Some dogs love the heat. They enjoy warm weather, move easily in hot climates, and stay happy even on hot days. These are the dog breeds that thrive in hot weather, and they’re perfect for sunny homes.
Their coat type, body structure, and ability to stay cool help them handle the hot sun better than other dogs. Breeds with a short coat, fine coat, or lean body mass don’t trap heat like those with thick fur or a heavy undercoat.
This blog shares the best dog breeds for hot weather environments. Whether you’re in a place with high temperatures or warm air year-round, you’ll find out which dogs are better suited to handle the heat, stay active, and enjoy sunny days with you.
Dog Breeds that Thrive in Hot Weather
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian cattle dog is a medium-sized herding dog hailing from hot weather Australia. It was developed in 19 century for droving cattle in the demanding conditions of Australia. Britannica writes that Aussie has a unique way of moving cattle, as they nip at their feet. Therefore, they are also called heelers.
Aussies are great for hot weather because they for bred for endurance in hot and arid conditions. They have a double coat, i.e, short dense undercoat and water-resistant outer coat. Therefore, these coats act as an insulator against warmer temperatures.
Plus, these dogs are very loyal and energetic; they need a lot of exercise. If you are living in an apartment and thinking of getting an ACD, you need to change your plans.
2. Chihuahua
A national symbol of Mexico, the Chihuahua is a small dog that has a big personality. According to Wikipedia, it is the smallest dog breed in the world. Although they are the smallest dogs, they are alert and amusing.
The rounded “apple head” is the trademark of this dog, and their erect ears and expressive eyes add a charming elegance to their appearance. These pocket-sized pets are very adaptable and thrive in hot temperatures. They have a short, thin coat, which may not be ideal for cold weather but provides comfort on hot days.
Owning a Chihuahua is just like having a small package with a big impact! They bring many qualities and benefits to the table. Surprisingly, they are good watchdogs due to their high alertness and being very vocal.
3. Greyhound
The champion sprinter of dogdom, the Greyhound, is built only for speed, agility, and endurance. PetMD states that a greyhound is a sighthound that relies on their speed and swiftness to hunt and track their prey.
From their sleek, aerodynamic heads to shock-absorbing pads on their feet, Greyhounds are built for speed and grace. No doubt, they are natural-born sprinters designed for swift and effortless pursuit. Moreover, their deep chest gently curves into the waist, creating a lean elegance of an inverted S shape.
Moreover, their short, thin coat makes them one of the best dog breeds for warmer climates. Moreover, they have the ability to regulate their body temperature in warm weather.
4. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are one of the most unique dogs in the animal kingdom with a rich history. They are unique due to their attractive spotted coat, history as a coaching dog, and genetic makeup. The black and liver-like spots on their coat distinguish them from other dogs, and interestingly, each dog has a different pattern of markings.
Dalmatians are suitable for hot weather because they have a short, smooth coat, helping them to stay cool. Moreover, their white coat also reflects sunlight and helps in heat management.
Moreover, DALs are very keen competitors in dog sports, and they need adequate daily exercise to stay active. If you are one of their fan and considering a dalmatian, remember they are not only energetic but also intelligent.
5. Whippet
Nicknamed as “poor man’s Greyhound,” it is a hound breed that was developed in the mid-19th century for tracking small game animals. The whippet has a sleek and slim body, a long neck, a deep chest, and elegant legs.
These dogs are among the fastest runners, and they can run at a speed of 35 miles per hour. That’s really impressive. They are not only quick but also very flexible, capable of changing direction easily in pursuit. But they are not always on the run; at times, they turn into couch potatoes, snuggling with their owners.
Plus, they can tolerate heat as they have a lean physique, a short coat, and minimal body fat. So they are good at regulating body temperature.
6. Ibizan Hound
Ibizan hound is a lithe and leggy visitor of the hound family that was originally bred as a rabbit courser on the rocky shores of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
It is a graceful and quick dog, having an athletic and appealing outlook that will surely grab your attention at 1st glance. Even though it looks attractive, it is indeed strong and sturdy. Moreover, their large, erect ears are considered a hallmark of the breed. They have 2 types of coats: smooth and wire-haired.
The physical traits and breed history enable them to adapt well to hot and cold climates. They have a high percentage of body fat compared to other breeds, which helps to retain body heat in cold environments. However, their short, sleek coat does not trap heat and allows for heat exchange in the environment.
7. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a majestic sighthound known for its thick, silky coat and tail with ring curl. The American Kennel Club mentions it as the most eye-catching dog of sublime beauty. Apart from their beauty, they are also popular for their exquisite qualities.
Their luxuriant coat copes well with heat and warm weather. They have single layer coat that doesn’t trap heat. Moreover, they have a lean build without much fat that serves as an insulator. Plus, they can survive cold weather with their long coat.
Afghan hounds are very gentle and good-natured; therefore, they can get along well with kids and other pets, but there is a condition that they must be socialized properly.
8. Basenji
The basenji is a barkless hunting dog that is categorized as both a sighthound and a scenthound. The breed originated in Central Africa and is an ancient dog breed. Moreover, they are unique because they are usually quiet, but when they speak, they make a Basenji yodel” noise.
You can easily identify a Basenji by their sparkling short coat, tightly curled tail, wrinkled forehead, and almond-like eyes that convey a variety of expressions. Moreover, they have erect ears that keep them cool in hot weather.
Basenjis can be prone to heat stroke or sunburn; therefore, proper measures must be taken for prolonged exposure to the sun.
9. Chinese Crested
Chinese crested is a unique dog, and you can’t mistake this dog with other dogs. Their pink spotted skin, spiky ‘crested’ hairdo, and feathery tail set them apart. According to Hillspet, it is available in 2 variants: the hairless version, which has silky hairs on the head, tail, and feet, and the other version is Powderpuff with a full coat.
Moreover, they are perfect couch potatoes; they will read your mind and jump into your bed. Although they are a bit lazy, be aware that they are also good athletes.
They adapt well to hot weather because they are hairless dogs with erect ears and medium-sized snouts.
Conclusion
Hot weather is not a problem for some dog breeds. They are built for the heat and enjoy sunny days. Their short coats and slim bodies help them stay cool and active.
Therefore, if you live in a warm place, these dogs can be a great match. But always remember to give them water, shade, and rest during the hottest hours. This keeps them safe, happy, and ready for more fun in the sun.
