Canada’s Favourite Dog Breeds

The dog walking app, Rover has released their 2025 Top Pet Breeds List!

For the first time since the report launched, the top five dog breeds are unchanged from the previous year: mixed breeds at number one, followed by Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Goldendoodles, and German Shepherds. These choices suggest that Canadians are still drawn to breeds known for their adaptability, trainability, and family-friendly temperaments.

Miniature Poodles top the list of fastest-growing breeds in Canada, with Pugs and Toy Poodles not far behind.

Experts point to a few reasons: smaller breeds tend to adapt better to urban living, require less space, and can be less expensive to feed and care for. Their growing popularity also reflects a wider trend: more Canadians are living in condos and apartments, where compact pets make practical sense.

The survey also underscores how personality matters more than looks. Nearly seven in ten dog parents (67%) say loyalty is the most valued trait, while 39% prioritize cuddliness. And despite rising costs of veterinary care and food, 47% of owners say they’d choose the exact same breed again, even at a higher cost—a sign of how deep the emotional bond runs.

Cats show a similar pattern: consistency at the top, with a few fresh surprises. Domestic Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, and Domestic Longhairs remain the three most common cats across the country. The Asian Tabby and the plush, affectionate Ragdoll round out the top five.

The year’s fastest risers are the Russian and Scottish Straight breeds, which are gaining traction thanks in part to their distinctive looks and growing visibility online. As with dogs, personality drives decision-making: 77% of Canadian cat owners say cuddliness is their top priority, followed by playfulness (61%) and sociability (52%). Interestingly, more than half (58%) say choosing their cat felt like “love at first sight,” suggesting that impulse and emotional connection play just as big a role as breed traits.

Canada’s Top Pet Breeds 2025

Top 5 Dogs

1. Mixed (non-designer)
2. Golden Retriever
3. Labrador Retriever
4. Goldendoodle
5. German Shepherd

Top 5 Cats

1. Domestic Shorthair
2. American Shorthair
3. Domestic Longhair
4. Asian Tabby
5. Ragdoll

I am definitely bias, but I agree that Labs are some of the best dogs!

Here are our 2 lab boys, Remmy and Westley.