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 Bluetick Coonhound is a determined, melodic-voiced scenthound known for its mottled blue coat and endurance on trail. Affectionate, athletic, and happiest with daily adventures.
The Otterhound is a rare, big-hearted British scenthound built for all-day tracking in water and on land. With a rough, waterproof double coat, webbed feet, and a melodious voice, the Otterhound is friendly, comical, and independent. They adore swimming, long hikes, and nose-driven games, then sprawling at home with their people. If you’re searching “Do Otterhounds shed?”—moderately. “Are Otterhounds good apartment dogs?”—possible for very active owners, but they’re happiest with space and daily outdoor adventures.
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and energetic personality. Originally bred in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire for hunting and guarding, the Airedale is a highly versatile dog that thrives in active households. This breed is ideal for owners who enjoy outdoor activities, structured training, and companionship with a confident, alert canine. Due to their size and drive, Airedales are best suited for homes with space to roam and engage their curiosity.
The Finnish Spitz is a lively and intelligent breed known for its fox-like appearance and distinctive vocal nature. Originally bred to hunt game birds in the dense forests of Finland, this breed excels in alertness and independence. Finnish Spitz are affectionate with their families, good with respectful children, and thrive in active households. They do best in homes with access to outdoor space and consistent companionship.
The Bordoodle is a highly intelligent and athletic cross between the Border Collie and Poodle...
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, rugged guardian breed developed over thousands of years to protect livestock in the harsh terrain of Turkey. Known for their independence, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, these dogs are natural protectors that excel in working roles. While not a typical family companion, with proper training and early socialization, Anatolians can be calm and devoted pets in the right environment. Their stoic nature and strong guarding instincts make them well-suited to rural settings and experienced owners.
The Zuchon, or Teddy Bear dog, mixes the Shih Tzu’s charm with the Bichon Frise’s affectionate, hypoallergenic coat—perfect for city and condo living.
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 Bernedoodle blends Bernese Mountain Dog sweetness with Poodle brains—gentle, people-focused, and often low-shedding (not guaranteed). Best for spacious homes ready for grooming and steady daily exercise.
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.
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.
