The temperature of the environment in which your dog lives plays a significant role in determining its comfort level. While some breeds possess dense double coats to thrive in cold weather, others are born to beat the heat.
Usually, the dogs that can withstand high temperatures and lots of humidity have short, single, or hairless coats. They lack an undercoat and sometimes have light colored coats that allow them to stay cool by reflecting heat.
When the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, these pooches become your partners in outdoor adventures. Hot-weather dog breeds have erect ears that keep the dog cooler by trapping and restricting circulation. They also have long muzzles and leaner build.
Here are the top 7 dog breeds that enjoy long walks in warm summers.
Dog Breeds That Enjoy Long Walks In Warm Summers
1. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are the super cool doggos with short coats, powerful muscles, and lots of athleticism. Their long snouts and lean build make them a perfect hot-weather dog breed despite their coloration. However, extremely high temperatures make them prone to heat stroke.
Personality Traits
The Doberman Pinscher is an incredibly smart dog that learns quickly and makes a wonderful and loving companion. They love cuddles, snacks, lots of attention, and long walks with their owners. WebMD recommends hikes and daily strolls to help Dobermans maintain their optimal health.
Exercise Needs
These energetic dogs require two hours of exercise every day to keep calm and reduce anxiety levels, as noted by PDSA. The optimal exercise window on a hot summer day falls between dawn and 8 to 10 AM, when temperature and humidity levels are relatively lower.
2. Great Dane
These gentle giants are the real couch potatoes who prefer preserving energy in hot weather. So, you do not have to worry about them running around too much on a hot, scorching day. Their light colored fur reflects the sun, making them a perfect choice for owners living in warm regions.
Personality Traits
Great Danes are known for enjoying hot weather—they like cozying up near a fireplace in winter and love taking long walks on hot summer days. Great Danes are sociable, friendly, and eager to please. These loyal pooches need human contact.
Exercise Needs
According to PetMD, adult Great Danes require 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise to stay active. They need two to three long walks every day to burn their extra energy. Swimming is a good way to exercise your Great Dane in summer.
If you are not looking for a lap dog and want a big doggo to accompany you on a leisurely walk, a Great Dane may be the right fit for you.
3. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds, also known as Iggies, were originally bred in Greece and Turkey and later came to Italy. Their thin and short coats enable them to tolerate hot weather conditions, but you definitely need a doggy sweater to keep them warm in winter.
Their small ears are thrown back and folded, except when they are alert. It facilitates air circulation and keeps the dog cool in hot weather.
Personality Traits
According to Pedigree, Italian Greyhounds are agile and athletic dogs. They love to run and play, but you have to keep an eye on them so that they do not overdo it. Iggys love spending time outdoors, but make sure to put on the sunscreen to minimize direct exposure to the sun.
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds are full of energy and need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They love walks, so you should take your Iggy on an hour-long walk every day. However, extreme temperatures can cause sunstroke.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred in South Africa as hunting dogs. Their short, dense, and light colored coats enable them to survive in hot weather. These dapper dogs love to stay cozy, whether that’s snuggling under a warm blanket or basking in the sun.
Personality Traits
Rhodesians are the big, muscular dogs having an athletic build. They are quite adaptable and adjust well to various living environments. These loyal and protective pooches love running and going on long walks.
A well-trained Rhodesian behaves well around kids and other dogs but has a high prey drive. So you have to keep an eye out for smaller pets like rabbits.
Exercise Needs
Rhodesian Ridgebacks require two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental enrichment. Physical activity should be divided into several long walks and lots of off-lead exercise in a secure area.
Rhodesians are natural explorers who love hiking. On hot summer days, you can opt for trails that have water sources like streams or lakes.
5. Basenji
The Basenji is the famous “barkless dog” hailing from Congo. This hunting dog is capable of handling the steamiest of weathers. Their erect ears facilitate air circulation and allow excessive heat to escape. Their smooth and short fur also helps them tolerate hot weather.
Personality Traits
Basenjis are athletic pups having a “cat-like” independent nature. They can also be a bit stubborn, which makes them not well-suited for first-time owners. Basenjis are very curious and energetic dogs who stay loyal to their humans but are aloof from strangers.
Exercise Needs
These active canines require 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day to stay content and happy. Physical activity can include two brisk walks a day or running. These cuddle companions walk 15 miles per week on average.
6. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small dogs well-suited for apartment dwellers as they do not need lots of space to roam and exercise. They are native to Mexico, which makes them inherently immune to warm weather.
Their short fur, petite size, low body fat, and erect ears also make them comfortable in hotter temperatures.
Personality Traits
These rambunctious pooches are quite charming and affectionate. Chihuahuas are playful and energetic dogs who think they are larger than they actually are. They are the “sun worshippers” and thrive in hot weather.
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas need regular exercise to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. They do the best with one walk a day lasting for at least half an hour. However, Chihuahuas might not be able to tolerate strenuous walks and exercise.
7. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are medium to large spotted dogs having big ears, long muzzles, short coats, and a lean build. These traits make them well-suited for tolerating hot weather. The white fur between their black spots reflects the heat, keeping these mutts cool in summer.
Personality Traits
Dalmatians were bred as carriage dogs, so they love having a task to do. Their stamina is impressive, and they like being active. However, they can be headstrong and require consistent and proper training. These sensitive dogs are loyal to their owners and kind to children.
Exercise Needs
Dalmatians require a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. They have a keen sense of smell, so they love sniff walks, long hikes, and agility. Dalmatians do well with active families who can keep up with their exercise needs.
Conclusion
Dogs with thick coats are vulnerable to overheating in summer. If you are looking for a hot weather dog breed, dogs with short coats, erect ears, long muzzles, and leaner builds are well-suited for you. Such breeds are more than happy to have leisurely walks on breezy summer afternoons.
However, even hot-weather breeds cannot withstand extreme conditions, as they might be prone to heat stroke and sunburn. So, schedule outdoor playtime or walks during cooler parts of the day, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your dog before taking them out.
