Canada's Favourite Dogs: The Top Five Most Popular Breeds by CKC Zone
July 15, 2026
While some breeds enjoy popularity from coast to coast, others have developed loyal followings in specific regions of the country.
Using Canadian Kennel Club registration data, we took a closer look at the top five most popular breeds in each CKC Zone to see which breeds Canadians welcomed into their homes in 2025.
Unsurprisingly, Retrievers continue to reign supreme across much of the country. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers appeared in the top five in nearly every zone, demonstrating their enduring appeal among Canadian dog owners.
Labrador and Golden Retrievers Continue Their Reign
The Labrador Retriever ranked among the top five breeds in 11 of the 12 CKC Zones and claimed the number one spot in Zones 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12.
The Golden Retriever was equally impressive, appearing in the top five in 11 zones and taking the top position in Zones 4 and 5.
Known for their versatility, intelligence, and affectionate nature, it is easy to see why these two breeds remain perennial favourites with Canadian families.
Poodles Prove Their Lasting Popularity
Poodles also enjoyed widespread popularity, ranking in the top five in seven zones and taking the top spot in Zones 2, 3, and 11.
Available in three size varieties and renowned for their intelligence, athleticism, and low-shedding coat, Poodles continue to appeal to a wide range of dog owners across the country.
Regional Preferences Tell a Story
While some breeds appeared consistently across multiple regions, several zones demonstrated unique preferences.
In Zone 1, the Beagle claimed the top spot, highlighting the breed's enduring popularity in Atlantic Canada.
Zone 7 showed strong support for the German Shepherd Dog, which ranked as the region's most popular breed, while Zone 9 saw the Shetland Sheepdog secure second place.
Meanwhile, in Zone 12, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever earned a place among the region's top five breeds, a fitting result for Canada's smallest native retriever.
French Bulldogs also continued their rise in popularity, appearing in the top five in seven different zones and ranking as the second most popular breed in Zones 10 and 11.
Not Sure Which CKC Zone You Belong To?
The Canadian Kennel Club divides the country into 12 geographic zones. These zones help organize member representation and governance across Canada.
Take a look at the map below to see how CKC Zones are divided across the country and find out which zone you call home.
The Top Five Breeds by Zone
Zone 1 – Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- Australian Shepherd
Zone 2 – New Brunswick, PEI
- Poodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund
Zone 3 – Quebec
- Poodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Chihuahua
- French Bulldog
Zone 4 – Ontario North
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- French Bulldog
- Havanese
Zone 5 – Ontario East
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- French Bulldog
- Havanese
Zone 6 – Ontario West
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Havanese
- French Bulldog
Zone 7 – Ontario Central
- German Shepherd Dog
- Golden Retriever
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Labrador Retriever
- Poodle
Zone 8 – Manitoba
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Poodle
- German Shepherd Dog
- Shetland Sheepdog
Zone 9 – Saskatchewan
- Labrador Retriever
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Poodle
- Havanese
Zone 10 – Alberta, NWT & Nunavut
- Labrador Retriever
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund
- Poodle
Zone 11 – B.C. Southwest
- Poodle
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Boston Terrier
- German Shepherd Dog
Zone 12 – B.C. Interior & Yukon
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- French Bulldog
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Havanese
Whether you share your home with one of these popular breeds or champion a lesser-known breed, every purebred dog contributes to the rich and diverse Canadian dog community.
Did your breed make the list? Let us know in the comments.
The opinions expressed by authors on the Canadian Kennel Club Blog and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of the Canadian Kennel Club or any of its employees.
Les opinions et les commentaires exprimés dans le blogue du Club Canin Canadien sont ceux des auteurs et ils ne reflètent pas les opinions du Club Canin Canadien ni de ses employés.