Not all dogs enjoy rainy days. While some dogs are more than just good swimmers, others shrink back the moment skies turn grey. For certain breeds, rain feels more than just unpleasant, it can be deeply stressful.
Breeds with fine and thin coats, smaller bodies, or sensitive temperaments are often affected. While some pups love mud and puddles, others will do anything to avoid a single drop. Past experiences, loud noises, or a deep dislike of being wet can all play a part in their reaction.
What’s more concerning is how deeply this fear can affect them. One of the studies by Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behavior expert, explains that static electricity during storms may cause dogs to feel small shocks in their fur. This can send them running for cover, often to bathtubs or basements where they feel safe. Here are 7 rain-hating dogs, with reasons why.
Dog Breeds Who Hate The Rain The Most
Here are 7 dog breeds who hate wet weather and prefer to stay indoors rather than going outside in the rain.
1. Greyhound
When it rains, Greyhounds often act like they’ve just seen a bath. With their sleek, thin coats and minimal body fat, they’re more suited for sprinting than splashing. Their lack of insulation makes them sensitive to cold and wet weather, leading them to seek shelter and warmth instead. So, when the sky opens up, don’t be surprised if your Greyhound gives you the “not today” look.
Known as the fastest dogs in the world, these greyhounds would rather stay curled up on the couch than go out in the wet. Despite their racing frame, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-maintenance indoors. Known as “40-mph couch potatoes,” these dogs like lounging over leaping.
Their quiet, gentle nature makes them excellent companions, but when it comes to rain, they’d rather stay dry and cozy. A walk outside in the rain with thunder can make them very unhappy.
Even though the AKC gives them 4 out of 5 for adaptability, rain is still not their favorite thing. They like warmth and dry weather way more. So, if it’s raining, don’t be surprised if your Greyhound acts like the floor is lava. They may be fast, but they are also picky about getting wet. So, grab a towel, maybe even a raincoat, and expect a slow walk with a side of drama.
2. Chihuahua
Rain? Chihuahuas say absolutely not. These pint-sized pups, known as the smallest dog breed in the world, are all about staying warm and dry. With their tiny bodies and short coats, they get cold super fast. Even a few raindrops can send them running for their blanket.
Chihuahuas may be little, but their personalities are big. They can be very stubborn, especially when the weather looks gloomy or wet. Being close to the ground means wet grass and puddles are extra unpleasant for them. You might try a doggy raincoat, but many still vote for “no walk today.”
These dogs are made for warm laps, not wet sidewalks. Originally from sunny Mexico, they’re just not built for cold or rainy days. So don’t be shocked if your Chihuahua gives you side-eye at the door. To them, rain is a five-alarm emergency that calls for snuggles, not strolls.
3. Pug
If Pugs could talk, they’d probably say rain is rude. These squishy-faced sweethearts are all about cozy living, not splashing around outside on rainy days. With their short noses, even a sprinkle can make breathing tricky. Add in a short coat and you’ve got a pup who’d rather stay on the couch than face the drizzle.
Pugs may look sturdy, but their bodies aren’t built for wet weather. Their flat faces can make it harder to breathe when water gets near their noses. They’re also not fans of cold, thanks to their thin fur. So, on rainy days, expect dramatic pauses at the doorway and a strong desire to stay indoors.
Purina mentioned that Pugs are often described by the Latin phrase “multum in parvo,” which means “a lot in a little,” because of their big personality in a tiny body. That big attitude shows when it rains, and they can get stubborn and flat-out refuse to go outside.
For a pug, indoor play and extra belly rubs beat rain boots every time.
4. Yorkshire
These tiny dogs might have fancy coats, but their silky hair gets soaked fast, and they absolutely hate that wet, clingy feeling. At the first drop, many Yorkies will turn right around and head back to their cozy spot indoors.
Yorkies may be small in size, but they come with a big, bold personality. They’re often described as feisty, energetic, and love doing exercise, but when it comes to rain, all that bravery disappears. Because of their size, they get cold quickly, and standing with wet feet is not their idea of fun.
They’re known for being stubborn, too, especially if the weather isn’t going their way. Try dragging a Yorkie out into the rain, and you might find yourself in a standoff. These dogs love staying warm in the house, even if it means skipping their walk for the same reason.
5. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise may look like a walking cloud, but don’t let the fluff fool you. They’re not stepping outside if it’s raining. Their curly white coat might be cute, but once it gets wet, it turns into a soggy mess. That heavy, damp fur takes ages to dry and can tangle into painful mats if not brushed out properly.
These cheerful little dogs love fun, but rain is definitely not their idea of a good time. Getting wet not only ruins their fluff but can also cause problems like matted ears or even ear hematomas if the ear hair knots too tightly, as stated by WebMD. Basically, rain is more than just annoying, it’s a beauty hazard.
So when dark clouds roll in, your Bichon will likely be giving you the side-eye from under a blanket. Rather than wearing a raincoat or umbrella, they’d prefer to stay indoors like many other dogs, including Dachshunds.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have beautiful, long hair, but rain is their worst enemy. Their fur gets soaked quickly, which makes them feel heavy and uncomfortable. After a rainy walk, they need a lot of grooming to untangle their wet, matted fur. Even with a shorter cut, wet weather is not what these dogs like.
These dogs love staying warm and cozy indoors. When it rains, many Shih Tzus simply refuse to go outside. They dislike wet paws or getting wet, so they wait patiently for the sun to come back. Rainy days are perfect for them to relax inside rather than risking their life in the rain.
If you have a Shih Tzu, don’t be surprised when they get terrified or unhappy at the door on wet days. They are more interested in dry floors than mud. Keeping them happy means plenty of indoor play and a trainer to encourage them to learn how to overcome or cope with the fear of thunder and storms.
7. Papillon
Papillons, the butterfly dogs, might look elegant with their big butterfly-like ears, but when it comes to rain, they just hate it. Their fine, silky coat soaks up water fast, leaving them cold, uncomfortable, and quite frustrated. Like many dogs, Rainy weather is something Papillons would rather skip together. VCA gives Papillon a 1 out of 5 rating for cold-weather adaptability.
These little dogs are playful and full of energy indoors, but the moment it starts to rain, their mood can quickly change. Getting wet makes them feel cold and uneasy, and because they’re small and delicate, they can feel overwhelmed easily. Some Papillons can get quite stubborn about venturing out in the rain, even refusing to go outside for toilet breaks if they’re not absolutely necessary.
Even though they have royal roots—King Henry III and Queen Sophia Dorothea of Germany were fans—Papillons don’t enjoy royal baths from the sky or the beach trips.
Conclusion:
Some pets, especially adopted animals, may dislike walks in the rain due to past experiences or just their unique personality. It’s important to never force them. Instead, be keen on their cues—shaking legs, hesitation at the door, or trying to block the path could all be signs.
Every dog has a different ability to handle the wet weather. Praise them for small efforts, learn what they want to say, and if the dislike seems extreme, a vet check might help rule out any issues. Additionally, always keep them cozy after a tiny walk with a towel and maybe a treat too!
