Ever wonder which dog breeds are the most popular in Canada?

If you take a walk down Toronto's streets you’ll probably be able to spot a few of the most common breeds. Most of these you could probably guess but a few might surprise you. Here are the ten most popular dog breeds in all of Canada according to the Canadian Kennel Club!

Labrador Retriever

Labs are the reigning champs when it comes to popular breeds. They’ve been the most popular dogs in Canada for over 20 years! Fun fact, Labrador retrievers are actually Canadian. Labs are known for being playful, loving, and social. They’re the perfect family dog and are adaptable to most lifestyles. They tend to reach between 55-80 pounds depending on gender, making them suitable for both urban and rural life.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds have been popular in Canada for years. This breed is smart, loyal, and obedient which is why they’re commonly used in police and military work. This is an active breed, so they require constant physical activity to avoid destructive behaviors, making them a good choice for an active family. They tend to grow up to 60-80 lbs but are usually lean and muscular.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers might be the most well-known dog breed in all of North America. These family-friendly dogs are known for being great with kids and are easily socialized. Goldens can be classified as either Canadian, American, or English, which can usually be told by their coloring. Goldens are super friendly and very versatile, making them suitable for both urban and rural life.

Poodle

Who doesn’t love poodles? Known for their curly fur that can be cut into some truly amazing hairstyles, poodles are the fourth most popular breed in Canada. There are actually many different sizes and colors of poodles, making it easy to find one suitable for your lifestyle. Standard poodles can reach up to 70 lbs while toy poodles can be as small as 6-9 lbs! Poodles are smart but stubborn dogs. They’re great family dogs but do require physical activity to maintain their muscle mass.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs come in at number 5. Some people have issues with Brachycephalic breeds, but French bulldogs are actually better genetically designed than most other short-snouted dogs like pugs and bulldogs. Although this breed only reaches 20-30 lbs they have the attitude of bigger breeds. Weight issues are common with this breed, so keeping them active and watching their diet is important.

Havanese

Havanese are a great small dog for urban living. They have outgoing personalities and are easy to train. They love stimulating games such as hide and seek, so be sure to keep them active. They don’t tend to get larger than 15 lbs, making them a good choice for city life. As a bonus, they’re also a non-shedding dog but you’ll still have to keep grooming up.

Shetland Sheepdog

Known as Shelties, this breed originally comes from Scotland and Norway. They’re bred for herding and have an excellent work ethic. While they adaptable for urban life, they require activity and benefit from agility sports. A big reason why this breed is popular in Canada is due to them being built for cold weather. They tend to be about 25-30 lbs but can reach up to 40 lb. They’re a great medium-sized dog, having the benefits of both a small and large breed.

Australian Shepherd

Despite what the name may have you believe; this breed is actually American. Aussies are a great family pet, usually ranging in 40-60 lbs. There are also mini Australian Shepherds, which max out around 30 lbs. These dogs are super active and require physical and mental stimulation to avoid destructive behavior.

Bernese Mountain Dog

These gentle giants are a favorite in Canada due to their work ethic and ability to handle the cold. Bernese can reach 100 lbs+, but don’t let their size intimidate you. They’re super affectionate and friendly, making them a great family pet. While they can do well in urban settings, they need space to move and play as they’re an active dog despite their size.

Portuguese Water Dog

As the name implies these dogs love to swim! This breed was used by fishermen for generations, but these days Portuguese water dogs make great family pets. Their thick coats make them look bigger than they are, and they usually max out around 40-60 lbs. They don’t shed a lot, and most are hypoallergenic making them a great choice for families with dog allergies. This breed is super high energy though with endless stamina, so be prepared to keep them active.

Whichever dog breed you opt for, you should consider feeding them a raw dog food diet. Raw diets have tons of benefits for dogs, from a shinier coat to a healthier digestive system. Feel free to contact us with any questions or order Just Raw meals to see the advantages for yourself!