If you live in a warm area and are thinking of adopting a dog, you might want to start by researching the best dog breeds for hot weather. You know just how hot and uncomfortable and overwhelming the warm weather can be, and you want your dog to be safe, healthy and happy.

Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to staying cool, though. If you want a happy companion on your next summer adventure, consider these ten breeds that perform well in hot weather, especially if they can hop in a nearby river.

Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is a famous spotted breed that first originated in the region of Dalmatia in Croatia. The earliest known depictions of similar dogs from this region date to the early 17th century. These dogs even became a status symbol during the Regency period of Great Britain – the primary importers and eventual adopters of this breed. Dalmatians do pretty well in warm weather. This is due to their short, fine coat. It is important to note that some Dalmatians end up with a long coat due to a recessive gene and may not do as well in the heat. Either way, this breed makes a great family dog and will always be loyal and loving.

German Shorthaired Pointer

This is a dog that can do anything—track, hunt, point, pull sleds, detect bombs, and of course, join you on a hike or a run on a warm summer’s day. Pointers vary greatly in color, but are easily recognizable in their instinctual pointing stance with a hard gaze, head down, a lifted paw, and tail up. They were bred for water retrieving and have a short, flat water-resistant coat that helps them regulate their temperature and also repels dirt. These pointers are great athletes (they love to jump) and have heavy, durable nails to keep trucking through dirt and rocks. Hyper and energetic, these pups need space to play and roam, but live a long life—often up to the to mid-teens.

Border Collie

Collies are probably one of the best working dogs in the world now, with enormous amounts of energy and their ability to learn fast. They are athletic dogs, medium-sized, with a muscular physique and exceptional intelligence. Border Collies can have two types of coats, the rough or the smooth coat, but both of them are double, weather-resistant coats. With the addition of very long snouts and high stamina, this breed is perfect for hot weather, or any other type of harsh weather conditions. The history of Border Collies is related to herding and even today this breed is considered to be one of the best herding dogs in the world. Their ability to withstand any type of weather is one of the reasons why they are among the top of all working dogs.

Basenji

These dogs are smart, confident and, most of all, extremely athletic. They are known as “barkless dogs” because they don’t really bark but rather make a very strange sound, similar to chortling or yodeling. If you are thinking of getting a Basenji, don’t be surprised by their vocal abilities. This breed has all the necessary features to be one of the best dog breeds for hot weather. They are small but muscular, they have a shiny short coat, long and round snout and big ears. In addition to all of this, they originated in one of the hottest forests in equatorial Africa where they were used as hunting dogs. Basenjis are one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet, which means that they are able to adapt to almost any conditions. With their love for the outdoors and high energy levels, they will gladly accompany you on summer hikes or to the beach.

VIZSLA

Another big-eared breed with a short coat, the Vizsla is pretty well-suited for warm climates. Oddly, these dogs don’t hail from the Middle East or some other low-latitude location – they’re from Hungary, which experiences a fairly temperate climate. Nevertheless, they’re usually quite comfortable in warm temperatures. One of the friendliest, most affectionate breeds in the world, the Vizsla will greet most people – including strangers and life-long friends – with a wagging tail and smiling expression.  Vizslas do require copious amounts of exercise, so be sure you are willing to go on a decent run with Fido and play around in the backyard with your pooch every day before adding one of these lovable dogs to your family.

Ibizan Hound

This hound breed originated on the island of Eivissa and has been recorded in Spain and France as well. They were originally bred for hunting small game due to their high speed and excellent tracking skills. An interesting fact about hunting with Ibizan Hounds is that females are generally chosen to make up the majority of the packs, as they are considered better at the job. Many Ibizan Hounds are also entered into dog competitions frequently, particularly in the United States. They do well in this role, especially when you consider that these dogs have great physical abilities that are unique to their breed. They are great for warm weather, especially if you buy a smooth-coated one.

Chihuahua

The smallest breed of dog in the world, the Chihuahua, originated in Mexico. Though the history of the breed is not certain, it is suspected that the ancestors of the modern dogs were Tenchichi – companion dogs often kept by the Toltecs. It is highly likely that the breed was present in the area far before the Europeans arrived, discounting the idea that it could have been solely a European breed. This breed originated in a hot, humid environment. Because of this, they developed some traits that helped them survive in this type of weather. The most important is the short, fine coat that they have. It lets water and air pass easily through, cooling the skin and helping the dog minimize the effects of the sun.

Whippet

The whippet is one of the world’s premier racing breeds, even if they’re slightly less famous than their larger cousin, the greyhound. Often looking like little more than a grey or brown blur in the backyard, whippets are born to run. And, like many other breeds who are built for running, whippets are pretty capable of keeping their cool. Whippets have a number of adaptations that help keep them comfortable in high temperatures. Whippets are sensitive little pups who do not appreciate being left alone for long periods of time. They don’t present very many other challenges, and they can be a good choice for first-time owners.

Border Collie

Collies are probably one of the best working dogs in the world now, with enormous amounts of energy and their ability to learn fast. They are athletic dogs, medium-sized, with a muscular physique and exceptional intelligence. They are usually very fond of their friends but they can often be reserved toward strangers. Border Collies need plenty of space, so they are not the best dogs for apartments. Regular exercise and training are required or you will have to deal with obedience and behavior problems. Border Collies can have two types of coats, the rough or the smooth coat, but both of them are double, weather-resistant coats. With the addition of very long snouts and high stamina, this breed is perfect for hot weather, or any other type of harsh weather conditions.