Fetch FinderDogs that cope best with heat usually have short coats, lean builds and long noses. Many come from hot regions: Chihuahuas from Mexico, Rhodesian Ridgebacks from southern Africa, and Basenjis, Salukis and Pharaoh Hounds from Africa and the Middle East.
Breeds rated 4–5/5 for handling heat
Large · 33–55 lbBetter with adults or older kidsAzawakhA very lean, elegant sighthound from the Sahara. Loyal to its family and protective, wary of strangers.
Small · up to 6 lbBetter with adults or older kidsChihuahuaThe smallest breed, with a loyal, sassy personality. Chihuahuas bond closely with one person and live a long time.
Medium · 35–50 lbBetter with adults or older kidsAustralian Cattle DogTough, smart and loyal, also called the Blue or Red Heeler. Built to work all day and bond tightly with one family.
Large · 70–85 lbBetter with adults or older kidsRhodesian RidgebackA dignified, athletic hound with a ridge of hair along its back. Ridgebacks are loyal, quiet and independent.
Large · 45–70 lb👪 Great family dogRedbone CoonhoundA striking red coonhound that's easygoing at home and eager in the field. Gentle with kids.
Small · 10–25 lb👪 Good family dogRat TerrierAn all-American farm terrier: smart, friendly and easy to train. Comes in miniature and standard sizes.
Large · 40–80 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBelgian MalinoisAn intense, brilliant working dog used by police and military. Needs a job, training and lots of exercise.
Medium · 25–40 lb👪 Great family dogBoykin SpanielA compact brown spaniel from South Carolina, bred to hunt from small boats. Friendly, eager and great with kids.
Large · 35–65 lbBetter with adults or older kidsSalukiOne of the oldest breeds, a graceful sighthound from the Middle East. Gentle and quiet, but independent and fast.
Small · 22–24 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBasenjiThe "barkless dog" from Africa, which yodels instead. Clean, catlike and clever, but independent.
Large · 45–50 lb👪 Good family dogIbizan HoundA lean, deer-like sighthound from Spain's Balearic Islands. Playful, clownish and a famous jumper.
Medium · 45–55 lb👪 Good family dogPharaoh HoundA sleek, red sighthound that "blushes" when happy. Friendly, playful and graceful.
Small · 9–13 lbBetter with adults or older kidsPortuguese Podengo PequenoA tiny, tough Portuguese hunting dog that comes in smooth and wire coats. Lively, curious and alert.
Small · 17–26 lb👪 Good family dogCirneco dell'EtnaA slim, ginger sighthound from Sicily's Mount Etna. Friendly, affectionate and fast.
Large · 35–65 lbBetter with adults or older kidsSloughiAn elegant, reserved sighthound from North Africa. Gentle with family, aloof with strangers.
Small · 8–25 lb👪 Good family dogTeddy Roosevelt TerrierA short-legged American farm terrier, newly recognized by the AKC in 2026. Friendly, sturdy and smart.
Medium · 10–55 lb👪 Good family dogXoloitzcuintliThe ancient hairless dog of Mexico, in toy, miniature and standard sizes. Calm, loyal and alert.
Medium · 35–55 lbBetter with adults or older kidsCanaan DogIsrael's national dog, an ancient, alert pariah breed. Loyal, territorial and wary of strangers.Breeds that struggle in the heat
- Flat-faced breeds like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers can't cool themselves well by panting.
- Thick double coats like Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds and Bernese Mountain Dogs are built for snow.
- Giant and heavy breeds generate a lot of body heat.
These dogs can still live in warm places, but they need air conditioning and careful summer routines.
Keeping any dog safe in summer
- Walk early and late: avoid the hottest hours, roughly 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Test the pavement: if you can't hold the back of your hand on it for 5 seconds, it's too hot for paws.
- Shade and water, always.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes with the windows cracked.
- Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, stumbling or a bright red tongue. Cool your dog and call a vet right away.
Take the breed quiz and choose "Not cold, but summers are hot."