What dogs are most sensitive to heat?
Abdiel Walsh
2025-07-08 03:00:51
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Dogs with thick fur coats, very old or young dogs, and dogs with heart or upper respiratory problems are at higher risk of heat stroke. Alaskan Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Pugs prefer parking beside the air conditioner. Dogs are most susceptible to heat stroke when they are left in hot cars, left outside in hot and humid weather without shade, or access to cool fresh water, or exercising in hot conditions. The best dogs in hot weather have short, single, or hairless coats. This no-frills fur allows air to circulate throughout the body and doesn’t retain heat. White, tan, or gray-colored coats reflect, rather than retain, heat, and erect ears keep dogs cooler than floppy ears that trap and restrict circulation. Certain breeds, like Dalmatians, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Basenjis, love basking in the sun.
Javonte Wisozk
2025-07-04 12:04:53
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Brachycephalic dogs, breeds with shortened snouts, are most at risk, being on average twice as likely to suffer heatstroke than dogs with an average muzzle. Flat-faced dogs like dogs are twice as likely to suffer with heatstroke than dogs with normal snouts. The French Bulldog is Britain's second favourite dog - and is six times more likely to develop heatstroke compared to the most popular - the Labrador Retriever. The Bulldog, also known as the English or British Bulldog, is the first of several flat-faced dogs on this list who find it hard to regulate their heat, they are 14 times more likely than the Labrador to suffer heatstroke. The Greyhound simply doesn't know when it's time to stop running and take a rest in the shade - making them four times more likely than the Lab to get heatstroke. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are three times more likely to get heatstroke compared to the Labrador. Dogs with thick coats are also more impacted by high temperatures.
Daphnee Reichel
2025-06-26 07:11:52
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Some dogs are more vulnerable to the heat than others, including those with thick fur coats, flat-faces, are obese or elderly. Brachycephalic or flat-faced dog breeds have more difficulty taking in enough air to cool themselves down by panting. Flat-faced dogs such as pugs, Boston terriers, French bulldogs, English bulldogs and shih tzus are more sensitive to heat because they suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). Dog breeds such as Labradors, huskies, shepherds and golden retrievers have a double coat, which makes it thicker than most. Additionally, the darker the dog’s fur, the more heat it will absorb, and dogs with black fur are at a higher risk of overheating. Overweight or obese dogs are more likely to develop heat-related illnesses because of the increased insulation the fat cells provide and the increased heat they generate from mild exercise. Senior dogs are more sensitive to temperature and may have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung diseases, which makes them more likely to develop heatstroke. Puppies are not able to regulate their own body temperature as well as adult dogs and are high-energy.
Deonte Bosco
2025-06-17 16:40:51
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Here are some dog breeds that are particularly susceptible to hot weather.
Akita’s thick double coat provides insulation, but in hot weather, this coat may cause them to overheat.
This, coupled with their heavy build, means Akitas have a low tolerance for heat.
The Alaskan Malamute was bred to pull heavy loads in freezing Alaskan temperatures, making them one of the best dog breeds for cold weather, but one of the worst for hot climates.
Boston Terriers don’t have a thick fur coat, but they are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short muzzle that makes it difficult for these dogs to cool themselves off by panting.
Because Boxers are brachycephalic and have high energy levels, they tend to overheat easily.
Chow Chows are not well suited for hot weather due to their thick double coat and heavy build, and when not properly cared for, they can easily overheat.
The flat face of an English Bulldog makes this breed prone to overheating.
Another short-muzzled breed, French Bulldogs cannot effectively cool down through panting, and because dogs don’t sweat like humans do, this can be dangerous.
Pekingese can’t tolerate hot weather because they have a long, thick coat and because they’re brachycephalic.
Despite the Pug’s short fur and compact size, they don’t do well in hot weather because of their flat face.
Originally from the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards were bred for cold-weather rescue work, thanks to the thick coat that protects them in the mountain snow, Saint Bernards can struggle in hot and humid climates.
Jeramie Wolff
2025-06-11 11:23:25
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Brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs, such as Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus, suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome. Small nasal openings and long soft palates in their mouths limit airflow, making it difficult for these dogs to get enough air and cool themselves down. Dogs with thick fur coats, like Labradors, huskies, shepherds, and golden retrievers, have double coats, and if their double coat were shaved, it can result in a patchy look, follicle damage, and a loss of protection from the weather. Overweight or obese dogs are more likely to develop heat-related illnesses due to the increased insulation they receive from fat cells. Senior dogs are much more sensitive to temperature and sometimes can have underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung diseases. Puppies are unable to regulate their own body temperature as well as adult dogs. They’re also high energy and can overexert themselves on hot days.
Chelsea Hansen
2025-05-31 05:30:01
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We found that nine breeds, in particular, had a significantly higher risk of heatstroke compared to labrador retrievers: chow chow (17 times more likely to suffer from heatstroke) bulldog (14 times more likely) French bulldog (six times) French mastiff (five times) greyhound (four times) cavalier King Charles spaniel (three times) pug (three times) English springer spaniel (three times) golden retriever (three times). Most of the breeds at higher risk of heatstroke are brachycephalic (flat-faced). Brachycephalic dogs are more likely to overheat because they often already struggle to breathe, even at rest. The chow chows and golden retrievers also had increased risk of heatstroke because of their thick “double coats”. Heavy dogs also showed an increased risk of heatstroke. Large dogs, in general, were more likely to develop heatstroke than dogs under 10kg, with giant breed dogs (weighing over 50kg) three times more likely to develop heatstroke.
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