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 Greyhound is a sleek and graceful breed originally bred for hunting and racing. Renowned as the fastest dog in the world, it also makes a surprisingly gentle and low-maintenance companion. Despite their racing history, Greyhounds are calm and affectionate, thriving in quiet homes and adjusting well to apartment life. Known as "40-mph couch potatoes," they enjoy short bursts of energy followed by long naps.
The Plott Hound is a courageous, athletic American scenthound famed for its brindle coat, booming voice, and relentless tracking ability. Loyal and affectionate with family but all business on a trail, the Plott thrives with active owners who can provide vigorous daily exercise and structured training. If you’re searching “Are Plott Hounds good family dogs?”—yes, in homes that meet their exercise needs and manage prey drive. “Do Plott Hounds bark a lot?”—they can be vocal baying hounds; training helps.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a versatile, affectionate, and athletic hunting breed from Hungary, known for its dense wiry coat, keen hunting ability, and loyal nature. A close cousin to the smooth-coated Vizsla, this breed excels in the field, at dog sports, and as a loving family companion. Gentle with family yet driven in the field, the Wirehaired Vizsla thrives in active households that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and plenty of companionship.
The Azawakh is a rare, elegant, and fiercely loyal sighthound originally bred in West Africa as a guardian and hunter. With its lean build, regal posture, and dignified temperament, the Azawakh is both a formidable protector and a loving companion to those it trusts. This breed is best suited for experienced dog owners who appreciate its aloof nature, intense loyalty, and need for daily exercise.
The Perro de Presa Canario is a calm, confident, and massively powerful Canary Islands guardian developed for controlling cattle and protecting farms. Deeply loyal with its family and naturally suspicious of strangers, the Presa needs experienced, hands-on owners who provide structure, early socialization, and ongoing training. If you’re wondering “Are Perro de Presa Canarios good family dogs?”—they can be devoted companions in capable homes that prioritize management, exercise, and manners.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful, compact sporting breed known for its merry personality, silky coat, and strong hunting instincts. Highly affectionate and great with families, this breed thrives in both the field and at home. English Cockers are ideal for active owners seeking a loyal companion with moderate grooming needs and a consistently upbeat attitude.
The Russian Toy is a delicate, charming, and intelligent toy breed known for its petite size, lively spirit, and affectionate nature. Originally bred as a companion dog for Russian nobility, the breed comes in both smooth and long-haired varieties. Quick, alert, and deeply attached to their owners, Russian Toys thrive in homes where they can enjoy companionship, gentle play, and plenty of affection.
The Bull Terrier is an athletic, egg-headed terrier famous for its strong build, triangular eyes, and playful, clownish charm. Affectionate and people-oriented, Bull Terriers thrive with active owners who provide clear rules, early socialization, and daily exercise. If you’re wondering “Are Bull Terriers good family dogs?”—yes, in structured, training-minded homes. “Do Bull Terriers shed?”—low to moderate. “Are Bull Terriers hypoallergenic?”—no. Expect enthusiasm, stubborn smarts, and big cuddles.
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 Bullmastiff is a powerful, dignified guardian—calm at home, courageous when needed, and famously devoted to family. Bred to silently apprehend poachers, the breed is confident, affectionate, and relatively low-energy indoors. If you’re asking “Are Bullmastiffs good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced homes with clear rules and early socialization. “Do Bullmastiffs drool?”—often. “Do Bullmastiffs shed?”—light to moderate. Heat management, joint care, and polite-manners training are musts.
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.
