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 Great Bernese combines the gentle protector instincts of the Great Pyrenees with the Bernese Mountain Dog’s affectionate loyalty—a giant, family-centered hybrid.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (“Toller”) is a compact, fox-like retriever bred to lure (“toll”) ducks to shore with playful motion—and then expertly retrieve in icy waters. Bright, athletic, and intensely people-focused, Tollers are fantastic for active families who love training, swimming, and outdoor life. If you’re wondering “Are Tollers good apartment dogs?”—yes, with 60–90 minutes of daily exercise and enrichment. “Do Tollers shed?”—yes: a water-resistant double coat means seasonal coat-blows.
The Gerberian Shepsky combines the German Shepherd’s trainability with the Siberian Husky’s endurance—an eye-catching, high-energy hybrid best for experienced, active owners.
The Large Munsterlander is a versatile German gun dog—athletic, intelligent, and people‑oriented. Best for outdoorsy families who enjoy training, long hikes, and real field work.
The Plott Hound is a courageous, athletic American scenthound famed for its brindle coat, booming voice, and relentless tracking ability. Loyal and affectionate with family but all business on a trail, the Plott thrives with active owners who can provide vigorous daily exercise and structured training. If you’re searching “Are Plott Hounds good family dogs?”—yes, in homes that meet their exercise needs and manage prey drive. “Do Plott Hounds bark a lot?”—they can be vocal baying hounds; training helps.
The Basenji is a unique and ancient African breed known for its elegance, intelligence, and cat-like cleanliness. Nicknamed the “barkless dog” due to its unusual yodel-like vocalization, the Basenji is agile, alert, and highly independent. They are best suited for active, experienced owners who appreciate their spirited personality and need for mental and physical stimulation. This sleek, graceful dog makes a loyal companion but thrives in homes that understand their independent streak.
The Slovensky Cuvac is a large, courageous, and devoted livestock guardian breed from Slovakia, instantly recognizable by its striking all-white coat. Traditionally used to protect sheep and cattle from wolves and bears in the rugged Carpathian Mountains, the Slovensky Cuvac combines strength, independence, and unwavering loyalty. Calm and affectionate with its family, yet fearless in defense of its charges, this breed thrives in rural or spacious homes with experienced owners.
The Czechoslovakian Vlcak (also spelled “Vlčák”) is a striking and powerful breed born from a mix of German Shepherd and Carpathian wolf. Originally developed for military use, this wolf-like breed is highly intelligent, loyal, and athletic, but not for the faint of heart. Vlcaks thrive with experienced, active owners who provide firm training and meaningful work. Wondering “Are Czechoslovakian Vlcaks good apartment dogs?” Only with significant daily exercise and expert management.
The Labradoodle mixes Lab heart with Poodle brains—social, athletic, and trainable. A great match for active homes that enjoy obedience work, long walks, and regular coat care.
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.
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.
