There’s nothing quite like a dog in the summertime! Whether they’re stretched out on the porch, nosing around the backyard, turning a stock tank into a personal swimming pool, or claiming the coolest patch of shade in the yard, they have a way of making the whole season feel a little happier. Ree Drummond’s dogs know that routine well, especially on a ranch where there’s always sunshine, dirt, and something interesting to sniff. But as much as dogs love being part of the action, not every breed is built for long, hot days outside.
Hot weather can be hard on dogs in general, regardless of the breed. That’s why the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends taking walks during the cooler parts of the day, avoiding hot asphalt, giving pets plenty of fresh water, and making sure they have shade when they’re outside. For some breeds, that extra care is especially important. Short snouts can make it harder for dogs to cool down, while thick coats and larger bodies can add their own summer challenges. But that doesn’t mean these pups can’t enjoy the season! It just means their people need to be more thoughtful about when they go outside and how quickly they cool off afterward.
Of course, every dog is different, and plenty of these breeds can still thrive in warm climates with the right care. But if you already have one of these pups at home, or you’re looking into the healthiest dog breeds or the kinds of pooches that make wonderful family pets, it’s worth knowing which ones need extra help in hot weather. Read on to learn about the dog breeds that tend to have a harder time in the summer heat, plus easy ways to help them stay safe when temperatures rise.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are beloved for their sturdy build, easygoing personalities and very recognizable wrinkled faces. But that short snout is exactly why they can struggle in warm weather. Bulldogs are brachycephalic, which means their shortened airway can make it harder for them to cool themselves by panting. Keep summer outings short and low-key, with plenty of shade and cool water close by.
French Bulldog
Frenchies are small and affectionate dogs that often do well in apartments and family homes, but they aren’t built for blazing afternoons. Their compact bodies and flat faces can make heat sneak up on them fast, especially when they’re excited or moving around a lot. A Frenchie will usually do better with short walks in the morning or evening instead of a long sunny stroll. When the day gets hot, indoor play is the safer choice.
Chow Chow
Chow chows have thick double coats that helped them handle colder weather, but summer can be a lot for all that fur. The key is regular brushing to remove loose undercoat, not shaving them down to the skin. Their coat helps protect them from the sun and insulates their body, so good grooming is usually the better bet. On hot days, keep exercise gentle and give them plenty of time indoors.
Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are lively companion dogs known for their compact size and tuxedo-like markings. They’re also flat-faced enough to be more heat-sensitive than you might expect from such a small, short-coated pup. Because they can be active, owners may need to be the ones who slow things down on hot days. Watch out for hot pavement and save longer walks for cooler hours.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are large working dogs with roots in cold mountain conditions. Their size and heavy coat mean a hot sidewalk or a long summer walk can become too much faster than you might think. Because big dogs can heat up quickly during exercise, a Saint Bernard may need shorter walks and longer rest breaks when the temperature rises. Give them cool water, shade, and a place to stretch out indoors.
Pug
Pugs are sweet, social dogs that tend to want to be wherever their people are. But they’re another flat-faced breed that needs careful watching in the heat. Their breathing can become strained when it’s hot or humid, so summer walks are best saved for early morning or evening. A cooling mat or a shady resting spot can also help them recover after being outside.
Siberian Husky
Huskies were bred for cold-weather work and their dense double coat is a big clue about the kind of climate they handle best. They can live in warmer places with the right care, but they need exercise during the coolest parts of the day and should never be pushed in high heat. Because many huskies are eager runners, they may not slow themselves down soon enough.
Alaskan Malamute
Much like the Siberian husky, the Alaskan malamute was built for cold conditions—not sticky summer afternoons. Malamutes are also larger and heavier, which can make overheating an even bigger concern when they’re active in the heat. Skip the long afternoon hike and save bigger adventures for cooler weather. A shaded yard helps, but air conditioning is much better when temperatures climb.
Boxer
Boxers don’t have the same tiny build as a pug or Frenchie, but their shorter muzzle can still make hot weather harder on them. They’re playful and energetic dogs that often need a good amount of daily activity, which is where summer can get tricky. They need shade breaks before they seem tired, not after. Bring water, keep play sessions brief, and call it quits before they get too worked up.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands have a lot in common with Saint Bernards when it comes to summer: they’re large, heavy-coated dogs that can hold onto heat. Their long history around water may make swimming a good way to cool down, as long as the water is safe and they’re supervised. But a dip in the pool doesn’t cancel out the risks of a hot day! Afterward, make sure that heavy coat dries well so it doesn’t trap moisture against the skin.
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