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 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 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 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 American English Coonhound is a fast, vocal, and determined scent hound originally bred for raccoon and fox hunting. Known for their endurance, distinctive baying voice, and affectionate nature, these dogs thrive in homes that can match their energy and give them room to roam. They are friendly with people and other dogs but require ample mental and physical activity to stay content.
The American Eskimo Dog, often affectionately called the “Eskie,” is a striking, fluffy white companion known for its intelligence, alertness, and friendly demeanor. Despite the name, the breed originated in Germany as part of the Spitz family and was popularized in the U.S. as a circus performer in the early 20th century. Eskies come in three sizes—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—and make excellent watchdogs and family pets. They thrive on companionship and mental stimulation, making them ideal for active households.
The Swedish Vallhund is a spirited, intelligent, and loyal herding dog with a long history in Sweden, often described as a “Viking dog.” Compact yet sturdy, they are known for their fox-like face, short legs, and natural herding instinct. Playful and affectionate with family, the Swedish Vallhund thrives in active households that can meet their physical and mental stimulation needs. Their versatility makes them excellent companions for work, sport, and home life.
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 Schipperke is a lively, intelligent, and mischievous small Belgian breed often nicknamed the “little black devil” for its curious nature and bold personality. Originally bred as a watchdog and ratter on canal barges, the Schipperke is alert, independent, and full of energy. With its fox-like face, pricked ears, and distinctive black coat, this spirited companion thrives in active homes that can provide daily mental and physical stimulation.
The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese toy companion famed for its lion-like mane, “sleeve” size, and regal, affectionate nature. Calm indoors, independent yet loyal, Pekingese are great apartment dogs that enjoy short daily walks and lots of lap time. If you’re searching “Do Pekingese shed?”—yes, they have a long double coat. If you’re wondering “Are Pekingese hypoallergenic?”—no, they are not.
The Norwegian Buhund is a cheerful, nimble spitz herder from Norway—smart, biddable, and always ready for action. With upright ears, a curled tail, and a thick double coat, Buhunds make upbeat family companions for active homes that enjoy training, hiking, and dog sports. If you’re wondering “Are Norwegian Buhunds good apartment dogs?”—yes, for active owners who meet exercise and bark-management needs. “Do Norwegian Buhunds shed?”—yes: they’re seasonal heavy shedders.
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.
