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 Havanese is a cheerful, adaptable companion dog known for its silky coat, people-loving nature, and surprising agility. As Cuba’s national dog, it thrives in apartments or houses, with families or singles, making it one of the best small dog breeds for Canadian households seeking an affectionate and trainable pet. They’re playful, smart, and always eager to be by your side.
The Newfoundland (“Newf”) is Canada’s iconic gentle giant—a powerful water-rescue dog with a massive frame, webbed feet, and a sweet, steady temperament. Calm indoors but strong and capable outside, Newfs thrive with families who can manage grooming, drool, and size, while offering low-impact exercise (especially swimming). If you’re asking “Are Newfoundlands good family dogs?”—yes, with supervision and training. “Do Newfoundlands shed?”—heavily, especially seasonally.
The Segugio Italiano is a sleek, tireless, and intelligent scent hound from Italy, celebrated for its exceptional hunting skills, endurance, and keen nose. Traditionally used for tracking and pursuing hare and wild boar, this versatile breed is equally affectionate and gentle in the home. Available in both smooth and rough coat varieties, the Segugio Italiano thrives in active households that appreciate a capable hunting dog with a warm and loyal temperament.
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 Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a cheerful, smart, and famously long-and-low herding dog from Wales. Bred to drive cattle by nipping heels, Pembrokes are energetic, people-focused companions who thrive on training games, brisk walks, and family life. If you’re wondering “Are Pembroke Welsh Corgis good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily exercise and bark management. Curious “Do Corgis shed a lot?”—they’re heavy seasonal shedders with a dense double coat.
The Afghan Hound is a striking and noble breed, famous for its flowing coat, regal appearance, and aloof demeanor. Originally bred for hunting large game in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, this breed combines elegance with athleticism. Afghan Hounds are known for their independence, sensitivity, and unique personality. They thrive in calm, structured environments and make loyal companions for experienced dog owners who appreciate their quiet sophistication.
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.
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 Irish Water Spaniel is a bold, curly‑coated retriever‑spaniel—witty, hardworking, and water‑loving. Great for active owners who want a versatile gundog with low shedding and high trainability.
The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned for its unmatched ability to follow even the faintest trails — sometimes days old. Known for its wrinkled skin, long ears, and deep-set eyes, the Bloodhound is gentle, affectionate, and deeply loyal. It thrives in homes with ample space and active owners who can match its energy. Though strong-willed, it makes an excellent family dog when trained early and consistently.
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.
