what breeds are suited for the heat? for instance, if you lived in tucson, arizona

I agree with the others, for the most part any dog could live in such a climate if properly cared for.
All dogs should be kept indoors during very hot and sunny spells. You need to remember to be cautious with any breed but even so, if you are an active person I'd try to stay away from dogs with extremely short coats & extremely long, thick insulated coats as well as dogs with shortened muzzles (pugs, boxers, boston terriers, etc...). They have a tendancy to overheat faster due to the coats &/or breathing sturctures.

Actually, long haired double-coated breeds do very well in the heat. The hair keeps them from sunburn and actually traps the cool air. if you are in a hot climate and reach you hands into the double coat of say a sheltie, you'll find that the dog is usually quite cool.

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Originally Posted by IRescue452

Actually, long haired double-coated breeds do very well in the heat. The hair keeps them from sunburn and actually traps the cool air. if you are in a hot climate and reach you hands into the double coat of say a sheltie, you'll find that the dog is usually quite cool.

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Yes actually you are right, BUT you have to groom them VERY thoroughly & diligently, if their hair is even the least bit snarly what so ever the insulation stops working as well.

Even though mine aren't outside full time, since I live in a hot climate, I did take that into consideration when picking a breed. I do want them to be outside with me doing things as much as possible. That's one of the reasons I went with a Smooth Collie vs the Rough. I felt the heat would be easier on them.

Another thing to consider is that with rising electricity rates, inside the house is not as cool as it use to be, as I adjust thermostat temps upward to be able to afford it. During the summer, even in the house, the dogs all seem to look for a cooler place to rest, ie. the ceramic tile in the bathroom. Can't imagine if I had a Husky right now. Although I'm sure we'd manage, I think they'd be happier in a cooler climate.

Par...

No breed should be left in the heat. Breeds that are prone to heat stroke are Pugs and really any breed with a pug type snout (short snout). Other examples other than Pugs are Shih Tzu’s, Tibetan Spaniels, Pekinese, etc. These breeds can't handle it. Sylvia, my black Pug, and Morty, my Tibetan Spaniel mix, can only be outside in the summer for 5-10 minutes at a time unless they are in the pool. Not having the air conditioning on in hot weather is not an option in my house.