The Best Hot (Weather) Dogs
Typically, canines and summertime don’t mix. All that fur can lead to major overheating, and when hot weather rolls around (or if you live in an area where it’s always warm), it’s important to keep your pup cool and comfortable. There are dog breeds that can survive in hot weather better than others, and the amount of fur the breed is known for having definitely makes a big difference. The thicker the coat, the harder time a dog has regulating its temperature, but fur isn’t the only factor that makes a difference.
As well as short coats, dogs that fair well in warm weather tend to have lanky builds, long snouts, and big ears, all of which allow a dog to more effectively rid its body of excess heat. Breeds that originate from warm-weather climates also tend to have traits that allow them to thrive in hot temps. If you’re looking for a hot weather dog, you might consider one of these nine breeds well-suited for hot weather.
Don't be fooled by this pup's long hair. Afghan Hounds were originally bred in Afghanistan, which is a country of extreme temperatures, so this aristocratic breed can handle extreme heat just as well as cooler temps, according to Dog Time.
Known as Africa’s “Barkless Dog,” the Basenji originated in the Congo, according to American Kennel Club, so this hunting breed can handle even the steamiest of climates. The Basenji's sizable ears also help keep them cool, as those ears stay erect and allow excess heat to escape.
This hunting dog was originally bred for long days in the field, according to American Kennel Club, so it can definitely take the heat. With their lean, muscular bodies and sleek, short coats, Vizslas have incredible stamina no matter the weather.
As its name suggests, the Ibizan Hound originates from the tropical Balearic island of Ibiza, according to Dog Time, so this hunting breed is bred to handle high temps. The Ibizan Hound can also thank its big ears, short coat, and long, lean legs for its ability to withstand the heat.
As you might have guessed from the name, Hill's Pets says that the Pharaoh Hound originally hails from Egypt, where temperatures tend to be high. Like the Basenji and the Ibizan Hound, this lanky breed has naturally erect ears, allowing cool air to circulate through their bodies with ease.
The Azawakh is an ancient hunting hound who originates from the hot West African countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, according to American Kennel Club. As this lean, rangy breed has spent thousands of years exploring the Sahara, heat is rarely a problem for this pup.
Whippets may not be able to tolerate the cold, but this muscular, short-haired breed is well-suited for warmer climates, according to Dog Time. The most distinctive feature of the Whippet is its sizable nose, which allows cool air to circulate and keep a Whippet from overheating.
Greyhounds are basically a larger version of the Whippet, according to The Dog People, known for their long snouts, sleek frames, and inability to handle the cold. As racing dogs, this athletic breed has very little body fat and lots of stamina, so hot weather is no match for a Greyhound.
According to American Kennel Club, Italian Greyhounds are even more slender than Greyhounds (as well as much smaller). Snow may leave this pup frozen to the bone, but a sunny day is no problem for an Italian Greyhound's streamlined body.
The Best Hot (Weather) Dogs
Typically, canines and summertime don’t mix. All that fur can lead to major overheating, and when hot weather rolls around (or if you live in an area where it’s always warm), it’s important to keep your pup cool and comfortable. There are dog breeds that can survive in hot weather better than others, and the amount of fur the breed is known for having definitely makes a big difference. The thicker the coat, the harder time a dog has regulating its temperature, but fur isn’t the only factor that makes a difference.
As well as short coats, dogs that fair well in warm weather tend to have lanky builds, long snouts, and big ears, all of which allow a dog to more effectively rid its body of excess heat. Breeds that originate from warm-weather climates also tend to have traits that allow them to thrive in hot temps. If you’re looking for a hot weather dog, you might consider one of these nine breeds well-suited for hot weather.
You don't have to worry about overcooking these dogs.
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