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 Small Munsterlander Pointer is a versatile, intelligent, and affectionate hunting dog from Germany, celebrated for its exceptional pointing, tracking, and retrieving abilities both on land and in water. Athletic yet gentle, this breed is an outstanding companion for active hunters and families who can provide plenty of exercise, training, and engagement. Known for its striking liver-and-white coat and loyal nature, the Small Munsterlander Pointer thrives in homes where it can work and bond closely with its people.
The Alaskan Malamute is a majestic, powerful, and hardworking breed originally bred for hauling heavy freight across long distances in the Arctic. Known for their endurance, strength, and thick, weather-resistant coat, these dogs are often mistaken for Siberian Huskies but are larger and more robust. Malamutes are affectionate, pack-oriented dogs that thrive on companionship and purpose. While friendly and loyal, they are independent thinkers and require experienced owners who can provide firm leadership and plenty of activity.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a bold, lively, and intelligent terrier breed known for its sleek coat, athletic build, and spirited personality. Originally bred in England for fox hunting, this breed is both a fearless working dog and a devoted family companion. With boundless energy, a playful nature, and a natural instinct to explore, the Smooth Fox Terrier thrives in active homes where they can channel their curiosity and agility into fun activities.
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a cheerful, fox-faced, spaniel-type gun dog developed to lure ducks into decoys using its white-tipped plume tail. Affectionate, sensitive, and clever, “Kooikers” bond closely with their people and thrive on training games, moderate daily exercise, and calm, consistent handling. If you’re searching “Are Kooikerhondjes good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active owners who meet their exercise and enrichment needs. “Do Kooikerhondjes shed?”—moderately, with seasonal coat blows.
The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the “Sheltie,” is an intelligent, affectionate, and agile herding breed from Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Renowned for their beautiful long coat, expressive face, and exceptional trainability, Shelties excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials while making loving family companions. They thrive in homes that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and plenty of affection.
The Kuvasz is a noble Hungarian guardian—calm, independent, and devoted to its family. Best for experienced, rural or spacious homes that value a serious guardian with steady daily exercise.
The Sussex Spaniel is a charming, steady, and affectionate gundog known for its golden-liver coat, soulful expression, and low, sturdy build. Bred for flushing game in dense cover, this breed works at a slow and deliberate pace but possesses remarkable endurance. Loyal and gentle with family, the Sussex Spaniel thrives in a loving home that can provide moderate daily exercise, companionship, and plenty of affection.
The Basenji is a unique and ancient African breed known for its elegance, intelligence, and cat-like cleanliness. Nicknamed the “barkless dog” due to its unusual yodel-like vocalization, the Basenji is agile, alert, and highly independent. They are best suited for active, experienced owners who appreciate their spirited personality and need for mental and physical stimulation. This sleek, graceful dog makes a loyal companion but thrives in homes that understand their independent streak.
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a bold, confident, and athletic gun dog known for its signature tight curls and spirited personality. As one of the oldest retriever breeds, it excels in water and field work while also being an affectionate family companion. Ideal for experienced and active owners, this breed balances independence with loyalty. Wondering “Are Curly-Coated Retrievers good apartment dogs?” They can adapt if their high exercise needs are met, but thrive in spacious environments.
The Doberman Pinscher is an athletic, alert, and highly intelligent breed renowned for its loyalty and protective nature. Originally bred as a guard dog, this sleek powerhouse is both elegant and intimidating. Despite their reputation, Dobermans are affectionate, people-oriented, and thrive when included in family activities. With proper training and socialization, they’re excellent companions for active households who can provide mental and physical stimulation.
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.
