13 Dog Breeds That Excel in Hot Climates, According to Vets

13 Dog Breeds That Excel in Hot Climates, According to Vets originally appeared on Parade Pets.

While some dog breeds are more “stubborn” than others, pups are often flexible. They’re happiest wherever their favorite human is, regardless of the climate. However, some dogs can stand the heat more than others, and veterinarians say it’s important to know which ones.

“The best dogs for warm climates are mid- to long-nosed, short-coated dogs who are physically healthy and are not puppies or senior dogs,” explains Dr. Julie Hunt, DVM, a veterinarian contributor for Embrace Pet Insurance. “Additionally, dogs who are brachycephalic—short-nosed, or flat-faced—do not do well in warm weather.”

Dr. Hunt explains that dogs use their respiratory tracts to pant, which helps dogs them their body temperature and handle heat.

“Brachycephalic dogs do not have a normal respiratory tract, so this method of [coping with the] heat is limited for them,” Dr. Hunt says.

Regardless of whether a breed is well-suited for hot climates, Dr. Hunt stresses it’s important to take practical precautions. For instance, ensure your pet has plenty of water, and seek shade (or air conditioning) when it’s hot as you-know-what out. Still, some dogs find hot climates oddly heavenly (or at least will happily tolerate warmer weather). Dr. Hunt and two other vets shared the best dog breeds for hot climates.

Related: Vet Shares Genius Trick To Help Dogs Cool Down Fast and It Could Be a Lifesaver

Chihuahua

This saucy toy dog breed originated in Mexico, and Chihuahuas living in the U.S. still boast an ability to handle hot climates.

“These little breeds have short, smooth coats that don’t trap heat,” reports Dr. Eliza O’Callaghan, DVM, a managing veterinarian for Small Door Vet. “Their tiny size helps them stay cool—perfect for sunny days.”

While you don’t need to train your Chihuahua to cope with the heat, one vet shares it’s important to enroll them in obedience classes. Chihuahuas may be small, but they have some big ‘tudes.

“Training is a must unless you want your house taken over by a little monster,” says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, DVM, a veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance

Breed Stats

• Personality: Charming, graceful, sassy

• Height: 5–8 inches

• Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds

• Lifespan: 14–16 years

2. Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli is another Mexican dog breed—albeit one that’s generally a bit calmer than the Chihuahua. Like the Chi, Xoloitzcuintlis are built to withstand hotter climates like the ones their ancestors were born into.

“This Mexican hairless breed is made for hot climates, with no fur to overheat them,” Dr. O’Callaghan says. “Their tough skin stands up to the sun, keeping them comfortable.”

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in many sizes—toy, miniature and standard—but they’re generally playful and affectionate regardless of their stature.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Alert, loyal, calm

• Height: 10–14 inches (toy), 14–18 inches (miniature), 18–23 inches (standard)

• Weight: 10–15 pounds (toy), 15–13 pounds (miniature), 30–55 pounds (standard)

• Lifespan: 13–18 years

3. Whippet

Whippets look like mini-greyhounds, but they’re a breed all their own. Dr. Hunt reports that the Whippet’s “extremely short hair coat” helps them spread and release heat well.

“Their blood vessels are very close under the skin, and their skin is thin, so any excessive heat can be distributed easily,” Dr. Hunt shares. “Their lean physique also prevents them from accumulating excessive heat.”

Whippets are as sweet as they come—generally great with small kids and other dogs.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Playful, affectionate, calm

• Height: 18–22 inches

• Weight: 25–40 pounds

• Lifespan: 10–12 years

Related: 7 Best Dog Breeds for People Who Love Camping, According to Vets

4. Italian Greyhound

Unlike the Whippet, the Italian Greyhound is actually a smaller version of the Greyhound. They’re not as tall and usually more slender (unless overfed). However, the Italian Greyhound shares some similarities with the Whippet, and these characteristics make this dog breed one of the best suited for hot climates.

“The Italian greyhound, like the whippet, has a lean physique, an extremely short hair coat, thin skin and blood vessels right under the skin,” Dr. Hunt says. “All of these traits help it to dissipate heat very effectively.”

Breed Stats

• Personality: Alert, playful, sensitive

• Height: 13–15 inches

• Weight: 7–14 pounds

• Lifespan: 14–15 years

5. Greyhound

The Greyhound—which earned American Kennel Club recognition one year before the Italian Greyhound—is twice the size of their “cousins.” However, that doesn’t make them any less capable of excelling in hot climates.

“Greyounds…come from ancient Egypt and handle heat well,” Dr. O’Callaghan says.

Like their Egyptian ancestors, today’s graceful Greyhound was born to deal with high temperatures.

“Their short coat and thin, lean body will help them regulate temperature in warmer environments,” Dr. Ostermeier says. “Often rescued after they retire from racing, these dogs make wonderful family companions as they are easy-going and very sweet.”

Breed Stats

• Personality: Independent, gentle, noble

• Height: 27–30 inches

• Weight: 60–70 pounds

• Lifespan: 10–13 years

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originally hailed from Africa and was bred to track lions (but not to kill them). These days, the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s independent streak, strong prey drive and ability to withstand warmer climates remain intact.

“Their short fur allows for good heat distribution, and their strong musculature lets them work easily in hot weather,” Dr. Dunn says.

This hot-weather-ready breed usually gets along swimmingly with young children and is highly affectionate with their families. However, they can be hit or miss with other dogs and strangers.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Dignified, affectionate, even-tempered

• Height: 24–27 inches

• Weight: 70–85 pounds

• Lifespan: 10–12 years

Related: Is It Okay to Share Your Ice Cream With Your Dog? A Vet Weighs In

7. Chinese Crested Dog

It’s hard for the Chinese Crested Dog to get cold feet—the toy breed wears furry socks year-round. However, take a peek at the rest of their charming little bodies, and you’ll see why Dr. Dunn calls these dogs some of the best for hotter climates.

“The Chinese Crested Dog is a hairless breed, so they don’t retain body heat as much as breeds with fur,” shares Dr. Dunn. “However, if it is in bright sun, they may require sunscreen.”

Your vet can help you determine the best sunscreen for your Chinese Crested Dog if needed. The good news? These dogs are known for being pretty adaptable, so they’re likely to let you slather on the SPF.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Alert, lively, affectionate

• Height: 11–13 inches

• Weight: 8–12 pounds

• Lifespan: 10–12 years

8. Weimaraner

These loving dogs make excellent family pets and workout buddies, including in warmer climates (take precautions when jogging with them in hotter weather, of course).

“With their muscular build and readily identifiable stunning grey coat, this breed is ready to run even in warmer temps,” Dr. Ostermeier says. “Known for their stamina, they make excellent jogging companions or long trail adventurers.”

Breed Stats

• Personality: Friendly, fearless, obedient

• Height: 25–27 inches

• Weight: 55–90 pounds

• Lifespan: 10–13 years

9. Basenji

These graceful, “barkless” pups with the sweetest, most expressive almond-shaped eyes are an excellent dog breed for hotter climates. Dr. Dunn raves they check so many boxes.

“The Basenji has a lean body to prevent overheating, along with large ears to help them cool their blood,” Dr. Dunn explains. “Their short, fine hair coat allows them to dissipate heat easily if they get too warm.”

It makes sense, then, that the Basenji originated in Africa. PS: The Basenji is an expert groomer, cleaning their short, fine coat with cat-like attention to detail.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Independent, smart, poised

• Height: 10–13 inches

• Weight: 22–24 pounds

• Lifespan: 13–14 years

Related: 7 Dog Breeds That Wake Up Looking Gorgeous (No Groomer Required)

10. Dalmatian

This breed can stand the heat—hence the Dalmatian’s frequent spot on firetrucks. However, our experts reveal there’s more to them than that.

“[The Dalmatian] is not a breed just for firefighters, but a very affectionate and good family dog,” Dr. Ostermeier says. “The thin, muscular body build and light coat lend to a breed that can tolerate a warmer environment.”

Plus, who can resist those signature spots (step aside, Cruella)?

Breed Stats

• Personality: Dignified, outgoing, smart

• Height: 19–24 inches

• Weight: 45–70 pounds

• Lifespan: 11–13 years

11. Pharaoh Hound

“Another Egyptian native, these dogs have sleek coats and a graceful build suited for warmth,” Dr. O’Callaghan says. “You might even catch them ‘blushing’ when they’re excited.”

The rugged Pharaoh Hound also has enviable amber-hued eyes and often appears to be smiling.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Friendly, smart, noble

• Height: 21–25 inches

• Weight: 45–55 pounds

• Lifespan: 12–14 years

12. Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie has a double coat, but don’t let that scare you away if you live in a hot climate. Dr. Dunn explains that it actually helps this dog breed regulate temperature.

“Specifically, its undercoat provides insulation from higher temperatures, allowing the Australian Kelpie to work in warmer climates than other dogs may be comfortable in,” Dr. Dunn says, adding this breed also has high energy and solid endurance.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Alert, loyal, intelligent

• Height: 17–20 inches

• Weight: 35–50 pounds

• Lifespan: 10–13 years

13. Carolina Dog

These pups’ ancestors came over from Asia. Dr. O’Callaghan reports that they developed “naturally in the Southeastern U.S. She adds that Carolina Dogs’ appearance earned them the nickname “American Dingo,” but they are a separate breed from the wild Aussie pups. They have a pack mentality that helped them survive in the wild and a coat that enables them to manage in higher temperatures.

Breed Stats

• Personality: Dignified, outgoing, smart

• Height: 17.5–19.5 inches

• Weight: 30–55 pounds

• Lifespan: 12–15 years

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Sources:

13 Dog Breeds That Excel in Hot Climates, According to Vets first appeared on Parade Pets on Jun 14, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.

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