Best Dogs for Hot Weather
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for hot weather in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for hot weather evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Dachshund
The Dachshund earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Germany, this small-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 16–32 lbs and lives 12–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Mexico, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 3–6 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $500–$1500
Vizsla
The Vizsla earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Hungary, this medium-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 44–60 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Afghanistan, this large-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 50–60 lbs and lives 12–18 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–18 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1500–$2500
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Japan, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 17–23 lbs and lives 13–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 13–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1500–$3000
Basenji
The Basenji earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Congo, this small-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 22–24 lbs and lives 13–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 13–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Italy, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 14–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from France, this small-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 25–40 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from France, this medium-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 40–45 lbs and lives 13–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 13–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1500–$2500
Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from United States, this medium-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 50–70 lbs and lives 12–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 12–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $600–$1200