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 Norwegian Buhund is a cheerful, nimble spitz herder from Norway—smart, biddable, and always ready for action. With upright ears, a curled tail, and a thick double coat, Buhunds make upbeat family companions for active homes that enjoy training, hiking, and dog sports. If you’re wondering “Are Norwegian Buhunds good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active owners who meet exercise and bark-management needs. “Do Norwegian Buhunds shed?”—yes: they’re seasonal heavy shedders.
The Shikoku is a rare, intelligent, and agile Japanese spitz-type breed prized for its hunting skill, loyalty, and wolf-like beauty. Originating from the mountainous Shikoku Island in Japan, this medium-sized dog has a bold yet devoted temperament, excelling as both a hunting companion and a loyal family guardian. Best suited for active owners, the Shikoku thrives in homes that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and consistent training.
The Small Munsterlander Pointer is a versatile, intelligent, and affectionate hunting dog from Germany, celebrated for its exceptional pointing, tracking, and retrieving abilities both on land and in water. Athletic yet gentle, this breed is an outstanding companion for active hunters and families who can provide plenty of exercise, training, and engagement. Known for its striking liver-and-white coat and loyal nature, the Small Munsterlander Pointer thrives in homes where it can work and bond closely with its people.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a bold, curly‑coated retriever‑spaniel—witty, hardworking, and water‑loving. Great for active owners who want a versatile gundog with low shedding and high trainability.
The Hokkaido is a courageous Japanese spitz—alert, loyal, and weather‑tough with a dense double coat. Best for experienced owners who enjoy training, outdoor time, and a confident, watchful companion.
The Coton de Tulear is a joyful, affectionate, and clownish small companion dog, known for its soft cotton-like coat and happy-go-lucky personality. Hailing from Madagascar, this breed thrives in households where they can be close to their people—making them excellent for both families and seniors. Wondering “Are Coton de Tulears good apartment dogs?” Absolutely—they adapt well to small spaces as long as they receive regular attention and moderate activity.
The German Pinscher is a medium-sized, spirited, and elegant dog known for its intelligence, alertness, and fearless personality. Often described as a watchdog with a heart of gold, this breed excels as both a vigilant protector and an affectionate family companion. Ideal for experienced dog owners, the German Pinscher thrives in active households that provide consistent training, structure, and mental stimulation.
The Field Spaniel is an affectionate, loyal, and thoughtful companion bred originally for fieldwork and now cherished for its even-tempered personality. Slightly more reserved than its cocker spaniel cousins, this breed thrives in calm households that provide plenty of mental stimulation and moderate daily exercise. With its silky coat and soulful eyes, the Field Spaniel is an excellent match for active families, dog sports enthusiasts, or those seeking a steady, trainable companion.
The Samoyed is a striking, gentle, and affectionate working breed known for its beautiful white “smiling” face, luxurious double coat, and warm, friendly personality. Originally bred by the nomadic Samoyedic people of Siberia to herd reindeer, pull sleds, and keep their families warm at night, Samoyeds are loyal, social, and full of energy. They thrive in active homes that can provide companionship, daily exercise, and regular grooming.
The Lakeland Terrier is a compact, courageous earthdog—game, witty, and highly portable. Great for active owners who enjoy training, hiking, and low‑shed grooming via hand‑stripping.
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.
