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.

Japanese Terrier sitting on a forest path, white body with black-and-tan head markings, centered full-body portrait with soft green bokeh.

Japanese Terrier

The Japanese Terrier is a compact, smooth‑coated companion terrier—alert, lively, and people‑focused. A rare breed that fits apartment life with daily walks and engaging training.

Learn more >
Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka with a long, wavy chocolate-brown coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking friendly with its tongue out.

Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka

The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka is a charming, affectionate, and intelligent toy breed known for its colorful coat, cheerful disposition, and adaptable nature. Developed in Russia as a companion dog, the Bolonka is playful yet easygoing, making it a wonderful fit for city apartments and family homes alike. Loyal and people-focused, they thrive when they are included in daily life and showered with affection.

Learn more >
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon with a rugged gray and brown coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert with its tongue out and expressive eyes.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a versatile, intelligent, and affectionate sporting dog celebrated for its superb hunting skills and friendly nature. Known as the “supreme gundog,” this breed excels in both field and water work while also being a loyal and loving family companion. With its distinctive rough coat and expressive face, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon thrives in active households that enjoy outdoor adventures and can provide consistent training and mental stimulation.

Learn more >
A photograph of a Dandie Dinmont Terrier with a long body, short legs, and a distinctive topknot, sitting on a natural background

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a dignified, long-and-low Scottish earthdog—calm in the house, game outdoors, and famously loyal. With a crisp body coat and a silky topknot, Dandies are quieter than many terriers yet remain keen hunters with real prey drive. If you’re asking “Are Dandie Dinmont Terriers good apartment dogs?”—yes, with daily walks and enrichment. “Do Dandies shed?”—low to moderate, lowest when hand-stripped. “Are Dandies hypoallergenic?”—no.

Learn more >
A photograph of a large Central Asian Shepherd Dog sitting on a forest path, surrounded by lush green foliage.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is an ancient livestock guardian—calm, imposing, and deeply loyal to its family. Bred across the steppes and mountains of Central Asia to deter predators and protect property, the CAO is naturally suspicious of strangers yet affectionate and gentle with its own people. If you’re asking “Are Central Asian Shepherds good family dogs?”—yes, in experienced homes with secure fencing, early socialization, and clear rules. “Do Central Asian Shepherds shed?”—moderately to heavily, seasonally. “Are they hypoallergenic?”—no. Heat management, joint care, and visitor protocols are essential.

Learn more >
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.

Learn more >
A photograph of a Finnish Lapphund with a thick, fluffy coat sitting on a forest trail, looking directly at the camera with a friendly expression.

Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund is a friendly, intelligent, and resilient Nordic breed originally used for herding reindeer in the Arctic Circle. Known for their expressive eyes, plush coat, and alert but calm demeanor, Lapphunds make devoted family companions. They thrive in active homes that offer consistent mental and physical engagement. Their adaptability makes them suitable for both suburban and rural living, as long as their exercise and grooming needs are met.

Learn more >

American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful, affectionate family companion known for its soft expression, luxurious feathering, and eager-to-please nature. Ideal for first-time owners who want a friendly, trainable, and social dog that thrives in apartments or suburban homes when given daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Learn more >
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.

Learn more >
Yorkipoo puppy with silky black and tan coat sitting on a forest trail, portrait style with soft green background

Yorkipoo

The Yorkipoo is a playful, energetic cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle...

Learn more >

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.