Which Dog Breeds Can Tolerate Warmer Climates?
by Julie Schrager
The Florida heat is not for everyone, especially the summer heat. As humans, we can figure out ways to stay cool but what about our dogs? They need help staying cool during the warmer months. Therefore, it’s important to pick the correct dog breed for your climate.
There are specific dog breeds that are more tolerant of the heat than others. Here are some things to look for when choosing a dog breed for a warmer climate:
- Many dogs have a dual layer coat. The bottom layer a.k.a. undercoat helps keep a dog warm while the outer coat helps protect the dog. It is preferable to get a dog that has no undercoat for a warmer climate. However, some say that having an undercoat helps keep dogs cool as well. Therefore, more research on dual coated dogs should be done prior to getting one.
- Dogs with longer snouts can help cool their insides much faster than dogs with a shorter snout.
- The color of a dog’s fur can help determine how much absorption the sun has on the dog’s body. For example, a lighter colored dog will not be as affected by the sun’s rays as a darker colored dog will be.
How do I know which dog breed is best for a warmer climate?
There are quite a few dogs that are better candidates for warmer weather. Some of them are:
German Shorthaired Pointer
When I was a child, I had a German Shorthaired Pointer. I lived in the Northeast and it probably was not the most suitable weather for my dog. Their coat is short, flat and water resistant. Having a short coat helps this breed regulate their temperature.
Great Dane
Who would have thought that such a large dog like the Great Dane would be heat tolerant? The fact is, their large ears help keep them cool because the heat can escape through them. Additionally, because their ears are so big, the wind helps cool them down.
Italian Greyhound
Because this breed has a very short coat, they can tolerate the heat well. Due to this breed not having an undercoat, they do not get as warm as those breeds that do have an undercoat.
Dalmatian
They are not the symbol of the fire department for nothing! These dogs love the heat. This is another short-coated breed that can tolerate the heat very well. Plus, they love the water, which helps them stay cool.
Vizsla
These beautiful dogs have very lean, sleek, muscular bodies. Along with their short coat, this breed has the stamina to take on the heat. This is another breed that does not have an undercoat.
Chihuahua
Maybe all those years in the Mexican sunshine helped these dogs handle the heat? Because this breed is small and has a very thin coat, it does not fare well in cooler climates. They are much more comfortable in the warmer climates.
Golden Retriever
How is it possible that this gorgeous, long-haired dog can tolerate the Florida heat? Because of its webbed paws, it can spend hours in the water. Whether you are planning on spending a day at the beach or at the pool, having this breed alongside you will make your day even more fun.
Although the above-mentioned breeds are more heat tolerant than others, please keep in mind that keeping a dog outside in the heat for long periods of time is not suitable, even for the most heat tolerant breeds. Dogs can get sunburned as well as heat stroke. Always make sure you have plenty of water and shade when doing activities with your dog. Most importantly, try not to keep them outside for long periods of time especially during the hottest times of the day.
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Julie Schrager and her husband Jeff have lived in Wellington for 20 years with their son Jake along with their two mini schnauzers, Baron and Leo. Julie is a Mobile Notary and the host of her podcast Nothing But Julie.