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 Drentsche Patrijshond (pronounced "Drent-suh puh-triesh-hond") is a versatile, medium-sized gundog from the Netherlands. Known for its loyal, affectionate nature and calm demeanor indoors, this breed is an excellent choice for active families who want a hunting companion that also excels as a gentle house dog. Their adaptability and eagerness to please make them well-suited for life in Canadian homes that can offer both outdoor activity and indoor bonding time.
The Affenpinscher is a compact and wiry toy breed known for its comical expression and monkey-like face, earning it the nickname “Monkey Terrier.” Despite its small size, the Affenpinscher is bold, curious, and fiercely loyal to its family. Ideal for experienced dog owners, this breed thrives in apartments or small homes with regular stimulation and attention.
The Siberian Husky is a striking, athletic, and high-energy working dog known for its wolf-like appearance, endurance, and friendly nature. Originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia as a sled dog capable of pulling light loads over long distances in harsh Arctic conditions, the Siberian Husky is intelligent, mischievous, and affectionate. They thrive in active homes that can match their exercise needs and enjoy their adventurous spirit.
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a rare and agile herding breed from the Swiss Alps, known for its striking tricolor coat, sharp intelligence, and boundless energy. Originally bred to herd livestock and guard farms, this medium-sized working dog is fiercely loyal, alert, and always ready to work. The Appenzeller thrives in active households that offer structure, stimulation, and space to move. With the right training and lifestyle, it makes a wonderful companion for experienced dog owners who enjoy the outdoors.
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 Kerry Blue Terrier is a spirited and stylish breed originating from Ireland. With their soft, curly blue-gray coat and tenacious personality, they’re both eye-catching and full of energy. Loyal to their families but sometimes suspicious of strangers or other animals, this breed thrives in active homes where training, exercise, and grooming are part of daily life.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive, deeply wrinkled Italian guardian bred for deterrence, steady nerves, and family devotion. Calm, confident, and intensely loyal, the “Mastino” is naturally suspicious of strangers and best for experienced owners who can commit to early socialization, management, and daily structure. If you’re wondering “Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs?”—yes, in knowledgeable homes with clear rules. “Do Neapolitan Mastiffs drool?”—absolutely. “Do Neapolitan Mastiffs shed?”—light to moderate.
The Yorkshire Terrier, or “Yorkie,” is a compact and confident toy breed beloved for its silky coat, charming personality, and fearless spirit. Originally bred for catching rats in 19th-century England, Yorkies have evolved into affectionate lap dogs and loyal companions. Despite their petite frame, they carry a big-dog attitude — alert, spirited, and sometimes bossy. This breed thrives in apartments or homes where they receive consistent attention, grooming, and positive reinforcement training.
The Border Terrier is a plucky, affectionate working terrier with a harsh, weather-resistant coat. Compact and game, yet cuddly at home—great for active families.
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.
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.
