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 Shih-poo is a playful, affectionate mix of the Shih Tzu and Poodle—compact, low-shedding, and perfect for apartments or seniors.
The Belgian Malinois is an intense, highly driven working dog prized for speed, stamina, and trainability. Best for experienced handlers who can provide daily structure, jobs, and advanced training.
The Boxer is a spirited, muscular, and intelligent breed that combines athleticism with affectionate loyalty. Known for their expressive faces and playful demeanor, Boxers are often described as the “Peter Pan” of the dog world due to their puppy-like energy that lasts well into adulthood. They’re ideal for active families who want a loyal, protective companion that thrives on interaction and exercise.
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.
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 Yakutian Laika is a versatile, intelligent, and affectionate working spitz breed from Siberia, known for its striking coat, endurance, and strong bond with humans. Traditionally used for sledding, hunting, and herding reindeer, this hardy breed is loyal, adaptable, and thrives in active households that can meet its physical and mental needs. With a friendly disposition and a natural love for family life, the Yakutian Laika is both a capable working partner and a loving companion.
The Silky Terrier is a lively, affectionate, and confident small terrier breed known for its flowing, silky blue-and-tan coat and bold personality. Originally bred in Australia by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers, the Silky combines the best traits of both—a spirited terrier drive with an affectionate companion temperament. They thrive in active households where they can be both a playful entertainer and a loyal lap dog.
The Schapendoes is a lively, affectionate, and intelligent herding dog from the Netherlands, known for its shaggy coat, cheerful personality, and exceptional work ethic. Bred to herd sheep in the Dutch countryside, this energetic breed thrives on activity and close companionship with its family. Schapendoes excel in agility, obedience, and herding trials, making them a perfect match for active homes that enjoy engaging with their dog both mentally and physically.
The Border Collie is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed in the world. Originally bred for herding sheep along the borderlands of Scotland and England, these agile, medium-sized dogs are known for their unmatched energy, sharp focus, and work ethic. Border Collies thrive in active households where they are mentally and physically challenged daily. They are not ideal for first-time or low-energy owners, but make incredibly loyal, trainable, and responsive companions when their needs are met.
The Canaan Dog is Israel’s national breed—a vigilant, desert-bred primitive herder/guardian that’s clean, cat-agile, and deeply loyal to its family. Naturally aloof with strangers but affectionate with “its people,” the Canaan Dog thrives on clear routines, early socialization, and daily mental work. If you’re asking “Are Canaan Dogs good apartment dogs?”—yes, for committed owners who meet exercise and training needs. “Do Canaan Dogs bark a lot?”—they’re alert watchdogs; teach a reliable “quiet.” “Do Canaan Dogs shed?”—moderately year-round with heavy seasonal blows.
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.
