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 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 Azawakh is a rare, elegant, and fiercely loyal sighthound originally bred in West Africa as a guardian and hunter. With its lean build, regal posture, and dignified temperament, the Azawakh is both a formidable protector and a loving companion to those it trusts. This breed is best suited for experienced dog owners who appreciate its aloof nature, intense loyalty, and need for daily exercise.
The Tibetan Terrier is a charming, adaptable, and affectionate medium-sized companion dog, often called the “Holy Dog of Tibet.” Despite its name, it is not a true terrier but a devoted and agile companion originally bred by Tibetan monks. Known for its long, flowing coat, expressive eyes, and lively personality, the Tibetan Terrier thrives in loving homes where it can share in daily activities and receive plenty of companionship.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an elegant, sensitive, and affectionate hairless (with coated variety) sighthound-type companion from Peru. Calm indoors and playful outside, this people-focused dog is ideal for allergy-conscious households seeking a low-shedding pet that still needs thoughtful skin care, sun protection, and warmth in Canadian winters. If you’re wondering “Are Peruvian Inca Orchids hypoallergenic?” — they’re low-allergen (especially hairless), but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.
The Bulldog is a stocky, sweet-natured companion with a big heart, bigger head, and famously squishy face. Calm, affectionate, and clownish, Bulldogs are excellent apartment dogs who prefer short strolls and long naps with their people. If you’re asking “Are Bulldogs good apartment dogs?”—yes. “Do Bulldogs drool?”—often. “Are Bulldogs hypoallergenic?”—no. Care focus is on wrinkle/skin hygiene, heat safety, and airway health (BOAS).
The Pudelpointer is a rugged, super-trainable German versatile hunting dog created by combining the Poodle (“Pudel”) and English Pointer. Famous for its wiry, weatherproof coat, keen nose, and balanced temperament, this medium-large gundog excels at tracking, pointing, and retrieving on land and water—then settles calmly with the family. If you’re wondering “Are Pudelpointers good family dogs?”—yes, in active homes that can meet their exercise and training needs. If you’re asking “Are Pudelpointers hypoallergenic?”—no; they’re moderate shedders despite the wiry coat.
The Sloughi, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, is an elegant, athletic, and noble sighthound from North Africa, renowned for its speed, endurance, and loyal companionship. Traditionally used by nomadic tribes for hunting game such as hare, gazelle, and jackal, the Sloughi is affectionate with family yet reserved with strangers. This breed thrives in active homes that appreciate its sensitive nature and require a graceful yet capable hunting partner or sporting dog.
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.
The Cairn Terrier is a hardy, big-hearted Scottish earthdog—game, clever, and endlessly cheerful. Compact and weatherproof with a wiry jacket, Cairns love brisk walks, scent games, and couch time with their people. If you’re wondering “Are Cairn Terriers good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily exercise and bark management. “Do Cairn Terriers shed?”—low to moderate, lowest when hand-stripped (clipping softens the coat and can increase visible shed).
The Swedish Lapphund is an affectionate, intelligent, and versatile spitz-type dog from Sweden, known for its thick, fluffy coat, friendly personality, and strong herding and guarding instincts. Traditionally used by the Sami people to herd reindeer and protect property, this rare breed is deeply loyal to its family and thrives in active homes where it can participate in daily activities.
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.
