Dog Breeds in Canada – Complete Breed Profiles

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.

Alaskan Klee Kai with a thick gray and white coat sitting on a wooded path, resembling a miniature husky with upright ears and an alert expression.

Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small, intelligent, and energetic companion breed that resembles a miniature Siberian Husky. Developed in the 1970s to be a scaled-down version of a northern working dog, the Klee Kai is alert, loyal, and often reserved with strangers—making it an excellent watchdog. While compact in size, they carry the bold spirit and striking looks of their larger cousins. This breed thrives in active homes and is best suited for experienced dog owners who understand their high energy and independent streak.

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Skye Terrier with a long, flowing gray coat and large upright ears sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking calm and friendly with its tongue out.

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a dignified, loyal, and elegant Scottish terrier breed known for its long flowing coat, low-set body, and devoted nature. Originally bred to hunt foxes and badgers on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, this rare breed combines working ability with a calm, affectionate temperament. Skye Terriers are deeply attached to their families, gentle with those they love, yet reserved with strangers, making them both charming companions and watchful protectors.

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Maltese

The Maltese is a refined, affectionate toy companion - floor‑length, silky coat and a lively, loving nature. Perfect for apartments and city life when owners commit to grooming and gentle, positive training.

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Toy Fox Terrier with a white, black, and tan coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert with upright ears and a happy expression.

Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier is a spirited, intelligent, and agile little dog with a big personality. Combining the tenacity of a working terrier with the charm of a lap dog, this breed excels as a lively companion and an enthusiastic performer in dog sports. Alert, loyal, and adaptable, Toy Fox Terriers thrive in homes that can provide plenty of interaction, playtime, and mental stimulation.

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Leonberger sitting on a forest path, full-body portrait with tawny double coat, black mask and gentle expression

Leonberger

The Leonberger is an impressive, gentle giant—steady, friendly, and family‑minded with a lion‑like mane. Best for spacious, devoted homes ready for giant‑breed care and training.

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Shetland Sheepdog with a sable and white coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking calm and alert with soft upright ears.

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the “Sheltie,” is an intelligent, affectionate, and agile herding breed from Scotland’s Shetland Islands. Renowned for their beautiful long coat, expressive face, and exceptional trainability, Shelties excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials while making loving family companions. They thrive in homes that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and plenty of affection.

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Cavapoo puppy with fluffy cream and apricot coat sitting on a forest trail, portrait style with natural green background

Cavapoo

The Cavapoo, a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, is one of the most popular small designer breeds...

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A Cane Corso sitting attentively on a dirt path surrounded by grass, showcasing its muscular build and alert expression

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an athletic, confident Italian guardian bred for farm/estate protection and versatile work. Calm and affectionate with family but naturally reserved with strangers, the Corso thrives on clear rules, early socialization, and daily structure. If you’re wondering “Are Cane Corsos good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced, training-minded homes. “Do Cane Corsos drool?”—moderately. “Are Cane Corsos hypoallergenic?”—no. This powerful breed needs thoughtful management, neutrality training, and joint-friendly exercise.

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A Belgian Tervuren sitting attentively on a forest path, showing its thick reddish-brown and black double coat and intelligent expression — LeashFree.ca

Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren pairs elegance with serious working ability. It’s energetic, intelligent, and sensitive—suited to active, training-focused homes.

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Australian Shepherd with a tricolor coat of black, white, and tan sitting on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, looking alert and friendly.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is an energetic, intelligent, and highly trainable herding dog best suited for active families or individuals. Known for their boundless enthusiasm and loyalty, Aussies thrive in homes that offer daily exercise, mental stimulation, and a job to do—whether it's agility, herding, or simply playing fetch. While adaptable, they are not ideal for sedentary or apartment-only lifestyles unless their needs are well met.

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Dog Breeds Popular in Canada

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.