Dog fidelity is legendary, and it has found its place even in the history and mythologies of many nations. These animals will follow you to the gates of hell if you let them. But that loyalty comes with a price. These faithful animals often unknowingly endanger themselves just to be with their owners.
That is a typical case during high heat. Dogs are not so good when they need to get away from the sun and cool down, so you have to keep them out of trouble. Sure, cutting hair and providing enough water helps (more tips on cooling your pet check on this source). But if you live in hot and humid areas, these can only be short-term solutions.
Living in areas with triple-digit temperatures can be a great thing, especially if you plan to get a pet that will enjoy by your side. Some breeds are well-adapted to a hot climate, while others won’t tolerate it well. So you have to do some research and check which pups will fit your lifestyle and the area you live in best.
Greyhounds
Most dogs thrive in the heat, but others can stand the extreme heat. Greyhounds belong to the second group, as they are particularly good at handling high temperatures and humidity.
The breed was developed for hunting, with their fit bodies and usually short hair. These are two preconditions for handling hot weather well. Greyhounds also do well in most weather conditions, but only if they have the proper diet and exercise. They need lots of water, and their endurance won’t be tested in the heat.
Great Dane
These goofy-looking dogs may seem clumsy, but the Great Danes are actually quite durable when it comes to high temperatures. On the other hand, a large body usually means a slower circulation, so these dogs are not fans of the cold. If you live in cold areas, know that your big pet will spend most of your time curled up on the bed, next to a fireplace, radiator, or any other heat source.
If you own a Great Dane, you have to ensure they are not out in the cold for too long. In the fall and winter, you’ll find these large pups are sleeping more than usual. When temperatures drop, their metabolism may slow down, and they may not be as energetic. You can even see them shaking in the cold.
The robust musculatures of Great Danes are often contradictory to their mild nature and easygoing temper. But precisely because of their leisure behavior, these large pups are enjoyed during sunny days. They can spend the whole day in the Sun. You probably have to beg your giant pet to come in and cool down.
On the following page, learn how to recognize heatstroke in your furry friend:
Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua is another dog that does well in the heat. Originally from Mexico, this breed is genetically destined to tolerate hot days well. Chihuahuas have short hair and a thin coat, so they are much more comfortable with heat than cold.
Because of their small size, Chihuahuas can deal with temperatures much higher than many other breeds. Due to their petite size, these dogs are excellent candidates for living in temperate climates. Small bodies won’t cause them to overheat as much.
Chihuahuas love water, and they drink a lot of it, more than any other breed. Because of that, these small dogs can get hungry very quickly. Feed them only small amounts at a time to prevent overeating and upset stomachs.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers make lovely companions and family dogs. They are probably one of the most popular pets in the world. You may be confused why this breed is on the list, especially because of their long, thick fur, but that is exactly the key thing. The double coat of these dogs is water-resistant and provides good airflow through hair. It’s like their own personal air conditioning.
Retrievers tolerate heat very well because they can easily find a way to cool down. These dogs enjoy bathing and have floating skin on their paws, which is why they are known to be excellent swimmers. So don’t hesitate to take them to the lake, beach or sprinkle them with a garden hose.
But in the warmer weather, Goldens could stay out of the Sun all day long. These dogs can do fine during a short walk in the hot summer morning or evening. But avoid direct Sun exposure in the noon. As with any dog, you’ll need to take special precautions to prevent heatstroke.
Basenji
This breed Holistapet suggests hails from Africa, which means they have good genetics for standing steamy weather. Basenji dogs have athletic bodies and short hair, so they don’t keep the heat inside. Their long snouts help them cool off as they process warm air well. So these pups cool off every time they inhale.
What make Basenji unique is their large upright ears. As most heat in living creatures escapes through the tallest parts of their bodies, ears in Basenji serve as hot air vents. They release excess heat and thus help these dogs to cool down.
In general, dogs are not too fond of high temperatures, but some breeds handle hot weather better than others. But even if you have a dog that can stand the heat and high humidity, you still have to take some safety measures to protect your pet from heatstroke and sunburns.
Read more: Ideal destinations to travel with your dog
