Any husky owner can tell you their dogs are built for snow. Chihuahuas clearly are not. However, most dogs fall somewhere in between.

“There isn’t an exact temperature that’s too cold for all dogs,” says Dr. Jolee Stegmoller, a veterinarian quoted by the American Kennel Club. Coat type and length are the best place to start, followed by size, age and health.

How to read your dog’s coat

Dogs with thick double coats generally handle cold better than short, thin or clipped coats, according to Cornell’s veterinary school. But a heavy coat doesn’t make a dog immune.

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A dog used to a warm home can be shocked by a sudden cold snap. Puppies and senior dogs of every breed are also more sensitive to cold than healthy adults.

Here’s how 10 popular and well-known breeds compare.

(WATCH: Can dogs get frostbite? Signs to watch for)

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Breeds that handle the cold best

Siberian husky. Huskies were bred with thick fur “designed to insulate and protect them from snow or cold weather,” according to the AKC. Healthy arctic breeds that are used to the cold can stay out for long stretches on chilly days. I dare you to convince a husky otherwise!

Alaskan malamute. Northern breeds like the malamute have “thick coats, undercoats, and extra layers of skin and fat to help them tolerate colder temperatures,” says Dr. Rebecca Ruch-Gallie of Colorado State University.

Samoyed. Samoyeds share the thick double coat. Dr. Sarah Wooten, writing for the AKC, says larger double-coated dogs can usually stay out 30 minutes to an hour when it's below 32 degrees.

Remember, even these dogs need shelter and time limits in freezing weather.

(WATCH: Ticks don't quit at first frost — do this weather check)

Breeds in the middle

Labrador retriever. Your average labrador retriever has a coat that can keep it fairly comfortable in colder weather. Experts say they are usually fine on a walk or a play without a coat, but they can get chilly if they’re just standing around

Golden retriever. Their thick double coats offer protection like huskies and malamutes. Experts say pay attention to their paws after they’ve been out in the cold. Since their paws have lots of hair, snow and ice can cause painful clumps between their toes.

Breeds that need to come inside or wear a coat

French bulldog. The most popular dog breed for four years in a row, but its short coat does not protect it against the cold. VCA Animal Hospitals rates it 1 out of 5 for cold tolerance. PetMD advises avoiding long outings in extreme weather.

Dachshund. Low-to-the-ground breeds can get wet bellies from snow and ice, and the AKC names dachshunds among the breeds most likely to struggle.

Poodle. Clipped coats, like those on all poodle sizes, offer little insulation. Miniature poodles are among the small breeds that can develop hypothermia and frostbite quickly.

Chihuahua. The same hypothermia and frostbite concerns hold true for this breed. When it’s below 32 degrees, experts recommend only 10 to 15 minutes outside.

Greyhound. Greyhounds have "a short coat without an undercoat and no fat under the skin," which makes them "very prone to getting cold quickly," Ruch-Gallie says. Dr. Gary Brummet of the University of Illinois recommends boots and coats for breeds without much body fat or fur.

How cold is too cold

Cold becomes a problem for some dogs below 45 degrees. Below 32, small dogs, thin-coated dogs and very young, old or sick dogs could be in danger after too much time outside. Below 20, any dog can develop hypothermia or frostbite during extended time outdoors.

(WATCH: Dog frolics in Montana's first snow of the season)