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.

Rafeiro do Alentejo with a thick gray, white, and brindle coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking calm and steady with a gentle gaze.

Rafeiro do Alentejo

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.

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Irish Terrier sitting on a forest path, full-body portrait with wiry red coat, shallow depth of field, centered composition.

Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a fiery‑hearted, red‑coated working terrier—bold, affectionate, and endlessly game. Best for active owners who appreciate a spirited companion with brains and stamina.

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A Boston Terrier sitting attentively on a forest path, showcasing its tuxedo markings, upright ears, and alert expression — LeashFree.ca

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is an upbeat, tuxedo-coated companion with a big personality. Compact, friendly, and people-focused—great for city living and families.

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Treeing Tennessee Brindle with a dark brindle coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert and friendly with its tongue out.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is a rare, intelligent, and determined scent hound celebrated for its keen nose, distinct brindle coat, and exceptional hunting ability. Known for its speed, agility, and ability to track and “tree” game, this breed is prized by hunters but also makes a loyal, affectionate family companion. Energetic and focused, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle thrives in homes that can meet its exercise needs and engage its sharp mind.

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Lancashire Heeler sitting on a forest path, black-and-tan short coat with pricked ears, full-body centered portrait and green background blur.

Lancashire Heeler

The Lancashire Heeler is a small, big‑hearted drover—keen, cheerful, and quick on its feet. Great for active city or suburban owners who want a portable herder that thrives on training and daily walks.

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Basenji with a reddish-brown and white coat sitting attentively on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, showing its upright ears and graceful posture.

Basenji

The Basenji is a unique and ancient African breed known for its elegance, intelligence, and cat-like cleanliness. Nicknamed the “barkless dog” due to its unusual yodel-like vocalization, the Basenji is agile, alert, and highly independent. They are best suited for active, experienced owners who appreciate their spirited personality and need for mental and physical stimulation. This sleek, graceful dog makes a loyal companion but thrives in homes that understand their independent streak.

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Scottish Deerhound with a wiry gray coat and cream chest sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking calm and attentive with a gentle gaze.

Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a majestic, gentle, and athletic sighthound bred for coursing red deer in the rugged Scottish Highlands. Known for their tall, wiry-coated elegance and calm, dignified temperament, Deerhounds combine the grace of a Greyhound with the rugged endurance needed for Scotland’s terrain. They make affectionate, loyal companions for experienced owners who can provide ample space, exercise, and love.

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Norwich Terrier with a wiry reddish-brown coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert and cheerful with its tongue out.

Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is a spirited, affectionate, and sturdy little dog with a big personality packed into a small frame. Known for their pricked ears, wiry coat, and ever-wagging tail, these terriers are among the smallest working terrier breeds but have the heart and determination of a much larger dog. They make devoted family companions, adapt well to various living situations, and thrive in homes that can provide daily exercise, training, and companionship.

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Australian Terrier with a reddish-brown and black coat sitting attentively on a dirt trail surrounded by greenery, showcasing its alert and confident expression.

Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small but spirited working terrier, bred for toughness, adaptability, and loyalty. Originating in Australia, this hardy little dog was developed to hunt vermin, guard property, and serve as a devoted companion. Despite its compact size, the Australian Terrier has a big personality — alert, affectionate, and always ready for action. They thrive in both active family homes and with owners who appreciate a low-shedding, intelligent dog with a dash of feistiness.

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Wire Fox Terrier with a white, black, and tan wiry coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert and cheerful with its tongue out.

Wire Fox Terrier

The Wire Fox Terrier is a lively, confident, and intelligent breed with a signature wiry coat and a zest for life. Known for their boundless energy and playful personality, Wire Fox Terriers excel in dog sports, outdoor activities, and as loving companions. Originally bred for fox hunting, they are bold, curious, and always ready for adventure—making them a great match for active families who enjoy an engaging and entertaining dog.

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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.