People tend to have mixed feelings about the summer heat because once the summer sun hits, it hits hard. Some pets struggle to cope with the heat, while others are literally built for it.
And if you live somewhere warm, tropical, or even in a place where winters are harsh but summers are equally intense, you need to choose a dog that can stay comfortable without constant access to cooling. It’s not just smart, it is essential.
Imagine walking in the summer heat while running errands, going on outdoor adventures, and basking in the sun with your dog without a worry. Now that’s a summer love story for the books.
Let’s walk through the 10 dog breeds you need to know about if you want a pet that can survive without cooling in summer. They are resilient, unique, loving, and enriched with a personality to entertain; the weather won’t be the only hot thing this summer.
Dog Breeds That Survive Without Cooling In Hot Summers
1. Basenji
Nicknamed the “barkless dog”, the Basenji possesses a lot of charming characteristics, and its quiet conversations are just one of them. They originate from Africa and were originally bred to hunt in the blazing heat. You can tell where we’re going with this; they’re incredibly adaptable to hot climates.
Because of their short coat, they almost do not shed at all, and it doesn’t trap heat either. Their lean build enables them to stay cool even during the hottest of afternoons. Basenji has an independent spirit, it’s mischievous, smart, playful, and you will always be entertained.
Their large ears help them stay cool and dissipate heat. They are also well-suited for the summers because they come from a warm climate. Though they can do fine in the sun, you must still ensure they have a shade and some fresh water nearby, as they can get tired of sunbathing too.
2. Greyhound
If you think of a Greyhound and just think “racing dog flying across the track”, you’re in for a rude awakening. Did you know they’re actually known as “45 mph couch potatoes”?
They have a highly impressive speed of running at 45 mph, and despite their athletic build, they love to lounge and sleep, so they are surprisingly low-maintenance and thrive in hot weather conditions due to their thin coat and slender body.
Don’t be surprised if you find a Greyhound decked up, walking its own ramp walk with coats and sweaters between December to February. It’s doing its best to keep itself together, but it will be fine as soon as the warmer weather comes around after March.
3. Whippet
A Whippet is like a Greyhound’s smaller cousin, sharing a lot of similarities with a smaller size and a very different personality. It possesses the same love for speed, but in a slightly more compact package due to its size difference.
They’re very well suited for warmer temperatures because their short, fine coat and lean build make it easier for them to regulate their body temperature.
They are famously known for their gentle nature and are wonderful pets to have around children, making them wonderful companions for families overall.
As long as you have enough space for a Whippet to sprint, and yes, it will sprint, then they make great apartment dogs and love to lounge with their humans.
4. Vizsla
A Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting dog of noble origin and is known for its golden-rust coat and endless energy, as mentioned by the AKC. They are athletic, affectionate, and highly people-oriented.
Its coat, being short, lies close to its body, so it tolerates hot weather really well, and the coat also protects it from the rays.
They are ideal pets for families who enjoy hiking, running, and adventures of such sort because of their athletic nature. And their velcro nature, how affectionate they are, almost feels clingy because of their need to always be around their human.
To fully enjoy the summers with your Vizsla, prioritise activities during the cooler times of the day and look into activities like swimming, etc. Their coat may be short, but their energies are high, which means they still need protection from overheating and getting heatstroke, which can be fatal.
5. Dalmatian
There aren’t a lot of breeds that are as iconic as the Dalmatian. Their exact origin isn’t agreed upon by everyone, but they are known for their strikingly spotted coat and history as the pups that ran alongside horse-driven carriages.
This fact tells us they need to withstand a hot and humid climate and be adaptable dogs for such a task. They can survive, and rather enjoy the summers by managing their coat and exercise needs.
They have short coats, but they require a lot of exercise. Hose them down once in a while or make them go swimming to prevent their body from overheating.
Their distinguishable coat is not just for show; it is pivotal to help them regulate their body temperatures in hot weather and increase their heat tolerance. So if you’re thinking hot dog, cool look, a Dalmatian is the perfect dog for you.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
A breed that screams “outdoor adventure companion”, the German Shorthaired Pointer has boundless stamina and an athletic build in addition to its short coat that enables it to fully thrive in hot weather.
WebMD mentions that the German Shorthaired Pointer is a loving dog breed and makes a good addition if you have an active family or demanding toddlers looking for an active day outside.
They’re the happiest when they have a job, something to do. Their intelligence and willingness to work are what set them apart from a lot of other dogs. They also adore spending time with their families.
They can thrive in some of the hottest parts of the world and yet stay active even during the warmer months, as they are not prone to overheating despite the temperature because their sleek coat actually makes them more tolerant of heat than many other breeds.
7. Xoloitzcuintli
The Mexican hairless dog, Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo for short, is a natural fit for summer months. Their bodies are nearly hairless, which makes them one of the most heat-adapted breeds in the world.
In fact, historically, they’ve been known to be companions in high temperatures for over 3,000 years, dating all the way back to the ancient Aztec civilization, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club.
However, due to their extremely short coat, their pet parents need to be vigilant so they don’t get sunburnt. They are calm and loyal and make excellent watchdogs due to their alert nature. Their minimal grooming needs make them easy to care for in the summer.
8. Ibizan Hound
An Ibizan Hound comes with a tall and elegant frame and large, erect ears, something straight out of an Egyptian painting. It is the dog to have if you’re looking for one that will adapt easily to a warmer climate, as noted by Hill’s Pet.
It originated from the Mediterranean in the Balearic Islands, where hot summers are normal.
They need a lot of exercise as they’re highly energetic, they love fresh water and running and playing, especially if it’s hot outside! If you want a pet that can handle the heat with the activity, go for an Ibizan Hound.
If possible, allow them to cool indoors, especially during peak hours. Always make sure they have free access to fresh water at all times. They need daily exercise and will become unmanageable if they don’t get it, especially considering their hunting nature.
So it is your job to time it in a way that it doesn’t cause any harm to them in terms of overheating or excessive exposure to the sun.
9. Chihuahua
Tiny yet mighty, the Chihuahua is one of the most famous small breeds in the whole world. Don’t let their small size fool you; they have big personalities, and their petite size, in addition to their smooth coat, makes them a great choice for warmer climates.
Chihuahuas can handle harsher weather better than many people expect, but their survival depends on adaptation, care, and awareness of their limits.
They’re originally from Mexico, so they’re naturally adapted to hot weather. Give them cold, frozen treats and cold mats to lie on. They tend to get warm really easily and really often, so best to make sure to keep the house cold and use a cold cloth to rub on them. It goes a long way.
10. American Hairless Terrier
As opposed to the other dogs on this list, the American Hairless Terrier may not be as famous, but it’s an option you cannot overlook if you want a dog that has a high heat tolerance. They have little to no fur, so they don’t share the struggles of furry or even short-coated dogs.
The catch, however, is that these nearly hairless dogs are more vulnerable to sunburn, so they require extra care and protection when outdoors.
On the bright side, their minimal fur means they’re far less likely to trigger common dog-related allergies — making them an excellent choice for families with mild sensitivities who still want the joy of having a pet.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect pet for a hot climate isn’t just about helping them survive; it’s about ensuring you both thrive together. These dog breeds prove that warm weather doesn’t have to limit your adventures.
From early morning walks to life in the sunniest corners of the world, they’re built to handle the heat and enjoy every moment of it by your side.
Whether you’re looking to spend the day lounging or taking in most of the summer sun and hiking peaks, there’s a dog out there for every need of yours.
However, make sure to provide plenty of shade and fresh water to these highly enduring creatures to avoid extreme problems caused by the harsh heat of the sun.
