When summer temperatures soar, not all furry friends can beat the heat with ease. Some dog breeds have physical characteristics like thick coats, short snouts, or heavy builds that make them especially vulnerable to heat-related health issues.
Understanding which breeds struggle in hot weather helps responsible pet owners make smart decisions about when to exercise their dogs and how to keep them comfortable during scorching days.
1. Siberian Husky
Born for snowy adventures, these blue-eyed beauties come equipped with a double coat that’s perfect for sub-zero temperatures but disastrous in the heat. Their thick fur acts like a permanent winter jacket they can’t take off.
Summer months can quickly become dangerous for huskies, requiring constant access to shade and water. Even brief exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Built like fuzzy tanks, these Arctic powerhouses have evolved for pulling sleds through blizzards, not lounging by swimming pools. Their dense undercoat and heavy outer fur create a thermal barrier that’s nearly impossible to cool down.
Without special precautions, malamutes can quickly overheat even during mild warm days. Their natural insulation works against them when temperatures climb above 70°F.
3. Bulldog
Short-nosed and barrel-chested, bulldogs face a double whammy in hot weather. Their squished faces make breathing difficult even in cool conditions, while their stocky bodies retain heat like little furnaces.
Air conditioning isn’t just a luxury for these pups—it’s practically a medical necessity during summer. Their breathing struggles intensify dramatically as temperatures rise, making heat stroke a serious risk.
4. Pug
Behind those adorable wrinkles lies a breathing system poorly equipped for warm weather challenges. Pugs belong to the brachycephalic family—dogs with shortened airways that struggle to cool themselves through panting.
Even moderate heat can quickly become dangerous as their tiny nostrils and narrow windpipes limit cooling efficiency. Morning walks and evening outings become essential scheduling adjustments for pug parents during summer.
5. Saint Bernard
Mountain rescue heroes with massive bodies and thick coats, Saint Bernards melt faster than ice cream cones in summer heat. These gentle giants were bred for Alpine snow rescues, not beach vacations.
Their enormous size means they generate tremendous body heat while having relatively less surface area to release it. Quick outdoor bathroom breaks followed by indoor cooling become the summer routine for these lovable behemoths.
6. Chow Chow
Famous for their lion-like manes and blue-black tongues, Chow Chows wear the equivalent of fur coats year-round. Their dense double coats trap heat mercilessly during warm weather, making temperature regulation nearly impossible.
Beyond their thick fur, Chows have relatively small noses for their size, further complicating their ability to cool down efficiently. Early morning walks become essential during summer months to avoid dangerous overheating.
7. Shih Tzu
Regal in appearance but vulnerable to heat, these little palace dogs combine two problematic features: long, luxurious coats and flat faces. Their shortened airways make efficient panting difficult when temperatures rise.
Summer haircuts become more than just a style choice—they’re a health necessity. Even with shorter fur, their smushed faces still make them susceptible to heat-related illness during warmer months.
8. Newfoundland
Water-loving giants with hearts as big as their bodies, Newfoundlands paradoxically struggle in hot climates despite their swimming prowess. Their massive size and incredibly thick, water-resistant coats make heat dissipation challenging.
Originally bred for cold-water rescues, these gentle giants quickly become uncomfortable when temperatures climb above 70°F. Access to cooling water becomes essential during summer months—kiddie pools become a Newfie necessity.
9. Pekingese
Ancient companions to Chinese royalty, these little lions weren’t designed for scorching palace gardens. Their flat faces create breathing challenges while their long, dense fur traps heat against their tiny bodies.
The combination of respiratory limitations and insulating coat makes hot weather particularly dangerous. Air-conditioned indoor environments become essential safe havens during summer months for these imperial companions.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Gorgeous tri-colored coats make these Swiss working dogs stunning but sweltering in summer months. Bred for cold Alpine conditions, their thick black fur absorbs heat rapidly while their dense undercoat prevents cooling.
Even mild warm days can quickly become uncomfortable for Berners. Their large size compounds the problem by generating significant body heat, making air conditioning and limited outdoor time summer necessities.
11. French Bulldog
Compact and charming, Frenchies face serious summer challenges due to their extremely flat faces and inability to cool efficiently. Their shortened airways make breathing labored even in ideal conditions, becoming dangerous during heat waves.
Unlike some breeds that can cool by panting effectively, French Bulldogs struggle with this basic cooling mechanism. Air conditioning isn’t optional for these popular companions—it’s a life-saving necessity during warm months.
12. Akita
Powerful and proud, these Japanese guardians carry a thick double coat designed for snowy mountain conditions. When summer arrives, their dense fur becomes a heat-trapping liability rather than an asset.
Beyond their insulating coat, Akitas tend to be stoic about discomfort, sometimes hiding signs of heat stress until it becomes serious. Vigilant owners must watch for subtle signs of overheating during warm weather outings.
13. Boxer
Energetic and athletic, boxers face heat challenges due to their shortened muzzles and boundless enthusiasm. Their brachycephalic features make efficient panting difficult, limiting their natural cooling abilities.
Unlike some heat-sensitive breeds, boxers rarely slow down voluntarily, often playing until they reach dangerous overheating. Owners must enforce rest periods and limit exercise during hot weather to protect these playful companions.
14. Neapolitan Mastiff
Massive wrinkled guardians with ancient Roman roots, these gentle giants struggle with heat regulation due to their sheer size and loose skin folds. Their enormous bodies generate tremendous internal heat that’s difficult to dissipate.
The characteristic wrinkles that define the breed can trap moisture and heat, creating uncomfortable skin conditions during warm weather. Early morning walks and cool tile floors become summer survival strategies for these imposing companions.
15. Boston Terrier
Dapper little gentlemen in tuxedo coats, Boston Terriers face summer challenges despite their short fur. Their compact, flat faces severely restrict airflow, making efficient cooling through panting nearly impossible in hot weather.
Though their short coats might suggest heat tolerance, their respiratory limitations override this advantage. Air conditioning becomes essential during summer months, with outdoor activities limited to cooler morning or evening hours.