Hot weather dogs: 14 breeds that can tolerate the heat

Hot weather dogs are breeds that can tolerate warm to hot weather conditions.

These breeds typically have a single coat and mostly body hair is short or may be absent altogether.

The coat color is usually light, and they have long snouts, which help to cool the warm air when breathing.

If you need a companion who can handle warm weather conditions, you should consider adopting one of the below hot weather dogs:

1. Shorthaired German Pointer

These dogs can track, hunt, point, pull sleds, best of all accompany you on a trek or run on a hot summer day. Pointers come in different colors and can be identified by their instinctual pointing position.

They were developed for water retrieval and have a short, flat water-resistant coat that aids in temperature regulation and repels dirt. They are high energy dogs that require space to play and wander.

2. American Water Spaniel

This breed is also ideal for hot weather and will enjoy the summer months. The medium-sized dog has a stocky, muscular frame. They require physical and mental stimulation to be happy.

American Water Spaniels are very noisy dogs with a distinctive wavy coat with curls that protects them from water, weather, and briars as they gallop through the woods. The American Water Spaniel, like the Cocker Spaniel, has longer, curling ears.

3. Great Dane

A Great Dane may not accompany you on a hike, but he will certainly enjoy hanging out with you in the living room. They enjoy lounging on the couch, bed, or even your lap, and have a liking for warm weather.

These gentle giants are members of the Mastiff family and were developed in Germany rather than Denmark. Danes are one of the tallest canines, but they also have one of the shortest life spans.

4. Border Collie

Border collies can also tolerate warm climate. They are a smart and energetic breed.

Collies require plenty of space to run about, so not suitable for apartment life.

They are an intelligent breed and require training to avoid behavior problems. This breed is not suitable for first-time owners or families who are short on time to deal with obedience training.

Border collies do well in dog sports due to their herding instincts, stamina and agility.

5. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian cattle dog is an ideal hot-weather dog. This breed stands out for its blue or red coat and a dark patch covering one or both eyes.

High energy and athletic, the Australian Cattle Dog is a great companion for a long hike. However, make sure to have plenty of water on hand for yourself and your pet. If you are going to be out in the sun for long, make sure to use canine sunscreen.

Endowed with a rain-resistant double coat, the Australian Cattle Dog can also do well in rainy weather conditions.

6. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is also suited for hot weather conditions. If it gets hot, you just need to trim their coat short and in colder weather, allow it to grow out.

Intelligent, energetic and the largest of the terriers, this breed needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation to be happy.

7. The American Foxhound

The Foxhound’s coat is made of short hair, which helps the breed to stay cool in hot weather. Their stubborn streak makes training an absolute necessity.

8. Chihuahua

If it’s a small hot weather dog that you are looking for, the Chihuahua can be a good choice for you.

Their upright ears, single hair coat and the fact that they originated in Mexico help them to handle the heat better.

The lighter shade of their coats also helps in the heat.

Their smaller snout can be a disadvantage as it limits them from panting properly, which is necessary for cooling down.

Since they are not very active, it’s also a good idea to keep heat exposure levels at moderate levels.

9. Chinese Crested

These small and friendly dogs can also tolerate higher temperatures.

The limited hair on their body, upright ears and medium sized nose helps them to put up with the heat.

Since these dogs are almost hairless, its important to use sunscreen when out in the sun.

10. Afghan Hound

Originally bred in Afghanistan, a country with hot weather conditions, the Afghan Hound can handle both heat as well as cooler temperatures.

The long hair is a single coat, so the dog doesn’t heat up. They require plenty of exercise and activities to stay healthy and happy. They require regular grooming to stay neat.

These hypoallergenic dogs once trained and socialized early tend to be friendly with kids and other dogs.

11. Basenji

Tracing its origins to Africa, the Basenji a muscular terrier type breed that can take the heat.

Hunting dogs, the Basenji was bred to run under the sun.

Though loving towards family members, the Basenji can be aloof towards strangers. They are intelligent but not easy to train. As high energy and intelligent dogs, they require plenty of physical and mental stimulation and do well with families that are active.

Instead of the usual canine bark, the Basenjis make yodeling sound due to the shape of their vocal cords.

Their grooming needs are minimal, and a weekly brushing of the coat will help in removing loose hair and keeping the coat clean. They tend to groom themselves like cats. At least two hours of exercise is required daily.

Due to their high prey drive, its best to keep them on a leash when outdoors.

12. Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog that is similar to the Greyhound except that it’s a miniature version. This breed can tolerate hot weather due to its very thin coat. Alert, loving and playful, these dogs get along well with children and other dogs. They are easy to groom.

An active breed, the Italian Greyhound requires daily exercise, which can be playtime or even walks. Though shy and quiet by nature, they tend to be affectionate and loyal companions once they are acquainted with you. Early socialization is essential.

13. Whippet

The Whippet’s thin coat body structure make them fit for hot weather. These gentle dogs tend to be good with children and other dogs. They are loving, cuddly and playful. They need daily exercise.

14. Australian Kelpie

These are medium sized dogs that can bear hot weather without growing tired.

They are working dogs that are primarily used for herding.

They are a good family dog. This intelligent and high energy breed is ideal for an active family.

Their independent nature makes them a bit stubborn as pets. However, early training can help to reduce behavior problems later. They are not suited for apartment living. Due to the high energy, they will need a lot of space to run around.

They will need at least an hour or more of exercise daily. They are easy to train and pick up basic commands quickly.

Summer dog care

Even hot weather dogs require care in summer. Here are some steps to keep your dog cool in the heat:

• Never leave your dog in the car on a hot day. The temperature inside a closed car can increase quickly to lethal levels
• Ensure to apply pet safe sunscreen on the exposed areas of your pet’s body such as the nose, ears or underbelly. Talk to your veterinarian if you are not sure about which product to use.
• Your pet should always have access to shade and drinking water.
• Let your pet rest on moist towels. However, don’t cover your dog with a wet towel as this can trap heat.
• Don’t fall back on the grooming schedule for your dog. Frequent brushing in summer will help to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat less, helping him to stay cooler.

Taking your dog out for a walk in hot weather 

Walks should be in the morning or evening when its cooler to avoid the risk of a heatstroke or your pet getting his paw pads burnt on the pavement. If the pavement feels too hot for your hands, then it’s probably too hot for your pet’s paws.

Signs of a heatstroke

• Paw pads that are burnt
• Limping or refusing to walk
• Licking or chewing feet
• Pads that are darker in color
• Blisters or skin redness
• Heavy panting and breathing difficulties
• Drooling excessively
• Your pet is sluggish or disoriented.
• Vomiting or collapsing

You can learn more about heatstroke in dogs on the vca animal hospitals website.

Dog breeds that are not fit for warm weather

Brachycephalic (short-headed) breeds such as the English bulldog, French bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, Boston Terriers and so on are not fit for hot weather as they may find it difficult to breathe in extreme heat.

• These dogs have a hard time keeping their internal temperature regulated due to their short snout.
• Panting is how dogs keep themselves cool like sweating in humans. However, due to the structure of their faces, brachycephalic dogs find it hard to pant and breathe efficiently in warm weather. As a result, they will not be able to cool down efficiently, increasing the risk of a heatstroke or heat exhaustion.

Conclusion

Though the hot weather dogs on our list can tolerate warm weather conditions, it is important that you take the necessary precautions on hot days to avoid your dog getting a heatstroke. Your dog should not be left in a hot car or outside and make sure that your pet has access to water at all times.