Having a long haired dog in hotter climates (mainly Florida)

So there is a *chance* TJ and I might be moving to South Florida (near Lake Okeechobee) once he gets his taxes back.

We plan on getting a dog. Right now I am stuck on Aussies, Pitties, and still looking into a couple of other breeds, but the first 2 listed are our main ones.

I know it can get pretty hot all over the US, but I know Florida can be pretty hot all year round.
-How do you feel about long haired breeds in hotter climates?
-And those that live in Florida, what breeds do you have and do you own these breeds partially because Florida is hot?

Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

I'd be more concerned about what kind of climate the breed was originally intended to live in than just the hair length

What renee said.

(this post refers to dogs who will be mostly living indoors and only going outside for potty/play/park time)

Many breeds (even with longer coats) do just fine! their coats seem to adapt into "summer mode" as most breeds would and just adapt to the constant summer weather

That said, I would avoid ALL northern breeds/snub nosed breeds. IMO it is a sad sad thing to have a husky or bulldog kind of breed in south florida. Is it possible? yea. but not ideal. You can tell these dogs are just HOT. Even huskies when shaved and even bulldogs who aren't overweight.. it just seems like they are miserable after only a short time playing/walking in the heat/humidity. especially when it comes to huskies, it is simply not the environment they were meant to live in and it requires A LOT to keep them comfortable (air conditioning being the number one)

Bear in mind. Longer coated breeds who usually "blow coat" during the summer and keep it on during the winter instead will just shed all year round in florida. There is no season change to spark the change so instead the shedding continues..all year lol
So invest in a furminator/zoom groom/undercoat rake

With rare exception, don't shave the dog when it gets hot. Dogs don't sweat through their body like we do. So their fur has it's own way of keeping them cool and shaving kinda messes with that, plus it grows back all weird.

I didn't really limit my breed search too much (other than northern breeds/snub nosed) because most dog breeds to adapt to seasons..florida is just like living in a constant summer mode lol most do just fine with the regular precautions (plenty of water, air conditioned living, etc..)

Pitbulls are banned in Miami, but yea, people have them anyway and they all seem to be just fine in the weather (even those living outdoors. not that I would recommend keeping a dog outside) Plus they seem to enjoy the water and such

I have Chows in Arizona. They do fine..in fact, Aesop was born in a warm climate (Vegas) and he hates, hates, hates the cold. It's been in the 30s here lately and he's just completely not amused. We don't have humidity and the like. However, my first Chow lived with me in IL, where it is very humid in the summers, and he was also fine.

My dogs are indoors, just going out for potties, play, etc. I keep the long coated dogs well groomed..specifically, making sure their loose undercoat is always groomed out (I use a forced air dryer after baths), which allows their coat to act as it should. No one seems to mind the heat.

Thanks yall!

Fran- I would definitely not keep a flat nosed/artic breed in Florida.
I want an Aussie, and plan on getting one as soon as we can. I know they have long coats, so I was just worried about them overheating.

Are Pits banned around the Okeechobee area? That is where we will probably be moving to, or maybe a little north of there. I googled it, but it gives me the Lake Okeechobee and obviously you can't live in a lake lol

What about GSDs? I have noticed there are quite a few GSD rescues down there, and oh goodness the one I looked at had a Senior GSD and she was adorable (this is coming from someone who does not care for female dogs, I am much much more of a male dog kind of owner).

Once we find out if we are going there or not, for sure, I will ask more questions about the Florida area.

They can adapt to nearly any climate and were bred to work outdoors regardless of temp/weather anyway. Once you take an undercoat rake to them during shedding season and pull out the equivalent of a litter of puppies worth of hair, there's really not much left. The topcoat is deceptive.

That said, try not to run them during the hottest part of the day, keep lots of shade/AC around and a wading pool.

Thank you!

Yea, I would probably do early morning runs or after dark runs.

Seems to partially depend on the individual dog. Dekka lays in the hot sun and stays there even if she starts to pant. Smudge was born in NC. Our summers can be hotter than people realize. Even shaved down Smudge is uncomfortable almost April to October. When we went to the states for three weeks he was just as uncomfy there as at home. If I ever moved, I don't think he would personally acclimatize unless we more more northward. And then Cider would freeze.. she's been wearing a hoodie 24/7 since October and still shivers at times.