Updated date:

Sep 28, 2019

Dog Breeds for Tropical Climate

Author:: Srikanth R

Srikanth has been an online writer for over seven years. His articles focus on everything from medicine to DIY home projects.

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.

— Henry Wheeler Shaw, American humor writer and lecturer

Famous American humorist Henry Wheeler Shaw once said, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” Many dog owners worldwide will vouch for the truth of this statement.

Dogs have lived with human beings for centuries. They are amazing and adorable pets that are well-known for their loyalty. Dogs are life, so it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure their good health, happiness and well-being.

If you are located in the tropical regions, and intend to own a dog, it is advisable to go for those breeds that can survive hot climate. Even though any breed can exist in hot climates with proper care, some breeds fare better than others.

You need to consider the size of the dog, its hair coat and structure of the face. It is advisable to avoid going for huge breeds like St. Bernard and Newfoundland. They cannot handle excessive heat. They usually become sluggish, obese and unhealthy.

Dogs resort to panting to remove excessive heat from the body. Dog breeds with short nose and pushed-in face, like pugs and boxers, feel very uncomfortable in hot weather. Avoid breeds like Alaskan malamutes that have heavy, double, thick hair coats.

Here are some breeds that are known to do well in hot climates.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians are a short coated breed. They are active and are well-known for their stamina. Dalmatians need plenty of exercise, but should not be left out in extreme hot weather for long durations.

dog-breeds-for-tropical-climate — Author: Patisa

German Pinscher

German Pinschers are an elegant and muscularly built breed. They have the energy and drive of all working breeds. These dogs make amazing companions and are well-known for their love and devotion. They have a short coat and are known to tolerate hot climate.

Beagle

This small to medium-sized breed (around 10 kg) is a member of the hound group. These dogs are determined, gentle, even tempered, amiable, excitable and intelligent. A typical beagle looks like a miniature fox hound.

Rhodesian ridgeback

One unique feature of this breed is its ability to withstand hot weather. Rhodesian ridgebacks have short glossy coat. They are known to withstand rough terrain. These dogs are well-known for their bravery and are devoted to their human companion. They originated in Southern Africa and are particularly hardy. They can handle your sunny backyard very well. These dogs thrive on activity. They need regular exercise.

Schnauzer

Schnauzers are able to tolerate hot temperatures as long as they are acclimatized to those conditions. It is important to ensure that they have plenty of water during hot days. They also need access to shade.

Terriers

Terriers come in different sizes. They are a tenacious and spirited breed. They are a rugged breed not prone to many out-of-the-ordinary medical conditions. They have a wiry undercoat. They can survive extremely hot temperatures.

Border collie

Border collies are an intelligent and energetic breed. They enjoy long periods of exercise and play. They need to drink plenty of water after exercising, especially when the temperature is hot.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a small, lively, fun, devoted, courageous and quick breed. Originating in Mexico, these alert house dogs come in many colors, head shapes, coat lengths and sizes. The breed is named of the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. These dogs are bundles of energy. They are known to tolerate tropical climate.

Australian cattle dog

Australian cattle dogs are an energetic, protective, cautious, obedient, loyal and brave breed. These short-coated dogs are of medium size. They respond very well to structured training.

Pointers

Pointers are an amiable, even tempered, loyal, kind, and affectionate breed. They are primarily hunting dogs. These active dogs usually live for around 12 years. Since pointers are a galloping breed, they need exercise daily. They are known to tolerate tropical climate.

Vizsla

Vizslas are a lively, gentle-mannered, sensitive, affectionate and fearless breed. These medium sized dogs have a short coat. It is very easy to train them. Originating in Hungary, they belong to the pointer group. They are well-known for their loyalty.

Greyhound

Greyhounds are an athletic, even tempered, quiet, affectionate and intelligent breed. Originating in England, these gentle dogs are associated with speed, grace and agility. They make great family pets. They have short coats and tend to be couch potatoes while they are indoors. In fact this helps them to conserve energy. These sleep dogs will get attention wherever you go. They need regular exercise. They handle exercise in hot weather very well.

Doberman Pincher

Doberman Pinchers are an alert, obedient, loyal, energetic, fearless and intelligent breed. These domestic dogs are of medium to large size. They have a square build and a short coat. They tolerate hot climate; however, it is not advisable to leave them outside in hot weather for a long time. Doberman Pincher is an excellent guard dog. It is a natural protector.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Welsh corgi

Welsh corgis are herding dogs that are relative small. There are two breeds of Welsh corgi: Pembroke Welsh corgi and Cardigan Welsh corgi. Corgis are active and energetic. They need regular exercise. They have a strong desire to please their owner. They usually stay in their owner’s lap, thereby conserving energy. They are known to tolerate tropical climate.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Weimaraner

Weimaraners are a steady, fast, aloof, stubborn and intelligent breed. These alert dogs have short and sleek coat. These energetic dogs are graceful and are adorned with aristocratic features. They are powerful and have a life span of around 11 years.

Whippet

Whippets are a gentle, lively, quiet, intelligent and affectionate breed. These friendly dogs have a life span of around 15 years. Also known as English whippet or snap dog, a normal whippet is of medium size.

Retrievers

Retrievers are tough dogs and are known to tolerate extreme heat. In fact they were trained to be hunting dogs. It is a good idea to give your retriever access to your pool or bathtub. They love playing in water, especially during summer months.

Miniature pincher

Miniature pinchers are an outgoing, independent, active and assertive breed. They are small in size and have a short and smooth coat. They are also called zwergpincher, Min Pin and King of the Toys.

If you live in a place with tropical climatic conditions, and intend to own a dog, it is definitely advisable to go for any one of the above-mentioned breeds. Before getting a dog it is very important to remember that it is not a toy. It is life. You need to take care of it with love. You need to be able to spend time with it. If you have love in your heart for your pet and are willing to spend time with it daily, go ahead and get one. You will definitely have a loyal and loving companion.

Dog breeds for different climatic conditions


Dog breed	Climate
Siberian huskies, retrievers, Alaskan malamutes, Norwegian elk hounds, Anatolian shepherds, kuvasz and Saint Bernard	Cold
Breeds mentioned in this article	Tropical
Australian cattle dog, Beagle, Border collie, Carin terrier, Chihuahua, Dalmatian, Doberman pinscher, Italian greyhound, Parson Russel Terrier, Miniature pinscher, vizsla, weimaraner.	Desert

Dog breeds for tropical climate: Life span and main health risks


Breed	Life span	Health risk
Dalmatian	10 - 13 years	Deafness, formation of bladder stones and skin problems
German Pinscher	12 - 14 years	Cataract, heart disease and skin problems
Beagle	12 - 15 years	Epilepsy, cherry eye and hypothyroidism
Rhodesian Ridgeback	10 - 12 years	Hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia and CHD
Schnauzer	Standard Schnauzer: 13 - 16 years	CDH and follicular dermatitis
Border Collie	13 - 16 years	Seizures, PDA and CEA
Chihuahua	10 -18 years	Tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia and liver shunt
Australian Cattle Dog	13 - 15 years	PRA, CHD and OCD
Pointers	12 - 14 years	Hip dysplasia and gastric torsion
Vizsla	12 - 15 years	Epilepsy and cancer
Greyhound	10 -12 years	SLO and lung cancer
Doberman Pincher	10 - 13 years	Cardiomyopathy and chronic inflammatory hepatic disease
Welsh Corgi	12 -14 years	CHD and intervertebral disc disease
Weimaraner	10 - 12 years	Entropion, hypertophic osteodystrophy and spinal disraphism
Whippet	12 – 15 years	Heart disease, Cushings disease and auto-immune disease
Retrievers	8 - 12 years	Hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma and mastocytoma
Miniature pincher	13 years	Epilepsy, heart disease and eye disease
Terriers	11 - 15 years	Eye disease and heart disease

Quiz

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

St. Bernard dogs will be very comfortable in hot climate.
- True
- False
Beagle is a member of the hound group.
- True
- False
Dogs remove excessive heat from their body by panting.
- True
- False
Dog breeds with short nose and pushed-in face feel comfortable in hot weather.
- True
- False
Retrievers are known to tolerate hot weather.
- True
- False

Answer Key

False
True
True
False
True

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.