Dog Breeds in Canada – Complete Breed Profiles

Looking for the perfect dog breed for your Canadian lifestyle? Whether you live in a snowy northern town or a bustling Toronto condo, our Dog Breeds in Canada directory helps you find the right match. Explore profiles with details on temperament, size, grooming, and which breeds thrive in Canada’s unique climates.

Explore our expert-curated directory of dog breeds—featuring traits, size, temperament, care needs, and more to help you choose the ideal canine companion.

Great Bernese puppy with fluffy tri-colored black, white, and brown coat sitting on a forest trail, portrait style with green background

Great Bernese

The Great Bernese combines the gentle protector instincts of the Great Pyrenees with the Bernese Mountain Dog’s affectionate loyalty—a giant, family-centered hybrid.

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A Boston Terrier sitting attentively on a forest path, showcasing its tuxedo markings, upright ears, and alert expression — LeashFree.ca

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is an upbeat, tuxedo-coated companion with a big personality. Compact, friendly, and people-focused—great for city living and families.

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Rottweiler with a muscular build and black-and-tan coat sitting on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, looking alert and friendly with its tongue out.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident, and loyal working dog with a natural instinct to protect its family. Known for their muscular build and steady temperament, Rottweilers are versatile companions who excel in roles such as guarding, obedience, search-and-rescue, and therapy work. While affectionate and gentle with their loved ones, they are naturally wary of strangers, making early training and socialization essential. Best suited for experienced owners, the Rottweiler thrives in homes that can provide structured leadership, daily exercise, and mental stimulation.

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Teddy Roosevelt Terrier with a tricolor coat of black, white, and tan sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert and cheerful with its tongue out.

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate American terrier breed known for its versatility as a hunter, farm dog, and devoted companion. With a slightly longer body and shorter legs than its close relative, the American Rat Terrier, this breed excels in pest control and thrives in active households. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is loyal, adaptable, and eager to please—making it equally at home in rural environments, suburban yards, or even city apartments when properly exercised.

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Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle blends Old English Sheepdog charm with Poodle brains—goofy, affectionate, and eye-catching. Great for families ready for serious grooming and daily exercise.

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A photograph captures a Catahoula Leopard Dog sitting on a rocky terrain, showcasing its short, merle-patterned coat, muscular build, and alert expression.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a tough, intelligent American landrace bred in Louisiana for stock work, hog/bay hunting, and general farm duties. Known for its striking “leopard” (merle) coat and glass or odd-coloured eyes, the Catahoula is loyal, bold, and highly driven. Best suited to active, experienced owners who enjoy training, hiking, and giving their dog a real job. If you’re asking “Are Catahoulas good family dogs?”—yes, in structured homes. “Do Catahoulas shed?”—low to moderate. “Are Catahoulas hypoallergenic?”—no.

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Kooikerhondje sitting on a forest path, white coat with orange-red patches and ear feathering, centered full-body portrait.

Kooikerhondje

The Kooikerhondje is a cheerful Dutch decoy‑dog—bright, nimble, and affectionate. Great for active families who enjoy training, agility, and long walks; fits suburban homes and dedicated apartments with daily outlets.

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A high-resolution photograph captures a Havanese with a long, silky white and gray coat sitting on a dirt forest path, looking cheerful with expressive dark eyes.

Havanese

The Havanese is a cheerful, adaptable companion dog known for its silky coat, people-loving nature, and surprising agility. As Cuba’s national dog, it thrives in apartments or houses, with families or singles, making it one of the best small dog breeds for Canadian households seeking an affectionate and trainable pet. They’re playful, smart, and always eager to be by your side.

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Harrier

The Harrier is a cheerful, medium-sized pack scenthound—sturdy, social, and built for hours of trotting. Great for active families who enjoy long walks, trail time, and scent-based games.

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Belgian Laekenois

The Belgian Laekenois is the rare, rough-coated member of the Belgian Shepherd family. Athletic, watchful, and devoted, the Laekenois thrives with experienced owners who enjoy training and daily activity.

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Dog Breeds Popular in Canada

Canada’s #1 family dog for decades.

Adaptable and winter-ready.

Bred for cold climates.

Great for active, rural lifestyles.

Apartment-friendly in urban areas.