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 Norwegian Lundehund is a rare, foxlike spitz developed on Norway’s rugged coast to climb cliffs and retrieve puffins. Tiny but athletic, it’s famous for six toes on each foot, hyper-flexible joints, and ears that can close to keep out debris. Cheerful, cat-agile, and people-oriented, Lundehunds fit active homes (including apartments) that provide daily exercise, positive training, and mindful GI-health management. If you’re asking “Do Norwegian Lundehunds have six toes?”—yes, it’s a hallmark trait. “Are Lundehunds hypoallergenic?”—no; they shed seasonally.
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and energetic personality. Originally bred in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire for hunting and guarding, the Airedale is a highly versatile dog that thrives in active households. This breed is ideal for owners who enjoy outdoor activities, structured training, and companionship with a confident, alert canine. Due to their size and drive, Airedales are best suited for homes with space to roam and engage their curiosity.
The Deutscher Wachtelhund, or German Spaniel, is a versatile hunting dog bred for tracking and flushing game in dense terrain. Friendly, loyal, and hardworking, they bond closely with their family and thrive when given a job. While not commonly found outside Europe, they’re gaining attention in Canada for hunters and active rural homes. Wondering “Are Deutscher Wachtelhunds good apartment dogs?” — only if their intense energy and working drive are fully met with daily outlets.
The Cane Corso is an athletic, confident Italian guardian bred for farm/estate protection and versatile work. Calm and affectionate with family but naturally reserved with strangers, the Corso thrives on clear rules, early socialization, and daily structure. If you’re wondering “Are Cane Corsos good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced, training-minded homes. “Do Cane Corsos drool?”—moderately. “Are Cane Corsos hypoallergenic?”—no. This powerful breed needs thoughtful management, neutrality training, and joint-friendly exercise.
The Skye Terrier is a dignified, loyal, and elegant Scottish terrier breed known for its long flowing coat, low-set body, and devoted nature. Originally bred to hunt foxes and badgers on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, this rare breed combines working ability with a calm, affectionate temperament. Skye Terriers are deeply attached to their families, gentle with those they love, yet reserved with strangers, making them both charming companions and watchful protectors.
The Shikoku is a rare, intelligent, and agile Japanese spitz-type breed prized for its hunting skill, loyalty, and wolf-like beauty. Originating from the mountainous Shikoku Island in Japan, this medium-sized dog has a bold yet devoted temperament, excelling as both a hunting companion and a loyal family guardian. Best suited for active owners, the Shikoku thrives in homes that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and consistent training.
The Chinook is a rare, people-oriented American sled dog—gentle, eager to please, and bred for stamina over speed. Calm and cuddly at home yet athletic outside, Chinooks shine in skijoring, canicross, hiking, and carting. If you’re asking “Are Chinooks good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active owners who meet exercise and enrichment needs. “Do Chinooks shed?”—moderately year-round with heavy seasonal coat blows. “Are Chinooks hypoallergenic?”—no. Focus on socialization, recall, and coat care (don’t shave the double coat).
The American Staffordshire Terrier, affectionately known as the AmStaff, is a muscular and affectionate breed with a heart as big as its frame. Known for its loyalty, courage, and confidence, the AmStaff forms deep bonds with its family. Often misunderstood, these dogs are intelligent and eager to please when trained with positive reinforcement. With proper socialization and consistent leadership, they can be excellent family dogs. Their compact, muscular build and smooth coat add to their signature look. This breed thrives in homes where they are included as part of the family and given plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
The Briard is a large, shaggy-coated French herding dog—loyal, clever, and naturally protective. Famous for its flowing coat and double dewclaws on each rear leg, the Briard is affectionate with family yet reserved with strangers. If you’re asking “Are Briards good apartment dogs?”—possible for very active owners who meet exercise and grooming needs. “Are Briards hypoallergenic?”—no; shedding is moderate and regular brushing is essential.
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.
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.
