The 10 dog breeds best suited to hot climates

This ranking uses the heat tolerance rating (from 1 to 5) given in our breed profiles. Breeds with the same rating are ordered by lower average weight, then alphabetically. Even heat-tolerant dogs need shade, fresh water and walks at cooler times of day.

No. 1 — BasenjiHeat tolerance: 5/5An African dog that hardly barks, the Basenji is elegant, cat-clean, curious and very independent.
No. 2 — Cirneco dell'EtnaHeat tolerance: 5/5An elegant, hardy little Sicilian hunter, the Cirneco dell'Etna is lively, affectionate and perfectly suited to hot climates.
No. 3 — AzawakhHeat tolerance: 5/5An extremely fine-boned sighthound from the Sahel, the Azawakh is a proud guard and hunting dog, devoted to its family and wary of strangers.
No. 4 — Canaan DogHeat tolerance: 5/5A primitive-type dog from the Near East, the Canaan Dog is alert, intelligent and remarkably well suited to hot, dry climates.
No. 5 — Ibizan HoundHeat tolerance: 5/5A slender hunter from the Balearic Islands with large upright ears, the Ibizan Hound is athletic, gentle and capable of spectacular jumps.
No. 6 — Pharaoh HoundHeat tolerance: 5/5Slender and fiery-red, the Pharaoh Hound from Malta is a fast, playful and affectionate hunter that 'blushes' when excited.
No. 7 — SalukiHeat tolerance: 5/5A Middle Eastern sighthound with a slender outline and feathered ears, the Saluki is enduring, graceful and reserved.
No. 8 — SloughiHeat tolerance: 5/5A smooth-coated sighthound from the Maghreb, the Sloughi is an elegant, fast hunter that is calm and reserved at home and deeply attached to its family.
No. 9 — Thai RidgebackHeat tolerance: 5/5An athletic Thai dog with a ridge of hair along its back, the Thai Ridgeback is independent, loyal and perfectly suited to heat.
No. 10 — Aidi (Atlas Mountain Dog)Heat tolerance: 5/5A guardian from Morocco's Atlas Mountains, the Aidi is a watchful, sturdy and tireless protector, perfectly suited to the country's varied climate.