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.
The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie,” is a compact and confident toy breed beloved for its silky coat, charming personality, and fearless spirit. Originally bred for catching rats in 19th-century England, Yorkies have evolved into affectionate lap dogs and loyal companions. Despite their petite frame, they carry a big-dog attitude — alert, spirited, and sometimes bossy. This breed thrives in apartments or homes where they receive consistent attention, grooming, and positive reinforcement training.
The Broholmer is a calm, confident Danish mastiff-type guardian—big-boned, steady, and family devoted. Bred to watch estates and accompany hunters, this giant breed is gentle with its own people yet naturally reserved with strangers. If you’re asking “Are Broholmers good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced homes that prioritize early socialization and structure. “Do Broholmers drool?”—expect some. “Do Broholmers shed?”—moderately, with seasonal bursts.
The Newfoundland (“Newf”) is Canada’s iconic gentle giant—a powerful water-rescue dog with a massive frame, webbed feet, and a sweet, steady temperament. Calm indoors but strong and capable outside, Newfs thrive with families who can manage grooming, drool, and size, while offering low-impact exercise (especially swimming). If you’re asking “Are Newfoundlands good family dogs?”—yes, with supervision and training. “Do Newfoundlands shed?”—heavily, especially seasonally.
The Barbet is a cheerful, water-loving French retriever known for its curly coat, keen intelligence, and affectionate personality. Originally bred as a versatile waterfowl retriever, the Barbet thrives in active households that can match its energy and love for outdoor adventures. Friendly, gentle, and highly trainable, this rare breed makes a wonderful companion for families, hunters, and dog sport enthusiasts alike.
The Working Kelpie is an intelligent, energetic, and highly skilled herding dog from Australia, bred for endurance, agility, and independent thinking. Unlike the Australian Kelpie developed for show, the Working Kelpie is focused on practical herding ability, thriving in farms and ranches where it can work livestock tirelessly. Devoted to its work and handler, this breed needs an active environment and is best suited for experienced owners who can provide purposeful tasks and daily mental and physical challenges.
The Parson Russell Terrier is a bold, quick-witted, long-legged terrier bred in 19th-century England to pursue fox to ground. Athletic, cheeky, and people-oriented, “Parsons” thrive on training games, brisk walks, and dog sports like agility and earthdog. If you’re wondering “Are Parson Russell Terriers good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active owners who provide daily exercise and enrichment. “Do Parson Russell Terriers shed?”—moderately; smooth and broken coats both shed.
The Irish Setter is a stunning and spirited breed known for its silky red coat and joyful demeanor. Bred for hunting, this sporting dog thrives in active households where it can run, play, and bond with its humans. Irish Setters are intelligent, affectionate, and famously good with children, making them ideal for families who enjoy the outdoors. However, their high energy and sensitivity require patient training and daily exercise.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, affectionately called the “Staffy,” is a muscular, affectionate, and loyal breed known for its courage and love of people. Originally bred in England for bull-baiting and later as a companion dog, the Staffy is incredibly people-oriented, playful, and gentle with children, earning the nickname “nanny dog.” With the right training, exercise, and affection, this confident and energetic breed makes an exceptional family companion.
The Rat Terrier is an energetic, intelligent, and versatile small-to-medium terrier breed known for its exceptional hunting ability, adaptability, and affectionate nature. Once a staple on American farms for pest control, Rat Terriers are now beloved as loyal family companions who excel in agility, obedience, and active play. They thrive in homes that can provide daily exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of time with their people.
The Pyrenean Shepherd (Berger des Pyrénées) is a small, high-octane herding dog from the French Pyrenees, famed for its quick wits, cat-like agility, and deep loyalty. Often partnered historically with Great Pyrenees to manage flocks, “Pyr Sheps” are spirited, sensitive, and intensely people-focused. They excel in agility, herding, flyball, and obedience, and suit active owners seeking a compact performance partner and devoted companion.
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.
