It was early morning on a weekend, and I was thinking about what to write as a new blog, which is WAY overdue.

I decided to write a blog listing Canada's most popular dog breeds. I started to dive into the data, and what I found surprised me. While national trends give us an idea of the breeds Canadians love, they don’t always match what we see in our neighbourhoods. That’s when I decided to take a closer look at We Wag’s Dog Walking data to uncover the most popular dog breeds in Toronto.

We Wag, as a company, has walked over 1000 different dogs in Toronto. We offer Dog Walking in The Beaches, Riverdale, Leslieville, Downtown, Yorkville, Distillery District, Regent Park and Harbourfront.

I did not go through over 1000 client profiles to individually record the breed of dogs they have, but I did go through each walker we have right now and record every dog, and their breed that currently walks with We Wag in Toronto. From my list of those totals, I calculated percentages of types of dogs in correlation to the total number of dogs walked.

This gave me a unique and hyper-localized look at the dog breed trends in our city—one that’s shaped not just by nationwide popularity but by the lifestyle and preferences of Toronto’s dog owners.

The Results:

Doodle - 33%

It’s probably no surprise that Doodles make up 33% of the dogs we walk at We Wag. You can't walk around the city without spotting one of these adorable fluffballs. I didn’t break it down by type—so when I say "Doodles," I’m referring to a variety of mixes, which is allot! Doodles are the result of crossing a Poodle (Miniature, Standard, or Toy) with another breed. Some popular examples include the Mini Doodle, Goldendoodle, Sheepadoodle, Bernedoodle, and many others.

There’s some debate around whether Doodles should be considered mixed breeds, mutts or their own designer breed. While they aren’t officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or the American Kennel Club (AKC), their popularity has soared thanks to their teddy bear-like appearance and the myth that they don’t shed, which many mistake as being hypoallergenic (spoiler alert: they’re not).

Despite their charm, Doodles are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and proper training to thrive.

Mixed Breeds – 23%

Coming in second for the most popular type of dog are Mixed Breeds, making up 23% of the dogs we walk. These can be combinations like a Husky/Shepherd or Labrador/Rottweiler mix, or a blend of several different breeds. Some of these mixes are intentional, known as hybrids, while others are unplanned combinations of various breeds.

The behavior and temperament of mixed breed dogs can vary greatly depending on the breeds in their background. There's a common belief that mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds and less prone to genetic issues or diseases, but there’s no solid scientific evidence to fully support this claim.

Golden Retrievers - 9%

For many years, Golden Retrievers would have easily topped this list. While they’re no longer the most popular breed, they’re still a favorite among dog owners. Goldens are known for being fantastic family dogs—friendly, loving, and generally easier to train compared to other breeds.

That said, they are high-energy dogs, especially when they’re young, so they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and well-behaved. It probably comes as no surprise that Goldens love to retrieve—whether it’s toys or random objects on walks, our We Wag Dog Walkers have noticed that they can’t resist picking things up! This makes early dog training especially important to guide their natural instincts.

Labrador Retriever - 5%

Coming in fourth place with 5% of the dogs we walk are Labrador Retrievers. Labs have long been a favorite among dog lovers, known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They’re versatile dogs, excelling as family pets, working dogs, and companions for outdoor activities. Labs are generally easy to train, with a strong desire to please, but they do need regular exercise to burn off their boundless energy. Like Golden Retrievers, Labs have a natural instinct for retrieving and often love to carry things around, making early training a good idea to keep their enthusiasm in check.

Cavelier King Charles Spaniels - 2%

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have earned their spot on our list. These small but elegant dogs are known for their affectionate and gentle personalities, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. They’re highly adaptable and can thrive in both city apartments and larger homes. While most Cavaliers are friendly and easygoing, they do have moderate energy levels and enjoy daily walks and playtime. Their loyal nature and love of cuddling make them a favorite for anyone seeking a sweet and affectionate dog. They are my recommendation for first-time dog owners.

Dachshund - 2%

Dachshunds make up 2% of the dogs we walk, and their distinctive look and lively personalities have made them a popular choice among dog owners in Toronto. With their long bodies and short legs, these "wiener dogs" come in standard and miniature sizes and can have smooth, wire, or long-haired coats. Despite their small size, Dachshunds are full of energy and boldness, often displaying a strong independent streak. Originally bred for hunting, they have a high prey drive and love to dig or chase, making early training essential for a well-behaved pup.

An important thing to remember if considering a Dachshund is their predisposition to back problems, specifically intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), due to their elongated spines. Keeping them at a healthy weight and avoiding activities that put a strain on their backs—like jumping from heights.

The remaining 26% was made up of a variety of other breeds. Boxers and Schnauzers came next, each making up 1.5% of the dogs we walk. Beyond that, we encountered almost a dozen different breeds, each representing 1% or less of our total data.

I find these trends fascinating, and I hope you do too! Have you noticed certain breeds becoming more common in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what kinds of dogs you’re seeing around other areas in Toronto!