Labrador retrievers: What you should know about the most popular breed
by Virginia Chavez-Nelson
Michele Borboa, MS is a freelance writer and editor specializing in health, fitness, food, lifestyle, and pets. Michele is a health and wellness expert, personal chef, cookbook author, and pet-lover based in Bozeman, Montana. She is also...
If you’re looking for a dog that enjoys hot weather, consider dogs that come from high-temp locales. Dr. Al Townshend, staff veterinarian for Wellness Natural Pet Food, says, "Dogs originating from warmer, drier climates, like the Basenji, are best suited for summer weather." This hard-working dog originated in central Africa and has hot-weather hunting in its blood, and even today it is used by Pygmy tribes to take down lions. As a bonus, the Basenji naturally does not bark and sheds little.
According to Kimberly Chambers, a pet blogger for VetDepot, smaller dogs can tolerate heat well. "If you’re into small dogs, Chihuahuas have a short coat and are typically pretty resilient," she says. Of note, small dogs with flat faces, such as Pugs or Bulldogs, do not do well in the heat.
Dr. Townshend concurs that small, short-haired dogs, such as the Mini Pin, can handle the heat better than their large, heavily furred counterparts. Miniature Pinschers have a short, smooth coat and no undercoat, which helps them dissipate heat.
Chambers says that the Pharaoh Hound happily soaks up the sun rays. This slender, athletic canine has a fuss-free short coat and loves to play outdoors. One of the oldest dog breeds, the Pharaoh Hound originated in Egypt but is now the national dog for Malta, bred for hunting rabbits.
Long, lean and known for speed, the Greyhound is another ancient breed with history in Egypt. The dog’s smooth, low-maintenance coat helps in keeping it from overheating. Chambers says, "Greyhounds are slim and capable of exercise when the weather is hot."
Both Dr. Townshend and Chambers agree that terriers can do well in the heat. The Cairn Terrier is a rugged pup with a weather-resistant coat that protects it in hot- and cold-weather conditions. This spunky canine lives for outdoor activity and craves physical and mental stimulation, particularly hunting-type games.
Though some dog breeds tolerate or even thrive in higher temperatures, Dr. Al Townshend stresses the importance of providing ample opportunity for your pawed pal to cool off. He says, "During hot summer months, dogs should have multiple clean-water sources and plenty of shade." This is particularly true if you have a pet that doesn’t do well in the heat, especially flat-nosed dog breeds, such as the Pug and Bulldog. These breeds can easily overheat due to their facial structure, which impedes efficient panting and cooling off. Chambers also warns that regardless of breed, keep a close eye out for signs of heat exhaustion.
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