A recent survey by Rover.com of Canadian dog owners reveals that fewer than half deliberately sought out a particular breed or a mixed-breed pup. Just 21 per cent went looking specifically for a mixed breed, while only 19 per cent targeted a single purebred. Instead, size topped the list of considerations (56 per cent), followed by temperament and personality (41 per cent). In fact, 39 per cent admitted they simply fell in love on the spot when they met their dog.

The data also shed light on which breeds Canadians currently favour. The nation’s top 20 list remains dominated by mixed breeds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Goldendoodles, and German Shepherds, but some rankings have shifted since last year. Notable breeds include the Cockapoo (up two spots), Dachshund (up two), and Bernedoodle (up two), while the Siberian Husky slid three places—change that may reflect owners’ growing preference for low-shedding coats (25 per cent) and affordability (24 per cent) over high energy and heavy grooming needs.

Canada’s Top 20 Dog Breeds of the 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)

As these rankings show, Canadians are less concerned with pedigree than they are with practicality—and perhaps a touch of serendipity. After all, when the perfect pup looks up at you, breed standards tend to fade into the background.