15 Dog Breeds That Can’t Handle the Summer Heat

• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Inquisitive, loyal, spunky

The Affenpinscher is ready to be your sidekick in any adventure—but in summer, keep your outings to the cooler times of day. Like other brachycephalic breeds, the short, square muzzle of the Affenpinscher means that this pup has a harder time regulating his body temperature in sweltering heat.

The good news is that this small dog loves to work his brain as much as his tiny legs. Affenpinschers love solving puzzles or playing an indoor game like hide-and-seek.

• Size: Extra-large
• Life Expectancy: 10–14 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, introverted, loyal

Big and brawny Akitas have a long heritage as Japanese hunting dogs and guardians.

This breed has a thick double coat that protects against cold winter weather, including in their native homeland in northern Japan. When summer rolls around, that plush coat can be a little too warm (but brushing your dog regularly can help keep them cool!).

• Size: Large
• Life Expectancy: 10–14 years
• Temperament: Friendly, playful, independent

The Alaskan Malamute feels right at home in big snowdrifts; they were originally bred to pull heavy loads in Alaska. But a summer heat wave is less tolerable for this double-coated working dog.

The breed’s dense coat is like a well-insulated parka that traps heat and locks out moisture, but it’s not the best in sweltering summer temperatures. Malamutes love to work and be outside, so this dog breed is best for homes in colder or moderate climates.

During the warmer months, it’s essential to plan outdoor exercise when the temperature is at its lowest.

• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Bubbly, happy-go-lucky, outgoing

Boston Terriers are adaptable dogs, making them a perfect fit for just about any living situation—as long as you keep in mind that they don’t do well in summer heat.

Although Bostons have a short, smooth coat, the breed’s short muzzle means that intense exercise during periods of high heat and humidity is a no-go. The good news is that there are plenty of indoor activities a Boston Terrier will be happy to take part in, like fetch in the living room, puzzle games, or a tussle with a favorite toy.

• Size: Large
• Life Expectancy: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Loyal, life of the party, fearless

Boxers are athletic, affectionate, and intelligent—a superstar family dog. These dogs make great jogging partners, and they excel in canine sports like agility and tracking.

But the breed’s characteristically flat face means they can’t tolerate long workouts when it’s hot out, so plan your outdoor activities accordingly and make sure you have cold water and AC available.

• Size: Large
• Life Expectancy: 8–12 years
• Temperament: Bright, loyal, stoic

One glance at the Chow Chow’s thick, fluffy double coat and you’ll know that this dog breed doesn’t do well in the peak of summer.

The good news is that these large dogs are surprisingly chill and don’t have a lot of energy to burn. A Chow Chow will be happy with just a few short walks each day, so aim for an early morning and an evening stroll when the sun isn’t high in the sky.

• Size: Medium
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years
• Temperament: Charming, cuddly, silly

The English Bulldog prefers to live life in the slow lane—especially when temperatures start rising—because this brachycephalic breed has a short muzzle that raises the risk of overheating.

It’ll likely be easy to keep this laid-back dog inside all day, but you do need to encourage exercise during cooler weather—or even inside—so your Bulldog doesn’t gain too much weight.

• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Quirky, bubbly, BFF

The French Bulldog is the most popular dog breed in the U.S., and you can find them thriving in bustling urban areas and quiet suburban neighborhoods. But when summer heat arrives, make sure your flat-faced pup has a cool spot to lay his head between early morning and evening walkies.

• Size: Extra large
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Confident, serene, smart

Take one look at the thick, white coat of the Great Pyrenees and you’ll see that these dogs are well-equipped for winter weather … but a bit overdressed for the heat.

These polar bear-like dogs love to spend time outdoors, so a cool or moderate climate is a better fit for this breed. When warm weather arrives, keep your fluffy pal inside to avoid heat stress. 

• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Strong-willed, bright, amusing

As a flat-faced pooch, the Japanese Chin is not a fan of summer heat and humidity. These regal little lap dogs much prefer to lounge in a cool, air-conditioned space.

This small dog breed is perfect for apartments or condos, since they don’t need much room to roam. A few short walks plus indoor play sessions will keep them healthy and happy.

• Size: Extra-large
• Life Expectancy: 9–10 years
• Temperament: Charming, friendly, patient

Newfoundland dogs were born to swim—not sunbathe. Newfies have a thick, water-repellent double coat that allows them to take a dip in brisk waters, like you’ll find in the breed’s Canadian homeland.

In hot climates, keep a close eye on your gentle giant to make sure he doesn’t overheat. If you have a pool or lake nearby, these water-loving pooches will gladly splash around for a little outdoor exercise. Doggy pools will help them stay cool, too.

• Size: Medium
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Loyal, versatile, intelligent

Because dogs don’t sweat like humans, a breed with a thick and plush coat like the Norwegian Elkhound won’t fare so well in the summer heat.

Squeezing in enough exercise to keep these active dogs happy can be a challenge if you live somewhere with super-warm summers. But a bored Norwegian Elkhound will find his own ways to burn off excess energy (like digging up your garden or shredding your pillows), so it’s important to make sure you let these pups stretch their legs during cooler times of the day.

• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Strong-willed, attention-seeker, people-oriented

The most recognizable attributes of the Pekingese are the breed’s round, flat face and long, dense coat. But those features also mean that these pint-sized pups can’t handle hot weather.

When the temperatures climb, keep your outings brief and instead use indoor activities to give these dogs the mental and physical exercise they need.

• Size: Small
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: BFF, friendly, optimistic

A Pug’s wrinkly, smooshed face is adorable, but don’t expect these brachycephalic dogs to keep up with you when the weather turns warm.

Pugs can’t easily cool themselves by panting, so when the weather turns hot and humid, keep your pup inside. On the plus side, these pups are known to be couch potatoes, so a short evening walk or a burst of indoor play is enough to fill this breed’s exercise agenda. 

• Size: Extra-large
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years
• Temperament: Laid-back, social teddy bear, attentive friend

The Saint Bernard has an easygoing demeanor that makes him a friend to people and pets alike. But don’t expect them to be the star of your next summer barbecue. With a thick, dense coat covering the breed’s extra-large frame, a Saint Bernard prefers to chill inside next to the AC.