10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Canada (2023 Update)

While cats are the most common pet amongst Canadians, dogs come in at a close second. There are 7.7 million pet dogs throughout the country.¹ Whether you’re Canadian yourself or just a lover of data and statistics, you might be curious about which breeds were the most popular throughout the Great White North. Keep reading to find our list of the most commonly found breeds in Canada!

The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Canada:

1. Labrador Retriever

Not only did Labrador Retrievers take the top spot on the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) most popular dog breed list in 2020, but they’ve snagged the top spot for the last 26 years.

Labrador Retrievers are known for their easy-going and affectionate temperament. They’re a great breed for families and tend to get along well with other dogs, too. They are companionable pets who will create bonds with the entire family. Labs are enthusiastic and athletic and need a lot of exercise and enrichment.

2. Golden Retriever

While Golden and Labrador Retrievers have some similarities, there are some stark differences between the two breeds. The Golden jaw tends to be narrower and leaner, and their tails are fluffy when compared to Labrador Retrievers’ pointed tails.

Golden Retrievers are affectionate with their families and are great around children. They are trustworthy and very eager to please. They love to play and often maintain that playful demeanor well into adulthood.

Goldens are hardworking and can often be found hunting, guiding the blind, and participating in search-and-rescue missions.

3. German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd has been in the top three most popular dog breeds in Canada for many years. 2020 marked the first year that he’s been knocked out of the second-place position since 2012, though.

German Shepherds are large and agile dogs known for their confidence and high intelligence. This breed is great at learning a wide variety of tasks and is so loyal that they’d put their lives on the line to defend their loved ones. It’s not unusual to find a German Shepherd guiding and assisting the handicapped or working alongside the police or military.

4. Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles are known to be athletic, full of energy, and playful. They are very motivated to learn and please their owners and seem to have a knack for reading the body language of their owners. They are quite intuitive and sensitive which can sometimes lead to anxiety.

Standard Poodles love to run around and play when they’re young but do mellow out as they age. They need a fair amount of exercise so it’s important to take them out for walks and visits to the dog park if you don’t have a lot of space for them to roam in your yard.

5. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are certainly one-of-a-kind in terms of appearance. Their large and bat-like ears make them instantly recognizable in a sea of similar-looking pooches. Frenchies tend to be playful and adaptable so they do well in households with other pets or children. They’re very relaxed but still do love to play. Frenchies make fantastic companions and are relatively easy to train—provided there are food rewards to be had.

They don’t need a ton of exercise. In fact, activity should be approached with care as Frenchies have narrow nostrils which can make breathing difficult in the best of conditions.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs may look like Collies, but they’re their own distinct breed. Their history began when they were obedient herders in the remote Shetland Islands in Scotland.

Shelties are extremely intelligent and affectionate. They’re also eager and easy to train. It’s not unusual to see Shelties taking first place in world-class competitions in trials for obedience and agility.

This breed is known for its sensitive and affectionate nature. These family-focused dogs are wonderful with children and can get along with other animals, too. They are intuitive and always seem to know the mood of the household.

7. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds’ personality and temperament live up to their humble beginnings as herding and working dogs. They have a high prey drive and very strong herding instincts which make them an ideal companion for families that understand how to channel their energy via training and exercise. Daily exercise is not optional for Aussies. If they don’t have a way to get their energy out, they can get destructive.

Aussies are very loyal and can be territorial at times. They may be shy around new people, instead opting to hang out by their owner’s side at all times.

8. Havanese

Havanese dogs are extroverted and cheerful. They’re smart and easily trainable. Havanese are great family dogs as they get along quite well with both children and other animals. They are a popular breed for therapy dogs and emotional support animals, too.

Despite their small size, dogs of this breed are very athletic and vocal. They excel at sports like agility and tracking. The Havanese needs daily exercise to burn off his excess energy.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Havanese dogs will be yappy just because they’re a smaller breed. This breed tends to be on the quieter side, though they can be vocal if left alone for too long.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is built to do hard work. They’re a big and powerful breed who originated in Switzerland where they were put to work on farms pulling carts and guarding the field. As you might suspect from their hardworking personality, Bernese Mountain Dogs are very eager to please their owners and easy to train. They are very fast learners and are faithful and loyal to their owners.

This breed is patient, calm, and is a great family pet (though they can be shy around new people). They’re loving and gentle and often attach themselves to one of their owners.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has his roots in Britain when King Charles I owned a Toy Spaniel that eventually was named after him.

This breed is known for its sweet and gentle demeanor. Their affable personality makes them great lap dogs. Cavalier King Charles love to play with kids and are very adaptable, making them fantastic family dogs. They are happy to go outside and play with the kids but will be equally as happy to laze around the house if that’s what his owners want to do. They are so fiercely loyal and bonded to their owners that they do not do well when they’re left alone for long periods.

Conclusion

It’s always fascinating to see which breeds will make the list of Canada’s most popular dog breeds. The ten above may not make the cut on the CKC’s list next year, but they’ve certainly taken a hold of Canadians’ hearts on their latest list.

Check out our article on the most common dog breeds in the US, too.

See also: What’s the Price of a Dog in Canada?

Featured Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock