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 Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a cheerful, energetic, and compact scent hound with a golden-red coat and a big personality. Originally bred for hunting in France, these dogs are lively companions who thrive in active households. They love to follow their noses, enjoy the outdoors, and have an affectionate, people-loving nature. While adaptable to various living environments, they do best with owners who can provide regular exercise and mental enrichment.
The American Water Spaniel is a rare yet highly versatile sporting breed originally developed in the Midwest United States. Bred for retrieving from boats and hunting in swampy terrain, this curly-coated companion is both a skilled worker and a gentle family pet. Their friendly nature, eagerness to please, and medium size make them suitable for active households who enjoy the outdoors. While they’re still used as hunting dogs today, their affectionate disposition also makes them great house companions when properly trained and socialized.
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a laid-back yet athletic scenthound with legendary nose power. Friendly and good-natured, it thrives with ample exercise and patient training.
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 Labsky mixes Labrador enthusiasm with Husky endurance—an energetic, social hybrid built for outdoor-loving families.
The Working Kelpie is an intelligent, energetic, and highly skilled herding dog from Australia, bred for endurance, agility, and independent thinking. Unlike the Australian Kelpie developed for show, the Working Kelpie is focused on practical herding ability, thriving in farms and ranches where it can work livestock tirelessly. Devoted to its work and handler, this breed needs an active environment and is best suited for experienced owners who can provide purposeful tasks and daily mental and physical challenges.
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 Sheprador blends the German Shepherd’s loyalty and vigilance with the Labrador’s easygoing friendliness - a smart, athletic family companion that thrives with active Canadian households.
The Shih-poo is a playful, affectionate mix of the Shih Tzu and Poodle—compact, low-shedding, and perfect for apartments or seniors.
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, is a loyal and affectionate giant breed known for its powerful build and deeply expressive face. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are gentle and loving with their families—making them excellent guardians and companions. Best suited to experienced dog owners in spacious homes, the Dogue thrives with calm leadership and daily companionship.
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.
