Dog Breeds in Canada – Complete Breed Profiles

The Shih Tzu is a toy breed with royal roots and a charming personality. Originally bred as a palace companion for Chinese emperors, this affectionate dog is known for its luxurious flowing coat, short muzzle, and big, expressive eyes. Despite its regal appearance, the Shih Tzu is a down-to-earth, friendly, and playful companion that thrives in apartment settings and enjoys lounging beside its owners just as much as short bursts of play.

The Taiwan Dog, also known as the Formosan Mountain Dog, is an intelligent, agile, and loyal breed native to Taiwan. Known for its fox-like appearance, keen senses, and versatility, the Taiwan Dog excels as a hunting companion, watchdog, and devoted family member. Highly trainable yet independent, this breed thrives in active households that can provide daily physical and mental stimulation.

‍

The Italian Greyhound is a delicate, cat‑like sighthound—elegant, affectionate, and surprisingly playful. Excellent for apartments and gentle owners who can provide warmth, short bursts of exercise, and kind training.

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, velvet-soft companion with a low-shedding coat and a love of people. Excellent for apartments and first-time owners who can commit to regular grooming and play.

The Otterhound is a rare, big-hearted British scenthound built for all-day tracking in water and on land. With a rough, waterproof double coat, webbed feet, and a melodious voice, the Otterhound is friendly, comical, and independent. They adore swimming, long hikes, and nose-driven games, then sprawling at home with their people. If you’re searching “Do Otterhounds shed?”—moderately. “Are Otterhounds good apartment dogs?”—possible for very active owners, but they’re happiest with space and daily outdoor adventures.

‍

The Doberman Pinscher is an athletic, alert, and highly intelligent breed renowned for its loyalty and protective nature. Originally bred as a guard dog, this sleek powerhouse is both elegant and intimidating. Despite their reputation, Dobermans are affectionate, people-oriented, and thrive when included in family activities. With proper training and socialization, they’re excellent companions for active households who can provide mental and physical stimulation.

The Karelian Bear Dog is a fearless Finnish spitz‑type hunter—intense, loyal, and highly driven. Best for expert handlers who want a serious working companion with strong game focus and daily outlets.

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 Mountain Cur is a tough, athletic American treeing cur bred by frontier families to hunt squirrel, raccoon, and big game—and to guard the homestead. Devoted, bold, and highly trainable, Curs excel with outdoorsy owners who enjoy daily adventure, scent games, and structured training. If you’re searching “Are Mountain Curs good family dogs?”—yes, in active homes. “Do Mountain Curs bark a lot?”—they’re vocal when treeing; teach a solid “quiet.” Apartment life is possible only with serious exercise and enrichment.

‍

The Norwegian Elkhound is a bold, intelligent, and loyal hunting breed known for its striking silver-gray coat, curled tail, and courageous spirit. Originally bred in Norway for hunting elk, bear, and other large game, this spitz-type dog combines endurance, agility, and a deep devotion to its family. Friendly and playful at home yet fearless in the field, the Norwegian Elkhound thrives in active households that can meet its exercise and mental stimulation needs.

‍