Some of the best qualities of the Canadian are its strength, willingness to work, and its small food requirements, able to thrive on anything or almost nothing, making it ideal for early farmers. At the same time it is long-lived and still useful at an advanced age. Some are known to have attained record ages. Mares are extraordinarily fertile, having a longer breeding life than other breeds. A Canadian mare can reproduce regularly until the age of 20 or even older.
Foals are comparatively easy to raise.
In height Canadians are usually not more than 15 hands high, weighing an average of 1,100 lbs. Described as quiet, easy to train and relaxed, they have wide foreheads, clear intelligent eyes and fine muzzle. Characteristically, the horse displays a strong, well arched neck and a deep wide chest. They are noticeably different from other horses mostly because of their size. With large eyes and alert ears, the rugged little steeds have been called by various names over the years such as the French, Norman, Canadian, French Canadian and Canuck.