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 Beagle is a small-to-medium-sized scent hound known for its friendly personality, floppy ears, and keen sense of smell. Originally bred for tracking game such as rabbits and hares, Beagles are highly social and curious by nature. They thrive in active households, enjoy companionship, and get along well with children and other pets. With a consistently cheerful disposition and expressive eyes, Beagles have become one of the most beloved family dogs worldwide.
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is a high-energy herding breed developed in Australia to drive cattle across rough terrain. Renowned for its intelligence, agility, and endurance, this dog thrives in active homes where it has a job to do. Loyal and protective, the Australian Cattle Dog forms strong bonds with its owners and is a top choice for rural and working families.
The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a rare, intelligent, and determined scent hound celebrated for its keen nose, distinct brindle coat, and exceptional hunting ability. Known for its speed, agility, and ability to track and “tree” game, this breed is prized by hunters but also makes a loyal, affectionate family companion. Energetic and focused, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle thrives in homes that can meet its exercise needs and engage its sharp mind.
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee), often called the “Xolo” or “Mexican Hairless Dog,” is an ancient and noble breed known for its unique appearance, loyal temperament, and remarkable history. Available in hairless and coated varieties, the Xolo comes in three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—making it adaptable to many living situations. Calm, intelligent, and affectionate with family, the Xolo is a low-maintenance and devoted companion that thrives in loving homes.
The Australian Shepherd is an energetic, intelligent, and highly trainable herding dog best suited for active families or individuals. Known for their boundless enthusiasm and loyalty, Aussies thrive in homes that offer daily exercise, mental stimulation, and a job to do—whether it's agility, herding, or simply playing fetch. While adaptable, they are not ideal for sedentary or apartment-only lifestyles unless their needs are well met.
The Portuguese Pointer is a biddable, athletic, and affectionate gun dog bred to locate and indicate game birds across Portugal’s diverse terrain. A compact, sturdy pointer with a close coat and soulful expression, the breed thrives with active owners who enjoy field training, hiking, and daily play. If you’re wondering “Are Portuguese Pointers good family dogs?”—yes, when their exercise and mental needs are met and training is consistent.
The Cocker Spaniel is a joyful, affectionate, and beautiful companion dog known for its expressive eyes, silky coat, and gentle demeanor. Bred originally as a hunting dog, today’s Cocker Spaniel thrives in family homes, especially those that can provide regular grooming, playtime, and companionship. If you're wondering “Are Cocker Spaniels good apartment dogs?”—yes, they adapt well to smaller spaces as long as their exercise and social needs are met.
The Miniature American Shepherd, often nicknamed “Mini Aussie,” is a highly intelligent, affectionate, and versatile herding breed. With its compact size and big-dog personality, it’s a perfect choice for active families who want the brains and energy of an Australian Shepherd in a smaller package. Loyal and eager to please, Minis thrive in homes where they can be both a companion and a partner in activity.
The Dachshund is a lively, courageous dog originally bred in Germany for badger hunting. Recognizable by their elongated body and short legs, Dachshunds come in three coat types (smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired) and two sizes (standard and miniature). Despite their small stature, they are confident, independent, and often stubborn. Dachshunds make loving companions and are well-suited to apartments and homes alike—especially with attentive, gentle owners.
The Brittany is an energetic, eager-to-please bird dog known for its agility, affectionate nature, and versatility in both the field and the home. Equally suited for hunting upland game birds or snuggling with the family, Brittanys are intelligent, compact, and full of zest for life. Ideal for active households, they thrive when given a job and plenty of daily exercise.
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.
