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 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 Japanese Chin is a toy breed known for its elegant, cat-like demeanor and affectionate personality. With a distinctive plume tail and a luxurious coat, this charming companion thrives in calm environments and loves nothing more than lounging in their owner’s lap. The breed is prized for its quiet intelligence, gentle temperament, and aristocratic charm.
The Drentsche Patrijshond (pronounced "Drent-suh puh-triesh-hond") is a versatile, medium-sized gundog from the Netherlands. Known for its loyal, affectionate nature and calm demeanor indoors, this breed is an excellent choice for active families who want a hunting companion that also excels as a gentle house dog. Their adaptability and eagerness to please make them well-suited for life in Canadian homes that can offer both outdoor activity and indoor bonding time.
The Yakutian Laika is a versatile, intelligent, and affectionate working spitz breed from Siberia, known for its striking coat, endurance, and strong bond with humans. Traditionally used for sledding, hunting, and herding reindeer, this hardy breed is loyal, adaptable, and thrives in active households that can meet its physical and mental needs. With a friendly disposition and a natural love for family life, the Yakutian Laika is both a capable working partner and a loving companion.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a sturdy, low-to-the-ground terrier with a calm disposition and strong work ethic. Originally bred for hunting and farm duties in Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains, Glens are known for their quiet tenacity and affectionate nature. They're ideal for families seeking a less vocal, moderate-energy terrier that still retains classic terrier courage and charm—perfect for rural or suburban homes with space to explore.
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a rare and agile herding breed from the Swiss Alps, known for its striking tricolor coat, sharp intelligence, and boundless energy. Originally bred to herd livestock and guard farms, this medium-sized working dog is fiercely loyal, alert, and always ready to work. The Appenzeller thrives in active households that offer structure, stimulation, and space to move. With the right training and lifestyle, it makes a wonderful companion for experienced dog owners who enjoy the outdoors.
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 Braque du Bourbonnais is a gentle, medium-sized French pointing dog famed for its pear-shaped head, soft expression, and “faded” roan coat in peach (fawn) or lilac (liver) tones. Calm and cuddly at home yet energetic in the field, the Bourbonnais is biddable, affectionate, and thrives with active owners who enjoy training, hiking, and scent work. If you’re searching “Are Braque du Bourbonnais good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active homes that meet exercise needs. “Do Braque du Bourbonnais shed?”—light to moderate.
The Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo) is a giant, calm, and famously gentle Spanish livestock guardian bred to protect flocks during seasonal transhumance. Affectionate with family yet discerning with strangers, this steady, drool-prone cuddle–bodyguard excels in rural Canadian homes with secure acreage. If you’re wondering “Are Pyrenean Mastiffs good with kids?”—yes, in experienced homes that provide early socialization, supervision, and space.
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.
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.
