. Even more impressive: against all known laws of physics, the toque is still on.
The Snowy Farm Dog
The farm may be buried beneath fresh snow, but somebody still has to keep an eye on things. Sitting beside the old red barn in a practical knitted toque, this Border Collie quietly surveys snowdrifts swallowing the fence line while his breath hangs in the frigid air. Winter may slow the farm down, but apparently it doesn’t cancel the morning shift.
The Winter Beach Dog
Winter doesn’t always mean mountains and pine trees. Bundled into a wonderfully ridiculous ear-flap hat, this Boxer takes the long way along a deserted beach where snow meets sand and grey waves roll beneath a pale winter sky. Judging by the expression, the ocean is not making the walk feel any warmer.
The Bonfire Dog
There are better ways to spend a snowy evening than wandering around in the cold. Settled beside a crackling outdoor fire in a thick cable-knit toque, this brindle dog has found the warmest seat available. With blue twilight settling over the snowy trees behind him, there appears to be absolutely no reason to move.
The Little Dog Who Has Had Enough of Winter
The first snowfall was charming. The second was acceptable. This has gone too far. Standing in a narrow path between towering snowbanks with an enormous pom-pom toque perched on his head, this deeply unimpressed Pug has officially withdrawn his support for winter and would now like to speak to whoever is in charge of spring.
The King of Winter
Some dogs wear a winter hat and look adorable. An Alaskan Malamute wears one and somehow looks even more majestic. Standing high on a snowy ridge as sunrise breaks across the mountains, he seems completely at home in the wind and cold. It would be an unquestionably heroic portrait—if not for that one perfectly placed pom-pom.
Winter Looks Better With a Dog in a Hat
From frozen lakes and mountain trails to snowy sidewalks, quiet farmyards and one very reluctant trip outside the cabin, winter certainly gives dogs plenty of opportunities for adventure. Adding a knitted toque just makes the photographs considerably better.
Some of these dogs were clearly born for snow. Others would happily trade the entire season for a warm blanket and a spot beside the fireplace. Either way, there is something wonderfully funny about seeing a very serious dog face beneath an unnecessary pom-pom.
So when the next snow day arrives, bundle up, grab the leash and head outside. Your dog may not actually need a winter hat—but the photograph might.
