17 Best Dog Breeds For Hot Weather

Are you looking to get a dog but worried about the climate you live in?

If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering what are some examples of dog breeds that are suited or can adapt to hot weather.

Some dog breeds are able to handle the heat better than other types of dogs, including some African and South American dog breeds.

Having said that, dogs should always have a plentiful supply of water and be encouraged to stay in the shade even if they’re considered a dog breed capable of withstanding the heat.

In this article, we’re going to hear from a range of experts, including dog behaviorists and veterinarians to learn more about some of the breeds suited to warmer climates.

With the introduction complete, let’s get started with our feature on the 17 best dog breeds for hot weather.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, fun-loving family dog that loves to be the center of attention. This dog breed has short hair and is medium in size, making it perfect for warm temperatures. They are very energetic and need constant exercise. Due to their excitable nature, training needs to start early around children and other pets. They need a big house and backyard to run around.

Suggested by Michelle Henry, CEO And Founder Of Outdoor Dog Fun

Basenji

When looking for a breed that would thrive well in hot weather, it is best to look for one that originates from a warm weather climate. One breed that would fit that criteria would be the Basenji. This breed originates from Africa and has been bred to adapt to the arid environment of the Congo.

Anatomically, they have everything they need to help them not to overheat. Basenjis tend to have a sleek body shape with little fat. Their body build along with their short coat helps prevent them from retaining heat for too long. A Basenji’s ears also helps participate in keeping them cool, with the ears being a way for heat to escape and also to capture any cool breeze that is available.

Suggested by Dwight Alleyne, Veterinarian Advisor At Better Pet

Saluki

The Saluki is one of several breeds that can trace its roots back to the ancient Egyptians. It has been prized since ancient times for its ability in the hunt, running down gazelle, hare and other swift prey over hot desert sands, providing sport for kings and food for nomads.

Suggested by Elizabeth Menegon, Founder And Owner Of Hands 2 Paws

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a great choice for hot weather as they are built for working in the heat. They are also very active, which makes them great companions for people who live in hot climates.

They will be happy living in any climate but do better in warmer climates because their coats help them stay cool when it’s too hot outside. They are also very active and playful, which will keep your pup entertained during the hot summer days.

Suggested by Aaron Rice, Expert Dog Trainer At Stayyy

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed that does well in hot weather. They are not only intelligent but also have a high tolerance for heat. They need physical activity to stay cool and it is recommended that they be walked on a leash to keep them cool.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a lot of energy for its size and can be difficult to housebreak. This breed makes an excellent family dog, but should not be trusted with small children. This breed’s high tolerance to heat is due to its thick coat, which can grow quickly and require lots of grooming. To upkeep the coat, brushing at least a few times each week is recommended.

Suggested by Jen Jones, Professional Dog Trainer And Behavior Specialist At Your Dog Advisor

Great Dane

With their short coat, these giant dogs will perfectly adapt to warm temperatures. The Great Danes I have met loved to lie in the sun and enjoy the warmth.

However, dog owners should always ensure that their Great Danes do not get sunburned or dehydrated. No dog tolerates the sun and heat for very long.

Suggested by Remi Andrivet, Founder Of Dogs Planet

Vizsla

The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed known for their strong hunting instincts and high energy levels. However, they also have short coats and low body fat, making them well-adapted to hot weather.

They do best with daily exercise and mental stimulation, but can handle it even in the heat as long as they have access to water and shade.

Suggested by Meg Marrs, Founder Of K9 Of Mine

Peruvian Inca Orchid

It was a long journey from the Peruvian Inca Orchid dogs land to the sandy deserts of Arizona. As a matter of fact, in 2000 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Inca Orchid dog as endangered. At the time, there were only about 1,200 left in the wild.

Suggested by Elizabeth Menegon, Founder And Owner Of Hands 2 Paws

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan hound is a great option for hot weather. They are long-limbed, slender and have a short coat. Their large ears also help dissipate heat and keep them cool when temperatures soar.

As they are a hunter and a working breed, they have the stamina for exercise all year round and should not struggle to go on their walks in the hotter months. Grooming is easy and there is no need to clip short when it is warm; their fur stays short all year round.

Suggested by Dr Linda Simon, Consulting Veterinarian At Five Barks

Azawakh

Those looking for a good dog for a hot weather climate might look into an African sighthound breed, such as an Azawakh. Since this breed is bred specifically for hot, dry conditions, they make the perfect fit for anyone wanting a hot weather companion.

The Azawakh has a short single coat, which both helps keep this breed cool in higher temperatures, and means it’s not a dog that will shed much. Its deep chest and lean build make it the perfect running buddy, even in temperatures that might be too hot for some breeds.

Suggested by Josh Snead, CEO Of Rainwalk Pet Insurance

Boxer

The Boxer is a strong, intelligent breed with a short coat that can handle hot weather relatively well. They are energetic and love to play, but also have a goofy, laid-back personality that allows them to relax in the heat. Just make sure they have plenty of water and shade available.

Suggested by Meg Marrs, Founder Of K9 Of Mine

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the oldest dog breeds that are still alive today. Xoloitzcuintli is a dog that can survive in hot weather conditions since it has minimal to no hair.

Suggested by Elizabeth Menegon, Founder And Owner Of Hands 2 Paws

Greyhounds

With their long, slender bodies and beep barreled chests, Greyhounds are natural born sprinters and do well in the heat. Their coats are so thin they sometimes need sunscreen, but this means they retain very little body heat. Though they are built for speed, they typically only have one or two short bursts of energy a day, then are content to lounge around on the couch.

If Greyhounds are too big for your liking, their medium sized relative the Whippet and the even smaller Italian Greyhound are all wonderful choices for any size preference.

Suggested by Megan Conrad, Veternarian Consultant At Hello Ralphie

American Water Spaniel

Another breed of dog that is ideal for warmer climes and enjoys the summer is this one. The stocky, powerfully built medium-sized dog needs both mental and physical exercise.

American Water Spaniels have a distinctive, curly, wavy coat that helps shield them from water, rain, and becoming tangled in briars as they gallop through the countryside.

Suggested by Erin Mastopietro, Founder Of Dope Dog

Border Collie

In any warm environment, Border Vollies are ideal for the park. This breed
is very athletic, acrobatic, and lively. Collies require lots of space and
pleasant weather to run around in, making them unsuitable for flats.

They are among the breeds with the highest intelligence, but because of this, you’ll need to train them if you don’t want to deal with a terror of a dog.

Suggested by Leonardo Gomez, CEO Of Try Runball

Ecuadorian Hairless Dog

The Ecuadorian Hairless Dog can survive in the heat of the outdoors for a few reasons. The first is simply its size. This dog is very small, so it takes less energy to keep its body running and needs less food to survive than other dog breeds.

Suggested by Elizabeth Menegon, Founder And Owner Of Hands 2 Paws

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is another sound choice. These dogs originate in Mexico and
can cope well in how weather. Of course, the short-haired dogs cope a lot
better than the longer-haired versions.

As some Chihuahuas have got a snub nose, we would need to be cautious when exercising them in the heat. However, those with a reasonably long snout should fare well. These dogs are feisty and cheerful and make great pets, even in homes with children.

Suggested by Dr Linda Simon, Consulting Veterinarian At Five Barks