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 Collie is an elegant, intelligent, and loyal herding breed best known for its flowing coat and gentle nature. Famously portrayed as “Lassie,” Collies are wonderful family companions that thrive on human interaction and structured activity. If you’re wondering “Are Collies good apartment dogs?” the answer is yes—with enough daily exercise and mental engagement. These dogs are intuitive, easy to train, and gentle with children, making them one of the most beloved family dogs.
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy-coated herding breed with a big heart and an unmistakable “bear-like” shuffle. Known for their gentle temperament, intelligence, and iconic fluffy appearance, these dogs make affectionate family companions and excel in homes that can provide daily exercise and grooming. Once bred to drive cattle and sheep to market, the Old English Sheepdog retains its playful, hardworking nature and thrives in active households that enjoy the outdoors.
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is one of the most intelligent, loyal, and versatile breeds in the world. Known for their work ethic and protective instincts, GSDs excel as family companions, service animals, and working dogs in police, military, and search-and-rescue roles. They thrive in homes where they can be both mentally and physically stimulated, and form unbreakable bonds with their humans.
The Ibizan Hound is a graceful, deer‑like sighthound—athletic outside, serene and cat‑like indoors. Best for active homes with secure fencing and gentle, positive training.
The Labsky mixes Labrador enthusiasm with Husky endurance—an energetic, social hybrid built for outdoor-loving families.
The Mudi is a rare, intelligent, and energetic herding breed from Hungary, prized for its versatility, agility, and boundless enthusiasm for work. Known for its curly coat, expressive face, and remarkable adaptability, the Mudi excels in herding, dog sports, and as a loyal family companion. This highly trainable breed thrives in active households that can offer daily mental and physical challenges.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a bold, intelligent, and energetic scent hound, renowned for its speed, tracking ability, and determination in the field. Bred primarily for hunting raccoons, this breed uses its powerful nose and distinctive “treeing” bark to locate and hold prey until the hunter arrives. Loyal and affectionate at home, the Treeing Walker Coonhound thrives with active owners who can provide daily exercise and mental challenges.
The Goldendoodle blends Golden Retriever affection with Poodle smarts—friendly, social, and often low-shedding (not guaranteed). Great for active Canadian families who want a trainable companion ready for hiking, training games, and cozy downtime.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (“Toller”) is a compact, fox-like retriever bred to lure (“toll”) ducks to shore with playful motion—and then expertly retrieve in icy waters. Bright, athletic, and intensely people-focused, Tollers are fantastic for active families who love training, swimming, and outdoor life. If you’re wondering “Are Tollers good apartment dogs?”—yes, with 60–90 minutes of daily exercise and enrichment. “Do Tollers shed?”—yes: a water-resistant double coat means seasonal coat-blows.
The Norwich Terrier is a spirited, affectionate, and sturdy little dog with a big personality packed into a small frame. Known for their pricked ears, wiry coat, and ever-wagging tail, these terriers are among the smallest working terrier breeds but have the heart and determination of a much larger dog. They make devoted family companions, adapt well to various living situations, and thrive in homes that can provide daily exercise, training, and companionship.
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.
