Canadian Show Dog Breeders
Use this directory to orient yourself before you contact a conformation breeder in Canada. Every recognised breed sits in one of seven Canadian Kennel Club groups; pick the group that fits the dog you want, then filter by province and apply the vetting checklist further down the page.
| Group | Bred for | Breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting | Pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels bred to work with hunters. | 8 shown |
| Hound | Sight and scent hounds built for speed or endurance on the trail. | 8 shown |
| Working | Guardians, draft and rescue dogs of substance and power. | 8 shown |
| Terrier | Feisty, energetic breeds originally bred to go to ground after vermin. | 7 shown |
| Toy | Companion breeds bred down in size for life beside their people. | 8 shown |
| Non-Sporting | A diverse group of companions that do not fit the other six. | 8 shown |
| Herding | Intelligent breeds that move and control livestock. | 7 shown |
Sporting Group
Pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels bred to work with hunters.
Hound Group
Sight and scent hounds built for speed or endurance on the trail.
Working Group
Guardians, draft and rescue dogs of substance and power.
Terrier Group
Feisty, energetic breeds originally bred to go to ground after vermin.
Toy Group
Companion breeds bred down in size for life beside their people.
Non-Sporting Group
A diverse group of companions that do not fit the other six.
Herding Group
Intelligent breeds that move and control livestock.
Breed lists are representative examples of popular breeds shown in each group in Canada, not the full CKC roster of 175+ recognised breeds.
Five things to verify before you reserve a puppy
1. CKC registration
A show breeder registers their litters with the Canadian Kennel Club. Ask for the registered names of the sire and dam and confirm that puppies will come with CKC registration papers, not a generic “pedigree certificate” from an unrecognised registry.
2. Health testing and clearances
Reputable breeders test the parents for the hereditary conditions that matter in their breed and share the results. Depending on the breed that can mean hip and elbow scoring, eye and heart clearances, and DNA panels. Certificates should name the individual dog and be dated.
3. Conformation titles
Titles such as CH (Champion) and GCH (Grand Champion) show that a breeder is proving their dogs against the breed standard in the ring under different judges. Titles are not everything, but a breeding programme that never shows has no independent check on type.
4. Contracts, guarantees and references
Expect a written contract covering the health guarantee, spay/neuter or co-ownership terms, and a return clause if you can no longer keep the dog. A confident breeder will give you references from previous puppy buyers and from their breed club.
5. Meeting the dogs
Where possible, visit and meet the dam and the environment the puppies are raised in. Well-socialised, confident puppies raised underfoot in a clean home are worth more than any sales pitch.
Conformation breeders are active across the country. Combine your chosen group with your province, and check with the regional all-breed club and the relevant national breed club for local litters.
What is a show dog breeder?
A show or conformation breeder aims to produce dogs that match their breed's official standard in structure, movement and temperament, and proves it by earning titles in the ring. Their goal is the long-term health and type of the breed, not volume.
How do I find a CKC-registered breeder near me?
Start from the group your breed belongs to, then shortlist by province. The Canadian Kennel Club maintains a breeders' directory and a list of recognised national breed clubs, and regional all-breed clubs can point you to local litters. Always confirm the breeder registers their litters with the CKC.
What health testing should a show breeder do?
It depends on the breed, but responsible breeders screen for the conditions common to their breed: typically hips and elbows, eyes (CERF/OFA), hearts and, where relevant, DNA tests. Ask to see certificates for both parents rather than taking a verbal assurance.
How much does a show-quality puppy cost?
Prices vary widely by breed, region and pedigree, and a show-prospect puppy usually costs more than a pet-quality one from the same litter. Rather than chasing the lowest price, ask what is included: registration, a health guarantee, first vaccinations, microchipping and ongoing mentorship.
What do CH and GCH mean?
CH stands for Champion and GCH for Grand Champion. These CKC conformation titles appear before or after a dog's registered name, and they tell you the dog was judged against its breed standard and won consistently under different judges.