10 Dog Breeds That Love Warm Climates

If you are looking for a dog better suited for warm temperatures, check out my list.

Some dogs are better suited for cold weather. For a few examples of those dogs, see our list of 10 breeds that love the cold.

However, dog breeds with thinner or shorter coats are much better suited for warm climates. Here are 10 who are ideal for warmth.

Just a hound dog, hanging out in a warm meadow. By: 123rf
Just a hound dog, hanging out in a sunny meadow. By: 123rf

 1. American Foxhound

This rare breed, native to the United States, was created by crossing French and English hounds to make a faster hunting dog. They are independent thinkers who are known to bay and bark. Their strong hunting instincts usually prevent them from becoming friends with non-dogs. They are ideal for warm climates.

The Basenji is an active, bark-less dog that yodels. By: fugzu
The basenji is an active, quiet dog who yodels. By: fugzu

2. Basenji

One of the oldest dog breeds found in ancient Egypt and Africa, the basenji is often referred to as the barkless dog. It does indeed make noise, but usually in the form of a yodel or baying. These are intelligent dogs known for outsmarting people. Their short coat makes them ideal for warm weather.

By: Maëlick
Beagles are incredibly popular — and just plain lovable. By: Maëlick

3. Beagle

This breed comes in 2 sizes: 13 and 15 inches. Beagles are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are active hunting dogs who, like the American foxhound, may give chase.

The Chinese Crested is a rare breed. By: yolanda
The Chinese Crested is a rare breed. By: annrkiszt

4. Chinese Crested

Throughout history, the Chinese Crested has appeared in Africa, Central America, South America and Asia since the 1500s. These dogs hunted rats on ships and were companion pets. There are 2 versions: hairless and powderpuff. Both are ideal for warm weather climates, although the crested is sensitive to sunlight because of the exposed skin.

Dalmatians have very distinctive markings. By: tambako
Dalmatians have distinctive markings. By: tambako

5. Dalmatian

According to the American Kennel Club, the Dalmatian is the only spotted dog breed. The dog’s origin is traced to Dalmatia, Austria, although this is contested because of an earlier Italian painting from 1360 that depicted spotted dogs.

The breed is known as a jack of all trades because the dogs are versatile and can perform a variety of duties, including the iconic firehouse mascot role.

By: erincampbell
Like Marmaduke, except not a cartoon dog. By: erincampbell

 6. Great Dane

One of the world’s tallest dog breeds — a title currently held by Zeus, who beat out Giant George by 1 inch — the Great Dane has a questionable origin. One claim places their origin in Egypt in 3000 BC, and another mention was seen in Chinese writings in 1121 BC.

What is definitively known is that the dogs were used to get rid of boars in Germany. Great Danes were adapted in Europe and became the national breed of Germany in 1876.

By: madaise
I do OK in warm weather, but I do much better in a nice warm bed. By: madaise

7. Italian Greyhound

The Iggy, as it is affectionately called, looks like a small Greyhound and is the smallest of the sighthounds. These dogs appeared in tombs in Egypt dating back 6,000 years. The Italians loved the breed so much that the dogs became known as Italian Greyhounds in the 16th century.

The Italian Greyhound avoids cold and water and is sensitive to water temperature. As with the breed’s larger lookalikes, the short coats make them ideal for warm climates.

Pharaoh hound participates in conformation. By: Pets Adviser
Pharaoh hounds are not only beautiful, but also have great vision. By: Dave Baker/Petful

8. Pharaoh Hound

This sighthound originated in Egypt and is the national dog of Malta. The Pharaoh Hound Club of America dates the breed’s origin to 4400 BC. They were used to hunt rabbits because of their excellent vision, high prey drive and superior speed.

The whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound.
The whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound. By: eldriva

9. Whippet

Whippets are medium-sized sighthounds that are considered the fastest domestic animal based on weight. They can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.

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They were bred from Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds and were used in lure coursing and racing, usually using rabbits because of the sighthound’s high prey drive.

By: Kristine Lacoste/Pets Adviser
The Xoloiitzcuintli (just call it “Xolo” for short) is rare. By: Kristine Lacoste/Petful

10. Xoloitzcuintli

The Xolo is one of the oldest and rarest breeds, with an origin in Mexico during the Aztec empire. There are 3 sizes: toy, miniature and standard. Height variations allow for the dog to be as short as 9 inches and as tall as 30 inches.

They are hairless and are often referred to as Mexican hairless dogs, although some may have a short, flat coat. The thin or hairless coat typically requires sunscreen when outdoors to prevent the skin and ears from burning. This breed is No. 4 on our list of the top 10 funniest dog breeds.