Best Dog Breeds for Hot Climates
When moving to a hot climate, ensuring any dog you get will be comfortable should be a priority. Not all dogs are suited to high temperatures and it is not advisable to take such a risk. After all, it can be extremely dangerous and even fatal for certain dog breeds to be exposed to excessive heat.
Dogs have been bred across the world, often to perform specific tasks. Many are quite adaptable when it comes to changes in climate, whereas others are not.
Whilst it may seem simple to determine which dog breeds are best suited to hot climates, there are a few elements that need to be taken into consideration – snout length, ear size, coat density, size, and activity level.
What usually doesn’t come to mind is thought for a breed’s respiratory features. For example, brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, can experience breathing difficulties at the best of times and when you add in the need to pant more frequently in a hot climate, the risk of serious respiratory complications rises considerably. Therefore, a long snout is a feature to look for in breeds that do well in warmer weather conditions.
When you think about hot weather dogs, you probably don’t picture thick or double coated dogs and you would be correct! Whilst some of these hairy breeds can be ok, the majority are much better suited to colder conditions.
Here are 10 of the best dogs you could choose for living in a hot climate.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Originally bred for retrieving in water, their short coat and long snouts make this breed ideal for hot weather environments.
They enjoy being outdoors and of course love water, so hiking and swimming will be a pursuit you can both enjoy in your chosen destination.
Terriers
Most, if not all the Terrier breeds will do extremely well in a hot climate. The majority have short coats or ones that can be stripped and they tend to be able to easily withstand high temperatures, alongside a dip in the pool!
Golden Retriever
Thankfully, one of the nations favourite breeds is indeed on the hot weather dog list!
Whilst they do have a double coat, they love water so can easily cool off and enjoy water-based and outdoor activities that hot climates offer.
Their long snouts make cooling off easy and they are generally one of the most resilient dog breeds.
Whippet
Slight and small, Whippets are perfect hot weather dogs. Their facial features allow for easy panting, their short coats enable them to adapt to warmer temperatures and their natural exercise pattern means they will only want to exert short bursts of energy, followed by a cooling and resting period.
Great Dane
Despite their size, Great Danes do well in warmer climates as they particularly love to lounge and sunbathe. As their short coat and large snout keep them from overheating, you shouldn’t experience any problems when keeping them in a hot climate.
Doberman
This long-snouted, short-haired breed loves being outside and is well adapted to warmer climates.
If they have access to shade and water, they would most likely be happy playing in the garden most of the day.
Australian Cattle Dog
As the name suggests, any dog from Australia should be fully suitable to withstand high temperatures…and they are!
Head to the beach and enjoy watching your Australian Cattle Dog in its element.
Vizsla
Originally bred for outdoor moderate conditions, Vizslas couldn’t be more perfect for living in a country with a hot climate.
They are a robust breed, with a short oat and long snout and can easily keep themselves cool.
Border Collie
Both rough and smooth Border Collies can do well in hot climates. They are one of the most popular working dog breeds as they are naturally hardy, with high stamina, which makes perfect for extreme weather conditions – albeit hot or cold.
Dalmatian
Their slim build, long snouts and short, sleek coats are all features which help them to easily adapt to and manage in hot climates. What’s more, they are also a popular choice as a firefighting dog and that speaks for itself!