Why Do Dogs Love Snow?

Hyperbole and a Half

Yesterday, East Coasters prepared for the blizzard of the century. I learned of the storm’s potential severity while at the supermarket — all the bread was gone. All of it. Why bread? Do people just sit at home chomping on bread during snow days? “Alright kids! Finish sledding so you can come inside and finish your loaf!”

Dogs do not spend snow days at home eating bread. For many dogs, new snow is a . But why? I asked a few canine science experts why dogs love snow. It turns out that when it comes to snow, dogs might be a lot like us. Here’s what they said:

Patricia McConnell: Predators love their big, new play room

“I honestly don’t know why snow is so exciting to dogs, and kids, and adults who don’t have to shovel it. But maybe because it’s new and different (predators love change, prey animals hate it), and it turns the world into one big play room for animals that love to play. (I’m thinking too of river otters who love to play in snow. So do bears.)

“Here’s a fun example of an animal enjoying winter:

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“So, who doesn’t like snow as a new toy, unless you have to shovel it, hate where you are snowed in, or are a hawk who goes hungry because the field mice and voles can hide from you so well under the blanket of white?”

Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (,

Gordon Burghardt: Remember back to childhood

Gordon M. BurghardtThe Genesis of Animal Play: Testing the Limits

Alexandra Horowitz: Pleasure in a changed landscape

“More than anything, I suspect that the very sensation of snow on the body is engaging for dogs. Have you ever run through the shallow waves of the sea? Why does kicking up sand and seawater make us happy? I can’t say. But it is clear that it does.

“While on snow: research found that dogs have exceptionally good venous anatomy in their paws, which leads them to do better in the snow than we might think (i.e. more blood flow, warmer toesies). This to those owners who boot their dogs not to save them from salt or ice-between-pads, but because they put boots on themselves.”

Alexandra Horowitz, PhD (, John Bradshaw: Habituation be gone!

“Of course there can also be a social dimension, which most dogs find highly motivating — for example, dogs chasing snowballs thrown by people.

“Much of dogs’ solitary play seems to be connected to predatory behaviour — but I can’t imagine how snow could be incorporated into that narrative.

“One final thought: dogs’ ability to turn up their metabolism as the temperature falls means that snow will cause them far less discomfort than it can do for us!”

John Bradshaw, PhD (,

Stephen Zawistowki: Nature’s enrichment

Stephen ZawistowskiCompanion Animals in Society

Paul McGreevy: Ask the sled dogs

“Fresh odors to sniff, novel tactile experiences to enjoy, unusual outlines to mask familiar objects and even the prospect of hiding within the very fabric on one’s surroundings. What’s not to love?”

Paul McGreevyA Modern Dog’s Life: How to Do the Best for Your Dog

The above canine science experts write copiously for both academic and general audiences. I recommend looking into their books and writings if you are not already familiar.

Images: Allie Brosh, , at Hyperbole and a Half, Bouncy Emma in Snow, , Flickr creative commons. Video:

Chomsky: We Are All – Fill in the Blank.

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