Small Dogs in Alaska (Fairbanks, Kenai: how much, home, neighborhood)

[D.W.]

Hello Everybody,
This is my first post. We are going to be relocating to the Kenai Peninsula this Winter. We have lived in Alaska before, but never with the two small dogs we now have. They are 7 lb and 11 lb Chihuahuas, they are both pretty scrappy. We live in Chicago now, so we are used to fairly cold winters. The wind off the Lake is pretty harsh at times. Does anybody have small dogs in Alaska? Any advice?
Thanks.

[LittleJazzyP]

The main thing is to not leave them outside unattended, even in a fenced yard. There are critters up here who see little dogs like that as lunch.

[tigre79]

Lots of people here have little dogs. Watch them when they're outside, but other than that they should be fine.

[Colddiamond102]

Eat them with ketchup and onions before the critters do?

[Gennaver]

Originally Posted by D.W.

Hello Everybody,
This is my first post. We are going to be relocating to the Kenai Peninsula this Winter. We have lived in Alaska before, but never with the two small dogs we now have. They are 7 lb and 11 lb Chihuahuas, they are both pretty scrappy. We live in Chicago now, so we are used to fairly cold winters. The wind off the Lake is pretty harsh at times. Does anybody have small dogs in Alaska? Any advice?
Thanks.

Hi,

I have a question, not advice, sorry, (but sounds like "watch them when they are outside" has been mentioned much!)

I'm from Chicago too but have spent the last 4 years in Texas and am moving to Fairbanks for the first time in my life in 2 weeks.

I used to be outdoors back home all year long and have wondered about the difference in temperatures in AK though. I know that Chicago has that very damp cold and have read that FAI has a dry cold so, I just don't know how much colder it will be. Do you think they are really comparable?

Thanks!
Jen

[naturesdreams]

Well what I do is watch the weather patterns and see the weather radar/ satellite view..
7-Day Zone Forecast for Middle Tanana Valley

Current Alaska Weather Map

and the most visited: Fairbanks Weather Forecast and Conditions

I've found that at times the weather here in Madison WI (southcentral WI) is within 10 degrees... in the SE they are many times warmer (a lot of rain and we get more snow accumulation)

When people hear I'm relocating to Alaska they always say, "wow you can take that COLD weather"... check the statistics... what I won't get is the HOT muggy nasty weather in the summer...

I wish you the best Jen... we'll have to meet up and explore that area together when we get some free time right?...

[Gennaver]

Originally Posted by naturesdreams

Well what I do is watch the weather patterns and see the weather radar/ satellite view..
7-Day Zone Forecast for Middle Tanana Valley

Current Alaska Weather Map

and the most visited: Fairbanks Weather Forecast and Conditions

I've found that at times the weather here in Madison WI (southcentral WI) is within 10 degrees... in the SE they are many times warmer (a lot of rain and we get more snow accumulation)

When people hear I'm relocating to Alaska they always say, "wow you can take that COLD weather"... check the statistics... what I won't get is the HOT muggy nasty weather in the summer...

I wish you the best Jen... we'll have to meet up and explore that area together when we get some free time right?...

Hi Naturesdreams,

Give a shout when you plan to be up there. Online I see they have some canoe groups, snowshoe groups, running groups and so on. I am interested in finding out about moose hunts, (even if with just a camera) too.

Jen

[Alaskapat528]

I have a 14# Pekinese. She does fine but their feet get cold quick on the little dogs so watch them outside, and as someone else said NEVER leave them out alone or running loose in an unconfined area. When you take them out in winter months, even in the car, have them wear a sweater.

[Rance]

We have a 5 or 6 lbs pomeranian named grizzly. He runs the neighborhood just fine. When it's very cold he won't stay out long. The wife makes him wear sweaters (which he hates) on occasion.

[Alaskapat528]

Are you serious, that he runs loose?