Floridians love their German Shepherds, which is the number one dog breed in the state, followed by Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Other popular breeds in Florida include Labrador Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Maltese, Rottweilers, and Beagles.
If you’re thinking of bringing a puppy into your Florida home and you’re going to be a first-time pet parent, you’re probably wondering – Is Florida too hot for dogs? Or… Do dogs do well in Florida?
The truth is that dogs can do just fine in Florida or other tropical and subtropical climates, even without air conditioning, provided you follow some tips to help your pooch handle the heat and humidity.
Choosing the right breed is important. Long-haired breeds are better suited to cooler places or places that have long, cold winters. Brachycephalic breeds (short-headed breeds) like the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and Pug may not be able to breathe as well as some other breeds in hot and humid weather, although some of them continue to be popular dogs in Florida. Lastly, it’s important to keep your dog at a healthy weight because obesity can cause your pooch to heat up even in mildly warm weather.
Some simple tips for dog care in Florida include providing a cool place for your dog to relax, something like a shallow pool in a shady spot in your yard. Plenty of fresh, clean drinking water is also vital. It’s important to restrict exercise to early mornings and late evenings, or if heading out during the day, perhaps taking your dog for a cooling swim in a river, lake, or ocean, making sure they are always supervised.
Also, remember that concrete and blacktops can burn your dog’s feet, so check the sidewalk before heading out or buy your dog protective booties for the paw pads. Never leave your dog in a car where they can become quickly overheated. Also, keep up with grooming and brush out the undercoat to keep it thin.
Florida is a great place for dogs provided you take some basic precautions. If you’re looking for a responsible breeder in Florida who can help you find the perfect furry friend, Puppy Hero has a database of reputable breeders in the state.
1 month
Stormie is a lilac merle female English Bulldog puppy. Our adorable puppies come with a 1-year healt...
bulldogmama233@gmailcom
1 month
Katniss is a blue tri merle female English Bulldog puppy. Our adorable puppies come with a 1-year he...
bulldogmama233@gmailcom
1 month
Buffy is a lilac tri female English Bulldog puppy. Our adorable puppies come with a 1-year health gu...
bulldogmama233@gmailcom
3 months
3 month old. Male. Chipped and vaccines done. Nice to people. Healthy Smart. Soft fur Loo...
ricolahk at hotmailcom
3 months
Turbo is a blue white male English Bulldog puppy. Our adorable puppies come with a 1-year health gua...
bulldogmama233@gmailcom
4 months
Jaq is a black tri big rope male French Bulldog puppy. Our adorable puppies come with a 1-year healt...
bulldogmama233@gmailcom
4 months
Marcel is a black tan male French Bulldog puppy. Our adorable puppies come with a 1-year health guar...
bulldogmama233@gmailcom
2 months
Biggest puppy of the litter with a beautiful silver coat. Super smart and happy puppy. Puppies grand...
Diana Odstrcil
3 months
2 puppies 13 weeks old. 5- 9 weeks old. All white with double dews. OFA certified parents and or Gr...
Terry Smith/Angelgrove Ra...
3 months
Quinn is a beautiful black tri female Australian shepherd puppy that will make someone a wonderful c...
Connie Watson/Rocky Top H...
3 months
Loving raised in our home. Sire and dam are health certified. Appropriate vaccines and dewormed. She...
Lisa Knop
7 months
This boy is such a sweet boy and the last out of his littermates still looking for a wonderful home...
Sarah Shenski
