15 Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather
Photo by Ilona Frey.
By Marissa Del Mistro
If you live in a warm place, you may be wondering what are the best dog breeds for hot weather. Whether you’re in a desert or a temperate climate with hot summers, having a pup who can take the heat can help you enjoy the warmer temps together.
Dogs are surprisingly adaptable creatures that can thrive and live in various climates. However, many factors impact how they will tolerate the heat, depending on their breed, fur, and other elements. Let's jump into the best dog breeds for hot weather.
Factors That Impact How Dogs Thrive In Heat
The main element that will impact how a dog handles the heat is its coat. Should a pup have a robust, double coat with plenty of fur, this will cause the dog to suffer from the sun — especially when it’s dark fur. Dogs with substantial coats are designed to thrive in the cold and snow, such as the Akita and the Siberian Husky. It's just like a human bundling up in a snowsuit in the summer - of course, this would be uncomfortable! On the other hand, pooches with short hair, no hair, or a single coat that is a light color such as white, tan, or gray, will enjoy sprawling in the glorious sunshine and warm temps.
Another factor in determining the best dog breeds for hot weather is body structure. Dogs who have long, slim noses, can process the warm air and cool it down by the time the dog breathes it in. Dogs with longer ears that sit cocked upright manage to cool off a lot faster than dogs who have droopy ears, as this can trap in the hot air.
Dogs do sweat to regulate their internal temperature, but only in specific areas of their bodies. Dogs have merocrine glands, located in the dog's paws and they activate naturally when it's hot, which is why you may notice wet paw prints around the house in the heat. Dogs also have apocrine glands, which don’t have anything to do with cooling off, but deals with pheromone and is part of the reason why your pup can pick up other animals' scents.
Then, of course, there is panting. Dogs need to pant to control their temperature regulation, and this is key, putting in a lot more work than the paw sweat! When a pup pants, they are gathering moisture from their tongues, and nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs evaporates, cooling them down as air passes over the moist tissue.
So, what are the best dog breeds for hot weather? Which pups enjoy basking in the sunshine on warm days the most?
15 Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather
Photo by Jairo Alzate.
1. Chihuahua
Did you know that the Chihuahua breed originated in Mexico? They were born to thrive in the heat! Due to this pint-sized dog's thin fur coat, large, upright ears, and small, petite size, they are most comfortable in warm weather. Chihuahuas prefer toasty temperatures to cold.
Photo by Getty Images.
2. Pharaoh Hound
These elegant canines were bred to hunt, aptly nicknamed the “rabbit dog.” Due to their sleek, short coat, they are happy to spend their days soaking up the sun! Their elegant short fur protects their skin from the dangers of the sun. They are slender and athletic and have erect ears, so they can regulate their temperature well.
Photo by Justus Menke.
3. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hunting dogs hailing from South Africa, and they are able to withstand hot temperatures. These tall, athletic pups have short fur with a ridge of fur running in the opposite direction down their backs, giving them the Ridgeback name. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are hardy dogs that can tolerate the heat well and make excellent running companions.
Photo by Patrick Hendry.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are medium-sized pups that have a short double coat, allowing them to thrive well in any temperature, including hot climates. These high-energy athletic pups originate down under in Australia and are closely related to the wild dingo, which lives in the outback.
Photo by Marnie Kunz.
5. Ibizan Hound
These athletic cuties originate from the hot temperatures of Spain. They were bred to hunt in the hot sun so they can keep up when the temperatures spike. Not only do they have an athletic, slim build and short fur, but they also have perfectly spiky ears, keeping them cool and relaxed.
Photo by Julio Bernal.
6. Afghan Hound
With roots in balmy Afghanistan, these doggies enjoy being in the sunshine, with their unique, flowing locks that are a single coat. While their coats are very fabulous, they do need to be regularly and carefully maintained.
7. Basenji
The Basenji, the African “barkless dog,” are well-suited for hot climates. These short-furred pooches have large pointed ears to let heat escape and originated in the Congo, making them one of the best dog breeds for hot weather. Basenjis also make great apartment dogs as they don’t bark and are easy to care for.
Photo by Jorge Gardner.
8. Yorkshire Terriers
The Yorkshire Terrier or “Yorkie” is a beloved terrier, well-known for its sleek and shiny silk coat that is a lot finer than it looks. This helps make the Yorkie one of the best dog breeds for hot weather. Yorkies have a single coat of hair, not fur. This allows the Yorkie to cool itself off well but beware in colder temperatures as their hair is not a strong insulator.
Photo by Leonides Ruvalcabar.
9. Great Dane
These magnificent pooches are well known for their long bodies. Something you may not know about Great Danes is their desire to be close to the warmth, whether that is basking in the sun, sitting by a fire, or cuddling up for body heat. Great Danes have short fur which makes them prone to getting cold. You may have to drag them away from the warmth to prevent dehydration and other issues.
Photo by Maria João Correia.
10. Chinese Crested
These unique and adorable dogs are primarily hairless with origins from Asia, so they are familiar with and comfortable with hot climates. They are small, which helps with temperature regulation, and due to their hairless or short coat, they need sunscreen for protection!
Photo by Mitchell Orr.
11. Whippet
These well-mannered and intelligent dogs are descendants of the lovely Greyhounds. They tend to be medium-sized, and are athletic, thin, and long, with a thin, short coat and ears that reach the sky!
Photo by Tim Golder.
12. German Shorthaired Pointer
Cute, active, and energetic, these active dogs were bred for hunting. The German Shorthaired Pointer fares fantastically in warm temperatures due to its short fur with no undercoat. They love running, swimming, and being outside.
Photo by Kathy Morales.
13. Rat Terrier
These little guys that originate in the United States are aptly named: they were bred to hunt rats! These pocket-sized pooches have a short frame and short fur that helps to regulate their temperature in the sun. They are energetic, playful, and happy dogs that find true happiness in the sun.
Photo by Marnie Kunz.
14. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican hairless dog, favors the heat. The history of the breed is connected to the Aztec civilization, so they are familiar with hot temperatures. The dogs are built athletically and toned, and come in standard, intermeidate, and mini sizes.
Photo by Marnie Kunz.
15. Labrador Retriever
Although they have a double coat, Labrador Retrievers have short fur and are resilient to extremes in weather. These playful pups love water and have webbed paws that help them excel in swimming, which offers the perfect way to cool off when it’s hot outside.
While the best dog breeds for hot weather are more warm-weather tolerant than others, every canine requires safety precautions on hot days to avoid heat stroke or other heat-related issues. Always remember that a dog should never be left unattended in a hot car, always have access to fresh water and shade, and should not be outside in the direct sun for extended periods of time unsupervised.
If you’re interested in adopting a dog and expanding your fur family, check out our 10 Tips to Prepare for Adopting a Dog for pointers.
