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 Tosa, also known as the Tosa Inu or Japanese Mastiff, is a large, powerful, and dignified dog originally bred in Japan for sumo-style dog fighting. Calm and composed yet incredibly strong, the Tosa is a loyal and protective guardian with a quiet, reserved nature. They require experienced ownership, consistent training, and early socialization to develop into well-balanced companions. While rare outside Japan, the Tosa’s combination of strength, intelligence, and devotion makes them an impressive breed for knowledgeable owners.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a cheerful Italian truffle dog—curly‑coated, affectionate, and highly trainable. Low‑shedding and apartment‑friendly with daily walks, it suits families that enjoy training games and outdoor adventures.
The Volpino Italiano is a lively, affectionate, and charming toy spitz breed from Italy, known for its fluffy white coat, expressive face, and spirited personality. Bred as both a companion dog and a watchdog, the Volpino combines the alertness of a guardian with the devotion of a lapdog. Although small in stature, this breed has a bold heart and thrives in homes that can offer daily activity, mental stimulation, and close companionship.
The Borzoi is a graceful, aristocratic sighthound renowned for speed and a flowing, silky coat. Calm indoors, athletic outdoors—best with space and secure fencing.
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a slim, elegant primitive hunting hound from Sicily—light on its feet, affectionate with family, and keen-eyed for small game. With a short, low-odour coat and catlike cleanliness, Cirnechi (plural) are great for active apartments or houses. If you’re wondering “Are Cirneco dell’Etna good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily exercise and enrichment. “Do Cirneco dell’Etna shed?”—lightly. “Are Cirnechi hypoallergenic?”—no, but they’re low-shedding. Expect a sensitive, biddable sighthound that thrives on kind training and secure off-leash options.
The French Bulldog, affectionately known as the “Frenchie,” is a small, muscular companion dog with a charming personality and trademark bat-like ears. Compact and low-maintenance, French Bulldogs are perfect for city living, making them one of the most popular choices for apartment dwellers. They are affectionate, playful, and love to be the center of attention—but also known for their stubborn streak.
The Barbado da Terceira is a rare and versatile herding breed from Portugal’s Azores islands. Known for its shaggy coat, sharp mind, and devoted nature, this dog is equally skilled at managing livestock and forming strong family bonds. They are intelligent, energetic, and thrive in active households where they can work or have structured play. Their loyal and affectionate temperament makes them excellent companions for experienced owners who can provide daily exercise and training.
The Puggle mixes the Pug’s clownish charm with the Beagle’s curiosity—an affectionate, compact companion that thrives in families and city homes.
The Pyredoodle is a loyal, affectionate hybrid that combines the guardian instincts of the Great Pyrenees with the intelligence and potential low-shedding qualities of the Poodle...
The Lhasa Apso is a confident, floor‑length companion - dignified yet playful, with a keen watchdog nature. Excellent for apartments when grooming is prioritized and training stays positive.
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.
