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 Irish Red and White Setter is a stylish, athletic gun dog—affectionate at home, all business in the field. Great for outdoorsy families who can provide daily exercise, training, and mental work.
The Slovensky Kopov, also known as the Slovakian Hound, is a skilled, determined, and loyal scent hound from Slovakia, prized for its exceptional tracking abilities and fearless hunting style. Specializing in wild boar and other big game, this medium-sized hound is energetic, intelligent, and deeply devoted to its handler. While primarily a working hunting dog, the Slovensky Kopov can be a loving companion in active homes that understand its strong hunting instincts.
The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and energetic personality. Originally bred in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire for hunting and guarding, the Airedale is a highly versatile dog that thrives in active households. This breed is ideal for owners who enjoy outdoor activities, structured training, and companionship with a confident, alert canine. Due to their size and drive, Airedales are best suited for homes with space to roam and engage their curiosity.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a cheerful, compact companion originally bred to be an all-purpose farm helper. Known for their intelligence, agility, and affectionate nature, they excel in both rural and suburban homes. These dogs are eager to please and relatively easy to train, making them great for active families or individuals who want a versatile partner. Wondering “Are Danish-Swedish Farmdogs good apartment dogs?” Yes—if well-exercised, they can adapt beautifully to smaller living spaces.
The Pumi is a compact, ultra-athletic Hungarian herding dog famed for its corkscrew curls, perky “question-mark” tail, and expressive ears. Lively, vocal, and wicked smart, the Pumi (pronounced POO-mee) shines in agility, herding, obedience, and trick sports. Ideal for active owners, this low-shedding herder loves having a job and close daily interaction. If you’re wondering “Are Pumis good apartment dogs?”—they can be, with serious exercise and bark management.
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 Doberman Pinscher is an athletic, alert, and highly intelligent breed renowned for its loyalty and protective nature. Originally bred as a guard dog, this sleek powerhouse is both elegant and intimidating. Despite their reputation, Dobermans are affectionate, people-oriented, and thrive when included in family activities. With proper training and socialization, they’re excellent companions for active households who can provide mental and physical stimulation.
The Norwegian Lundehund is a rare, foxlike spitz developed on Norway’s rugged coast to climb cliffs and retrieve puffins. Tiny but athletic, it’s famous for six toes on each foot, hyper-flexible joints, and ears that can close to keep out debris. Cheerful, cat-agile, and people-oriented, Lundehunds fit active homes (including apartments) that provide daily exercise, positive training, and mindful GI-health management. If you’re asking “Do Norwegian Lundehunds have six toes?”—yes, it’s a hallmark trait. “Are Lundehunds hypoallergenic?”—no; they shed seasonally.
The Basset Hound is a lovable, low-slung scent hound known for its long ears, soulful eyes, and incredible nose. Originally bred for tracking game, the Basset combines a calm and affectionate nature with a stubborn streak, making them both charming and comical. They are great family companions, gentle with children, and adaptable to various living situations, provided they get regular exercise and mental stimulation.
The Eurasier is a calm, devoted, and intelligent companion dog known for its dignified nature and striking good looks. Originally bred to be a well-balanced family dog, this spitz-type breed is affectionate with loved ones but reserved with strangers. Eurasiers do best in homes where they can be close to their people, thrive on routine, and enjoy moderate daily activity. Ideal for families and individuals seeking a gentle, adaptable companion.
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.
