5 dog breeds that actually enjoy summer

If you're looking for a sun puppy, then these breeds are great picks.
11th Annual Running Of The Chihuahuas
11th Annual Running Of The Chihuahuas / Shannon Finney/GettyImages
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Summer is almost here and a lot of us are looking to enjoy that time with our pets. However, you might be surprised to learn that not all dog breeds love summer.

Thankfully, we're just focusing on 5 dog breeds that do and in doing some research, a few of these surprised me. Similar to humans, a lot of dogs have a preference on which seasons they enjoy most and summer is one of those that can be hit-or-miss.

Whether you live somewhere that's warm year-round or have plans to take your pup with you on vacation, then you might want to keep these dog breeds in mind. That's not to say that other dog breeds don't enjoy summer, but these 5 tend to thrive in the summer heat and that's not an easy feat.

With that being said, let's get into the dog breeds as some of them might actually surprise you.

These dog breeds all love summer and the sun!

11th Annual Running Of The Chihuahuas
11th Annual Running Of The Chihuahuas / Shannon Finney/GettyImages

1. Chihuahua

Let's begin with the dog breed I was honestly not surprised by and that's the Chihuahua. If you've ever been a pet parent to one, this one won't shock you either. As someone whose childhood dog was a Chihuahua mix, and my parents adopted another after her passing, these dogs absolutely adore the sun.

Whether they're lying in the sun, have a nice patch of sun for sunbathing, or just want to be outside in the summer, Chihuahuas absolutely love being outside in the heat. No matter if you're having fun by the pool, gardening, or just need a companion while you're outside, Chihuahuas absolutely thrive in the summer.

Boyd Cordner
NSW Blues Media Opportunity / Mark Kolbe/GettyImages

2. Australian Cattle Dog

Switching gears, the next dog breed that thrives in the summer is the Australian Cattle Dog. Of course, Australia is known for being hot so this makes absolute sense. PureWow went into a lot of detail with this breed but one of the things I found most interesting is that they're closely related to the dingo. For those who don't know, dingos are Australia's wild dogs.

Given that everyone's looking for an Australian dog like Bluey, it wouldn't surprise me if we see an uptick in people adopting Australian Cattle Dogs. Whether you're a Bluey fan or not, these pups are excellent companions for the hotter months.

The Family Pet Show 2019
The Family Pet Show 2019 / Shirlaine Forrest/GettyImages

3. Border Collie

Next up is another dog breed that has a certain reputation and that's the Border Collie. When most people think of Border Collies, they think of Lassie and rightfully so. She was and still is a huge part of the doggie cultural landscape. However, she's actually a Rough Collie but is still in the same family so I wanted to clear that up.

However, Border Collies are known for being energetic work dogs and if you're looking for a companion for the summer months, Border Collies fit the bill. Plus they can keep up with you or even motivate you if the summer heat is getting the best of you. Ultimately, there's something special about having a pup who can make sure you're sticking to your goals.

A Basenji dog seen during the Thailand International Dog...
A Basenji dog seen during the Thailand International Dog... / SOPA Images/GettyImages

4. Basenji

If you're sensing a theme with these last few pups, the trend continues as the Basenji is known for being a hunting dog. Of course, that could also be in large part because this dog breed originated in Central Africa which is known for its warmer climates. In addition, Basenji are known for being incredibly high-energy so once again, they're a great companion for those who live an active lifestyle.

While they're great in warmer weather, Basenji can be tough to train so it's best that you begin training or working with them as soon as you adopt them. The only thing that is worth noting is that Basenji are known as "barkless" dogs as they make a sound of their very own.

Crufts 2023 - Day Two
Crufts 2023 - Day Two / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages

5. Great Dane

Last but not least, the final dog breed making our list is the Great Dane. This is another popular dog due to Scooby-Doo, so I can see why some would want to adopt one. These large pups might get a big rep but the American Kennel Club described them as gentle giants. However, this breed is a commitment so don't just pick them if you're looking for a pup to just enjoy your summertime with.

However, the thing that I found most interesting is that Great Danes do enjoy the heat but don't really feel like overexerting themselves. They're more about lying in the sun and enjoying the clouds floating by. Talk about a great idea for a summer day. All in all, Great Danes are the ultimate cuddle buddy so if you're ready to snuggle up in the AC, they'll be on your lap in a second.

Did any of these dog breeds surprise you? How will you and your pup be enjoying the hot weather?

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