Why Many Dogs Love Snow. Tessa & Max. Toledo Pet Photography. Winter Shoot Wildwood Metropark.

Tessa and Max made their debut on my blog here when Max was just a pup! Last Christmas Max dressed up for a series of classy Christmas card photos which you can see here. The Christmas card photo session has become a tradition for Tessa and Max. This year, they braved the snow in December, for their third pet portrait session.

Since you have previously been introduced to this cute pair, I wanted to share insight, I have gleaned, into dog psychology. I have always marveled at how much dogs seem to love the snow. They go crazy over it. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but many dogs just eat it up, literally... (insert groan here). Snow seems to have a similar effect on a dog to catnip on a cat. Wondering why that might be, I did a bit of research.

Katelyn Schutz offers one explanation in her article in Wisconsin Pet Care, "I find many dogs love winter because they become more energetic as the temperatures cool. Colder weather allows them to run and play more, without over-heating." This can be breed specific, but I will say, even my short-haired bully adores the snow.

In an article by Scientific American, Why Do Dogs Love Snow?, many experts weigh in on the behavior. One explains, dogs have predatory instincts that enjoy change. Snow covers all the old smells and creates a blank slate for the predators to play and discover new things. Another expert discusses, dogs have exceptional blood circulation to their feet and toes which enables them to disregard the cold longer than humans. In the same article, Alexandra Horowitz proposes that there might not be a scientific explanation, "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."

Like humans, dogs get bored when things become habit. Snow offers a multi sensory experience that breaks from their regular outdoor experience. As you look through these photos of Max, you can tell he enjoyed the snow. Don't forget to pin your favorite images and fill out a contact form if you would like to schedule your own pet photography session!