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 Greyhound is a sleek and graceful breed originally bred for hunting and racing. Renowned as the fastest dog in the world, it also makes a surprisingly gentle and low-maintenance companion. Despite their racing history, Greyhounds are calm and affectionate, thriving in quiet homes and adjusting well to apartment life. Known as "40-mph couch potatoes," they enjoy short bursts of energy followed by long naps.
The Silky Terrier is a lively, affectionate, and confident small terrier breed known for its flowing, silky blue-and-tan coat and bold personality. Originally bred in Australia by crossing Yorkshire Terriers with Australian Terriers, the Silky combines the best traits of both—a spirited terrier drive with an affectionate companion temperament. They thrive in active households where they can be both a playful entertainer and a loyal lap dog.
The Poodle is a highly intelligent, elegant, and versatile breed known for its signature curly coat and exceptional trainability. Available in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy — Poodles are adaptable to a wide range of living environments. Despite their dignified appearance, Poodles are energetic, playful, and make wonderful family companions. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them a preferred choice for allergy sufferers.
The English Setter is an elegant, friendly, and graceful sporting dog known for its feathered coat and gentle disposition. Bred for hunting and companionship, this breed thrives in active households that can provide ample exercise, affection, and mental stimulation. English Setters are affectionate with children, easy to train, and happiest when included in all aspects of family life.
The Saluki, often called the “Royal Dog of Egypt,” is an elegant, athletic, and graceful sighthound known for its incredible speed, endurance, and refined beauty. Among the oldest known dog breeds, the Saluki is gentle and reserved with strangers yet deeply devoted to its family. Best suited for active homes that can provide room to run, this sensitive and dignified breed thrives when given both companionship and purpose.
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 Redbone Coonhound is a sleek, athletic, and determined American scent hound known for its striking red coat, boundless energy, and sweet, friendly personality. Bred for tracking raccoons and other game, this versatile hunting dog is as affectionate at home as it is relentless in the field. Ideal for active owners, the Redbone Coonhound thrives with daily exercise, outdoor adventure, and companionship.
The Shikoku is a rare, intelligent, and agile Japanese spitz-type breed prized for its hunting skill, loyalty, and wolf-like beauty. Originating from the mountainous Shikoku Island in Japan, this medium-sized dog has a bold yet devoted temperament, excelling as both a hunting companion and a loyal family guardian. Best suited for active owners, the Shikoku thrives in homes that can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and consistent training.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a bold, intelligent, and energetic scent hound, renowned for its speed, tracking ability, and determination in the field. Bred primarily for hunting raccoons, this breed uses its powerful nose and distinctive “treeing” bark to locate and hold prey until the hunter arrives. Loyal and affectionate at home, the Treeing Walker Coonhound thrives with active owners who can provide daily exercise and mental challenges.
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.
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.
