I don't think the sun is bad for them. After all, they are dogs. I actually just wanted to comment that all animals have heat-regulating systems and dogs have them too. This means that if a dog gets too warm, he will lie with his tummy on the cold floor and open his mouth. The chances of a mature dog overheating is very slim... I would venture to say that it would only happen when he has no option of shelter.
I think we shouldn't worry too much about our babies... they take care of us, don't they? So they can't be too helpless