Have you ever watched your dog lay sprawled out on a tile floor, panting and wishing for a snowstorm? Florida is famous for its beaches, sunshine, and palm trees—but it’s also notorious for its sweltering heat and relentless humidity. While many dogs thrive in the Sunshine State, some breeds struggle badly. If you’re a Floridian dreaming of adding a furry family member, you might be surprised to learn that some beloved breeds just aren’t built for tropical life. Let’s explore the surprising list of dog breeds that face the toughest time under Florida’s sun.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants, famous for their rescue work in the snowy Alps. But their thick, double-layered coats—designed for icy mountains—become a heavy burden in Florida’s relentless heat. These dogs overheat quickly, making even a short walk during the day risky for their health. It’s heartbreaking to see a Saint Bernard, bred for snow, struggle in the sticky, humid air of the South.
On top of that, Saint Bernards are prone to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition that can sneak up fast in Florida’s climate. They require constant air conditioning and very limited outdoor time during the hotter months. If you love this breed, you’ll need to commit to keeping them cool and indoors, which can mean missing out on all the outdoor adventures Florida is famous for.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are legendary for their strength and stamina, but their thick, woolly coats are like wearing a winter parka in July. These dogs were bred to haul sleds across frozen tundras, not to lounge under palm trees. In Florida, even early morning walks can leave them exhausted and overheated.
Malamutes also love to exercise and play, but the Florida heat means that their activity must be kept to a minimum. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive. For a breed that thrives in the cold, the constant struggle to stay cool in Florida can affect both their physical health and their happiness.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are beautiful, energetic, and full of personality. But their dense fur, originally designed to protect them from Arctic winds, becomes a major liability in Florida’s tropical climate. Huskies are notorious escape artists, and in their quest to find a cooler spot, they may dig up your yard or try to run away.
Their high energy levels mean they need lots of exercise, but Florida’s heat often makes that unsafe during the day. Many Husky owners in Florida find themselves struggling to keep their dogs entertained and healthy, resorting to pre-dawn or late-night walks. In the end, both dog and owner may find life more frustrating than fun.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, loyal, and absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, they come wrapped in a thick, tricolored coat that’s better suited to the Swiss Alps than to Miami Beach. These dogs are prone to heat exhaustion and must be kept in cool environments as much as possible.
They also tend to develop hot spots and skin conditions in humid weather, which can become chronic issues in Florida. With their massive size and need for exercise, it becomes a real challenge to keep them fit and comfortable in such a hot place. Loving a Bernese Mountain Dog in Florida often means a life indoors, far from the fun and sunshine.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known as “gentle giants” and are natural swimmers, but don’t let their love of water fool you—these dogs were bred for icy Atlantic waters, not warm Gulf streams. Their thick, water-resistant coats hold in heat, making them highly susceptible to overheating in Florida.
The humidity also makes it tough for them to dry off completely, sometimes leading to skin infections. Even a dip in the pool or lake doesn’t provide lasting relief. Owners often find themselves constantly monitoring their Newfie for signs of distress, making the breed a challenging choice for life in the Sunshine State.
Great Pyrenees
With their majestic white coats, Great Pyrenees look like fluffy clouds on four legs. But those clouds are meant to shield them from harsh mountain winters, not blazing Florida summers. Their thick fur and calm demeanor can quickly turn against them when the temperatures soar.
Great Pyrenees are prone to laziness in the heat, which can lead to obesity and joint problems. They also need a lot of space and love to patrol, but in Florida, this often means limiting their time outside. It’s heartbreaking for both the dog and the owner to constantly battle the elements that just don’t suit this noble breed.
Akita
Akitas are loyal, dignified, and fiercely protective—but they’re another breed designed for chilly climates. Their plush coats trap heat, putting them at serious risk for overheating and heatstroke in Florida’s subtropical environment. Even when clipped, their undercoats still insulate them far too well for the local weather.
The humidity makes things worse, sometimes leading to skin issues and infections. Akitas also have a strong prey drive and need space to roam, but the Florida sun means those outdoor adventures must be short and carefully timed. It can be tough for Akitas to really thrive in a place that’s the polar opposite of their natural habitat.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are famous for their “smiling” faces and fluffy, snow-white coats. But behind that cheerful grin, many Samoyeds in Florida are quietly suffering. Their double coats are designed to trap warmth, making them overheat dangerously fast. The constant heat and humidity can even dull that beautiful white fur, turning it yellowish.
Samoyeds are playful and social, but Florida’s climate often forces them inside, away from the fun. They’re also prone to skin allergies and hot spots, which are made worse by the humidity. For Samoyed lovers, living in Florida means a constant battle to keep their dogs safe and cool.
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are ancient guardians, bred to protect livestock in freezing Himalayan nights. Their thick, lion-like manes offer little comfort in Florida’s sticky heat. These dogs are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and the hot weather can make them lethargic and unhappy.
Their dense coats can also hide signs of overheating until it’s too late. Tibetan Mastiffs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, but Florida’s climate makes it tough to provide enough safe outdoor time. For such a powerful and proud breed, the heat can feel like a cage.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are instantly recognizable with their teddy bear faces and lion-like manes. But those thick coats were made for cold northern China, not the Everglades. In Florida, Chow Chows are at high risk for heatstroke, and their short snouts make it even harder for them to cool down by panting.
Chow Chows are also prone to skin problems in humid climates, and their fur requires constant grooming to keep them comfortable. Owners often find themselves limiting outdoor time, which can lead to boredom and behavioral issues. For a breed that’s already known for being aloof, the Florida heat can make life even more isolating.
Florida’s hot, humid climate isn’t suited for every dog breed—especially those with thick coats, low heat tolerance, or a need for cooler environments. Keeping one of these breeds in such conditions can lead to serious health risks and discomfort. Choosing a dog that thrives in Florida’s weather ensures a happier, healthier life for both you and your pet. In the end, the most loving choice is picking a breed that’s built for the environment you call home.
Esther is from India; the heartbeat of South Asia, holding a Master’s degree in Zoology and a postgraduate diploma in Animal Welfare. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare drives her passion and dedication to working for animals, ensuring their well-being, and advocating for their rights. With a solid academic background and hands-on experience, she is committed to making a positive impact in the field of animal welfare. In her free time, she enjoys embroidery and sewing. As a Chennaite from Tamil Nadu, Esther loves Bharathanatyam, an Indian classical dance form.
