20 Worst Dog Breeds for Hot Weather

Do you live in an area where it's often hot, especially in the summer months? These are the worst dog breeds for hot weather you should know about!

Some dogs overheat easily than others, and they are characterized by their unique features: having a flat face and/or a double coat.

Brachycephalic dogs, or flat-faced pups, have difficulty panting effectively, while dogs with double coats have thicker fur because of their undercoat and topcoat.

And remember: most dogs don't cool off like humans do; they can only regulate their body heat through panting or sweating through their tiny paws.

What's worse, as global temperatures rise, heat intolerance in certain dog breeds becomes a growing concern for pet owners.

Learning about a breed’s suitability for such hot living conditions is important before adopting, as it helps you manage their care more effectively.

RELATED: 9 Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather

20 Dog Breeds Bad With Hot Weather

1. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is bred specifically to pull sleds in the Arctic, so hot weather is not an ideal environment for this breed.

They have thick, double coats, plus their heavy build inhibits cooling.

It's essential to keep them well-groomed to reduce the risk of overheating.

Brush them regularly, limit their outdoor time in heat, use cooling mats and indoor shade, and hydrate often.

RELATED: Alaskan Malamute Price: How Much Does The Breed Cost?

2. English Bulldog

Brachycephalic dogs are particularly prone to heat stroke due to their narrow airways and nostrils. One of those dogs is the English Bulldog.

They often experience difficulties in hot weather because they can’t breathe properly due to their short muzzles, narrow airways, and poor panting efficiency.

A cooling vest or harness might help, but don’t walk your dog when it’s too hot, anyway.

They should stay indoors with air conditioning (or a cooling fan), avoid overexertion, especially during peak heat hours, and maintain a healthy weight.

3. French Bulldog

The French cousins of the English Bulldog share the same problems. They also overheat easily.

In addition to their breathing problems, French Bulldogs are also high-energy dogs, which can be a problem in hot weather because there is no way to expend that energy without overheating the dog.

It’s best to keep them active indoors if you have air conditioning and walk them in early in the morning or late in the evening.

Also, monitor them for any signs of respiratory distress and cool them down as quickly as possible.

4. Pomeranian

Pomeranians have a double problem: they have a short muzzle and a thick coat, which, as we know, is the recipe for overheating.

Their dense double coat traps heat despite their small size.

Shaving their coat won’t help, as it won’t reduce overheating, and may only damage their coat.

The best way to groom them this season is to trim where needed.

Ensure your dog is well-hydrated in hot weather and keep their undercoat brushed. Avoid the midday sun and offer them frozen dog treats instead.

RECIPE: Peanut Butter and Banana Frozen Dog Treats

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

There are many arguments about the coat type of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but the American Kennel Club (AKC) has clarified that they have silky and wavy hair, rather than a double coat.

Despite that, this breed remains heat-sensitive due to its flat-faced features. They are also prone to obesity, so maintaining their weight at a regular level is important to reduce their risk of overheating.

This breed is also prone to Mitral Valve Disease, which can be exacerbated by heat. 

Make sure to limit their exercise while the weather is hot, keep them indoors during peak heat, and always provide shade and water.

RELATED: 10 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mixes You'll Love

6. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is another breed with a very thick coat that requires regular brushing to allow cool air to reach the dog’s skin.

Don’t try to shave their coats in the summer, as this only damages the coat and allows the sun's rays to hit their skin directly.

Regular grooming, avoiding heat, and using cooling products like mats, beds, and bandanas, even when indoors, is important to keep them safe and cool in the summer.

7. Pug

Pugs are prone to various health issues stemming from their snub noses. Breathing troubles are especially common in pugs because of their extreme brachycephalic anatomy.

They are also prone to obesity, and that makes them extremely susceptible to heat stroke.

Limit your dog’s activities during the day in hot weather and try to keep him well-hydrated. Spend only minimal time outdoors in the heat (only for potty breaks) and monitor their breathing closely.

RELATED: Indoor Dog Toilet: A Necessity or a Waste of Money?

8. Boxer

Boxers are known for their high energy levels, and that might lead to overheating if they don’t stop running around to cool down and drink water.

They also have thick bodies and short muzzles, which can lead to breathing problems.

Make sure your Boxer takes regular breaks when outside in the heat. Walk early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the sun, and refrain from strenuous activity.

9. Akita Inu

Akita has a beautiful, fluffy, and soft double coat, which is also extremely thick; however, this is not ideal when the weather is hot.

This breed has a heavy physique and cold-weather origin, making them better suited to colder climates. Take extra precautions if you live in a warm environment.

Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and shade where they can shelter from the heat. Brush their coats frequently and limit sun exposure, especially during peak hours.

RELATED: Akita Breed Price: Everything You Need to Know

10. Boston Terrier

This is another breed with a brachycephalic muzzle that restricts airflow, limiting cooling. Additionally, most Boston Terriers are black or white, which can cause them to attract heat.

Keep an eye on your dog, and don’t let him get too active during the day to avoid overheating. However, they also tend to gain weight easily.

Caring for a brachycephalic dog requires constant dedication. They need cool environments, avoid long walks, hydrate frequently, and watch for signs of panting distress.

11. Pekingese

The Pekingese have a flat face and a very long, thick coat.

On the bright side, they don’t have a lot of energy, so you shouldn’t have a problem keeping them away from running in the sun.

However, ensure that they get enough exercise to prevent weight gain, as this breed is prone to becoming overweight. Clipping their hair (not shaving!) can also help them stay cool in hot weather.

It's also essential to schedule regular vet checks to maintain their health.

12. Shih Tzu

This breed is not suitable for hot weather because the Shih Tzu has both long hair and a short nose, making it prone to overheating and heatstroke.

They're prone to matting, so it's best always to brush them to keep their long locks healthy and tangle-free.

You can trim them and style them shorter to help them in hot weather, but don't shave their coats completely.

They should be allowed to lounge indoors in cool parts of the house, preferably with cooling mats and/or fans.

It's also best to avoid the midday sun, so outdoor potty breaks should be done early in the morning or late in the evening.

RELATED: Shih Tzu Price: How Much Does a Shih Tzu Cost in 2025?

13. Samoyed

Just like with the other long-haired breeds, the Samoyed’s dense, double coat keeps it insulated and provides protection from sunburn. It can also retain heat from the sun when not properly groomed.

However, this breed is not fit for hot weather; it is more suited for Arctic climates.

Keep your dog inside most of the time when it’s hot, and ensure that he drinks plenty of water.

Make sure to brush them often, offer cool mats or shades, and limit their activity from moderate to no exercise at all in peak heat.

14. Japanese Chin

This toy breed has profusely long hair, which has poor cooling ability and is not good for hot weather.

Add a short muzzle to this, and you have a dog that is better suited to be left inside on hot days.

You should also keep your Japanese Chin on a healthy diet and engage in minimal exercise indoors, as they tend to gain weight easily.

RELATED: Top 10 Japanese Dog Breeds Everyone Adores

15. Keeshond

The Keeshonds, like other Spitz breeds, are not suitable for hot climates due to their thick, plush double coats.

Keep their coat brushed and make sure to avoid taking them out during the hottest parts of the day.

Routine brushing, avoiding the heat, indoor cooling, and plenty of shade are essential for them to thrive, even on hot summer days.

16. Yakutian Laika

The origin of this breed is evident from its name.

Yakutia is part of Russian Siberia, which means that the Yakutian Laika dogs are accustomed to the harshest conditions known to humans.

However, that also means that they are not suitable companions in hot climates. Their Arctic-bred dual coat is cold-hardy only.

If you own this rare dog breed, they will need dedicated cool indoor zones, short early walks on hot days, ample water, and regular grooming.

17. Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers have a very rough coat and flat muzzle, so they tend to overheat easily if they spend too much time in hot weather.

Clipping their coat can help them cool down, but it is also important to keep them hydrated at all times and avoid activities in the sun whenever possible.

Also, ensure that they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can also add ice chips to their water to keep it cool, especially during the hottest times of the day.

18. American Eskimo Dog

Although the Eskimos are not directly associated with this breed, the American Eskimo Dog is still better suited for colder climates due to its thick, fluffy double coat.

However, it is possible to care for this dog even in a warm climate. Just keep him well-hydrated and monitor his activity in the sun. They also need regular de-shedding, indoor AC or fan, slow playtime, and plenty of shade.

RELATED: From Sea to Shining Fur: Meet America's 20 Most Iconic Dog Breeds

19. Chinese Imperial Dog

This is another toy breed characterized by a short muzzle and a thick coat.

The Chinese Imperial Dog's nearly exposed body fur is at risk of sunburn and heat stroke.

As you can see, they resemble and are closely related to the Shih Tzu, sharing similar issues with hot weather.

It is best to keep this dog inside during the day in hot climates.

20. Siberian Husky

This list will not be complete without the Siberian Husky. Huskies are very energetic dogs, which, combined with their long hair, can lead to overheating.

These dogs were bred as sled dogs, so a cold climate suits them better than a hot one.

However, if you provide sufficient shade and keep his coat well-groomed, a Siberian Husky can live comfortably in hot weather.

RELATED: Huskies in Summer: Can They Keep Up with the Heat?

FAQs

Which dogs are most susceptible to heatstroke?

Dogs most at risk for heatstroke include brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs), dogs with thick double coats (like Huskies and Chow Chows), seniors, puppies, and dogs with underlying health issues or obesity.

These dogs have reduced ability to regulate body temperature, especially during high heat or humidity.

Can flat-faced dogs handle warm climates?

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs struggle in warm climates due to their shortened nasal passages and compressed airways, which limit their ability to pant and cool down efficiently.

They require extra precautions, such as staying in air-conditioned environments, avoiding exercise during the day, and maintaining constant hydration.

How do I keep my dog safe in hot weather?

To protect your dog in hot weather:

• Provide access to shade and cool water at all times
• Walk your dog during early morning or late evening hours
• Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with windows open
• Use cooling mats, vests, or fans indoors
• Monitor for signs of heatstroke, like excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy

Always consult your vet if your dog shows any signs of heat stress.

Worst Dog Breeds for Hot Weather: Before You Go…

On top of all these extra measures to keep your dog comfortable in this hot weather, one more important thing to always remember is DO NOT LEAVE your dog in a hot, parked car.

Unfortunately, this often happens and does not end well for either the dog (mild heatstroke at best, death at worst) or the owner (jail time and/or a hefty fine!)

If you're going for a quick grocery run in this hot weather, it's better to leave your dog at home instead of letting them get cooked literally inside the car.

Check out more of our recommended articles about dog care in hot weather linked below!

Related Articles

• 10 Proven Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool in Summer
• How Hot Is Too Hot for A Dog?
• Leaving A Dog Inside A Hot Car? Don't Do It!

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