These easygoing dogs do great in warm weather.
Finding the Right Dog for Your Climate
Choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle is key to building a happy, healthy, long-term bond. But there’s one factor many future pet parents overlook before bringing a pup home: the weather.
While some breeds—like the Alaskan Malamute—were practically made for snowy adventures, others can barely handle a chilly walk without a sweater. That’s why it’s important to factor in your local climate when choosing a companion.
If you live in a hot, humid, or tropical area (or plan to move to one), it makes sense to adopt a dog that’s comfortable in the heat. After all, no one wants to see their pup struggling on a summer walk. Plus, if you’re an active person who enjoys hiking, running, or heading to the beach, you’ll want a dog that can safely join you in the sunshine.
So which breeds do best when the temperatures rise? Let’s take a look at some of the top dog breeds that were built for warm-weather living.
What Makes a Dog Heat-Tolerant?
Just like people, every dog is different. Some might enjoy sunbathing on the patio, while others prefer the shade. Still, certain breeds naturally cope better with high temperatures thanks to a few shared traits.
Heat-tolerant dogs often have:
- Short coats without thick underlayers
- Lean, athletic builds
- Light-colored fur
- Longer snouts (to help cool the air they breathe)
- Upright ears that allow better airflow
Many of these breeds also come from warmer parts of the world—think Central America, Africa, or southern Asia—where generations of adaptation have helped them stay cool in tropical environments.
☀️ A Quick Safety Reminder
Even the most heat-loving dogs have their limits. No matter how well a breed handles warm weather, overheating is always a risk.
To keep your pup safe in the heat:
- Always provide plenty of fresh water and access to shade.
- Plan walks and playtime for the cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening is best.
- If your dog is hairless or has very short fur, consider using a dog-safe sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin.
- And this one’s critical: never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. On a warm day, temperatures inside can skyrocket dangerously fast—even with the windows cracked.
A little extra caution goes a long way in making sure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and safe during the hotter months.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Ask any Rhodesian Ridgeback owner and they’ll agree: These dapper dogs love to be warm, whether that’s snuggling under a thick blanket or basking in a sunbeam. These preferences make a lot of sense when you consider that “Ridgies” were developed in southern Africa to hunt lions and other large game. Their short, smooth coat and muscular build helped them stay cool as they chased animals across the savanna. They’ve held onto these same attributes, even though today you’re more likely to see one lounging on the patio.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 22 to 27 inches
WEIGHT: 70 to 85 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COAT COLOR: Light wheaten to red wheaten; may have white markings and/or black mask
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Courageous, independent, protective
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Africa
Basenji
Basenjis are no strangers to hot weather. They hail from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country situated on the equator in the middle of Africa. Their smooth, short fur, erect ears, and an athletic build helps these hounds stay cool, even when temperatures skyrocket. These pups are often described as “catlike” because of their independent and aloof nature, and they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. As a result, they may not be the best fit for first-time dog owners, regardless of the climate.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 16 to 17 inches
WEIGHT: 22 to 24 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COAT COLOR: Black and white; black, tan, and white; brindle and white; or red and white with/without brindle markings
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 14 years
TEMPERAMENT: Independent, intelligent, quiet
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dalmatian
The exact origins of the Dalmatian are a little murky. But, historically, these iconic spotted pups ran alongside horse-drawn carriages, which means they needed to be able to withstand all sorts of weather conditions. Today, their short coats and lean builds make these dogs great companions for active families living in hot climates. The white fur in between their spots also helps reflect sunlight on a bright summer’s day.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-sporting
HEIGHT: 19 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 45 to 65 pounds
COAT: Short
COAT COLOR: White with black or liver spots
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years
TEMPERAMENT: Outgoing, friendly, intelligent, active, energetic, sensitive, playful
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Possibly Dalmatia/Croatia or England
Dachshund
Despite their diminutive stature, Doxies are sturdy, hearty dogs that can generally tolerate a wide variety of weather conditions. They also love to be cozy, often seeking out a sunny spot on the carpet for a mid-day snooze. Still, because of their “go-go-go” personalities, they’re not always the best at regulating their own body temperatures, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pup during especially sweltering weather.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 8 to 9 inches (standard); 5 to 6 inches (miniature)
WEIGHT: 16 to 32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature)
COAT: Smooth (shorthaired), longhaired, and wire-haired
COAT COLOR: Black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red with various markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Clever, playful, stubborn, devoted, lively, independent, courageous
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Germany
Greyhound
In the winter, it’s not uncommon to see greyhounds decked out in fashionable coats and sweaters. These large sprinters get cold easily, thanks to their slender bodies, long limbs, and thin coats. So, after shivering their way through January and February, they usually welcome the warmer temperatures of spring and summer and like to celebrate by sunbathing.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 27 to 30 inches
WEIGHT: 60 to 80 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COAT COLOR: Black, blue, fawn, red, white, and various shades of brindle, or a combination of any of these colors
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 13 years
TEMPERAMENT: Even-tempered, intelligent, affectionate, athletic, quiet, gentle
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Egypt
German Shorthaired Pointer
If you’re looking for an active pup to be your running or hiking buddy, consider the German shorthaired pointer. And If your pooch does need to cool off while you’re out adventuring, a quick dip in a lake or creek should do the trick, since these athletic pups love to swim. Once they get going, however, German shorthaired pointers often don’t want to stop. So, you may need to limit their activity or enforce rest breaks to prevent them from overdoing it (and potentially overheating).
Breed Overview
GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT: 21 to 25 inches
WEIGHT: 45 to 70 pounds
COAT: Short and thin
COAT COLOR: Solid liver, liver and white, liver roan, or liver and ticked
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, companionable, active, bold, attentive
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Germany
Chihuahua
Since they’re small in stature and have thin fur, Chihuahuas can lose body heat quickly in cold weather. But when the sun comes out, these petite pooches are happy as can be. That’s largely due to the fact that this smart, sassy breed originated in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, much of which has a scorching, dry desert climate.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 5 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: Not exceeding 6 pounds
COAT: Smooth and short or longhaired
COAT COLOR: Black, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn, fawn and white, red
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, alert, lively, attentive, bright, companionable
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Mexico
Ibizan Hound
A lanky frame, upright ears, and a short, wiry coat make the Ibizan hound an ideal choice for a hot climate. The breed originated in the Balearic Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean, where the winters are mild and the summers tend to be balmy. These high-energy pups need lots of exercise, but after a long walk or a dog sport session, they’re happy to relax and take it easy.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 22.5 to 27.5 inches
WEIGHT: 45 to 50 pounds
COAT: Wiry or smooth short coat
COAT COLOR: Red, red and white, or white
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 14 years
TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, even-tempered, active
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Spain
Airedale Terrier
Airedale terriers are adaptable dogs who do well in both hot and cold temperatures—so they may be a good option if you live in a place that experiences all four seasons. Their bodies are covered in thick, wiry fur, which helps insulate them from the heat. However, if you’re a first-time pet parent, you may want to consider some other options, as Airedale terriers can be a handful.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 23 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 40 to 65 pounds
COAT: Hard, wiry, dense, straight, short topcoat; softer undercoat
COAT COLOR: Tan head and ears; body is mix of tan and black or dark grizzle
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years
TEMPERAMENT: Outgoing, friendly, intelligent, alert, confident, courageous
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: England
Great Dane
As long as they’ve got a comfy spot to relax in, Great Danes don’t mind the warm weather. These gentle giants are natural couch potatoes, which means you probably don’t have to worry about them running around too much and overheating on a scorching day. But if you live in a warm climate and you like to spend a lot of time outdoors, consider bringing home a Great Dane with lighter-colored fur, which will help reflect the sun.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Working
HEIGHT: 28 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 99 to 200 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COAT COLOR: Black, black and white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, merle, silver, solid white, or mantle
LIFE SPAN: 6 to 8 years
TEMPERAMENT: Calm, gentle, friendly, loving, even-tempered, attentive, proud
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Germany
Xoloitzcuintli
This unique breed comes from Mexico, which has a hot and humid climate. Though they are generally tolerant of heat, these hairless (or nearly hairless) pups need extra protection to avoid getting sunburned. Indoors, they’re watchful, loyal pups who will let you know immediately if someone is at the door.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: Standard: 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder; Miniature: 14 to 18 inches; Toy: 10 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: Standard: 30 to 55 pounds; Miniature: 15 to 30 pounds; Toy: 10 to 15 pounds
COAT: Hairless: A small amount of short, coarse hair may appear on the top of the head, the feet, and the end of the tail. Coated: Short, smooth, and close-fitting coat
COAT COLOR: Hairless: A small amount of short, coarse hair may appear on the top of the head, the feet, and the end of the tail. Coated: Short, smooth, and close-fitting coat
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 17 years
TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent and protective
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Mexico
Afghan Hound
The Afghan hound is a rugged breed developed thousands of years ago in the vicinity of modern-day Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. Because of their heritage as hunting companions, these tough, versatile pups generally hold up well in all kinds of weather. Their long, flowing locks may require a little extra grooming, but they help protect these elegant creatures from harsh climates, whether hot or cold.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hound
HEIGHT: 25 to 27 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 60 pounds
COAT: Long, thick, and fine
COAT COLOR: Any color or combination of colors, including brindle and domino
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 14 years
TEMPERAMENT: Dignified, silly, aloof, happy, independent, quiet
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: Afghanistan
Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds, also known as “Iggies,” are famous for seeking out cozy places and donning trendy sweaters when the weather turns brisk. With their long legs, slender bodies, and thin coats, they’re ideally suited for warmer locales. They love to run and play, but as with other energetic breeds, you’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overdo it—and be sure to put sunscreen on the parts of their little bodies that are exposed to the sun.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 13 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 7 to 14 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COAT COLOR: Gray, black, fawn, chocolate, tan, cream, red, sable, or a combination
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, playful, companionable
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: Italy
Australian Cattle Dog
Blue heelers are herding dogs that were originally developed to work outdoors in the harsh Australian outback, so they’re generally not phased by warm temps. These Down Under pups make great hiking or running companions but, because of their working dog mentality, they need lots of exercise and stimulation. Only bring one home if you’re able to commit to meeting their needs, which include proper training and socialization.
Breed Overview
GROUP:Herding
HEIGHT:17 to 20 inches
WEIGHT:35 to 50 pounds
COAT:Dense double coat
COAT COLOR:Blue or red in mottled or speckled patterns
LIFE SPAN:12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT:Loyal, active, intelligent
HYPOALLERGENIC:No
ORIGIN:Australia
Chinese Crested
Erect ears and a small, lithe body help the Chinese crested chill when temperatures rise. Many of these pups are completely or nearly hairless (except for the silky strands on their heads, paws and tails), so their tender skin is vulnerable to the sun. Be sure to provide plenty of shade or invest in dog-friendly sunscreen if you’re planning an outdoor excursion. Otherwise, these intelligent, easy-going pups are relatively low-maintenance; they can thrive just about anywhere.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 11 to 13 inches
WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
COAT: Soft, silky hair only present on the head, feet, and tail (or “powderpuff” fully-coated variety)
COAT COLOR: White, gray, or black hair and gray, pink, or brown skin with white patches
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 18 years
TEMPERAMENT: Lively, playful, cheerful, intelligent, social, companionable
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: China
Breeds to Avoid in Hot Climates
If you live in a warm or tropical area, it’s a good idea to steer clear of dog breeds that were originally bred for cold, snowy environments. These dogs tend to have thick fur coats that make them prone to overheating. Some breeds to avoid include:
- Samoyed
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Saint Bernard
- Siberian Husky
Another group to be cautious with is brachycephalic breeds—dogs with flat faces and short noses. Their unique skull shape can make it harder for them to cool down, putting them at higher risk for heat stress. If you don’t have reliable air conditioning, these breeds might not be the best fit for hot climates:
- French Bulldog
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Boston Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Boxer
Choosing a dog well-suited to your environment helps ensure they stay comfortable and healthy year-rou