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 Pyrador combines the Labrador’s affectionate personality with the Great Pyrenees’ protective instincts—a loyal, giant hybrid suited to active families.
The Great Dane, often called the “gentle giant,” is a majestic and affectionate dog breed known for its towering size and loyal heart. Despite their imposing stature, Great Danes are friendly, calm, and excellent family companions. They thrive in homes that can accommodate their size and provide moderate daily exercise along with plenty of affection.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a gentle, medium-sized French pointing dog famed for its pear-shaped head, soft expression, and “faded” roan coat in peach (fawn) or lilac (liver) tones. Calm and cuddly at home yet energetic in the field, the Bourbonnais is biddable, affectionate, and thrives with active owners who enjoy training, hiking, and scent work. If you’re searching “Are Braque du Bourbonnais good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active homes that meet exercise needs. “Do Braque du Bourbonnais shed?”—light to moderate.
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.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a merry, medium-small French scenthound with a big voice, bigger heart, and tousled “just-went-hunting” look. Bred to trail rabbit and hare over rough terrain, the PBGV is outgoing, confident, and comedic—yet independent when a scent catches their nose. Great for active families who want a friendly, social dog and can manage houndy vocals and consistent training. If you’re searching “Do PBGVs bark a lot?” or “Are PBGVs good apartment dogs?”, expect an alert talker who can live in condos with daily outlets and bark management.
The Barbet is a cheerful, water-loving French retriever known for its curly coat, keen intelligence, and affectionate personality. Originally bred as a versatile waterfowl retriever, the Barbet thrives in active households that can match its energy and love for outdoor adventures. Friendly, gentle, and highly trainable, this rare breed makes a wonderful companion for families, hunters, and dog sport enthusiasts alike.
The Jindo (Korean Jindo) is a courageous, clean, and loyal spitz—reserved with strangers, deeply bonded to family. Best for experienced owners who want an intelligent, independent companion with strong hunting instincts.
The Transylvanian Hound is a rare, noble, and determined scent hound from Hungary, known for its exceptional hunting skills, athletic build, and loyal nature. Traditionally used for tracking and hunting large game such as boar, bear, and deer, this breed is intelligent, courageous, and affectionate with its family. It thrives in active households that can provide plenty of outdoor activity and mental challenges, making it an ideal companion for experienced dog owners who enjoy an adventurous lifestyle.
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful, spirited terrier with a hallmark ‘lamb-like’ look and a surprisingly athletic core. Known for minimal shedding and a hypoallergenic reputation, they suit owners who enjoy regular professional grooming and brisk daily exercise.
The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest purebred dog—sparkly-eyed, big-brained, and deeply loyal. Available in Smooth Coat (short) and Long Coat (plumed) varieties, Chihuahuas are alert companions who love laps, learning tricks, and short daily adventures. If you’re asking “Are Chihuahuas good apartment dogs?”—absolutely. “Do Chihuahuas shed?”—yes: Smooth Coats shed lightly to moderately; Long Coats a bit more with seasonal bursts. “Are Chihuahuas hypoallergenic?”—no. Focus on kind socialization, dental care, and weather protection.
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.
