The Ultimate Guide to Dogs in Canada: Breeds, Trends, and More

Canada is a dog lover's paradise, with its vast wilderness and friendly communities making it the perfect place to raise a furry friend. The country is home to over 7.9 million dogs, which is one of the highest dog-to-human ratios in the world.

With so many breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. Some of the most popular breeds in Canada include the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever, which are all known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature.

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pet parent, there's never been a better time to bring a dog into your life. With the rise of dog-friendly cafes, parks, and trails, you can easily take your furry friend on adventures and make new friends along the way.

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The Canadian Dog Scene is a vibrant and diverse community. With over 7.5 million dogs in Canada, it's no wonder that dog owners are passionate about their furry friends.

From the rugged outdoors to the bustling city streets, Canadians love their dogs. In fact, a survey found that 62% of Canadian households own a dog, making us one of the countries with the highest dog ownership rates in the world.

Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or just thinking of bringing a new furry friend into your family, Canada has plenty to offer. With its vast wilderness areas and numerous dog-friendly parks and trails, it's the perfect place to explore with your dog by your side.

Dogs became domesticated in several different places beginning 10,000 to 20,000 years ago.

Their main ancestor was the wolf, though jackals and coyotes may be ancestors as well. These wild species can interbreed with dogs and produce offspring.

Inuit dogs are still used to pull sleds and carry backpacks; they are also used in sealing and provide protection from polar bears.

Plains peoples relied on dogs for transportation until they acquired horses in the early 1700s.

The Salish woolly dog was a breed kept by Coast Salish peoples in southern Vancouver Island, the Strait of Georgia, and Washington State.

The Salish woolly dog's population declined throughout the 1800s due to breeding with European dogs, as well as the displacement of the Indigenous peoples who cared for them.

Hundreds of distinctive breeds developed over the centuries, partly through regional isolation and partly through conscious selection by humans.

Canada has a rich history of dog breeding, and one of the most popular breeds comes from Nova Scotia - the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

This breed was developed in the rural river district of Yarmouth County in the latter half of the 19th century and was originally known as the Little River Duck Dog.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was bred by hunters to mimic the fox's technique of tolling, enticing game into the firing range.

Today, this breed is a beloved family dog that carries with it a little piece of Nova Scotia history.

It's a great example of how a breed can be developed for a specific purpose, but still make a wonderful companion.

Smaller dog breeds are gaining popularity in Canada, with breeds like the French Bulldog and the Havanese leading the way.

Baby boomers are driving this trend, as they retire to condos and look for dogs that take up less space and need less exercise.

It's not just about convenience, though - these smaller breeds are also perfect for city living, where space is at a premium.

In fact, it's not easy to imagine a Great Dane fitting in a one-bedroom apartment, but with the right breed, dog ownership is definitely possible in urban areas.

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The most popular dog breeds in Canada are quite fascinating. Mixed breeds make up about 60 per cent of dog owners in the country, and they're often hardy and always unique.

Labrador Retrievers are a close second, followed by Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles, and German Shepherds. These breeds are popular across many demographics, but specific favorites vary depending on age and other factors.

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According to Rover, the top trending dog in Canada in 2023 was the Pomeranian, which they describe as "tiny but mighty." Other trending breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Samoyed, Shiba Inu, Chihuahua, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, and Bernedoodle.

Here are the top 5 most popular dog breeds in Canada, based on Rover's 2023 data:

In terms of versatility, German Shepherds are a standout breed, making great family dogs, therapy pets, and even playing a mean game of flyball. Their double coat also makes them well-suited to Quebec's long winters.

The Pomeranian is just one of the top trending dogs in the country. Here's a list of the top trending dogs in Canada, based on Rover's report:

These breeds are not only popular, but they're also increasing in popularity year-over-year.

If you're a dog owner looking to explore Canada with your furry friend, you'll love Vancouver and Winnipeg. Vancouver is a canine paradise with miles of winding trails and wide-open parks, earning it the number one ranking in the Top 5 Canadian Cities for Dog Owners by TrustedHousesitters.com.

In Vancouver, you'll find many local hotels that allow pets, as well as amazing off-leash parks like Dusty Greenwell Park, Charleson Park, and Coopers' Park.

Some popular dog parks in Vancouver include:

Winnipeg, on the other hand, has many green parks and dog-friendly areas, including the Maple Grove Dog Park, which is a favourite with local pooches.