Best Dogs for Hot Weather

If you live in a place where it’s hot — either a dry locale or a humid one — it’s important to adopt a dog who can handle the heat. Why? Because even a routine walk can be dangerous for certain types of dogs, at its worst, resulting in heatstroke. 

Below, we explain which breeds (and mixes) tend to endure those scorching dog days a little more comfortably and those better off avoiding these climates altogether. We’ll also help you identify the warning signs that your dog may not be weathering the heat very well, as well as tips on how to keep your pup cool to avoid any risk from the get-go. 

What type of dogs do best in hot weather?

Dogs best suited for hot weather generally have naturally short and/or single coats. This coat type encourages air circulation, so the pup will not retain too much heat. To that end, dogs with lighter-colored coats (white, tan, gray) should keep cooler than a darker coat. And when they have ears that stand up, rather than floppy ones, that also encourages circulation, better regulating the dog’s internal temperature. 

What’s great is that there are plenty of dogs who thrive in warm climates in shelters across the country. Mixed breeds may assume the physical characteristics of both their parents, so you’ll have to carefully observe their tolerance to heat. Additionally, it is important to keep any dog — even the most tolerant, warm-weather dog breeds  — well-hydrated, with plenty of opportunities to relax in the shade.

Best big dogs for hot weather

If you’re an outdoorsy person who lives in a sometimes-sweltering environment, these large dog breeds may be the right fit for your lifestyle.

Igor Madjinca / Stocksy/

Dalmatian

These loyal, energetic, short-haired pups thrive in warmer climates. Be prepared to train your Dalmatian through their stubborn streaks, and keep these outgoing pups well-behaved with plenty of exercise.

• Weight: 45-70 pounds

• Height: 23-24 inches

• Lifespan: 11-13 years

Danil Nevsky / Stocksy/

Great Dane

Much like humans, the Great Dane would rather lounge around during hot weather so as not to overexert themselves. Because of this (plus their short hair), they’re considered one of the best dogs for warmer climates. To that end, sunbathing is one of this gentle giant’s favorite pastimes.

• Weight: 95-153 pounds

• Height: 29-35 inches

• Lifespan: 6-10 years

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Greyhound

This kind-natured breed is known for sprinting as quickly as 45 miles per hour. In fact, Greyhounds have such a superior cooling system (thanks to their Egyptian roots and sleek, short hair) that they can even run effortlessly in warm climates — though, let’s be real, these couch potatoes probably prefer just to lounge around.

• Weight: 54-83 pounds

• Height: 27-30 inches

• Lifespan: 10-13 years

Jordi / AdobeStock/

Ibizan Hound

Originally hailing from Egypt, the athletic Ibizan Hound is a reliable jogging buddy who can persevere even on warmer days, thanks to their short, often lighter-colored coat and erect ears. This svelte pup comes ready to race, so they’ll fit well in active families.

• Weight: 33-64 pounds

• Height: 22-29 inches

• Lifespan: 11-14 years

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Xoloitzcuintli

Hailing from Mexico, Xolos are loyal, sweet, and chill — calm at home but always game for a long walk. The standard (or bigger) sized Xoloitzcuintli come either hairless or with short hair, making them great warm-weather dogs who are relatively hypoallergenic, too.

• Weight: 10-40 pounds

• Height: 10-24 inches

• Lifespan: 13-18 years

Best medium dog breeds for hot weather

Active and affectionate, these medium dog breeds live for warm summer afternoons outside. 

Irina Nedikova / Shutterstock/

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs are famous for their intelligence and boundless energy. Born with double coats that regulate their body temperatures in the heat, this pup loves to be put to work, so prepare for outdoor activities — even on a lazy summer day.

• Weight: 31-53 pounds

• Height: 17-20 inches

• Lifespan: 12-16 years

Susana Ramírez / Stocksy/

Border Collie

Smart and athletic, Border Collies are herding dogs of the most agile and affectionate sort. They thrive playing sports and games with mental challenges, then wind down by snuggling with the whole family, no matter the weather.

• Weight: 31-53 pounds

• Height: 18-21 inches

• Lifespan: 12-15 years

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Basenji

Often referred to as “barkless” dogs, Basenji (who do make noises, just not barking ones) have fine coats and pointy ears seemingly tailor-made for warm environs — a nod to their African heritage. This compact hound is independent and famously graceful, so it’s best to indulge their need for prancing around.

• Weight: 16-34 pounds

• Height: 15-17 inches

• Lifespan: 12-14 years

Jovo Jovanovic / Stocksy/

German Shorthaired Pointer

With no undercoat beneath their fur, the sweet-natured German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent family dog who loves going out in warm weather. This breed is active with a capital A, and swimming (their favorite pastime) is a great way to sate their appetite for activity — not to mention that it helps them stay cool.

• Weight: 42-79 pounds

• Height: 21-25 inches

• Lifespan: 10-14 years

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Vizsla

The “v” in Vizsla also stands for “Velcro” since this good-natured pup loves hanging out with their human family. But these former hunting companions are also quite athletic, so prepare to spend plenty of quality hours outdoors with your Vizsla, who comes with a smooth coat made for hot days.

• Weight: 46-73 pounds

• Height: 21-25 inches

• Lifespan: 12-15 years

Best small dog breeds for hot weather

If you’re a fan of all things teeny, consider these smaller pups, who are the best dog breeds for tropics and arid spots alike, below. 

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American Hairless Terrier

This bald dog is content sitting on your lap, hanging out with your kids, or playing fetch. (Bonus: They’re also mostly hypoallergenic.) American Hairless Terriers are great on walks and just as energetic as you’d expect them to be in warm weather.

• Weight: 7-17 pounds

• Height: 7-16 inches

• Lifespan: 14-16 years

Lesia / AdobeStock/

Chihuahua 

Despite their petite stature, Chihuahuas have big personalities and, with their erect ears and light coats, possess an enviable ability to tolerate heat. These family-friendly dogs love to play, but given their size, pet parents should make sure not to physically overwork them.

• Weight: 2-9 pounds

• Height: 6-9 inches

• Lifespan: 14-20 years

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Chinese Crested

Chinese Cresteds were bred in China from hairless African dogs, which makes these toy dogs total champs in the heat. Distinctly adorable for their spiky, punk–rock hairdos, these pups are loving and playful, enjoying some (but not too much) exercise.

• Weight: 7-16 pounds

• Height: 9-13 inches

• Lifespan: 13-18 years

RonPaulk Photography / AdobeStock/

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is much more in their element in hotter weather than in colder climates due to their thin coat and lithe physique. This sprightly, affectionate dog is elegant in form, loves running around the house, and is generally quite comfortable outdoors in warm weather.

• Weight: 5-14 pounds

• Height: 12-15 inches

• Lifespan: 14-15 years

Nicole Mlakar / Stocksy/

Papillon

Though the Papillon may be challenged in oppressively hot weather, their thin, single coat makes them quite tolerant in warmer environments. This happy, playful breed takes well to training — helpful in socializing them — and will readily burn off energy learning new tricks.

• Weight: 4-12 pounds

• Height: 8-11 inches

• Lifespan: 12-16 years

Worst types of dogs for hot weather

If your dog isn’t built for hot weather, exposing them to too much heat can lead to dire circumstances. Here are the types of pups you should avoid adopting if you live in more-than-balmy areas.

• Brachycephalic (or short-nosed) breeds: Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are some of the worst breeds for hot weather because all have short noses, which means they don’t breathe efficiently. Due to their narrow airways, they have a hard time cooling themselves by panting. This puts them at great risk for heatstroke.

• Dogs with heart or upper respiratory problems: Any breed of dog with congenital or developed breathing-related issues is considered high risk for the same reason as Brachycephalic breeds; Canines use their respiratory system to regulate heat, and here, it is compromised.

• Dogs with thick coats: While coats can temperature-regulate dogs, double coats in breeds such as Labradors, Huskies, and Shepherds have the potential to insulate them to the point of overheating. (A darker coat could exacerbate this effect.) This is because the outer coat may not shed as much as the inner coat. 

• Obesity: Overweight or obese dogs are less likely to do well in the heat because fat cells provide increased insulation, and mild exercise might generate more heat.

• Very old or young dogs: Senior dogs may have issues with temperature regulation due to medical issues or simply a weaker constitution. Meanwhile, high-energy puppies will also have trouble regulating their body temperatures.

Signs your dog may have heatstroke

Heatstroke is a condition in which your dog’s body overheats. This can be due to exposing your dog to outdoor heat that they cannot handle, and it can be caused by leaving them in closed quarters (typically, a car) with poor ventilation. 

These situations cause a dog’s body temperature to rise quickly. In this case, your dog’s body temperature — which should be 101°F to 102.5°F — may rise to a dangerous 106°F. Heatstroke is a very serious condition that can lead to organ damage or even death.

Needless to say, if you suspect your dog has heatstroke, take them to a vet immediately. Other signs of heatstroke in dogs include: 

• Intense panting or difficulty breathing

• Their gum and/or tongue turning red or purple

• Diarrhea

• Extreme lethargy or collapsing

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• A seizure

How to keep your dog cool in the heat

Some environments may be warm and humid year-round, but for most pet parents, summertime is when the climate transforms from temperate to scorching. Here are some tips to better protect your dog during those months.

• Make sure your dog is hydrated, and always bring water on walks.

• During hotter days, keep your walks short and avoid prolonged exercise. Try walking your dog on grass or dirt. If you’re in an area surrounded by asphalt, use paw balm or booties to protect your dog’s paws.

• Invest in a cooling vest, which you soak in water. As the water evaporates, it cools your dog. 

• If your dog has a thick coat, regularly brush and bathe them to loosen any shedding. This promotes better air circulation.

• Keep your dog indoors, where it’s cooler and mostly free of direct sunlight.

• It’s a very bad idea to leave your dog in your vehicle, especially during warmer months. Even if it seems temperate outside, the inside of your car will be much hotter. (Leaving your dog in a truck bed, which gets hot despite being open-air, is also a no-no.)

While trimming your dog’s coat is just fine, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) discourages pet parents from shaving off their dog’s fur because it’s their only line of defense. “Acting like insulation, a dog’s coat keeps him from getting too cold in the winter, but also keeps him from overheating in the summer,” the ASPCA writes, adding that this also prevents sunburn and skin cancer. On the other hand, if you have a hairless dog, invest in some dog-safe sunscreen for them. 

Commonly asked questions

What temperature is too hot for dogs in cars?

The temperature that is too hot for leaving a dog in a car will vary based on a pet’s breed, constitution, health, age, and other factors. The American Veterinary Association recommends never leaving your dog alone in a car, because temperature fluctuations are very dramatic. For instance, the temperature inside your car can increase by 20°F in only 10 minutes. Even leaving a window cracked will not cool your dog.

What temperature is too hot for dog paws?

Deciding which temperature is too hot for your dog’s paws will vary, but the American Kennel Association states that you should take precautions when the outside temperature reaches 85°F. (In contrast, 70°F is considered ideal — not too hot, not too cold.) Failure to protect your dog’s paws could result in discomfort, blisters, or burns. 

References

“15 Flat-Faced Dog Breeds.” PetMD, www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/flat-faced-dogs.

“Five Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe from the Summer Heat | Animal Humane Society.” www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/five-tips-keep-your-dog-safe-summer-heat.

‌Gewirtz, Elaine Waldorf. “Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather.” American Kennel Club, 29 Aug. 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/best-dog-breeds-for-hot-weather/.

‌“Heat Stroke in Dogs.” VCA Corporate, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs.

“Heat Wave Approaching! Should You Shave Your Pet?” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/news/heat-wave-approaching-should-you-shave-your-pet.

‌“How to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather.” Best Friends Animal Society - Save Them All, 2024, bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/how-keep-dogs-cool-hot-weather. 

“How to Protect Dog Paws from Hot Pavement, Sidewalks.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-paws-hot-pavement/.

“Papillon | Dog Breed Facts and Information - Wag! Dog Walking.” WagWalking, Wag!, 31 Aug. 2006, wagwalking.com/breed/papillon. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

“Pets in Vehicles.” American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pets-vehicles.

‌“Protecting Your Pet during Hot Weather.” Ca.gov, 2024, www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Extreme%20Heat%20Pages/BI_Natural-Disasters_Extreme-Heat_Protect-your-Pet.aspx.

‌“Types of Pets That Are Extra Sensitive to Warm Weather.” BC SPCA, spca.bc.ca/news/dogs-sensitive-hot-weather/.