22 Worst Dog Breeds For Hot Weather (With Pictures)

Whether you live in a hot climate or move to one, knowing how well your dog will fare is essential. Some breeds are just not suited for hot climates, and knowing if your dog is one of those breeds will allow you to deal with matters that arise better.

Below is a list of 22 dog breeds that don’t fare well in hot climates.

List Of 22 Worst Dog Breeds For Hot Weather

1. Bull Dog

bull dog

Bulldogs have been a favorite amongst dog lovers. They are both pleasant and loving, which makes them the ideal companions for the entire family. Bulldogs, however, belongs to a group of dogs with flat faces, a condition known as brachycephalic. 

This flat face and nose make breathing properly a hassle. This causes problems when they are outside in hot weather, leading to heatstroke. Make sure to keep them cool and well ventilated if you suspect they are overheating.

2. Siberian Husky

siberian husky

Huskies are working dogs that are designed for freezing weather. They have thick double-coated fur that acts as an insulator in the winter. Thick coats in a hot climate are unbearable; however, that is the least of the problems.

Huskies are energetic dogs that need to stay active to be healthy and happy, and letting them run or play in the heat may put them at risk of getting a heat stroke. Try taking them on either morning or evening walks when the temperature is less intense. 

Ensure they are hydrated before they leave, and bring some water with you unless there is water where you will be.

3. Pug

pug

Pugs are not suitable for hot weather, so special attention is needed to protect them from overheating. They have short muzzles that make breathing and cooling down difficult.

Obesity is another issue to consider because this can complicate breathing. Make sure to keep them away from strenuous activities during hot weather.

4. Chow-Chow

chow chow

Chow-chow has very thick fluffy coats, and you can see why hot weather wouldn’t suit them. Their coat is double layered to keep them warm during cold climates; however, it does not protect them in hotter climates. 

Shaving their coat should be avoided as it may remove the protective layer that keeps away harsh sun rays. Their short muzzles also make it difficult to breathe properly, which may leave them at risk of heatstroke or dehydration.

5. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute

These breeds are native to the arctic regions, making them one of the worst breeds for hot weather. 

They have a thick coat to protect against the winter cold; however, this does not serve them well in hot weather because it makes them prone to overheating in the sun. Make sure to groom their coats so that the risk of overheating is reduced.

6. Boxer

Boxer

Boxers are one of the most energetic breeds out there, which leaves them vulnerable to getting heatstroke. Boxers love to run around and require loads of exercise; this means that if you live in a region that gets hot weather, you have to schedule daily walks to later in the day.

Their short muzzle makes breathing a task. If you consider their energetic nature and short muzzle, you will see how hot weather could put them at risk of overheating. Water should always be available to them when on walks.

7. Pomeranian

pomeranian

The obvious problem is this breed’s coat, making them one of the worst breeds for hot weather. Their short muzzle makes panting difficult, which means they aren’t getting a sufficient amount of air to cool them down. 

The best way to keep them from dehydration and heat stroke is to trim them down to help with air circulation slightly.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Obesity is this breed’s most significant risk factor. Obesity makes movement and exercises excellent tasks, which is why they become lazy. Their short muzzle also decreases air intake so that if they may get heatstroke, they are overworked or in doing activities in hot weather.

Their diets have to be closely monitored to maintain their weight. Regular exercise is good; however, ensure that it is not too hot. 

9. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier breed is brachycephalic, as they have flat faces. This flat face makes breathing a strenuous activity under normal conditions and is aggravated when doing activities.

They are incredibly energetic and love running around, and this could put them at risk of overheating. 

Always ensure that they are not being too active in hot weather; the excellent idea is to provide them with space indoors to keep busy, or else they will begin exhibiting self-destructive behaviors.

10. St. Bernard

St. Bernard

A St. Bernard’s coat is thick and heavy, making them susceptible to heatstroke. Activities in hot weather should be minimized because their coats do not allow for sufficient perspiration. Common signs of heatstroke and dehydration include rapid panting.

Hosing them down before a walk is also an effective way of keeping them cool from the hot weather. The aim is to keep their core temperature low so that they do not overheat. If you have access to an AC, place their kennel or place of play close to it so that they can get constant cooling air.

11. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain dog

This dog breed is native to the mountain region and has insulated thick dark coats. This breed is less active than most, preferring to laze around in the shade instead of doing activities. 

You need to take their cue and go on walks when the temperature is low. Their dense coats attract sun rays, and therefore they are prone to overheating and heatstroke. Make sure always to bring water to drink and if possible, consider making your walks shorter.

12. Pekingese

Pekingese

Another breed with a thick coat and short muzzle makes them less suited for hotter weather. This long fluffy coat insulates them; it can increase their body temperature when living in hot weather. 

You can trim their coat to help them cool off better. Make sure to limit their time in the heat and always provide water to prevent dehydration. These dogs are also prone to obesity which makes breathing more difficult.

13. Akita Inu

Akita Inu

This dog breed has a thick, smooth coat which isn’t very good for hotter weather. Their coat makes them better suited for cold climates; this means that they are at risk of overheating or getting heatstroke.

You should always provide water to your Akita Inu to ensure that they are well hydrated.

14. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are thick-coated dog breeds that don’t fare well in hot weather. This coat is very long and can sometimes cause them to heat up, so giving a coat trim is one way to cool them down. 

This, however, is not the only issue, this dog breed is also flat-faced, which makes breathing difficult, and to make matters worse, they are lazy. This makes them prone to weight gain and a variety of other health conditions. 

Make sure always to have water to drink so that they can cool their core temperature.

15. Chinese Imperial Dog

Chinese Imperial Dog

This breed of dog has a short muzzle that makes breathing difficult. This muzzle doesn’t have good air passage to allow for better perspiration; they are equipped with a thick fur coat to make matters worse. 

This coat protects them from the cold; however, they risk heatstroke in hot weather.

16. Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso

This dog breed has long mop-like fur that can cause them to overheat in hot weather. 

When temperatures are hot, try not to let them do too much running.

Their brachycephalic snout makes breathing difficult. Their noses are not able to properly cool the air breathed in. Overheating and dehydration are common risks that can be avoided.

17. American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog

Eskimo dogs are thick-coated, which makes them not suitable for hot weather. These dogs are well suited for the cold climates of Alaska with their thick coats and thick fur. 

This coat makes them prone to getting heatstroke in much hotter weather, so make sure to reschedule your walks when less hot. Make sure also to give them water so that they are hydrated.

18. Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

This small dog breed is short-muzzled with a rough fur coat, qualifying them as one of the worst breeds for hot weather. They easily overheat, and a great way to minimize their risk is to either trim their coats or avoid activities in the sun.

19. Samoyed

Samoyed

Samoyed is another thick-coated breed that is not suited for hot weather. They are native to cold weather, hence their thick coat that insulates and protects from sunburn. 

This thick coat makes it difficult to be active, especially in hot weather, because they are vulnerable to heatstroke or dehydration. Always ensure that they are hydrated and not taken out when the sun is at its hottest. 

20. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin

This breed is one of the worst for hot weather because of the various factors they are up against. Firstly, they have a short snout/muzzle, making it difficult to breathe; secondly, they have very long fur, raising their body temperatures.

A good diet is also essential to avoid obesity, leading to a string of other health conditions.

21. Yakutian Laika

Yakutian Laika

Yakutian Laika’s are some of the worst dog breeds for the hot climate. This breed is native to Russia and Siberia, areas where temperatures reach below freezing, so they are equipped with thicker coats. 

This makes them less suitable for hot weather because they may get dehydrated from the increased perspiration, so always make sure to take water or even a hose down before heading out.

22. Keeshond

Keeshond

This breed of dog is not suited for weather due to its thick coats. Make sure to keep their coats well-groomed and avoid going out for walks during the day. Dehydration may occur because their coats may limit perspiration, so ensure that you schedule walks during the cooler times of the day.

FAQ

What Dog Breeds Don’t Do Well In The Heat?

Dog breeds that are flat-faced such as pugs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, these breeds, in general struggle, to breathe because of the shape of their snout. These snouts don’t have good airflow; therefore, they cannot regulate their body heat properly.

Which Dogs Overheat The Most?

Bernese Mountain dogs, Pekingese and Akita Inu, are dogs prone to overheating and getting heat strokes. These dogs have thick layered fur that equips them well in winter but not so well in the summer.

Which Is The Best Dog For Florida Heat?

Dogs with a longer snout muzzle are generally the best dogs to have in a warm climate. These include Greyhound, Doberman Pinscher, and Border Collie. Their snout allows good circulation of air which allows them to regulate temperature.

Conclusion

The commonality between most breeds who are unable to live in hot weather is thick coats or brachycephalic. Thick coats were designed to protect them from the harsh winters. The thicker your dog’s first coat, the coat the more prone to heatstroke and overheating they were. 

Being brachycephalic is another factor in developing heatstroke and a reason these breeds are the worst for hot weather. If your dog has a thick fur coat or is brachycephalic, spare your dog the discomfort by considering alternative destinations or considering ways to make a hot region liveable for your dog.

So, that was it, and these were the 22 worst dog breeds for hot weather with pictures. If you have any suggestions, you can let me know via comments.

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