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 Dogo Argentino is a powerful, loyal, and courageous breed originally developed in Argentina for big-game hunting. Known for its muscular build and white coat, the Dogo is also a devoted family protector when properly socialized and trained. This breed thrives in active homes with experienced owners who can provide structure, exercise, and mental stimulation. Asking “Are Dogo Argentinos good apartment dogs?” — only for highly committed owners with strong leadership and plenty of daily exercise.
The Irish Terrier is a fiery‑hearted, red‑coated working terrier—bold, affectionate, and endlessly game. Best for active owners who appreciate a spirited companion with brains and stamina.
The Scottish Deerhound is a majestic, gentle, and athletic sighthound bred for coursing red deer in the rugged Scottish Highlands. Known for their tall, wiry-coated elegance and calm, dignified temperament, Deerhounds combine the grace of a Greyhound with the rugged endurance needed for Scotland’s terrain. They make affectionate, loyal companions for experienced owners who can provide ample space, exercise, and love.
The Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) is a bright, athletic, and people-focused working dog from Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Famous for its waterproof curls and love of swimming, this low-shedding breed excels at water work, agility, obedience, and life with active families. If you’re asking “Are Portuguese Water Dogs hypoallergenic?”—they’re low-shedding and often better for allergy-sensitive homes, but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Ideal for owners who can provide daily exercise, grooming, and lots of together time.
The Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael) is an elegant, black-coated working herder known for intelligence, loyalty, and sensitivity. It thrives with active, engaged owners.
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog—affectionately called the PON—is a bright, shaggy-coated, medium herder famed for its big brain, big memory, and comical fringe-covered eyes. Loyal, watchful, and people-focused, PONs excel in obedience, herding, rally, and agility, but they also make devoted family companions. They suit active households that can provide daily mental work, firm-yet-kind training, and regular grooming. If you’re searching “Do Polish Lowland Sheepdogs shed?” or “Are PONs good apartment dogs?”—expect moderate shedding, strong watchdog instincts, and success in condos only with real exercise and enrichment.
The Puli is a compact, springy Hungarian herding dog best known for its spectacular corded coat. Agile, intelligent, and playful, the Puli excels at herding, agility, and obedience while doubling as a lively family companion. If you’re asking “Are Pulis hypoallergenic?”—they’re low-shedding and often tolerated by allergy-sensitive owners, but no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Ideal for active households that can commit to coat care and daily mental/physical exercise.
The Dutch Shepherd is a highly intelligent and versatile working dog, known for its strong herding instincts, loyalty, and athleticism. Originally bred to herd sheep and guard farms, this breed thrives with active owners who can provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. While not as common in Canada, the Dutch Shepherd is gaining popularity among police K9 units, sport handlers, and experienced pet owners looking for a trainable and devoted companion.
The American Foxhound is a lean, high-energy breed originally developed for hunting foxes across the rolling hills of colonial America. Known for its musical bay and unmatched stamina, this loyal and affectionate dog thrives in active homes with plenty of space to roam. While gentle and easygoing with families, the breed is driven by its powerful scent-tracking instincts and requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. With the right outlet, the American Foxhound makes a devoted and entertaining companion.
The Mastiff, often referred to as the English Mastiff, is one of the largest and most powerful dog breeds in the world. Despite their imposing size, Mastiffs are known for their gentle temperament and deep loyalty to their family. They are calm, protective, and dignified, making them excellent companions for experienced dog owners with enough space and patience for this colossal breed.
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.
