Most Popular Dog Breeds in Canada

Humans have bred dogs for their skills, companionship, and looks for thousands of years, resulting in hundreds of recognized breeds around the world—and even more unofficial dog breeds and mixes. With this many breeds to choose from, there’s a pup for just about everyone.

While every dog is unique, all those years of pet parenting can impart certain truths: each breed type has their unique traits that influence why we connect and love them. But for mixed and pure breeds, less than half of pet parents intentionally seek these traits out.

Out of 500 pet parents surveyed, only 21% intentionally looked to adopt a mixed breed and only 19% looked for a specific breed. What mattered more than the breed was size (56%) and temperament and personality (41%), factors that drove 39% of pet parents to admit a beautiful truth: Meeting their dog was love at first sight.

So which breeds have the pet parents of the Canada fallen in love with? We reveal which dogs wear the popularity crown and who shifted in the ranks below.

What Are the Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025?

Our user-submitted data comes from more than 95,000 dogs welcomed to the Rover platform in the last year. These are dogs who have been adopted or brought home by pet parents, as opposed to litters being registered but not yet homed with a pet parent.

For the top 20 most popular dog breeds in Canada, check the list below. We included how they’ve risen or fallen on the ranks since last year:

  1. Mixed (—)
  2. Golden Retriever (—)
  3. Labrador Retriever (—)
  4. Goldendoodle (—)
  5. German Shepherd (—)
  6. Cockapoo(↑+2)
  7. French Bulldog (↓-1)
  8. Shih Tzu (↓-1)
  9. Chihuahua (—)
  10. Yorkshire Terrier (—)
  11. Dachshund (↑+2)
  12. Labradoodle (↓-1)
  13. Australian Shepherd (↓-1)
  14. Poodle (↑+1)
  15. Bernedoodle (↑+2)
  16. Border Collie (—)
  17. Siberian Husky (↓-3)
  18. Pomeranian (—)
  19. Maltese (↑+1)
  20. Beagle (↓-1)

Investigating the breeds that have jumped or fallen by more than one position here sheds some light in what pet parents are looking for. After size, personality, and appearance, pet parents prioritized low shedding (25%) and cost effectiveness (24%). This could explain why a large, high-energy and shedding breed like the Siberian Husky dropped 3 spots.

But Husky lovers, don’t feel too slighted. When it comes to being photogenic, pet parents readily voted Siberian Huskies into 2nd place, right after the Golden Retriever.

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Trending Dog Breeds in Canada

When it comes to breeds that are grabbing attention, there were 3 breeds that stood out. The Miniature Poodle and Pug are new to the trending list, while Toy Poodle has declined 2 spots in trending ranks since last year.

#1

Miniature Poodle

Up 4% this year, the Miniature Poodles bring all the brains and charm of a standard poodle in a smaller, whiskered package. These lovable Velcro dogs stick close to their humans, which could by why they are sticking in the number one trending spot again this year.
#2

Pug

Pugs, believed to be bred by ancient Chinese emperors as symbols of good luck, are beloved for their charming wrinkles and playful personalities. Famous pups like Noodle the Pug and Doug the Pug have made them stars on social media and beyond.
#3

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles jumped into the spotlight this year, thanks in part to their viral TikTok antics. Bursting with energy, smarts, and sass, these tiny pups pack big personalities into their petite frames—winning hearts (and followers) wherever they go.

The 3 Rarest Dog Breeds in the Canada

With at least 100 of these breeds added to our database in the last year, these breeds are ones you’re unlikely to see romping around in your dog park. Various reasons can make these dogs harder to bring home, from having a distant country of origin (Coton de Tulear—#1) to gaining traction as a unique option for people who want traits for a dog in a specific working group (Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier—#3).

#1

Coton de Tulear

Coton de Tulears are small, fluffy dogs known for their soft, cotton-like coats. They are rare to own due to late CKC recognition (2005), small litter sizes, and limited breeding. Topping out at 13 pounds, these charming pups are witty, boisterous, and playful—with a unique vocal style and even the ability to walk on their hind legs.
#2

Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever

The smallest retriever, the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is a Canadian original. Eager to please, energetic, and smart, this dog is unique because of their webbed feet. While this breed has gotten a lot of TikTok attention, it’s still rare due to the small genetic pool.
#3

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Uncommon but not extremely rare, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier has gained popularity for their adaptable nature, family-oriented personality, and playful temperament. As puppies, they need a lot of socialization and training to keep their energy contained.

Bringing one of these rare dog home will surely turn heads and spark conversation. While the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever comes from Nova Scotia, Canada, the rarity of the breed likely stems from the small gene pool. Ethical, healthy breeding for this retriever means ensuring the parents are healthy and not directly related.

Learn More About Canada’s Favorite Dog Breeds

When choosing their ideal dog, 56% said that size was most important, followed by temperament and personality (41%), and appearance (40%). When asked more about temperament and personality, over half (67%) of pet parents say loyalty is the most desirable trait, followed by cuddliness (62%), friendliness or sociability (59%), and calmness or low energy (43%). These traits are reflected in rank movements this year.

See which personality traits the most popular dog breeds are known for to understand why they have such staying power for the average Canadian pet parent or family.

#1

Mixed

Mixed breed dogs take the top spot again this year! Their personalities are wonderfully varied, shaped by diverse genetics. With 49% of pet parents adopting from a shelter, it’s not surprising they’ve (again) taken the top spot.
About Mixed Breeds
#2

Golden Retriever

Climbing up one spot, Golden Retrievers are naturally third. Inspiration to the “Golden Retriever Boyfriend” trend, these pups are known for their kind nature and eternal puppy charm. In fact, Goldens are reported to be one of the most photogenic, social media breeds.
About Golden Retrievers
#3

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers hold steady in second place this year. Loyal, playful, and highly trainable, Labs have always been one of America’s most beloved breeds for families and active pet parents. Consider them the face card of dog companionship.
About Labrador Retrievers
#4

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles, a Golden Retriever–Poodle mix, have soared in popularity since the 1990s. Dropping one spot down, this puppy-meets-teddy bear breed is infamous for their grooming shenanigans. But their trainability and loving nature is clearly still winning hearts.
About Goldendoodles
#5

German Shepherd

German Shepherds hold strong at number five this year. Loyal, intelligent, and protective, they’re known for their protective loyalty and role in K-9 units . Highly trainable and obedient, these active dogs thrive with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and strong routines.
About German Shepherds
#6

Cockapoo

Cockapoos climbed two spots this year! These vocal, smart pups—mixes of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle—have big personalities and aren’t shy about sharing them. They thrive on mental stimulation and love being close to their families, making wonderful therapy dogs and companions.
About Cockapoos
#7

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs may be the pioneers of virality on social media but pet parents are also aware of their high health needs. This keeps them at a steady number seven on the list. Silly, sweet, and affectionate, Frenchies and their low-shedding coats are perfect for city apartment living.
About French Bulldogs
#8

Shih Tzu

Known as “little lions,” Shih Tzus are affectionate lap dogs that live to snuggle and stay close to their humans. These pups are especially well-suited for urban lifestyles and apartment life, which could be why they are so popular. Low-energy and content with short walks, Shih Tzus are the ultimate companions for cozy naps and constant companionship.
About Shih Tzus
#9

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas stay steady in spot number nine this year. Energetic and spirited, they’ve had major media moments over the last few decades. These tiny pups are full of personality and make excellent apartment dogs due to their small stature. They typically top out at about five pounds. Chihuahuas are bold, affectionate, loyal, and vocal.
About Chihuahuas
#10

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers take the number 10 spot again this year. Bold, spirited, and full of confidence, these pups pack big-dog energy into a tiny frame. Perfect for apartments and city life, Yorkies thrive on attention and love engaging with their people every day.
About Yorkshire Terriers
#11

Dachshund

Dachshunds, also known as Doxies or Weiner dogs, are clever, lively, and full of personality. These feisty, loyal, and playful pups moved up two spots on our list this year. Doxies are happiest with their humans and make excellent apartment dogs thanks to their small size.
About Dachshunds
#12

Labradoodles

These pups are one of the first “doodle” breeds. With their teddy bear looks, they’re energetic, intelligent, and social dogs—perfect for families seeking a friendly, playful, and affectionate companion.
About Labradoodles
#13

Australian Shepherds

Hardworking, intelligent, and full of energy, Australian Shepherds are loyal and loving companions. Aussies require plenty of mental and physical stimulation, making them ideal for active families with the time and space to meet their high needs. They may have dropped one spot on the list, but held steady in our hearts.
About Australian Shepherds
#14

Standard Poodles

Poodles are famously smart and playful. Because they can be small or large depending on the type, they are well-suited to a variety of lifestyles. Social and affectionate, Poodles are the introverts of dogs— they enjoy being with people but also appreciate quiet downtime to recharge.
About Poodles
#15

Bernedoodle

As one of the trending breeds last year, it’s no surprise Bernedoodles, a popular mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, have gone up a spot. These loving, goofy companions are popular due to their cuddly nature and rumors of needing less exercise than Goldendoodles.
About Bernedoodles
#16

Border Collie

Border Collies are loyal brainiacs with energy for days. If they don’t get enough mental and physical workouts, they’ll invent their own (often mischievous) fun. Known for herding, they excel at many tasks—just be ready to keep up with their brilliant, busy minds!
About Border Collies
#17

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are energetic, intelligent dogs originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for endurance sled pulling. These TikTok darlings are known for their thick coats, striking eyes, and playful independence. They’re also famously vocal—howling, “talking,” and singing to express themselves.
About Siberian Huskies
#18

Pomeranian

Pomeranians slipped down a spot but still pack huge personalities into tiny, fluffy bodies. Popular with apartment dwellers, these low-maintenance pups weigh around seven pounds but bring big dog energy, charisma, and bravado wherever they go—true little dynamos in a small package.
About Pomeranians
#19

Maltese

The Maltese is a classic lap warmer bred for companionship. Sweet-natured, loyal, and loving, these tiny pups form strong bonds with their people and thrive on constant attention and affection from their pet parents.
About Malteses
#20

Beagle

Beagles, down one spot from last year, are sweet, snuggly, and always ready for an adventure—especially when their nose leads the way. These excitable scent hounds need solid leash training and plenty of exercise to keep their curious brains and busy paws happy.
About Beagles

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