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 Presa Canario is a powerful, steady-nerved livestock guardian and estate protector from Spain’s Canary Islands. Muscular yet surprisingly athletic, this confident Molosser is affectionate with its family and naturally wary of strangers. Best for experienced owners, the Presa thrives where clear rules, early socialization, and daily structure are non-negotiable. If you’re asking “Are Presa Canarios good family dogs?”—they can be loyal companions in knowledgeable, well-managed homes with excellent training.
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a merry, medium-small French scenthound with a big voice, bigger heart, and tousled “just-went-hunting” look. Bred to trail rabbit and hare over rough terrain, the PBGV is outgoing, confident, and comedic—yet independent when a scent catches their nose. Great for active families who want a friendly, social dog and can manage houndy vocals and consistent training. If you’re searching “Do PBGVs bark a lot?” or “Are PBGVs good apartment dogs?”, expect an alert talker who can live in condos with daily outlets and bark management.
The Transylvanian Hound is a rare, noble, and determined scent hound from Hungary, known for its exceptional hunting skills, athletic build, and loyal nature. Traditionally used for tracking and hunting large game such as boar, bear, and deer, this breed is intelligent, courageous, and affectionate with its family. It thrives in active households that can provide plenty of outdoor activity and mental challenges, making it an ideal companion for experienced dog owners who enjoy an adventurous lifestyle.
The Bugg, also called the Pugston, is a small hybrid of the Boston Terrier and Pug—playful, affectionate, and well-suited to apartments and city living.
The Rat Terrier is an energetic, intelligent, and versatile small-to-medium terrier breed known for its exceptional hunting ability, adaptability, and affectionate nature. Once a staple on American farms for pest control, Rat Terriers are now beloved as loyal family companions who excel in agility, obedience, and active play. They thrive in homes that can provide daily exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of time with their people.
The Australian Kelpie is a high-energy, intelligent working dog bred for herding sheep across vast landscapes in Australia. Renowned for its stamina, agility, and independence, the Kelpie thrives in active homes and excels in jobs that require problem-solving and focus. This breed is loyal and hardworking, making it an ideal companion for farmers, dog sports enthusiasts, and experienced dog owners who can provide mental and physical stimulation.
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a cheerful, devoted, and energetic gundog known for its striking red-and-white coat and friendly, loyal temperament. Originally bred for flushing and retrieving game, the Welsh Springer thrives as both a hardworking hunting companion and a loving family pet. They are affectionate with their people, great with children, and happiest when given daily exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of attention.
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.
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi (“Cardi”) is the original, long-tailed Welsh herder—smart, sturdy, and wonderfully devoted. Built low and long for heel-nipping cattle work, Cardigans are cheerful problem-solvers who love training games, hikes, and couch time with their people. If you’re wondering “Are Cardigan Welsh Corgis good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active owners who meet exercise and bark-management needs. “Do Cardigan Welsh Corgis shed?”—yes: they’re seasonal heavy shedders with a weatherproof double coat.
The Wire Fox Terrier is a lively, confident, and intelligent breed with a signature wiry coat and a zest for life. Known for their boundless energy and playful personality, Wire Fox Terriers excel in dog sports, outdoor activities, and as loving companions. Originally bred for fox hunting, they are bold, curious, and always ready for adventure—making them a great match for active families who enjoy an engaging and entertaining dog.
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.
