bitter cold - Page 2

The late Otto was brought in the house at dusk, but wasn't the slightest bit fazed by near-zero Fahrenheit daytime temperatures with wind chills in the minus teens. He'd curl up and snooze by "his" gate and would just look at me like I was an idiot if I asked him if he wanted to come in. The old Ambred dog doesn't have anywhere near as much undercoat and wants in when it's less than 25 above unless I'm outside with him, and the pup is still a bit young for extreme cold. So I guess it depends on the dog.

Here in Ohio it is approximately 15 degrees F, with a wind chill of 5 degrees or so. My Rotts don't care much for it although they do okay. The Shepherds seem to thrive in it. They have nice straw filled dog houses and a straw filled garage but they prefer to lay on the snow, in the sun (what there is of it). Doesn't seem to bother them in the least to lay on the cement when it's about zero degrees also. My two inside dogs (Mastiff x Boxer) want back "in" pretty quick when it gets "real" cold out. I guess it is what they are used to. When I bring the outside dogs in on cold days, they want back out rather quick, acting like it is just too darn hot inside. I think that a dog house with straw in it, facing away from the wind side, and the house not being too large, is just fine for GSD's down to -20 F. Maybe even lower. I do take them luke warm water now and then (sort of like a cup of coffee :)

It was -31 and with wind chill -44. Now that is realcold even for us. Our dog houses have 2" styrofoam insulation between plywood on all six sides. With the flap it is toasty warm for the dogs. Another man in our club has dicarded freezers for his rotties that he cuts holes in and then flaps. He has been doing this for 20 years and the dogs will share the space when it is cold like this. O'kay now I am going to get some Superbowl antifreeze in me ---Warm regards--Bob

It was -4 here in NY this morning. Two of the kennel buildings were stuggling to maintain 40. The heaters were running non stop so we shut them down and moved all dogs to the main building thats a cozy 55-60. The rest were moved into the house. They really didnt seem to mind the bitter temps though and all were happy to see the food coming this morning. I just worry about tips of ears when it gets this cold. Its a preety hardy breed!