Best dogs
Best dogs for hot climates
The breeds rated best at coping with heat, and what every dog owner should do in hot weather.
Heat is hard on dogs, and short-nosed breeds, heavy coats and giant breeds are most at risk. The breeds below are rated best at tolerating warm weather, but none is safe in a hot car or on a hot pavement, and every dog needs shade, water and sensible exercise times.
The list
| # | Breed | Size | Typical weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canaan Dog | Medium | 35 to 55 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 2 | Rhodesian Ridgeback | Large | 70 to 85 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 3 | Basenji | Small | 22 to 24 lb | 13 to 14 years |
| 4 | Pharaoh Hound | Medium | 45 to 55 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 5 | Azawakh | Medium | 33 to 55 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 6 | Chihuahua | Small | 3 to 6 lb | 14 to 16 years |
| 7 | Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Large | 80 to 150 lb | 11 to 13 years |
| 8 | Boerboel | Large | 110 to 200 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 9 | Saluki | Medium | 40 to 65 lb | 10 to 14 years |
| 10 | Cirneco dell'Etna | Small | 22 to 26 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 11 | Sloughi | Medium | 35 to 50 lb | 12 to 16 years |
| 12 | Beagle | Medium | 20 to 30 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 13 | Boykin Spaniel | Medium | 25 to 40 lb | 14 to 16 years |
| 14 | Rat Terrier | Small | 10 to 25 lb | 14 to 18 years |
| 15 | Manchester Terrier | Small | 12 to 22 lb | 14 to 16 years |
About the breeds
1. Canaan Dog
A hardy, alert pariah-type herding and guard dog from Israel, wary of strangers, devoted to its family and well adapted to hot, dry climates. Read the Canaan Dog profile.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, athletic hound from southern Africa, recognized by the ridge of reversed hair along its back and bred to hold lions at bay. Read the Rhodesian Ridgeback profile.
3. Basenji
The Basenji is a small, short-coated hound from central Africa that does not bark in the usual way, and a catlike, independent, athletic companion. Read the Basenji profile.
4. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a sleek, tan-coated hunting hound from Malta, bred to chase rabbits, known for blushing when happy and for its speed and grace. Read the Pharaoh Hound profile.
5. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a tall, very lean sighthound from the Sahel region of West Africa, bred by nomads to hunt and guard, and a reserved, loyal and independent dog. Read the Azawakh profile.
6. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest recognized breed, a Mexican toy dog with a big personality, a loud voice and a strong attachment to one person. Read the Chihuahua profile.
7. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, rugged livestock guardian from Turkey, independent and protective, bred to defend flocks across open country. Read the Anatolian Shepherd Dog profile.
8. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a massive South African mastiff-type farm guardian, strong, confident and protective, that needs knowledgeable owners and room. Read the Boerboel profile.
9. Saluki
The Saluki is a slender, deep-chested sighthound from the Middle East, bred to run down gazelle and hare, and a quiet, dignified and independent house dog. Read the Saluki profile.
10. Cirneco dell'Etna
The Cirneco dell'Etna is a small, light, prick-eared hound from Sicily, bred to hunt rabbits on volcanic ground, with a mild nature and a lean, elegant look. Read the Cirneco dell'Etna profile.
11. Sloughi
The Sloughi is a lean, smooth-coated sighthound from North Africa, bred by Berber peoples to hunt hare and gazelle, and a reserved, sensitive companion. Read the Sloughi profile.
12. Beagle
The Beagle is a compact, merry scent hound from England, bred to hunt rabbits in a pack and known for its nose, its voice and its appetite. Read the Beagle profile.
13. Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is a compact, brown, South Carolina spaniel bred to hunt wild turkey and waterfowl from small boats, and a cheerful family dog. Read the Boykin Spaniel profile.
14. Rat Terrier
A trim, athletic American farm terrier that comes in miniature and standard sizes, with a short coat, a quick mind, and a lot of energy. Read the Rat Terrier profile.
15. Manchester Terrier
A sleek, black-and-tan English terrier in Standard and Toy sizes, quick, clean, and alert, with a short coat that needs little grooming. Read the Manchester Terrier profile.
How this list was made
Breeds rated 4 or 5 for heat tolerance, ordered by that rating, then by lower energy. The ratings come from the breed profiles on this site, which rate each breed as a whole. Individual dogs differ, so use the list to decide which profiles to read, then meet the breed before you choose.