The Best Dog Breeds If You Live In A Hot Climate

Have you ever seen a Siberian husky on a beach? This is not the beginning of some terrible joke, we swear! Huskies are extremely popular dogs these days, but if you live in a hot climate, they may not be the best choice of breed to adopt. The husky is just one breed that really shouldn't be out in the heat too long. Others include similar breeds like the Alaskan malamute and Akita, and brachycephalic dogs (aka pups with short snouts and flat faces) like boxers, English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and Pekingese. Their flat faces make it easier for them to overheat.

If you love to soak up some rays with your pup by your side and you live in a place where temperatures creep up into the 80s, 90s, or 100-degree Fahrenheit range — don't fear. There are some dog breeds that thrive in hot weather. The maximum safe outdoor temperature for dogs really depends on your individual pup and their tolerance, but in general, you want to keep an eye on any dog and minimize time outside if it's climbing to 80 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above. That being said, here are five breeds that tend to be more than fair-weather friends — they're hot-weather friends!

While there's some debate about the Chihuahua's country of origin, the breed most likely hails from Mexico, known for its warm climate. These little dogs also have thin coats, making them more comfortable in warm temperatures as opposed to the cold. In fact, they often need sweaters or extra cuddles when it gets a little too chilly for their liking.

Short-haired Chihuahuas will generally do a bit better in the heat than the long-haired variety, for obvious reasons, but at less than 6 pounds, these pups tolerate the heat quite well overall compared to lots of other breeds. Chihuahuas get a bad rap for being territorial, yappy, and aggressive dogs, and it's true there are some reasons why Chihuahuas might not be the best dog breed to have around kids. However, these tiny pups have big personalities. They are extremely loyal, playful, and can be very affectionate as well.

For similar reasons, the greyhound, whippet, and Italian greyhound are all great dog breeds to raise in locations with warmer climates. The best way to tell the difference between a whippet and an Italian greyhound and a greyhound is to observe their size. Greyhounds are the biggest, followed by whippets, and Italian greyhounds are the smallest of the three.

All three breeds have very short, thin coats, slender bodies, and only small amounts of body fat. That's part of what makes them so speedy. These physical traits make them well-suited to being able to regulate their body temperatures in the heat. Like Chihuahuas, greyhounds especially can require layers to keep them warm in the cold weather, so they are actually more comfortable where it's warm.

Believe it or not, these dogs actually don't need as much exercise as you think. Despite their reputations as racing dogs, greyhounds are quite happy to hang out on the couch. They do like to run, but they're sprinters, meaning they only require short exercise sessions each day. This is also a plus when it comes to the hot weather; you likely won't have to wrangle your greyhound and stop them from overexerting themselves when it's hot out.

Australia is known for its hot climate, so it stands to reason that the Australian cattle dog, a native of the area, does pretty well in sweltering temperatures. These muscular, energetic, and intelligent dogs are very at home working hard in the sunshine herding cattle or other livestock. These pups are extremely active dogs who require lots of time outside to run and play — or better yet, work. 

In order to be happy, healthy dogs, the Australian cattle dog requires some sort of job, whether it's herding cows, running with their owner, or completing agility courses. However, it's imperative to keep in mind that while Australian cattle dogs are at home in warm weather, they still need lots of water, breaks out of the sunshine every now and then, and could even benefit from some doggy sunscreen, like Bodhi's Dog Sunscreen Spray.

That's right — sunscreen for dogs. Just as in humans, excessive sun exposure has risks for dogs that include sunburns and skin cancer. Hairless dog breeds like the Chinese crested or the Xoloitzcuintli are at a higher risk of sun damage, but any pup with thin coats or even exposed areas with very short or no hair, like the snout or the belly, can benefit from sunscreen protection. Just make sure to always use sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs.

German shorthaired pointers are sporting dogs who are used to long days outside hunting with their owners. They are medium-sized, shorthaired dogs, as their name so helpfully points out, which makes it easier for them to withstand warmer climates. These dignified dogs also love swimming and are quite good at knowing when to cool off with a dip in the lake if they're getting too hot.

In fact, German shorthaired pointers were bred for water retrieving, and their short, flat coat is water resistant, which makes it much easier for them to regulate their body temperature than many other breeds. They are extremely energetic pups, so if you live a mostly indoor life, the German shorthaired pointer is probably not the breed for you. They require lots of room to run and play, but as long as their exercise needs are met, German shorthaired pointers are very trainable dogs who love their families.

This breed might not be as well known as others on this list, but the Ibizan hound is a beautiful, warm-weather-loving dog that everyone should consider. These lanky, short or wire-haired pups were bred in Spain as rabbit hunters way back in the 700s. Nicknamed the Beezer, the Ibizan hound requires lots of daily exercise and loves to jump and play. Their prey instinct is strong due to their ancient rabbit-hunting jobs, so they should be kept on leash if they're not in a fenced-in area, and a tall fence at that, with their penchant for jumping.

If you love to run, the Ibizan hound will happily join you on your jogs. They make great pets for families, are affectionate and friendly, and are used to the warm weather because of their origin on the islands off the coast of Spain. No matter what breed you choose, you can be sure these pups will enjoy some fun in warmer climates at your side — just keep plenty of water and sunscreen on-hand.