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 Cairn Terrier is a hardy, big-hearted Scottish earthdog—game, clever, and endlessly cheerful. Compact and weatherproof with a wiry jacket, Cairns love brisk walks, scent games, and couch time with their people. If you’re wondering “Are Cairn Terriers good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily exercise and bark management. “Do Cairn Terriers shed?”—low to moderate, lowest when hand-stripped (clipping softens the coat and can increase visible shed).
The Bulldog is a stocky, sweet-natured companion with a big heart, bigger head, and famously squishy face. Calm, affectionate, and clownish, Bulldogs are excellent apartment dogs who prefer short strolls and long naps with their people. If you’re asking “Are Bulldogs good apartment dogs?”—yes. “Do Bulldogs drool?”—often. “Are Bulldogs hypoallergenic?”—no. Care focus is on wrinkle/skin hygiene, heat safety, and airway health (BOAS).
The English Setter is an elegant, friendly, and graceful sporting dog known for its feathered coat and gentle disposition. Bred for hunting and companionship, this breed thrives in active households that can provide ample exercise, affection, and mental stimulation. English Setters are affectionate with children, easy to train, and happiest when included in all aspects of family life.
The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese toy companion famed for its lion-like mane, “sleeve” size, and regal, affectionate nature. Calm indoors, independent yet loyal, Pekingese are great apartment dogs that enjoy short daily walks and lots of lap time. If you’re searching “Do Pekingese shed?”—yes, they have a long double coat. If you’re wondering “Are Pekingese hypoallergenic?”—no, they are not.
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a bold, confident, and athletic gun dog known for its signature tight curls and spirited personality. As one of the oldest retriever breeds, it excels in water and field work while also being an affectionate family companion. Ideal for experienced and active owners, this breed balances independence with loyalty. Wondering “Are Curly-Coated Retrievers good apartment dogs?” They can adapt if their high exercise needs are met, but thrive in spacious environments.
The Komondor is a formidable Hungarian livestock guardian—calm, courageous, and wrapped in iconic cords. Best for experienced rural homes that value a serious guardian with space and secure fencing.
The Labradoodle mixes Lab heart with Poodle brains—social, athletic, and trainable. A great match for active homes that enjoy obedience work, long walks, and regular coat care.
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a lively, clever, rabbit-hunting hound in a portable package. Famous for its pricked ears, keen nose, and joyful “let’s go!” attitude, the Pequeno comes in smooth and wire coats and thrives with active families. If you’re wondering, “Are Portuguese Podengo Pequenos good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily exercise and enrichment. They’re affectionate, social, and fun, yet retain an independent, primitive-dog streak.
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a slim, elegant primitive hunting hound from Sicily—light on its feet, affectionate with family, and keen-eyed for small game. With a short, low-odour coat and catlike cleanliness, Cirnechi (plural) are great for active apartments or houses. If you’re wondering “Are Cirneco dell’Etna good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily exercise and enrichment. “Do Cirneco dell’Etna shed?”—lightly. “Are Cirnechi hypoallergenic?”—no, but they’re low-shedding. Expect a sensitive, biddable sighthound that thrives on kind training and secure off-leash options.
The Cocker Spaniel is a joyful, affectionate, and beautiful companion dog known for its expressive eyes, silky coat, and gentle demeanor. Bred originally as a hunting dog, today’s Cocker Spaniel thrives in family homes, especially those that can provide regular grooming, playtime, and companionship. If you're wondering “Are Cocker Spaniels good apartment dogs?”—yes, they adapt well to smaller spaces as long as their exercise and social needs are met.
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.
