Top 10 Dog Breeds That Don’t Do Well in Hot Climate

Many dog breeds are sensitive to heat. Some dogs find it difficult to breathe in hot weather conditions. These are dogs that belong to the Brachycephalic breeds. Usually, these dogs have flat faces and small nasal openings that limit their airflow, thus leading to breathing problems.

If you are considering adopting a dog, it is important to consider the climate where you live. If you live in an area with too much heat in the peak summer months and generally warm in the rest of the months, you may not consider adopting a breed that is intolerant to heat.

The suitability of the dog breed for surviving hot living conditions is a significant factor to consider when looking for a companion.

List Of The Dog Breeds That Don’t Do Well in The Heat

1. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are prone to heatstroke due to their narrow nostrils and airways. This dog breed finds it difficult to cope with the hot weather as they cannot breathe properly when they overheat. Hence, if you consider adopting an English Bulldog, avoid walking your dog when it is too hot outside.

2. Boxer

Boxers have short muzzles. Therefore, this dog breed finds breathing difficult, especially when they don’t stop playing to drink water and cool down. They are known for their immense energy, so they have to be forced to take breaks and drink water. Never let them run outside during the hottest time of the day.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s breed of dog is prone to obesity. While making your pet walk to work off a few calories is a good idea, the reality is that a Spaniel’s fat cells insulate in a hot climate. Why not introduce a few fun indoor activities that keep him moving and safe on super-hot days?

4. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are intolerant to overheating because of their short muzzle and thick coat. If you think of shaving his coat, it won’t help much as it will not reduce overheating and ruin his coat. To make Pomeranian cope well with the hot condition, make sure he is well-hydrated and keep their undercoat brushed.

5. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute dog breed originates from the Arctic, one of the coldest places on Earth. Their thick body coat perfectly keeps them warm during the winter season but makes them warm during the summer months.

If planning to adopt an Alaskan Malamute, brush them regularly and try to exercise them or walk them in the mornings or evenings.

6. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies originate from extremely harsh weather conditions in Siberia, similar to Alaskan Malamutes. These dogs are also likely to be at higher risk of overheating in warm weather. These dogs have thick coats to protect them from sub-zero temperatures but are unsuitable for hot weather.

7. Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier category of classic Brachycephalic dog struggles to breathe and even badly snores while at rest. Therefore, it is advisable to keep this breed active and busy indoors instead of taking it outside often on hot days. Boston Terrier is full of energy, and you need to find a way to burn off his energy to prevent his destructive behaviors.

8. Chow Chow

Chow Chow is a heavy-coated animal that needs timely trimming and shaving. But clean shaving would irreversibly damage his thick coat and leave him more susceptible to heat stroke and sunburn. Without the fur, the skin of this particular breed of dog has zero defense against the sun’s harmful rays.

If you are considering a Chow Chow in your house, you must ensure the dog stays well-hydrated, brushed out, and indoors, especially during the scorching hot days.

9. Pug

Pug is not only heat, but pugs are vulnerable to many health hazards caused by their snub noses. Breathing problem is common in pugs. As pugs are prone to obesity, they are more likely to be at a higher risk of heat stroke. So, you must limit your pug’s activities during the daytime, especially in the hot and humid climate, and keep your pet well-hydrated.

10. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin particular breed has long hair, which is unsuitable for hot weather climates. Furthermore, their short muzzle makes it difficult for them to breathe properly. Hence, it is better to keep Japanese Chin indoors on hot days. Most importantly, Japanese Chin should require a proper healthy diet because they tend to get overweight easily.

Wrapping up!

Apart from the above, a few more dog breeds find it difficult to breathe in hot weather. These are French bulldogs and Shih Tzus. Research shows that Brachycephalic dogs have soft and long palates and are at a higher risk of heat stroke when compared to dogs with average muzzles, just like Labradors.

These dog breeds are most likely to overheat because they experience breathing problems, even while at rest. Hence, keeping them cool is the only option for their survival.

Dogs with thick coats are at an increased risk of overheating. The thick coat provides insulation, trapping hot air and restricting heat loss if the dog overheats. Dogs should not sweat like human beings.

Thus, effective panting is essential for cooling them down. Never leave your dog inside the car. It increases the perils of heatstroke and exhaustion.

Give your dog some shades to rest. It is essential to remain in the shade or indoors. Go swimming to make your dog relax and stay cool. A refreshing cool drink can be effective too.