Dog Breeds for Tropical Climate
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.
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.
© 2014 Srikanth R
Comments
Srikanth R (author) on April 17, 2014:
Thanks for the suggestion!
Dr Mark from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on April 17, 2014:
Good list, but the Akita? What about replacing him with a tropical breed like the Brazilian Mastiff?
Interesting subject!