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 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 Pomeranian (Pom) is a spirited, ultra-fluffy toy spitz with a big-dog attitude in a 3–7 lb package. Alert, affectionate, and clever, Poms thrive on attention, tricks, and short daily adventures. They suit city and condo life well—if you manage barking and grooming. Common searches like “Do Pomeranians shed?” and “Are Pomeranians good apartment dogs?” are answered here with clear care guidance.
The Miniature Bull Terrier is a bold, playful, and affectionate breed known for its distinctive egg-shaped head and clownish personality. A smaller version of the Standard Bull Terrier, the Miniature is equally spirited and thrives on human companionship. This breed suits active households looking for a fun-loving, loyal companion with a mischievous streak.
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 Akita is a powerful, dignified, and loyal breed originally from Japan, where it was revered as a symbol of good health, happiness, and long life. Known for their thick double coats, curled tails, and noble presence, Akitas are intelligent and independent, often forming strong bonds with one or two people. This breed thrives with experienced dog owners who understand its unique temperament and can offer firm, consistent training. While calm and quiet indoors, Akitas require space, socialization, and structure to prevent overprotectiveness or aloofness.
The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest purebred dog—sparkly-eyed, big-brained, and deeply loyal. Available in Smooth Coat (short) and Long Coat (plumed) varieties, Chihuahuas are alert companions who love laps, learning tricks, and short daily adventures. If you’re asking “Are Chihuahuas good apartment dogs?”—absolutely. “Do Chihuahuas shed?”—yes: Smooth Coats shed lightly to moderately; Long Coats a bit more with seasonal bursts. “Are Chihuahuas hypoallergenic?”—no. Focus on kind socialization, dental care, and weather protection.
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a dignified, long-and-low Scottish earthdog—calm in the house, game outdoors, and famously loyal. With a crisp body coat and a silky topknot, Dandies are quieter than many terriers yet remain keen hunters with real prey drive. If you’re asking “Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily walks and enrichment. “Do Dandies shed?”—low to moderate, lowest when hand-stripped. “Are Dandies hypoallergenic?”—no.
The Bedlington Terrier is a graceful, spirited terrier with a hallmark ‘lamb-like’ look and a surprisingly athletic core. Known for minimal shedding and a hypoallergenic reputation, they suit owners who enjoy regular professional grooming and brisk daily exercise.
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 Poodle is a highly intelligent, elegant, and versatile breed known for its signature curly coat and exceptional trainability. Available in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy — Poodles are adaptable to a wide range of living environments. Despite their dignified appearance, Poodles are energetic, playful, and make wonderful family companions. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them a preferred choice for allergy sufferers.
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.
