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 Spanish Water Dog is a versatile, intelligent, and energetic working breed from Spain, known for its curly, woolly coat and exceptional adaptability. Traditionally used for herding, hunting, and water work, this multi-talented dog is a loyal companion who thrives in active households. Agile, affectionate, and highly trainable, the Spanish Water Dog excels in canine sports, outdoor adventures, and as a devoted family pet.
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 Belgian Tervuren pairs elegance with serious working ability. It’s energetic, intelligent, and sensitive—suited to active, training-focused homes.
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 Otterhound is a rare, big-hearted British scenthound built for all-day tracking in water and on land. With a rough, waterproof double coat, webbed feet, and a melodious voice, the Otterhound is friendly, comical, and independent. They adore swimming, long hikes, and nose-driven games, then sprawling at home with their people. If you’re searching “Do Otterhounds shed?”—moderately. “Are Otterhounds good apartment dogs?”—possible for very active owners, but they’re happiest with space and daily outdoor adventures.
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 Volpino Italiano is a lively, affectionate, and charming toy spitz breed from Italy, known for its fluffy white coat, expressive face, and spirited personality. Bred as both a companion dog and a watchdog, the Volpino combines the alertness of a guardian with the devotion of a lapdog. Although small in stature, this breed has a bold heart and thrives in homes that can offer daily activity, mental stimulation, and close companionship.
The White Shepherd is a striking, intelligent, and loyal working dog known for its pure white coat and strong resemblance to the German Shepherd. Bred for companionship, versatility, and herding ability, the White Shepherd combines keen intelligence with a calm and devoted temperament. These dogs excel as family companions, service animals, and in dog sports, thriving in active households that can meet their exercise and training needs.
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 Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy-coated herding breed with a big heart and an unmistakable “bear-like” shuffle. Known for their gentle temperament, intelligence, and iconic fluffy appearance, these dogs make affectionate family companions and excel in homes that can provide daily exercise and grooming. Once bred to drive cattle and sheep to market, the Old English Sheepdog retains its playful, hardworking nature and thrives in active households that enjoy the outdoors.
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.
