I don't think any dog that lives in some of the warmer states has to worry about it at all. Just so you fellas know, we live in the Northern 1/2 of MN. Several times wind chill gets to50-80 below. If you do keep a dog out in it, sure it might live, but I highly doubt it is enjoying the stay.
When it kills wild critters around here, why would it not possibly kill a dog. Because it does.Down Sth, you pretty much have nothing to worry about. I would not worry about it in many states. It is just a decision you have to make yourself in relation to where you live, that simple.
I see some talk about this on the thread about the wife letting me get a dog, and it seems to be the guy's from a totaly different area that think it's no big deal. Also one that talks about a breeder or trainer or someone in general that has 20-30 dogs, well You won't find too many of those that don't have heated buildings with outdoor runs here either. If they did they wouldn't get much business, Ask anyone from MN if they would leave there dog with a trainer that keeps thier dog out in a plastic barrel or a dog house when it is 30-40 below.
And "again it depends on where you live"..... Here we see cats and dogs with ears froze off all the time. I can take a pic. of my brother in laws if youd like to see it. It is up to the dog owner to do what they feel is right for thier pet. My vet has seen several cases of hypothermia, and frost bite. And just remember " Not all Toto's live in KS"
some city's have Laws here that give the Law enforcement the right to take your dog or pet to a shelter, if they feel the ellements are too extreem. So what is one to do.
No one is saying it is wrong for someone to leave dogs out side, just that in parts of the country you have to be carefull, In states like Kansas it is probably Again not a issue. I doubt they drive on the water in many states either, but here we do for 4 months out of the year. So It gets colder longer.