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 White Shepherd is a striking, intelligent, and loyal working dog known for its pure white coat and strong resemblance to the German Shepherd. Bred for companionship, versatility, and herding ability, the White Shepherd combines keen intelligence with a calm and devoted temperament. These dogs excel as family companions, service animals, and in dog sports, thriving in active households that can meet their exercise and training needs.
The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer, also known as the Slovenský Hrubosrstý Stavač, is a versatile, athletic, and intelligent hunting dog from Slovakia. Bred for tracking, pointing, and retrieving on both land and water, this breed combines endurance, trainability, and a rugged wire coat that protects it in harsh terrain. Loyal and affectionate with its family, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer thrives in active homes that can meet its working drive and need for daily mental and physical stimulation.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a cheerful, devoted, and energetic gundog known for its striking red-and-white coat and friendly, loyal temperament. Originally bred for flushing and retrieving game, the Welsh Springer thrives as both a hardworking hunting companion and a loving family pet. They are affectionate with their people, great with children, and happiest when given daily exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of attention.
The Welsh Terrier is a spirited, intelligent, and friendly medium-sized terrier with a distinctive wiry coat and an adventurous personality. Originally bred to hunt fox, otter, and badger in Wales, this breed is known for its courage, agility, and cheerful disposition. Welsh Terriers thrive in active households that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and consistent training, making them excellent companions for both families and experienced dog owners.
The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned for its unmatched ability to follow even the faintest trails — sometimes days old. Known for its wrinkled skin, long ears, and deep-set eyes, the Bloodhound is gentle, affectionate, and deeply loyal. It thrives in homes with ample space and active owners who can match its energy. Though strong-willed, it makes an excellent family dog when trained early and consistently.
The Chinese Crested is a charming, people-obsessed toy companion that comes in two varieties: Hairless (silky crest, plume tail, and “socks”) and Powderpuff (full, soft veil coat). Affectionate, sensitive, and surprisingly athletic, Cresteds are excellent apartment dogs that thrive on companionship, short daily walks, and training games. If you’re asking “Are Chinese Cresteds hypoallergenic?”—no breed is truly hypoallergenic, though the Hairless variety tends to shed very little. “Do Chinese Cresteds shed?”—Hairless: minimal hair shed; Powderpuff: low to moderate with regular brushing.
The English Toy Spaniel is a charming, affectionate lapdog with a royal heritage and a soft, soulful expression. This small companion breed thrives in calm homes, especially with adults or seniors. They are ideal for apartment living due to their compact size, quiet demeanor, and minimal exercise needs.
The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a charming, affectionate, and intelligent toy breed known for its colorful coat, cheerful disposition, and adaptable nature. Developed in Russia as a companion dog, the Bolonka is playful yet easygoing, making it a wonderful fit for city apartments and family homes alike. Loyal and people-focused, they thrive when they are included in daily life and showered with affection.
The Norfolk Terrier is a small, sturdy British earthdog bred to dispatch vermin and bolt foxes to ground. Big-hearted, fearless, and ridiculously cheerful, Norfolks make excellent city or country companions for owners who provide daily exercise, positive training, and regular coat care. If you’re wondering “Are Norfolk Terriers good apartment dogs?”—yes, with enrichment and bark management. “Do Norfolk Terriers shed?”—low to moderate, especially when hand-stripped rather than clipped.
The Whippet is a sleek, gentle, and affectionate sighthound celebrated for its graceful appearance and lightning-fast speed. Originally bred for racing and hunting small game, the Whippet has evolved into a loving companion that thrives equally in active households and relaxed home environments. Known as the “poor man’s racehorse” in its early history, this quiet and sensitive breed is devoted to its family, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking a calm yet athletic 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.
