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 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 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.
The American Leopard Hound is a rugged, intelligent hunting breed celebrated for its tracking abilities, agility, and intense loyalty to its family. Originally bred for treeing game in diverse terrains, this breed is alert, driven, and highly trainable. With a distinct speckled or “leopard” coat and a muscular build, the American Leopard Hound thrives in active households, especially those with space to roam. While they are affectionate and protective, their strong prey drive and need for stimulation mean they’re best suited for experienced dog owners.
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 Weimaraner is a striking, high-energy breed known for its sleek silver-gray coat and boundless stamina. Bred in 19th-century Germany for big-game hunting, the “Gray Ghost” is a loyal, intelligent, and highly active dog. This breed thrives in rural or suburban homes with access to outdoor space, making it less suitable for apartment living. Weimaraners are known for forming strong bonds with their owners, often displaying separation anxiety if left alone too long. They're typically affectionate with children and friendly with other dogs when properly socialized, but their strong prey drive makes early training essential.
The Alaskan Malamute is a majestic, powerful, and hardworking breed originally bred for hauling heavy freight across long distances in the Arctic. Known for their endurance, strength, and thick, weather-resistant coat, these dogs are often mistaken for Siberian Huskies but are larger and more robust. Malamutes are affectionate, pack-oriented dogs that thrive on companionship and purpose. While friendly and loyal, they are independent thinkers and require experienced owners who can provide firm leadership and plenty of activity.
The Biewer Terrier is a delightfully elegant toy companion with a long, silky, tricolour coat. Affectionate and playful, it suits apartment life with regular grooming and gentle training.
The Sealyham Terrier is a charming, sturdy, and spirited small terrier breed known for its distinctive long, low body, luxurious white coat, and bold personality. Originating from Wales, this breed was developed for hunting small game and excels as a confident, affectionate companion today. Intelligent and adaptable, the Sealyham Terrier is equally at home in the countryside or city, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking a loyal and playful canine friend.
The English Toy Spaniel is a charming, affectionate lapdog with a royal heritage and a soft, soulful expression. This small companion breed thrives in calm homes, especially with adults or seniors. They are ideal for apartment living due to their compact size, quiet demeanor, and minimal exercise needs.
The Chow Chow is a dignified, cat-like Asian spitz/guardian known for its lion’s ruff, scowling expression, and blue-black tongue. Calm and reserved with strangers but deeply devoted to family, Chows do best in structured homes that value neutrality training, early socialization, and steady routines. If you’re wondering “Are Chow Chows good apartment dogs?”—yes, for owners who meet exercise and grooming needs and manage barking. “Do Chow Chows shed?”—yes, heavily during seasonal coat blows. “Are Chow Chows hypoallergenic?”—no.
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.
