How cold is too cold for dogs?

At what point do I call the Humane society about a dog left outside in the cold
Answers:
As others have said, it depends on the breed of dog. I have a Siberian Husky, as well as an Alaskan Malamute. In the winter I have to drag them into the house because all they want to do is stay outside in the snow and cold, even if it's below zero.

I have heard stories from ACOs that remark about people calling in about a dog that is outside all winter long and is laying in the snow. They go out to investigate and they find it's a Malamute or Husky and it's lying on top of it's dog house. It's being fed and watered, but the dog would much rather be out in the elements and not even it's dog house.

I wouldn't keep a chihuahua or anything out there, but a Northern breed, i would have no problems with.

To the person with the link to the Iditarod winner, nice picture!!

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what type of dog are we talking about ?

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That kinda depends on the type of dog and if there is shelter available. If the dog has a dog house, they won't do much, unless it is a dog with very short hair, no blankets in the shelter or hay. If there is no shelter available, you can call the humane society as soon as it is obvious the dog is being neglected and out in the cold too much, when the dog starts looking cold. For breeds like huskies, chows, and shepards that have a longer coat, some of them like being out in the cold since they get overheated when indoors. It's pretty much at your own discretion when you call.

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It depends on the breed of dog and how cold it is.
Small dogs: they don't have enough body fat to deal with the cold and should be indoors.
Short hair breeds/ large or medium: ie pitbulls, dobies, etc. if it's raining or snowing, or cold enough to, they should at least have a doghouse available for them to shield them from the climate.
Breeds with thick coats like chows or shepards, can stand the colder climates and should be ok outside. Either way, there needs to be a bowl of water that doesn't freeze, and a house of some sort that they can lay in to protect them from any temp. If the dog is outside without water, frozen water, or no shelter at all then call the local humaine society.

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The rule of thumb that I use is this: if it is too cold outside for you, it is too cold outside for a dog. Call Animal Control and report the abuse.

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It depends on the dog breed. We had a shepard who used to love to sleep in the snow, outside his dog house! You would call him %26 a pile of snow would wake up!

If it is a small, or short haired breed, ask a vet first. If it is below 36F, %26/or they have no shelter, it may be the time to call.

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Here,, maybe this will give you some idea of what IS NOT to cold for a dog when they are acclimated to the temperatures (don't sleep in a cozy warm house)
pic
2006 Iditarod winning dog sled team
http://iditaweb-1.gci.net/images/gallery.

The sweet little Beagles that I use for hunting Snow Shoes in the dead of winter at places that can reach -40 deg F MUST stay outside in order to develop a winter coat dense enough to allow them to survive the conditions. It would be cruel to do otherwise.