Choosing a dog is one of the most exciting and significant decisions a person or family can make. It’s a long-term commitment of love, time, and resources that pays back in endless loyalty, companionship, and joy. But with hundreds of wonderful breeds to consider, each with its own unique history, temperament, and needs, where does one even begin? To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled an in-depth guide to the top ten most popular dog breeds across Canada, complete with special considerations for living in our beautiful city of Vancouver.
At Marpole Dog Walking & Boarding, we’ve had the pleasure of caring for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and personalities since 2015. We love them all, and we’ve learned that the “best” breed is always the one that fits seamlessly into your life and home. This guide, drawing on data from the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and other reputable sources, offers a comprehensive starting point for finding your perfect furry family member. [1] [2]
The Nation’s Favourites: Canada’s Top 10 Breeds
While trends may shift slightly from year to year, a select group of breeds consistently captures the hearts of Canadians. These dogs are popular for a reason—they tend to be adaptable, intelligent, and wonderful companions. Here’s a look at the top ten, with insights into how they fit into the active, and often compact, Vancouver lifestyle.
Top 10 Dog Breeds for Vancouver’s Lifestyle
| Rank | Breed | Key Traits | Vancouver Lifestyle Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Labrador Retriever | Friendly, outgoing, high-energy, great with families | Excellent, if you have access to parks and trails for consistent, vigorous exercise. |
| 2 | Golden Retriever | Intelligent, gentle, loyal, patient | A perfect family dog for a house with a yard, but can adapt to larger condos with very active owners. |
| 3 | German Shepherd | Confident, courageous, smart, protective | Needs a job to do; best for experienced owners with ample time for training and mental stimulation. |
| 4 | French Bulldog | Playful, smart, adaptable, charmingly lazy | Ideal for apartment and condo living due to their small size and lower exercise needs. |
| 5 | Poodle | Proud, smart, hypoallergenic coat, comes in three sizes | A versatile choice for city dwellers, especially the Miniature and Toy varieties. |
| 6 | Havanese | Cheerful, intelligent, social, companion-oriented | Excellent for apartments and condos; a true companion dog that thrives on being with its people. |
| 7 | Bernese Mountain Dog | Good-natured, calm, strong, family-oriented | Best suited for homes with yards and families who enjoy outdoor adventures, but be mindful of their thick coats in summer. |
| 8 | Australian Shepherd | Smart, high-energy, athletic, trainable | Requires significant mental and physical exercise; a great fit for highly active Vancouverites who hike, run, or do dog sports. |
| 9 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Affectionate, gentle, graceful, eager to please | A wonderful companion for apartment living and less active owners, but prone to certain health issues. |
| 10 | Shetland Sheepdog | Playful, energetic, bright, trainable | A small but active herding dog that does well in a home with a yard and needs regular mental engagement. |
1. Labrador Retriever
For an incredible 29 consecutive years, the Labrador Retriever has held the top spot in Canada, a testament to its enduring appeal. [3]
Originally from Newfoundland, where they helped fishermen retrieve nets and lines, Labs are hardworking, good-natured, and famously friendly. Their outgoing personality makes them fantastic family pets, as they generally get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. Labs are energetic and playful, requiring substantial daily exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. For Vancouver dog owners, this means taking full advantage of our beautiful natural surroundings. A Lab would be a joyful companion on a hike up Grouse Mountain, a swim at a dog-friendly beach, or a run along the seawall. Their love of water is legendary, making them perfect partners for exploring Vancouver’s coastline.
As the Canadian Kennel Club notes, “The Labrador Retriever is the number one pick for Canadians. These loyal and laid back pups make for great pets no matter where you live.” [4]
2. Golden Retriever
Close behind the Labrador is the equally beloved Golden Retriever. Hailing from Scotland, where they were bred to retrieve waterfowl, Goldens are known for their intelligence, patience, and unwavering loyalty. They are exceptionally eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train, even for first-time owners. Their beautiful, dense golden coat does require regular grooming to prevent matting, but their gentle and loving nature is more than worth the effort. A Golden would be right at home in a Vancouver house with a yard, but can adapt to condo life with dedicated owners who provide plenty of daily walks, playtime, and social interaction.
3. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a noble and courageous breed, renowned for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. These dogs are often employed in police and service roles, a testament to their trainability and strong work ethic. German Shepherds thrive when they have a job to do, whether it’s obedience training, agility, or simply being a watchful family protector. They form strong bonds with their families and can be excellent companions. However, they are best suited for experienced owners who can provide firm, consistent training and plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them balanced and happy.
4. French Bulldog
For those embracing the urban lifestyle in smaller spaces, the French Bulldog is a charming and increasingly popular choice. Their compact size and lower exercise needs make them well-suited for apartment and condo living in Vancouver. Frenchies are playful, affectionate, and comical, but also enjoy a good nap on a comfy lap. Their distinctive bat ears and expressive faces are hard to resist. It is crucial for potential owners to be mindful of their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature, which can make them sensitive to heat and strenuous exercise, a key consideration during Vancouver’s warmer summer months.
5. Poodle
The Poodle, with its hypoallergenic coat and remarkable intelligence, is another versatile breed popular across Canada. Available in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes, there’s a Poodle to fit almost any living situation. They are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports, from agility to obedience. Their non-shedding coat is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers, but it does require regular professional grooming to prevent matting and maintain its health. The smaller varieties are particularly well-suited for city life, offering a big-dog brain in a small-dog package.
6. Havanese
The cheerful and sociable Havanese is Cuba’s national dog and a rising star in Canada. These small, sturdy dogs are born companions, thriving on human interaction and often following their owners from room to room. Their long, silky coat is hypoallergenic but requires daily grooming to remain tangle-free. Havanese are intelligent and trainable, with a playful, clownish streak that endears them to everyone they meet. Their small size and moderate energy levels make them an excellent choice for Vancouver apartment or condo dwellers.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Originating from the Swiss Alps, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a striking, large-breed dog known for its calm, good-natured, and affectionate temperament. They are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families, being particularly gentle with children. Despite their size, their exercise needs are moderate—a few good walks a day and some off-leash time are usually sufficient. Their thick, double coat makes them well-suited for Canadian winters, but they can be sensitive to the heat, so owners in Vancouver need to be cautious during summer and provide plenty of shade and water.
8. Australian Shepherd
Don’t let the name fool you; the Australian Shepherd was actually developed in the United States as a ranch and herding dog. Aussies are exceptionally intelligent, energetic, and athletic. They need a great deal of physical exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. An under-stimulated Aussie can become bored and destructive. They are a fantastic match for highly active Vancouverites who enjoy hiking, running, biking, and dog sports like agility, flyball, or disc. They are loyal and trainable but require a committed owner who can meet their demanding needs.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the epitome of a companion dog. Bred to be a lap dog for British nobility, they are affectionate, gentle, and eager to please. They adapt well to various living situations, including city apartments, and get along with children and other pets. While they enjoy a good walk and playtime, their exercise needs are not as demanding as many other breeds. It is important for potential owners to be aware that Cavaliers are prone to certain genetic health conditions, so choosing a reputable breeder who performs health testing is paramount.
10. Shetland Sheepdog
Often described as a miniature Lassie, the Shetland Sheepdog, or “Sheltie,” is a bright, playful, and energetic herding dog from the Shetland Islands of Scotland. They are highly intelligent and excel at obedience and other dog sports. Shelties are devoted to their families and can be excellent watchdogs, as they are often reserved with strangers and prone to barking. Their beautiful double coat requires regular brushing. They are an active breed that needs more than just a short walk, thriving in a home that can provide regular exercise and mental challenges.
Vancouver’s Unique Vibe: Other Popular Local Breeds
While the national top ten are certainly popular in Vancouver, our city has its own unique mix of favourite breeds. You’re likely to see many of these dogs at your local park:
- Mixed Breeds: The most popular “breed” of all! Adopted from shelters like the BC SPCA, mixed-breed dogs offer a wonderful variety of personalities and appearances. [5]
- Doodles (Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, etc.): These popular crossbreeds combine the intelligence and low-shedding coat of a Poodle with the friendly nature of a Retriever.
- Corgis: Their charming looks and spirited personalities have made them a social media sensation and a common sight in Vancouver neighbourhoods.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family
Choosing a dog is a deeply personal decision that should be based on careful research and honest self-assessment. We encourage you to consider your lifestyle, activity level, living situation, and the time and energy you can realistically dedicate to a new pet. Whether you choose a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder or a lovable mutt from a local rescue, the most important thing is providing a safe, loving, and permanent home.
If you’re considering a new dog and have questions about what breed might be right for you, or need help with walking or boarding, we’re always here to help. At Marpole Dog Walking & Boarding, we treat every dog like family.
References
[2] Rover.com. (2025). *The Pet Breeds Taking Over 2025*. Retrieved from Rover.com.
[4] Wag!. (n.d.). *Top 10 Dog Breeds in Canada*. Retrieved from WagWalking.com.
[5] BC SPCA. (n.d.). *Adoptable Pets*. Retrieved from spca.bc.ca.
