Warm weather and hot regions are a dream for some people with the sunny skies and never-ending supply of Vitamin D. Dealing with long summer months and heat can also be a challenge, especially in our times when global warming is at our necks.
If you want a strong, furry companion by your side to savor the summer adventures with you, you must be wondering which breeds can deal with high temperatures the best. Just like you, your dog also needs a certain amount of care during heat waves.
These 9 dog breeds are more likely to stay happy in warmer climates.
Heat-Tolerant Dog Breeds for Warm Climates
1. Greyhound
Greyhounds are the fastest and most elegant canines of the dog world. Known for their deep chests and lean build, these dogs will power through the warm temperatures with you.
The origin of these graceful canines can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were used as hunting dogs as well as companions. The birth of a Greyhound puppy was seen as equivalent to the birth of a son, and its death was mourned by the whole family.
Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat, which helps them tolerate hot weather conditions. These dogs love to run; give them an opportunity to take a sprint outside, and they’ll show you how fast they can get. They also live contentedly indoors once they’ve burned off their energies.
In hot weather, when it’s not safe to stay outdoors, they’ll chill by your side in your lounge.
2. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are beautiful spotted dogs famous for their looks, immortalized by 101 Dalmatians. Don’t let their cuteness trick you; these pooches are known for their resilience and high-spirited nature.
Dalmatians have done more throughout their history of evolution than more of your local politicians. According to Britannica, they’ve been war dogs, sentinels, shepherds, fire department mascots, and performers. Their most popular role has been that of carriage dogs who’d trot alongside carriages.
These playful and energetic dogs need ample exercise and long daily walks. They make excellent family pets due to their affectionate nature and thrive with active families. Their fine coats help them tolerate heat and stay peachy even when it’s hot.
3. Chihuahua
Having a fun-loving and adorable dog like the Chihuahua by your side can make any kind of weather more tolerable. These small pups are energetic toy groups with high spirits and are one of the best dog breeds for hot weather.
With their erect ears, compact size, and round, affectionate eyes, these pooches will demand attention, bouncing around you. They have a cheerful but calm temperament and make amazing pets for apartments.
Small dogs are generally better suited for hot weather than the larger ones. They can be kept indoors during heat waves and stay happy with indoor games and activities.
According to WebMD, Chihuahuas come in two kinds of coat varieties: smooth, short coats and medium to long coats. In both cases, they can be sensitive to cold weather. Give them little doggo jackets if you’re walking them during the winter months.
4. Whippet
Whippets are Greyhound-like dogs with an impressive lean body and thin coats that give them a natural heat tolerance. Whippets can sprint away for yards and aren’t intimidated by the summer months.
The American Kennel Club mentions that there’s an interesting story about these agile and powerful dogs. They were made to race against a pigeon trained to fly straight, in Lancashire. The pigeon won by only two yards. It was released at the same time as the Whippet.
Luckily for us, Whippets have also adapted to the sofa life and won’t give you a hard time if you decide to stay indoors to avoid the heat. They will still need to stretch their long legs and get enough physical activity.
5. Border Collie
Border Collies are versatile dogs known for their adaptability to family life and their herding capabilities. They are summer dogs with their medium-length, thin coat that helps them stay cool when the temperature rises.
Border Collies are all about parks, farms, and meadows. If you have a large fenced yard, your Collie will be more than content. They’re amazing family dogs and get along well with humans of all ages, as well as other dogs.
Summer and spring adventures with Collies can include flyball, frisbee, and hide-and-seek. They’re intelligent dogs and can learn new games and tricks easily. Make sure to keep fresh water along if you’re spending time outdoors when it’s hot.
6. Ibizan Hound
With their impressively long legs, elegant S-curve, and perky ears, Ibizan Hounds are the ultimate picture of grace. They make amazing watchdogs and are known for their enduring nature. This breed originated on the Spanish Balearic Islands and is no stranger to hot climates.
Ibizans are even-tempered as family dogs despite having an independent and aloof nature. They’re outgoing pups and enjoy different physical activities like lure coursing, playing fetch, and agility training.
This breed thrives when it’s getting enough opportunity to spend time in nature. With its strong prey drive, running off after small animals is a behavior you’ll have to watch out for.
7. American Hairless Terrier
These dogs are all cuteness and no hair with their smooth skin that can have spots or tan marks. An American Hairless puppy was first seen in the 70s when it was born into a litter of rat terriers.
They’re the best heat-tolerant dog breeds fit for people living in warmer climates who also don’t have the time to look after a fully coated dog.
Being hairless doesn’t mean your pup doesn’t need any kind of care. Their skin needs a protective layer of dog sunscreen before you take them outdoors under the sun. Also, watch out for any signs of allergies and irritation on their skin.
No fur or hair also means they’re hypoallergenic dogs and great for a household with allergy sufferers. These dogs also love playing with children and are amazing company on picnics during the summer afternoons or evenings.
8. Afghan Hound
This one might surprise you! Yes, Afghan Hounds have a lush, thick coat, but they can handle warm weather just fine.
When it comes to dog breeds for hot weather conditions, fewer layers of coat mean less trouble. The Afghan Hound also carries a single-layered, smooth coat, which keeps this dog cool compared to double-coated ones.
Under the impressive fur, Afghans are thin dogs; less fat means less insulation of heat. Their diverse Afghan origins explain their adaptability. While their full furred layer helped them survive the cold mountain regions, the single layer also made them adaptable to summers in the southern areas.
9. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested is another adorable hairless breed that can keep you company happily during the summer. They also come in a hairy variety called “powerpuffs.”
Chinese Crested have a really interesting appearance with their smooth, silky skin and fuzzes of hair on their feet, necks, and heads. Their perky ears also help them regulate their body temperature, while medium snouts help them breathe well when it’s hot and humid.
These feisty dogs have a sensitive nature and respond well to gentle training. Harshness breaks their little doggo hearts. They’re the right breed for you if you want less hassle of grooming dog hair, but like any hairless dog, they also need skin care like proper moisturizing and cleaning.
Conclusion
While these temperature-compatible dogs can stay healthy and happy in warmer climates and summer months, some things are worth remembering. For one thing, dogs naturally have higher body temperature than humans and are more prone to heat strokes.
Secondly, no matter how enduring a breed is, it’s important to look out for signs of heat exhaustion during winters, especially if they’ve been physically active.
Make sure to talk to your vet about how to take care of your pup the best way possible during different weather conditions.
