With summer nearly here, you may be looking forward to some fun activities in hot weather. Some dogs, however, may not be as excited about scorching sun. Certain dog breeds find it extremely difficult to deal with high temperatures or generally living in hot climate. So if you're just about to adopt a dog and live in an area where it's mostly hot throughout the year, let's talk about the best dog breeds for hot weather.
What Breeds Do Well In Hot Weather?
Dog breeds that do well in hot weather share some common features. For example, breeds with long snouts and round faces are able to cool themselves effectively by panting, which can’t be said for brachycephalic dogs that have short noses and flat faces.
Very large breeds, like Saint Bernard, are not fit for hot weather. In addition to their size, they also have very thick fur, which is not a feature that goes well with high temperatures. On the other hand, dogs with extremely thin coats are prone to sunburn and they may need summer clothes to protect them.
Large ears are also a feature that helps dogs cool off because it allows for them to get rid of excessive heat through their ears. And with all this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best dog breeds for hot weather and for owners who live in such hot climate areas or regions with very high temperatures in summer.
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Top 9 Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are not just beautiful dogs; they are also very strong and muscular. They have a lot of energy and great stamina, so make sure that you can provide them with plenty of exercise if you are thinking of getting one of these gracious dogs.
They were originally bred to guard coaches and horses, which means that they have a strong protective instinct. However, Dalmatians are also great family dogs. They are intelligent, good with kids and comfortable around strangers.
Why Dalmatians do well in hot weather?
Dalmatians are one of the best dog breeds for hot weather and even commonly have a related job – they are the most common firefighting dogs. That alone is a telltale sign that they can stand the heat. This dog has a short coat, long snout and slim but muscular physique, which are all features that help him thrive in hot weather.
While the exact origins of this breed are not known, Dalmatians probably come from the Mediterranean, perhaps even North Africa. One thing is sure however – this breed was strongly connected to Dalmatia in the 1800s, which is a region alongside the Adriatic Sea. Average temperatures in the summer in Dalmatia reach 85 degrees (30 °C), so Dalmatians are historically equipped for hot climates.
German Shorthaired Pointer
This breed is known for its power, stamina and agility. They need plenty of exercise, whether it’s running, swimming or some of the various dog sports. Their energy levels are off the chart, so be ready to provide them with exercise at least two times a day.
German Shorthaired Pointers love to spend their time outdoors and enjoy having something to do. They are very smart and great with kids but they may be too needy for some families. GSP is a great hunting dog but they are also often used for tracking or even sled pulling.
Why German Shorthaired Pointers do well in hot weather?
This is one of the best dog breeds for hot weather, and they were originally bred for water retrieving because they have a short coat which is also water-resistant and repels dirt. Their short hair also makes them comfortable in hot weather, along with their long snouts that allow them to pant effectively and cool off properly.
Even though these dogs originated in Germany, which has a temperate climate, they are well-built to withstand heat. In fact, they are more likely to struggle in a cold climate than have problems when the weather is hot.
Thanks to their physique and love for the outdoors, they are a perfect companion for hiking or running in the summer time. And thanks to their affinity for water, they will enjoy swimming and other water-based activities.
Border Collie
Collies are probably one of the best working dogs in the world now, with enormous amounts of energy and their ability to learn fast. They are athletic dogs, medium-sized, with a muscular physique and exceptional intelligence.
They are usually very fond of their friends but they can often be reserved toward strangers. Border Collies need plenty of space, so they are not the best dogs for apartments. Regular exercise and training are required or you will have to deal with obedience and behavior problems.
Why Border Collies do well in hot weather?
Border Collies can have two types of coats, the rough or the smooth coat, but both of them are double, weather-resistant coats. With the addition of very long snouts and high stamina, this breed is perfect for hot weather, or any other type of harsh weather conditions.
The history of Border Collies is related to herding and even today this breed is considered to be one of the best herding dogs in the world. Their ability to withstand any type of weather is one of the reasons why they are among the top of all working dogs.
Vizsla
This breed is a member of the Sporting Group, which means that it comes with high energy levels and needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. These dogs are very active and have a lean, graceful appearance.
They are also gentle and affectionate dogs, which means that they are a good choice for families with children. However, they are not a good choice if you don’t have enough time for them because they need regular activity, both mental and physical.
Why Vizslas do well in hot weather?
This breed originated from Hungary, which has a moderate climate. However, these dogs can do very well in scorching hot climates and are one of the best dog breeds for hot weather because they are built for long days in the field.
They are durable and highly effective working dogs. In fact, they were the hunting dog of choice in the Austro-Hungarian empire because they were both good pointers and retrievers.
These dogs come with sleek golden coats that are short enough to keep them cool even in the hottest weather. They also have long and round snouts, so they are able to cool themselves off. Thanks to their adventurous spirit, they are a perfect companion for hiking and running in nature.
Pharaoh Hound
This ancient breed is one of the best coursing hounds in the world. They possess speed and agility that makes them great at high-speed pursuits, even on difficult terrains. They also have a distinguished way of blushing when they feel excited or happy, and they are able to smile as well.
Their lean and graceful appearance makes it obvious that this breed has a lot of energy, so make sure that you can provide plenty of exercise if you are thinking of getting a Pharaoh Hound. They also require a lot of space, which means that they are not really suitable for apartments and homes without a backyard.
This dog has a loving and playful personality, so they are good for families with kids. However, they can be hard to train and they are especially prone to running off when taken off the leash.
Why Pharaoh Hounds do well in hot weather?
This is another breed with sleek, short coat, ideal for high temperatures and the best dog breed for hot weather. They also have a round and long snout, big ears and a lean, muscular physique. They are perfect summer hiking partners because they can stand the heat and rough terrains.
This breed’s ancestors originated in ancient Egypt, some 5,000 years ago. This fact alone is enough to let you know that they are well-suited for warm weather, given Egypt’s hot and humid climate.
However, Pharaoh Hound is also a national dog of Malta, a small Mediterranean island. Some theories suggest that this breed has been introduced to Malta some 2.500 years ago when it was brought there by Phoenicians. In fact, this breed is known as Kelb tal-Fenek on Malta, which means dog of the rabbit since they were often used for hunting rabbits.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the US, as well as across the world. Their beautiful golden coat and friendly, playful personality make them perfect for families and kids. However, the most important personality trait that makes them so popular is perhaps their eagerness to please.
Just like some of the other breeds on our list, Golden Retrievers are part of the Sporting Group. That means that they have high energy levels and require regular mental and physical stimulation. They are easy to train and cherish the opportunity to do some work, which is why they are also very popular as service dogs.
Why Golden Retrievers do well in hot weather?
Unlike most of the mentioned best dog breeds for hot weather on this list, Golden Retrievers have a bit of a longer coat. However, their double coat is also water-resistant and they are natural swimmers, so they are a perfect partner for fun water activities in the summertime.
Their round and long snout allows them to cool off properly and their stamina keeps them going even in the harshest weather conditions.
It’s important to note that their close, short-haired cousins, Labrador Retrievers, are also a good choice for dog owners who live in regions with high temperatures, especially if they are close to water because Labradors also enjoy swimming.
Australian Cattle Dog
Well-known as one of the best herders in the world, this muscular breed is full of strength and agility. Their muscular build, and a distinctive coat that can either be red or blue, are traits that stand out for those familiar with this breed.
In addition to herding, these high-energy dogs also excel at hunting and chasing. They must be stimulated physically and mentally or they can become bored and mischievous. Australian Cattle Dog is a good family dog but he is often wary of strangers.
Why Australian Cattle Dogs do well in hot weather?
Hailing from Australia, one of the hottest and most humid regions of the world, this breed does more than well in hot weather. They have a short coat and a round snout, which are all features that allow them to withstand heat.
They have exceptional stamina and boundless energy, which is why they are great running or hiking partners in the summer. They also have a water-resistant double coat, so they are not shy about going to the beach either.
Basenji
These dogs are smart, confident and, most of all, extremely athletic. They are known as “barkless dogs” because they don’t really bark but rather make a very strange sound, similar to chortling or yodeling. If you are thinking of getting a Basenji, don’t be surprised by their vocal abilities.
This cool breed is not suitable for all families, especially those without previous experience as dog owners. They require a lot of exercise but most of all they are difficult to train. Even when properly trained, these mischievous dogs can wander off occasionally and even steal some of their owner’s belongings.
Why Basenjis do well in hot weather?
This breed has all the necessary features to be one of the best dog breeds for hot weather. They are small but muscular, they have a shiny short coat, long and round snout and big ears. In addition to all of this, they originated in one of the hottest forests in equatorial Africa where they were used as hunting dogs.
Basenjis are one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet, which means that they are able to adapt to almost any conditions. With their love for the outdoors and high energy levels, they will gladly accompany you on summer hikes or to the beach. But they are at their best as running partners, as long as you can keep up with them since they are very fast when they use their double suspension gallop.
Terriers
It would be unfair to choose just one dog from the Terrier Group. After all, there are several breeds from this breed category that do well in hot weather.
All terriers are energetic dogs, with feisty personalities. Some would say that they are always eager for an argument. This stubbornness makes them a bit difficult to train, although they can make truly great family dogs.
They also require special grooming, which is known as “stripping”. Basically, if you have enough time to provide exercise, training and grooming, Terriers will be your loyal and devoted pets.
Why Terriers do well in hot weather?
Although Terriers can range in size, from the small ones like Cairn Terriers to the large ones like Airedale Terriers, most of them do well in hot weather and nearly all of them could be considered one of the best dog breeds for hot weather.
For example, Rat Terriers have a short, light-colored coat and big ears to help them radiate heat. Airedale Terriers have a bit longer coat but you can easily strip more of it when the weathered is hot.
All Terriers can be good hiking or running partners in the summer because they have high energy levels and enjoy the outdoors.
More of the Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather
In addition to the above mentioned best dog breeds for hot weather, there are many other canines that are able to withstand heat pretty well. For example, Great Dane can do well in hot weather, despite their enormous size. Doberman can also do well in hot weather even though they have black coats.
Other breeds you should consider if you live in regions with high temperatures include:
- Whippet
- Great Dane
- Doberman
- American Foxhound
- Chihuahua
- Italian Greyhound
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- American Water Spaniel
- Afghan Hound
- Ibizan Hound
Caring for Dogs in Hot Weather
Even though all of the breeds we mentioned are able to withstand hot temperatures, it is important to be careful because they can still suffer from a heat stroke. To prevent this, don’t work your dog too hard in excessive heat and always bring water with you to prevent dehydration.
Try to stay out of the sun altogether when temperatures rise above 100 degrees (38 °C) and make sure that your dog has access to shade and fresh water at all times. If you want to go for a run or a hike with your pooch, do it in the early morning or late afternoon, not at the time of day when the temperature is at its peak.
Of course, going to the beach even in the hottest weather is fine since your pet will be able to cool off in the water, but don’t let your pooch swim too much because heat by itself causes dogs to get exhausted much quicker without even noticing.
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