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Four black and white Border Collie puppies stand and play in fresh snow in a fenced backyard with tiny paw prints. 8 / 31

Four Pups Stepped Into Snow for the Very First Time

AI imageborder collieblack and whitesnow

Fresh snow has dusted the backyard, and four black and white Border Collie puppies are discovering that the ground can suddenly be cold, soft and a little bit magical. Their paw prints wander in every direction. One pup in front stares at something beyond the camera with its tongue out, while two others pile together behind, and a fourth is mid-hop with a dusting of white on its back.

Border Collies have a thick double coat that helps them handle chilly weather, but puppies are smaller and lose heat faster than adult dogs. Short play sessions in the snow are plenty for little ones, followed by a warm, dry place to rest. After a romp, wipe their paws, since ice, salt and de-icing products can irritate skin and should not be licked off. If your pup seems cold or reluctant, head back inside.

The black and white coat pattern is probably the one most people picture when they think of the breed. It is also a favorite for photos, since those dark patches stand out so sharply against a white background. Each puppy's markings are a little different, and the blaze, collar and socks can vary from dog to dog.

By tomorrow the snow may be gone, but for this quartet, today is clearly the most exciting weather event in history, and the whole yard is a brand new playground.

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