Dog breeds that handle hot weather well
Breeds adapted to hard summers.
Heatstroke kills dogs every summer, and some breeds start at a clear disadvantage: flat-faced breeds breathe less efficiently and double-coated breeds shed heat poorly. If you live somewhere that regularly passes 35°C, this is not a minor detail.
Even with a heat-tolerant breed the rules don't change: walk first and last thing, keep water available at all times, and never walk on asphalt at midday. Check the ground temperature with your hand before heading out.
Top 24 breeds
- 1. Catahoula Bulldog 90%
- 2. Australian Terrier 80%
- 3. Basenji 80%
- 4. Chiweenie 80%
- 5. Cockapoo 80%
- 6. Doberdor 80%
- 7. Dogo Argentino 80%
- 8. Glen of Imaal Terrier 80%
- 9. Irish Water Spaniel 80%
- 10. Norfolk Terrier 80%
- 11. Papipoo 80%
- 12. Pharaoh Hound 80%
- 13. Polish Lowland Sheepdog 80%
- 14. Poochon 80%
- 15. Poodle 80%
- 16. Springador 80%
- 17. Standard Schnauzer 80%
- 18. Terripoo 80%
- 19. Tibetan Terrier 80%
- 20. Affenpinscher 70%
- 21. American Leopard Hound 70%
- 22. Australian Kelpie 70%
- 23. Azawakh 70%
- 24. Barbet 70%
The percentage shows how well each breed matches the criteria of this guide, not how "good" the breed is.
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- Best dog breeds for apartment living Breeds that cope well with a flat: moderate size, moderate energy and little barking.
- Best dog breeds for families with children Breeds that are affectionate with the family, tolerant with children and sociable with other dogs.
- Best dog breeds for first-time owners Breeds suited to people who have never had a dog: easy to train and forgiving of mistakes.
- Dog breeds that shed very little Breeds with minimal shedding and little drooling, for people who don't want hair everywhere.
- Dog breeds that tolerate being left alone More independent breeds, for people who are out of the house during the day.
- Calm, quiet dog breeds Low-energy breeds that bark little, ideal where neighbours are close.
- Best dog breeds for older people Manageable size, low energy and a docile temperament for easy day-to-day living.
- Best dog breeds for runners and active people Breeds with the energy and stamina for running, hiking or dog sports.
- Easiest dog breeds to train Breeds that learn quickly and respond well to training.
- Best guard dog breeds Territorial, protective breeds suited to guarding with an experienced owner.
- Dog breeds that get on well with other dogs Sociable breeds, for homes that already have a dog or for regular dog-park visitors.