Since summer is approaching, one question arises “Which dog breeds are the best for summer?”
That’s a valid question if you plan to spend a lot of time outside or go to the beach with your dog.
You don’t want to overheat your dog by accident, after all.
So, keep on reading to find out breeds that tolerate hot weather well and those sensitive to heat.
Related: Curious about Cold Weather Dog Breeds?
7 Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather
Dogs with long, thick coats are not made for hot weather and should spend as little time outside as possible.
In addition to this, dogs with little or no fur might get a sunburn. So, don’t shave your dog to keep him cool.
Knowing these facts, we can conclude that dogs with short coats usually do well in a warm climate.
That being said, both long-haired and short-haired dogs can suffer a heat stroke if you leave them too long outside or forget them in a car.
#1 German Shorthaired Pointer
What makes the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) perfect for those summer days on the beach is his short, water-repellent coat.
Not only the coat does an amazing job of keeping the GSP cool in hot weather, but it also repels dirt.
The GSP has been breed as a hunting dog, and as such, this fellow has a remarkably high level of energy.
You can take it for a strenuous hike, and you’ll hear no complaints.
#2 American Water Spaniel
At first glance, the American Water Spaniel might not look like a dog build for summer days.
However, this adorable pooch is a fantastic swimmer, who loves to hunt waterfowl.
The American Water Spaniel has a water-resistant double coat with curls as a protection against water and weather.
So you can take it to the beach without worrying about your pooch getting too wet.
However, make sure to clean the ears regularly since this breed is prone to ear infections, as most breeds with hanging ears.
# 3 Great Dane
Even though the Great Dane has been bred to hunt boars, it’s a gentle giant who will win you over with its charming personality.
In general, Great Dane tolerates heat well enough as long as you remember to provide shade and water.
The Great Dane also loves to bask in the sun, so they are the perfect companion for yard parties.
But he also needs something warm to wear in the winter because this giant teddy bear gets cold easily.
#4 Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound has a short coat, which is so soft and silky that you won’t stop petting it all day.
Thanks to the short fur, the Greyhound tolerates heat well and makes a wonderful companion on a hot day.
However, during winter you will have to keep this adorable fellow somewhere warm because it doesn’t fare well in cold weather.
#5 Azawakh
The Azawakh comes from a region in the Sahara desert.
As a result, this is one of the best summer dog breeds because it’s used to high temperatures and tolerates them extremely well.
You won’t hear any complaint if you take this guy to the beach with you.
What’s more, the Azawakh is lean and muscular, which makes it the perfect choice for joggers and runners.
#6 Basenji
Basenji is a highly-intelligent dog which doesn’t bark.
No, the Basenji is not mute, but instead of barking it yodels.
The breed comes from Africa, and that’s why heat rarely bothers this unique dog.
While the Basenji doesn’t like water very much, he enjoys getting wet on a hot day.
His coat is short and so easy to take care of that a lot of people consider this breed hypoallergenic.
#7 Pharaoh Hound
Once the loyal companions of pharaohs and kings, the Pharaoh Hound is one of those dogs that thrives in a hot climate.
While some believe that the breed originated in Egypt (hence the name), they’re actually originally from Malta.
The Pharaoh Hound has a short coat to keep him cool during the blazing Egyptian days.
The Pharaoh Hound doesn’t tolerate cold weather at all and will require warm clothes for outdoor walks. They are also the only dogs that blush.
What are the worst dog breeds for summer?
Since we’re talking about summer dog breeds, I think I should mention which dog breeds are sensitive to heat.
Dog breeds originating in the cold parts of the world usually don’t tolerate heat very well.
That’s because due to the nature of their environment, they have thick, double coats to protect them from the elements. For example:
- Saint Bernard
- Bernese Mountain dog
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Old English Sheepdog
- Newfoundland
- Irish Wolfhound
In addition to these, brachycephalic dogs also don’t fare well when it’s hot.
Brachycephalic dogs are dogs with flat or short muzzles.
Due to the constructions of their faces, these dogs might have breathing difficulties. They can’t pant well in hot weather and can’t cool themselves.
Some popular brachycephalic dog breeds include:
- Bulldogs
- Bull Mastiff
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Pug
- Pekinese
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Shih Tzus
Stay alert for signs of heat stroke in dogs
But no matter what dog breed you have, you must keep an eye for signs of heat stroke when the weather gets extremely hot:
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Uncoordinated movements
- Collapse
When you decide to take your dog out for a walk or go to the beach in summer, remember to provide shade and enough water.
Also, watch out for those paws because they can get burned on hot sand or asphalt.
