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 English Springer Spaniel is an energetic, affectionate sporting breed known for its intelligence, eagerness to please, and love of outdoor adventures. Whether as a devoted family companion or a hardworking field dog, Springers thrive in active homes where they get plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They're great with kids, sociable with other dogs, and happiest when included in all aspects of daily life.
The Sarplaninac (pronounced shar-pla-nee-natz) is a powerful, devoted, and highly protective livestock guardian breed from the mountainous regions of the Balkans. Bred for centuries to defend flocks against wolves, bears, and human predators, this large, noble dog combines strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. Calm and affectionate with family, yet naturally wary of strangers, the Sarplaninac thrives in rural homes where it can live and work with purpose.
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an ancient livestock guardian—calm, imposing, and deeply loyal to its family. Bred across the steppes and mountains of Central Asia to deter predators and protect property, the CAO is naturally suspicious of strangers yet affectionate and gentle with its own people. If you’re asking “Are Central Asian Shepherds good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced homes with secure fencing, early socialization, and clear rules. “Do Central Asian Shepherds shed?”—moderately to heavily, seasonally. “Are they hypoallergenic?”—no. Heat management, joint care, and visitor protocols are essential.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a gentle, medium-sized French pointing dog famed for its pear-shaped head, soft expression, and “faded” roan coat in peach (fawn) or lilac (liver) tones. Calm and cuddly at home yet energetic in the field, the Bourbonnais is biddable, affectionate, and thrives with active owners who enjoy training, hiking, and scent work. If you’re searching “Are Braque du Bourbonnais good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active homes that meet exercise needs. “Do Braque du Bourbonnais shed?”—light to moderate.
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate American terrier breed known for its versatility as a hunter, farm dog, and devoted companion. With a slightly longer body and shorter legs than its close relative, the American Rat Terrier, this breed excels in pest control and thrives in active households. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is loyal, adaptable, and eager to please—making it equally at home in rural environments, suburban yards, or even city apartments when properly exercised.
The Husky Collie mix blends the endurance of the Siberian Husky with the intelligence and agility of the Border Collie—an energetic, brainy hybrid for active homes.
The King Shepherd is a large, designer herding‑guardian blend—confident, trainable, and family‑oriented. Suited to spacious homes that can provide daily exercise, training, and structure.
The Broholmer is a calm, confident Danish mastiff-type guardian—big-boned, steady, and family devoted. Bred to watch estates and accompany hunters, this giant breed is gentle with its own people yet naturally reserved with strangers. If you’re asking “Are Broholmers good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced homes that prioritize early socialization and structure. “Do Broholmers drool?”—expect some. “Do Broholmers shed?”—moderately, with seasonal bursts.
The Newfoundland (“Newf”) is Canada’s iconic gentle giant—a powerful water-rescue dog with a massive frame, webbed feet, and a sweet, steady temperament. Calm indoors but strong and capable outside, Newfs thrive with families who can manage grooming, drool, and size, while offering low-impact exercise (especially swimming). If you’re asking “Are Newfoundlands good family dogs?”—yes, with supervision and training. “Do Newfoundlands shed?”—heavily, especially seasonally.
The Beauceron is an intelligent, self-assured French herding and protection dog. Best for experienced owners seeking a versatile working partner who thrives on training, structure, and purpose.
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.
