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 Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a loyal and affectionate giant breed known for its powerful build and deeply expressive face. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are gentle and loving with their families—making them excellent guardians and companions. Best suited to experienced dog owners in spacious homes, the Dogue thrives with calm leadership and daily companionship.
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.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a cheerful, affectionate, and spirited Irish terrier breed, celebrated for its silky, wavy, wheaten-colored coat and joyful personality. Originally bred as a versatile farm dog, the Wheaten excels as a companion for active families, bringing enthusiasm, loyalty, and a playful sense of humor into the home.
The Small Munsterlander Pointer is a versatile, intelligent, and affectionate hunting dog from Germany, celebrated for its exceptional pointing, tracking, and retrieving abilities both on land and in water. Athletic yet gentle, this breed is an outstanding companion for active hunters and families who can provide plenty of exercise, training, and engagement. Known for its striking liver-and-white coat and loyal nature, the Small Munsterlander Pointer thrives in homes where it can work and bond closely with its people.
The American Hairless Terrier is a small-to-medium-sized breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and completely hairless coat—making it a standout choice for allergy-sensitive households. Originally bred in the United States, this terrier is spirited, curious, and deeply loyal to its family. While social and playful, they also serve as attentive watchdogs. With minimal grooming needs and a lively personality, the American Hairless Terrier is ideal for families seeking a low-shedding, energetic companion that thrives on attention and daily activity.
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a slim, elegant primitive hunting hound from Sicily—light on its feet, affectionate with family, and keen-eyed for small game. With a short, low-odour coat and catlike cleanliness, Cirnechi (plural) are great for active apartments or houses. If you’re wondering “Are Cirneco dell’Etna good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily exercise and enrichment. “Do Cirneco dell’Etna shed?”—lightly. “Are Cirnechi hypoallergenic?”—no, but they’re low-shedding. Expect a sensitive, biddable sighthound that thrives on kind training and secure off-leash options.
The Miniature Bull Terrier is a bold, playful, and affectionate breed known for its distinctive egg-shaped head and clownish personality. A smaller version of the Standard Bull Terrier, the Miniature is equally spirited and thrives on human companionship. This breed suits active households looking for a fun-loving, loyal companion with a mischievous streak.
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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a cheerful, energetic, and compact scent hound with a golden-red coat and a big personality. Originally bred for hunting in France, these dogs are lively companions who thrive in active households. They love to follow their noses, enjoy the outdoors, and have an affectionate, people-loving nature. While adaptable to various living environments, they do best with owners who can provide regular exercise and mental enrichment.
The Dalmatian is a striking breed best known for its black or liver-colored spots and energetic personality. Originally bred as a carriage dog, this athletic and alert breed thrives in active households. Dalmatians are loyal, playful, and protective — making them excellent companions for runners, hikers, and families with older children. Their intelligence and independence can be both a strength and a training challenge.
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.
