40 Medium Dog Breeds to Fit Any Family

Alaskan klee kai

One of the smallest breeds on our medium-sized dog list, the high-energy, healthy and smart Alaskan klee kai is the perfect compact companion for hiking and camping adventures. But be ready to keep them on a long leash while exploring, as they are fond of chasing small, furry critters.

“They are very smart, busy dogs that love to work,” says Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer. If you’ve always wanted to try out a dog sport, this could be the breed for you.

However, according to Ellis, klee kais can be a little skittish, especially if they don’t receive appropriate early socialization. “Finding a good breeder who puts in that early work is really important to minimize the chances of having a dog with a fearful side,” she says. Klee kais do shed hair year-round and need a full double coat blow-out biannually, so it may be worth learning how to groom your dog at home.

German shorthaired pointer

If you’re an active person looking for a breed with endless energy and enthusiasm for a hiking buddy or dog sport partner, look no further than the German shorthaired pointer (GSP). These athletic, multitasking gun dogs will hunt, point and retrieve, love to swim and are very smart. They are also incredibly affectionate, although a GSP might not be the best dog for small kids, as they can be rather exuberant.

Be prepared to handle a high prey drive, and don’t leave your GSP home alone for too long. They are companionable dogs that can be prone to separation anxiety and destructive behavior if they are stressed or bored.

Australian cattle dog

The Australian cattle dog needs an active home to thrive. “This compact powerhouse of a dog, also known as a blue heeler or Queensland heeler, is actually related to the Australian dingo!” says veterinarian Katy Nelson, DVM, associate director of veterinary relations for Chewy.Australian cattle dogs are incredibly energetic and require regular exercise—they’re “not for the indoorsy, quiet type of pet parent,” she advises.

Dr. Nelson adds that, as their name suggests, these are herding dogs. This means they might try to herd young children like they would cattle, which could potentially include nipping. Translation: They may not be one of the best dog breeds for families. But if you want a pup that loves to play, is usually very healthy and has one of the longest dog life spans (more than 15 years), the Australian cattle dog could be your pick among medium dog breeds.

Australian kelpie

If you like to spend your weekends chilling on the sofa, then this isn’t the dog for you. But if you want to go for a 5-mile jog first, the Australian kelpie will love you. “They are like border collies in that they are typically high-energy dogs that are happiest when they get physical and mental stimulation every day,” says Darris Cooper, national dog training manager at Petco. “They tend to be a very loyal dog breed and are task-driven.”

Kelpies are not the best dogs for apartments, as they like to have the space to burn off that energy. To prevent them from chasing cars or nipping kids’ heels, consider channeling their instincts into dog sports like treibball or competitive herding trials.

Australian shepherd

Despite the name, this isn’t an Australian dog breed. Australian shepherds are actually from the American West and were originally bred for herding sheep. “Australian shepherds are great for families or single people who live an active lifestyle and have room for them to run,” says veterinarian Sarah Wooten, DVM. “They are a working breed and need at least an hour of exercise every day. If they get exercise, then they tend to be easy to train, low-key and great companions.”

Dr. Wooten warns that if Australian Shepherds don’t get enough exercise, they can become destructive and develop bad habits, so make sure you have the time to get active. They do shed a lot and require regular brushing and grooming, however.

Basset hound

Who doesn’t love the long-eared basset hound? “These dogs are built more for endurance than for speed, but their extremely powerful noses make up for what they lack in momentum,” says Dr. Nelson. Bred to sniff out rabbits and deer, basset hounds are not as energetic as some of these other medium-sized dog breeds, but Dr. Nelson suggests making sure they get moderate exercise to prevent weight gain.

“Their short, thick coats can shed heavily, so regular brushing is required, as is regular overall grooming [since] their heavy ears can be prone to ear infections,” she adds. “Staying on top of skin and coat issues is a priority with this breed.”

Beagle

Beagles are one of the most popular medium dog breeds. They are great family pets but also fit into the lifestyle of single people. Dr. Wooten says they love kids, are easy to train, shed very little and tend to be healthy. That’s why beagles also make our list of the best short-haired dogs for families. Beagles do have big appetites, though, and they can be expert counter surfers, so be prepared to work on managing this habit.

Bearded collie

Fully grown, the bearded collie weighs around 40 to 60 pounds. “Bred originally as a working dog, [they are] bouncy and always up for an adventure,” says Ellis. “They are a great fit for an active person or family in any climate.”

Whether you want to camp with your dog or take them jogging, a beardie will be up for the experience. “Their hair does require brushing, but they won’t shed like your average breed,” says Ellis. She doesn’t recommend bearded collies for families with young children because they are a herding breed (like Australian cattle dogs) that can chase and nip at the heels.

Bluetick coonhound

Bluetick coonhounds are dogs with two contrasting sides. They are unswerving hunters, and channeling their instincts appropriately is key to having a happy, manageable dog. But when you meet their needs, coonhounds are easygoing and sweet, Ellis says. These loyal dogs crave affection and are happy to snooze beside you after a day of scent-work or tracking.

If you’re looking for a quiet canine though, a coonhound won’t be for you. According to Ellis, their bay is loud, and they do talk back to their owners quite a bit. Luckily, learning why dogs howl can make it easier to curb the behavior when it gets excessive.

Border collie

The border collie is a perennially popular medium-sized dog breed, but that doesn’t make them the right choice for every home. “Border collies tend to be incredibly smart dogs, making them highly trainable,” Cooper says. These loyal companions are ideal if you lead an active lifestyle, and they are often top of the class in agility, obedience and herding trials. However, their intelligence and high working drive mean you need to channel the energy in the right way. A bored border collie can become destructive, anxious and obsessive.

Boykin spaniel

The brown-coated Boykin spaniel might not be as well known as its smaller cocker spaniel or larger springer spaniel cousins, but it shares many of the same characteristics. “These retrieving and flushing dogs were bred to hunt,” says Maddie Messina, certified dog trainer and applied animal behaviorist.

They might be affectionate family dogs that love to cuddle around the home, but Messina points out that they have moderate to high energy levels. That means they’ll need at least one hour of exercise daily and plenty of mental stimulation to keep that mellow nature from turning unruly. Fortunately, their enthusiasm and eager-to-please nature make Boykin spaniels easy to train. What’s more, they are big fans of activities where they can bond with their people.

Brittany

A fully grown Brittany weighs around 30 to 40 pounds, making it a perfect medium dog breed: not too small, not too big. “They’re smart, loyal dogs who are very trainable, but they don’t require quite the same amount of exercise and time as Aussies,” says Alex Willen, the founder of Cooper’s Treats.

These dogs come from a long line of hunting companions. “Brittanys were originally bred in France to help hunters retrieve birds, and they can be found in many French paintings and tapestries that are hundreds of years old,” Willen says. Their hunting roots mean it can be tricky to achieve a rock-solid recall when there are squirrels in the park. However, these all-purpose, enthusiastic dogs excel in dog sports and fit perfectly with families that lead outdoorsy lifestyles.

Bulldog

The bulldog is one of the most popular medium-sized dog breeds. While their distinctive appearance and friendly, calm nature might sound appealing, be prepared for some stubbornness. As Messina explains, bulldogs were bred for bull-baiting, and they have tenacious temperaments, meaning they aren’t the easiest dogs to train.

While they are considered a low-maintenance dog breed in terms of energy levels, bulldogs still need regular exercise. They can easily pack on the pounds, leading to health problems. If you’re going for a bulldog puppy, do your homework to find a reputable breeder. According to Messina, their conformation and loose skin mean they are prone to various brachycephalic (flat-faced) health concerns. “These include sensitivity to heat, overexertion from physical exercise and blocked airways due to morphology,” she says.

Bull terrier

“Bull terriers are known for being a little stubborn and mischievous, but if provided with training and plenty of exercise, they make wonderful companions,” says veterinarian Jamie Richardson, DVM, medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary. “They’re incredibly loyal, loving and devoted to their owners.”

People often confuse this dog breed with a Staffordshire bull terrier. But aside from them often being more strong-willed, goofy and exuberant, the bull terrier has that distinctive egghead shape.

Chinese shar-pei

“Chinese shar-peis are incredibly loyal dogs and tend to love spending their days as a loving companion for you and your family,” Cooper says. However, this guarding breed is often aloof and suspicious of strangers, and it tends to be one of the hardest breeds to train.

“Shar-peis may be stubborn, but pet parents can utilize positive dog-training methods to build their connection with their pup,” Cooper says. Their loose skin, while adding to the breed’s unique appearance, can lead to eye and skin problems, so be aware. The gene that causes the loose skin is also linked to a condition called shar-pei fever, which can be worse in more wrinkly dogs.

Chow chow

“This ancient Chinese dog breed was used for pulling carts and guarding,” Messina says. These days, chow chows are more likely to be found leisurely stepping out in cities or sitting serenely on sofas. Chow chow enthusiasts love their modest energy levels, cat-like cleanliness, regal appearance and intelligent, independent spirit.

“They can be aloof and wary of strangers, so [they] aren’t always recommended for families with children or frequent visitors,” Messina says. And you can’t be averse to a little dog hair, as their thick double coat sheds profusely—you’ll spend a lot of time grooming too.

Clumber spaniel

Larger but more mellow than some of its high-energy spaniel relatives, the clumber spaniel tends to be sweet and laid back. But despite the heavy-set appearance, this is still an active breed. “Clumbers are outdoorsy,” Ellis says. “I’ve seen these dogs compete in agility, and they often love to swim.” She mentions that they can be wary of strangers, but early socialization can boost confidence. And don’t forget to stock up on towels—these big-headed fur babies are champion droolers.

Cocker spaniel

In the 1950s, the cocker spaniel was viewed as the perfect suburban family dog, and the medium breed dog continues to be popular even today. “Cockers are on the smaller size, topping out at 30 pounds,” says Dr. Wooten. “They require grooming to prevent mats. They are friendly, tend to be good with children and require at least 30 minutes of medium exercise per day.”

Heads up: If you’re looking for a guard dog to defend your home, the cocker spaniel isn’t it.

English cocker spaniel

Friendly, fun, fit and people-oriented, English cocker spaniels (ECS) are eager to please and highly trainable. They are similar to their cocker spaniel relatives but are slightly taller, with a longer nose and less rounded head. It’s no wonder they are popular family pets and perfect candidates for teaching fun dog tricks.

Messina says they were bred for hunting but have moderate energy levels, so they are happy to snuggle on the sofa after their brisk daily walks. “Their long coat length means they have more intensive grooming requirements,” she says. According to Askeland, they are also prone to ear and eye issues, so it’s important to keep up with grooming and veterinary needs.

Dalmatian

There’s no mistaking the spotted coat of the Dalmatian, and the popularity of the Disney movies featuring this black-and-white dog breed really catapulted them into the spotlight. This beautiful breed is loyal and loving with family.

Messina says they were bred to run alongside coaches and carriages and guard them. That means they have stores of athletic energy and can be suspicious of strangers, although early socialization can temper their wary watchdog ways. It also means they make great running buddies. From a health perspective, Messina points out that they are susceptible to hereditary deafness and kidney stones.

English setters

“English setters are gentle, friendly and intelligent dogs known for their affectionate nature and love of outdoor activities,” Askeland says. “They do well in homes with access to outdoor space where they can run and explore.”

Often well-mannered and merry, English setters usually love spending time with people and other dogs—sometimes, so much that they can experience separation anxiety when left alone. “While generally healthy, they may be prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia and ear infections,” Askeland says.

English springer spaniel

English springer spaniels are another kind of medium-sized dog that was bred with the original purpose of being bird-hunting dogs. “Springer spaniels are extremely friendly, highly trainable, enjoy activities and love spending time with their owners,” says Dr. Richardson. “They’re people pleasers and crave company; they become miserable if left alone too much. They’re well-suited for families with children, and they thrive in a highly active household with plenty of long walks and games of fetch.”

German pinscher

“These confident, athletic and intelligent dogs were first bred as rat catchers,” Dr. Nelson says. The ancestor of all pinscher breeds, German pinschers love activities like nose work and agility training. While they’re low-maintenance grooming-wise, Dr. Nelson warns that this breed might not be the best choice for a first-time dog owner. They are “highly energetic and can use their genius for naughty purposes if not trained properly,” so she advises ensuring that they get plenty of exercise and mental enrichment.

Keeshond

The keeshond is a fluffy, friendly and flexible dog breed that resembles a bigger version of a Pomeranian. “Keeshonds are very loving and very bonded to their owners,” Ellis says. They make great family pets, although they don’t do well being home alone. Ellis notes that Keeshonds can be very talkative, so they’re not the best addition if you share an apartment with a roommate who likes perfect peace. Smart and highly trainable, Keeshonds often excel in agility and obedience. But don’t worry, they still know how to relax at home.

Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever

These medium-sized dogs have a red coat and look very similar to golden retrievers, but they’re a little smaller (and less popular). “Tollers are energetic, highly intelligent and very vocal,” says Ellis. “Known for their unique toller call, they have a high-pitched bark that sounds like a scream, which they produce to express excitement and eagerness.”

The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is perfect for someone with an active lifestyle since they will enjoy participating in dog sports, such as nose work, agility and swimming.

Pembroke Welsh corgi

Pembroke Welsh corgis are a medium dog breed with a small dog’s body because of their short, stumpy legs. Fully grown, they typically weigh around 25 to 30 pounds, maybe less, depending on the size of their parents. “Although they are stout in size, their legs are quite muscular, and their agility is remarkable,” says veterinarian technician Sakura Davis. “They are known for their friendly, playful and sometimes a little stubborn personalities.”

While they might be one of the cutest dog breeds, corgis often take their duties as watchdogs and herders seriously, and when they want to be heard, they have a big bark.

Poodle

Yes, poodles can be medium-sized dogs! Standard poodles, specifically, fall into the medium dog breed category (miniature and toy varieties, not so much). “These dogs are highly intelligent, extraordinary swimmers and extremely trainable,” Dr. Nelson says. “Their coats require significant grooming, including daily brushing to prevent matting and monthly trimming to maintain.” However, one good thing about this curly-haired dog breed is that they don’t shed!

Dr. Nelson also adds that poodles of all sizes require quite a bit of exercise. “Swimming, running and retrieving are some of their favorite activities,” she tells potential pet parents.

Portuguese water dog

The Portuguese water dog was originally bred to help fishermen—hence the name. And as their name suggests, they typically love spending time in the water. They’re highly intelligent, very trainable and love to please their owners. Their curly coats don’t shed much, and they make great family dogs. Keep in mind they need lots of exercise and an active household.

Portuguese podengo

The Portuguese podengo could be a good match if you’re looking for a fit, free-thinking and merry medium dog breed. There are three sizes: large, medium and pequeno. It’s worth noting that only the pequeno size is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), so the medium and large sizes will be harder to find.

If you do find this medium-sized breed, you’re in for a treat. “They are genuinely funny dogs that love to play and be entertained,” Ellis says. “This is a great dog to have various brain game toys to rotate for them because they learn quickly and are good at keeping themselves busy.”

Bred for hunting, the Portuguese podengo has a strong prey drive. You’ll need to work on a solid recall or keep them on a long leash to offer opportunities to explore and sniff safely. Ellis says they excel in sports like Fast CAT, a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure.

Saluki

“Salukis are one of the world’s oldest breeds, going back as far as 7,000 B.C.,” Dr. Nelson says. Their sight is impeccable, and their sleek bodies are crafted for speed—they’re actually one of the fastest dog breeds. They used to hunt down gazelle, so it’s no surprise they’re athletic and love outdoor exercise. They’re also smart and generally happy dogs, as long as you provide them with mental stimulation.

Another fun fact about salukis? “Their silky coats require weekly brushing, but they’re known for being very clean dogs, only requiring bathing occasionally,” Dr. Nelson says.

Shetland sheepdog

The Shetland sheepdog is one of the medium dog breeds that has a super sweet personality. “Shetland sheepdogs, also known as shelties, are docile, friendly, loving dogs that are good with families or single people,” says Dr. Wooten. “They tend to be submissive and a little nervous, but not all of them. They need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise and are at home in single-family homes or apartments.”

Keep in mind that sheepdogs shed year-round and heavily twice a year, so they require regular brushing to keep their coat in top-notch condition.

Shiba Inu

This ancient Japanese dog is one of the most popular medium dog types in its native country (and the rest of the world). Sometimes described as cat-like, the Shiba Inu is often regarded as one of the calmest dog breeds. They are clean, adaptable, confident and often very independent dogs that rarely bark.

“Many Shiba Inus can be strong-natured, which can pose a challenge for training, but I firmly believe that all dogs are trainable,” Cooper says. “Nurturing the bond between pet and pet parent is key.”

You’ll need to keep your Shiba Inu on the leash outside, and your yard should be fully secure. A long, sniffy walk in the park a couple of times a day is usually enough exercise to keep these steady dogs happy. However, they will be equally enthusiastic about accompanying you on a longer hike or other outdoor adventures.

Silken windhound

“The silken windhound is a sighthound breed that is smaller than the others in their class, such as the saluki,” says Ellis. They have a distinctive silky coat, similar to their bigger borzoi relatives. “They make fantastic family pets or first-time-pet-owner dogs. They are unique-looking, don’t require too much exercise and are very sweet and cuddly,” Ellis says.

If you lead a busy life, this medium dog type can be left alone for a few hours without getting too anxious. Silken windhounds love to stretch their long legs, so ideally, you can offer access to a large fenced-in yard or secure dog field to run freely. The United Kennel Club recognizes this rare dog breed, but the American Kennel Club does not yet. You might need to travel to find a reputable breeder.

Soft-coated wheaten terrier

The soft-coated wheaten terrier is originally from the farms of Ireland, where it was bred as a working dog. The breed is known for being jolly and loyal but, as you would expect of a tenacious terrier, somewhat stubborn and challenging to train.

“These dogs love people and have fairly high energy—45 minutes to an hour of exercise and play are recommended daily,” says Dr. Wooten.” They tend to be healthy and shed very little but do require grooming.

Belgian Tervuren

The Belgian Tervuren isn’t the average pet. This is an untiring, elegant, confident, mischievous and super-smart herding breed. These dogs love to train, play and keep busy and frequently excel in highly competitive dog sports. You won’t find a more loyal dog. However, Tervs can be prone to guarding their people. This means early socialization and puppy training are crucial to prevent problems from arising. And invest in a good molting tool if you have a Terv—these silky, double-coated dogs are heavy shedders.

Swedish lapphund

Swedish lapphunds are sweet dogs that love spending time with their people. This breed is playful and energetic, and provided they are getting their exercise and enrichment needs met, they do have a definite on-and-off switch, says Ellis. “They are a dog that does relax versus some of these high-drive working dogs that are constantly on,” she says. You’ll need to channel their herding instincts appropriately to prevent nipping or chasing. But lappies are eager to please and highly trainable.

Keep in mind that they’re not the right fit for families that are out of the house for long stretches, Ellis adds. She explains that they are a barky breed prone to having separation anxiety, and it’s good to work on slowly introducing them to short periods of alone time from a young age.

Treeing walker coonhound

If you love spending all day outdoors before turning into a couch potato in the evenings, a treeing walker coonhound could be the dog for you. “They are energetic, independent and driven hunting dogs,” Askeland says. “They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.”

Slow, sniffy walks or scent work trials are ideal activities for this nose-driven dog. And if they get enough enrichment, these sweet and companionable canines are happy to curl up beside you on the sofa.

Vizsla

“Vizslas are energetic, affectionate and loyal dogs known for their athleticism and hunting abilities,” Askeland says. “They thrive in homes with active owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation and can be prone to separation distress if left alone for long periods.”

Vizslas are definitely not lazy dogs, but they are often fantastic additions to a family. They’re playful but gentle with children, eager to please and highly trainable. Their sleek reddish-brown coats don’t need much grooming, and they excel in dog sports.

Whippet

Whippets are slim dogs with long noses that look similar to greyhounds, but they are much smaller, measuring about 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. “They’re incredibly fast and love [and need] several quick bursts of intense activity each day, such as chasing a Frisbee,” says Dr. Richardson. In between their energetic bursts, they’re couch potatoes and love to snuggle up with their owners. “They’re very loving, low-maintenance and rarely bark.”

Mutt

“If you’re looking for medium-sized dogs, I definitely recommend checking out your local shelters and rescues,” says Willen. “Volunteers there can help you find a dog that’s exactly the size you’re looking for.” And offering a forever home to a mixed-breed dog in need is a highly rewarding experience.

Just like other breeds, mixed-breed puppers have their pros and cons. Adult rescue dogs are often already potty-trained. They’re usually hardier, with fewer inherited health issues, and each one is one-of-a-kind in looks and personality. On the flip side, you might not be able to pin down their future energy levels, coat type or size. But for many adopters, that mystery is part of the magic.

If you’ve set your heart on adopting a dog that’s a mixed breed, here’s some advice: Bring the whole family (other pets included) to meet them at the shelter. This lets you get a feel of the dog’s temperament in a real-life setting. And while shelters do prioritize health and usually have all required vaccinations up to date, your first stop after adoption should still be the vet for a full checkup (followed right by giving the floof all the love in the world that you can).

Wondering how big your adopted medium-sized mixed mutt can get? If you know the mix, expect them to reach the full size of the larger breed. But it’s not an exact science since there’s always wiggle room with mixed breeds. A DNA test can help, but always be prepared for (happy) surprises!

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Gemma Johnstone tapped her experience writing about pets and lifestyle topics, and then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Erin Askeland, certified professional dog trainer at Camp Bow Wow; email interview, Feb. 8, 2024
• Darris Cooper, national dog training manager at Petco; email interview, Feb. 8, 2024
• Sakura Davis, veterinary technician and a veterinary consultant at CatPet.club; interview, November 2020
• Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer; phone interview, Feb. 8, 2024
• Maddie Messina, certified dog trainer and applied animal behaviorist; email interview, Feb. 7, 2024
• Katy Nelson, DVM, veterinarian and associate director of veterinary relations for Chewy; interview, November 2020
• Jamie Richardson, DVM, veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary; interview, November 2020
• Alex Willen, founder of Cooper’s Treats; interview, November 2020
• Sarah Wooten, DVM, veterinarian and certified veterinary journalist; interview, November 2020
• American Kennel Club: “Dog Breeds”
• Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine: “Giving a Second Chance: The Importance of Adopting from an Animal Shelter”
• Pet’s Best Life: “How To Tell How Big Your Puppy Will Get”