Short haired dogs in Alaskan winter...Help!!

Hi, I know this has nothing to do with WLS, but I need all of your input if you live in Alaska. My husband and I and our beloved Bulldog are moving to Farbanks, AK in a month (as per Army orders) We are very concerned as to how the dog will adjust to the cold when winter rolls around, I have told DH that I am sure he is not the first short haired dog to move to Alaska but he is very worried about how the dog will adjust in terms of the cold and going out to do his "business". This dog is my life and have been with him longer than DH and really don't want to have to give him away, in fact I refuse to give him away. Please give me all the imput you can on how short haired dogs survive the winters and if it will just be plain cruel to take him with us, This may sound really stupid to some but I am really upset about the fact that it may be better to leave him in Texas, it literally breaks my heart! We have no children, he is the baby! kerry

I hope you don't mind me replying, since I don't live in, nor have I ever lived in Alaska....I can tell you that dogs are as adaptable to their environment as a human is. The biggest difference is that they cannot express themselves well. If you're cold, you go throw on a coat. If the dog is cold....well you need to pay close attention to your baby and make sure he's warm enough. Maybe even invest in some booties and a sweater or coat for him. I'm sure, since he's a pampered pup, you don't leave him out unattended for long periods of time - so that shouldn't be an issue. Really, with some care and concern and paying a lot of attention to his signals, you and he should be just fine where ever you live. We relocated our Syberian Husky from the relative coolness of WA state to the harsh heat of Las Vegas, Nevada. We watched him closely, made sure he was brushed often to remove the undercoat - always had plenty of water (important in very cold climates as well) and that he had plenty of shade, ventiliation and he got a lot of attention. He was fine. I hope this is helpful. (((HUGS))) and good luck, ~Tooter

Hi Kerry! Can't wait till you get here. Fairbanks is a great place to live and play. Will you have a garage? If so, your pampered pooch can do his thing out there when it is -40 or -50....OR you can invest in a pup coat and some polar fleece/goretex booties (yes they sell them and they are cheap here). I have 3 siberian huskies who love the snow and cold. Bring your dog..he will love it here and he will be just fine. Sherry

Kerry, I lived in Alaska for fifteen years and part of that time I had an American Staffordshire Pit Bull. He was just fine. He had a coat for the winter and would just hurry up to do his business! Have a great time in Alaska. It is beautiful. Heather B

I live in Anchorage, so it's not as cold as Fairbanks in the winter. Your dog will probably do his business pretty quickly when it's cold out. I notice ours does. I am all for the fleece coat and booties, though. They sell all that up here. The garage is a good idea, too. You could put visqeen (plastic rolls) down in a corner of the garage where you want him to do his business, then cover it with gravel and train him to go there. Or sawdust or newspaper. You'd have to change it every few week, I'd think. Bring the dog. He'll probably adjust quicker than you will! Linda Q.

Hi Kerry, Don't worry about bringing your baby! I've lived all over AK with several breeds of dogs including a short haired, mini dachshund. He does just fine and when its really cold we put his sweater and booties on and he goes fast and comes right back in. Like someone else said, dogs are very resilient and adapt quickly. He will be much more upset to be left behind than to move with you to a new place! ~Lia