If you live in a warm climate or if you plan to move to a place where hot weather is the norm, you may want a furry companion to make your hot house a home. But it’s tough for most dogs to face warm weather with a fur coat. Luckily, there are a few dog breeds who are more well-adapted to the heat. So you can still have a four-legged friend, even if you like your weather sizzling hot. The dog breeds on this list are some of the best suited for handling warm weather.
1. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog has called the desert its home for thousands of years. They hail from Israel, and are believed to be the dogs that Hebrews used in biblical times to tend to their flocks. They have a double coat of fur that protects them from the elements, and the thickness of their undercoat will actually vary depending on what kind of climate they live in.
This breed is good with children and needs to be socialized with other dogs early in life. It is a rare breed, however, with only about 1,600 of them in the world. So you may need to look around for a long time before you can bring a Canaan Dog home.
2. Greyhound
Greyhounds probably originated in the Middle East, North Africa, and Egypt where even Cleopatra admired them. Though they are known for their speed, they spend a good portion of the day sleeping, which helps keep them from getting overheated in the sunshine. They also have very thin coats which means they get cold and shiver very easily, but it makes them perfect for warm weather.
This breed is excellent with people and makes for a great house dog, even in an apartment or small home. Greyhound rescue organizations are very common, as the dogs are often retired from racing and need good homes. You’d have no trouble finding a loving Greyhound to bring home.
3. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound hasn’t changed much since it first appeared around 5,000 years ago. It used to help the Pharaohs of Egypt hunt gazelle, so it is well-suited for activity in a hot, dry climate. In fact, they need daily exercise, so make sure you’re able to handle activity in the heat, as well. They have a short coat that, like the Greyhound, does little to protect them from the cold, but makes them at home in the desert.
One of the unique things about Pharaoh Hounds is that they have the ability to blush and smile. They get along very well with people, and there are several breed specific rescues that handle them. So if you’re interested, seek out a Pharaoh Hound rescue group in your area.
4. Basenji
The Basenji originated in the Congo where they would help African tribal people hunt by chasing game into nets. They have short, fine fur that keeps them cool, and they actually tend to keep themselves clean like cats. The Basenji is very active and needs a lot of exercise, even if the weather is hot, so make sure you can keep up with them.
This breed is most suited for experienced dog owners. They can be a handful and very stubborn, and they’re also escape artists. But they absolutely love to play, so if you want to be active and you like a challenge, this is a dog worth considering.
5. Azawakh
The Azawakh comes from the Sahara Desert and is named for the Azawakh Valley in that region. It helped tribes hunt and acted as a companion. They are lean and muscular and happy to do physical activities, but they’re also happy to snooze like a Greyhound. Their low body fat and short hair makes them poorly suited to the cold, but they’re right at home in hot, dry weather.
This breed is loving and loyal, but very protective of its family and territory. The Azawakh is a sighthound, which means any kind of motion will attract it, and it may bolt if it sees a squirrel or bird. They need to be able to run to burn off some energy, so they’ll be suited for a home with lots of open outdoor space.
What other dogs do you find to be well-suited for a warm climate? Which breeds should be added to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
