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 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 Irish Water Spaniel is a bold, curly‑coated retriever‑spaniel—witty, hardworking, and water‑loving. Great for active owners who want a versatile gundog with low shedding and high trainability.
The American Foxhound is a lean, high-energy breed originally developed for hunting foxes across the rolling hills of colonial America. Known for its musical bay and unmatched stamina, this loyal and affectionate dog thrives in active homes with plenty of space to roam. While gentle and easygoing with families, the breed is driven by its powerful scent-tracking instincts and requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation. With the right outlet, the American Foxhound makes a devoted and entertaining companion.
The Basset Hound is a lovable, low-slung scent hound known for its long ears, soulful eyes, and incredible nose. Originally bred for tracking game, the Basset combines a calm and affectionate nature with a stubborn streak, making them both charming and comical. They are great family companions, gentle with children, and adaptable to various living situations, provided they get regular exercise and mental stimulation.
The Cocker Spaniel is a joyful, affectionate, and beautiful companion dog known for its expressive eyes, silky coat, and gentle demeanor. Bred originally as a hunting dog, today’s Cocker Spaniel thrives in family homes, especially those that can provide regular grooming, playtime, and companionship. If you're wondering “Are Cocker Spaniels good apartment dogs?”—yes, they adapt well to smaller spaces as long as their exercise and social needs are met.
The Papillon is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate toy breed known for its distinctive butterfly-shaped ears and joyful personality. Despite their small size, Papillons are spirited, athletic, and eager to please, excelling in obedience, agility, and therapy work. They thrive as companions in a variety of homes, from apartments to large estates, and form deep bonds with their families.
The Miniature Schnauzer is a spirited, people-focused terrier-type companion—alert, clever, and comically expressive with those famous eyebrows and beard. Low-shedding and highly trainable, “Minis” fit well in condos and family homes that can offer daily exercise, enrichment, and consistent, positive training. If you’re wondering “Are Miniature Schnauzers hypoallergenic?”—they’re widely considered low-allergen/low-shedding, though no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. Curious “Do Miniature Schnauzers bark a lot?”—they’re vigilant watchdogs; training and enrichment help.
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the “Scottie,” is a dignified, independent, and confident small dog with a big personality. Recognizable for its distinctive beard, wiry coat, and sturdy build, the Scottie is both a loyal family companion and a determined little hunter. Originally bred to work independently, the Scottish Terrier is intelligent, spirited, and sometimes stubborn—making them best suited for owners who appreciate their charming, self-assured nature.
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 Chow Chow is a dignified, cat-like Asian spitz/guardian known for its lion’s ruff, scowling expression, and blue-black tongue. Calm and reserved with strangers but deeply devoted to family, Chows do best in structured homes that value neutrality training, early socialization, and steady routines. If you’re wondering “Are Chow Chows good apartment dogs?”—yes, for owners who meet exercise and grooming needs and manage barking. “Do Chow Chows shed?”—yes, heavily during seasonal coat blows. “Are Chow Chows hypoallergenic?”—no.
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.
