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 Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer, also known as the Slovenský Hrubosrstý Stavač, is a versatile, athletic, and intelligent hunting dog from Slovakia. Bred for tracking, pointing, and retrieving on both land and water, this breed combines endurance, trainability, and a rugged wire coat that protects it in harsh terrain. Loyal and affectionate with its family, the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer thrives in active homes that can meet its working drive and need for daily mental and physical stimulation.
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a versatile, affectionate, and athletic hunting breed from Hungary, known for its dense wiry coat, keen hunting ability, and loyal nature. A close cousin to the smooth-coated Vizsla, this breed excels in the field, at dog sports, and as a loving family companion. Gentle with family yet driven in the field, the Wirehaired Vizsla thrives in active households that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and plenty of companionship.
The Kuvasz is a noble Hungarian guardian—calm, independent, and devoted to its family. Best for experienced, rural or spacious homes that value a serious guardian with steady daily exercise.
The Norwich Terrier is a spirited, affectionate, and sturdy little dog with a big personality packed into a small frame. Known for their pricked ears, wiry coat, and ever-wagging tail, these terriers are among the smallest working terrier breeds but have the heart and determination of a much larger dog. They make devoted family companions, adapt well to various living situations, and thrive in homes that can provide daily exercise, training, and companionship.
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.
The Spanish Water Dog is a versatile, intelligent, and energetic working breed from Spain, known for its curly, woolly coat and exceptional adaptability. Traditionally used for herding, hunting, and water work, this multi-talented dog is a loyal companion who thrives in active households. Agile, affectionate, and highly trainable, the Spanish Water Dog excels in canine sports, outdoor adventures, and as a devoted family pet.
The American Hairless Terrier is a small-to-medium-sized breed known for its intelligence, high energy, and completely hairless coat—making it a standout choice for allergy-sensitive households. Originally bred in the United States, this terrier is spirited, curious, and deeply loyal to its family. While social and playful, they also serve as attentive watchdogs. With minimal grooming needs and a lively personality, the American Hairless Terrier is ideal for families seeking a low-shedding, energetic companion that thrives on attention and daily activity.
The Dachshund is a lively, courageous dog originally bred in Germany for badger hunting. Recognizable by their elongated body and short legs, Dachshunds come in three coat types (smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired) and two sizes (standard and miniature). Despite their small stature, they are confident, independent, and often stubborn. Dachshunds make loving companions and are well-suited to apartments and homes alike—especially with attentive, gentle owners.
The Norrbottenspets is a cheerful, foxlike Nordic spitz bred in Sweden’s far north to hunt small game and birds using an animated, “bark-pointing” style. Lively, affectionate, and highly aware, this compact athlete thrives with outdoorsy owners who enjoy hiking, training, and nose work. If you’re wondering “Are Norrbottenspets good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active homes that manage barking. “Do Norrbottenspets shed?”—they’re seasonal shedders with a weatherproof double coat.
The English Foxhound is a noble, athletic breed developed in England for fox hunting in large packs. Known for its endurance, determination, and gentle nature, this breed thrives in active environments with plenty of space and exercise. Though not common as a household pet, they can make loyal companions for experienced owners who understand their energy needs and strong pack instincts.
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.
