We all want our dogs to be comfortable. This is particularly an issue for those of us who live in areas with extreme temperatures, either hot or cold.
Hot temperatures can be a big problem for dogs, as the only ways they have to keep themselves cool are through the pads of their feet, their noses, and by panting. So, if you live in a predominantly hot climate, it’s best to choose a breed that tolerates heat well.
Here are ten large breed dogs for you to consider.
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an amazing dog. It’s affectionate with family, great with other dogs, and good with young children.
Because of its fine coat, it does well in hot climates.
These dogs love to go hiking with you and they are bred to be hunting companions.
Pointers can have a wide variety of colors, but they all display the classic pointing behavior. Their head will go down with a hard gaze. Then they lift their paw and put their tail up.
Afghan Hound
This regal and sometimes aloof breed originated in the mountains of Afghanistan where temperature swings are common, so they tolerate heat well.
Their long, flowing coats need extensive regular maintenance and grooming. Expect to brush your Afghan Hound daily and wash them once a week.
Afghan Hounds can have unusual personalities and need to have the right fit with their owner. They aren’t typical family dogs and do best when bonded to a single individual.
These are high-energy dogs, so be prepared to take your companion on many walks and have your neighbors comment on your beautiful pet.
Airedale Terrier
Known as the king of terriers for their impressive size, Airedales do well in hot climates, especially if you strip their coat down during hotter weather.
These dogs don’t shed and do need to be professionally groomed every 3 months or so.
Airedales are wildly smart, and they get bored very easily. To keep your Airedale engaged, make sure that you supply them with toys and activities to do. They need a lot of exercise.
Airedales are noble-looking dogs, and they can have sometimes goofy personalities. If you are prepared to give an Airedale the attention it needs then it can make a wonderful hot climate pet.
Vizsla
The Vizsla originated in Hungary and was bred to withstand all types of outdoor temperatures and do well in the heat.
The Vizsla has a short coat that is easy to take care of and is a high-energy dog.
They have a well-deserved reputation for loving every person they meet, whether they are family or a stranger.
Vizslas need a full hour of exercise every single day. They love to run, walk and play games. Do not get a Vizsla if you don’t have enough room for them to run. They get depressed without enough activity.
Vizslas are fantastic family animals for families that have room for them and who are active enough to keep them busy.
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian has a short coat and tolerates hot weather very well.
But you need to know that Dalmatians are finicky dogs that can be high-strung. They need to be well-socialized and have plenty of stimulation. If that happens then they can become good family dogs.
Dalmatians do not get along well with other dogs and are usually at their best when they are the only dog in the household. They also don’t do well in dog parks or visiting other people’s houses.
They do tend to go deaf, with about 1 in 3 Dalmatians ending up deaf.
Great Dane
This magnificent dog is known as a gentle giant and often thinks it’s a lap dog. The Great Dane loves to hang out on your couch, bed, and even your lap. Because they can weigh up to 175 pounds, they take up a lot of space.
They love to be in the sun and love the heat so much that sometimes their owners must bring them inside to force them to cool down.
Great Danes make excellent family pets, but they do have very wet and slobbery mouths.
Great Danes also have short lifespans for a dog and only live about 7 to 10 years.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This breed doesn’t bat an eye at hot or cold weather, and they love the water.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are stubborn dogs and are very hard to train, so you must be willing to go over training lessons again and again.
This breed loves to play fetch and will retrieve objects from the water repeatedly.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need experienced dog owners and a place to run around that lets them burn off their very high energy levels. A walk around the block won’t be enough for this breed.
Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound loves the heat and is practically made to be a family dog with their agreeable nature. They are high-energy dogs and need lots of playtime.
Even though they have great personalities and get along well with human strangers, they look intimidating and will help to keep your household safe.
One thing to note is that you should not have a Pharoah Hound in the same household as a guinea pig, because Pharoah Hounds have a very strong prey instinct and will often try to eat small pets.
Italian Greyhound
These dogs are known for their sleek appearance and for competing on the track. They also happen to do very well in hot climates and make amazingly good family dogs.
The Italian Greyhound loves to laze around on the couch and hang out with its people.
These are easy-going dogs. They like the whole family and do well with other dogs.
Italian Greyhounds also like to fool around, and they are charmers who won’t let themselves be ignored.
While they thrive in hot climates you do need to take special care of them in cold weather because they have such low body fat.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are well known for their piercing blue-grey eyes and beautiful gray coats. Their fur is thin so they do well in hot climates.
This breed needs a ton of physical activity and likes to wear its owners out. They need a lot of space to run, and they need a lot of adventure.
Weimaraners are not sociable with strangers or other animals, and they can get territorial if they are not properly socialized at a young age.