Looking for a New Best Friend? Try These Medium-Sized Dog Breeds
Choosing a new dog is a very important decision. After all, you're welcoming a new family member into your home, which is a pretty big deal! So how are you supposed to find the perfect pup that's just right for you and your loved ones? If you need a little canine inspiration, look no further than our list of the best medium-sized dog breeds.
These medium dogs are well suited for any living situation, including apartments or houses with kids and families. Ree Drummond tends to love both medium and large dog breeds, so there's no arguing that some of these slightly smaller breeds like her beloved basset hounds make excellent pets. Many of the most loyal dog breeds happen to fall in this category. The iconic Lady from Lady and the Tramp was an English cocker spaniel and Lassie was a collie. (And yes, they are both on this list!)
So whether you're looking for a fluffy cuddle buddy like a chow chow, an athletic outdoorsman like a bearded collie or a tried-and-true hunter like a bluetick coonhound, you'll find it in this batch of furry friends. There are even a few that would make great ranch dogs! And if you decide you want to go a little smaller, check out these adorable small dog breeds. Ready to find your next animal obsession? Scroll down to see a variety of breeds that are truly something to bark about.
Sniffing around for more dog info? Read about:
Basset Hound
If you adore basset hounds as much as the Drummonds do, there really is no other choice than this charming, beloved breed! Don't let its sad-looking eyes fool you, though: This pup is known for being friendly and affectionate.
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
English Cocker Spaniel
Lady and the Tramp made this breed instantly recognizable. English cocker spaniels are famous for their luxurious-looking coat and their soulful eyes. Historically, they helped their hunting companions, but today they also make great housemates because of their pleasant demeanor.
Weight: 28 to 34 pounds
Standard Poodle
Miniature, toy, and standard poodles have been popular for a long time, as has their trendy cousin, the golden doodle. Part of their charm is that they're good for many allergy sufferers, making them a great family pet. They look fancy but are actually nimble and strong and do great with training.
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
American Bulldog
This iconic breed is incredibly popular among celebrities like Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler. They look dignified and they really are, functioning as calm and loyal companions to their owners. They like walks and exercise; just be careful of heat since their short snout can cause breathing issues in humidity.
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
American Water Spaniel
This outdoorsy pup hails from the lake country of the upper Midwest and true to its name, loves to swim. This spaniel is known for its webbed toes and wavy or curly waterproof brown coat. They like to hunt, too!
Weight: 25 to 45 pounds
Australian Shepherd
Though these pups have "Australian" in their name, they're very much an American import. Australian shepherds are fixtures on the rodeo circuit and closely associated with the cowboy life because of their strong drive to herd. These clever dogs do best with a job and lots of space.
Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
Chinese Shar-Pei
What's behind that wrinkly snout, you ask? A great guard dog who is exceptionally loyal to its owners, that's what. Because of their protective tendencies, these pups need to be trained so that they'll keep calm around strangers or other dogs.
Weight: 45 to 60 pounds
Bull Terrier
Who could say no to this funny little face? Bull terriers are playful and sneaky, and they really look the part. They need training and exercise, but when they're well-cared for, they make great pets who are very loving and entertaining.
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Collie
Just like Lassie, the standard long-haired Collie (also called a "Rough Collie") is great with children and make excellent family dogs. Originally used as herders, they can be quite vocal but are adaptable and easily trained.
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds
Whippet
If you like Italian Greyhounds but want something in between a miniature and standard size, try at Whippet! They have similar energy and speed and are known to be a quiet breed that's very affectionate. Plus, they look so cute in sweaters!
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Vizsla
These pretty red-headed friends were bred to be athletic, but pet owners will appreciate them for their gentle and loving nature. They also really dislike being left alone, so they're the perfect companion for families that stick together. They need lots of physical and mental exercise, so make sure you're up for it.
Weight: 55 to 60 pounds
Portuguese Water Dog
One of these loving and adventurous pups made it all the way to The White House. Former President Obama's dog Bo was a Portuguese water dog, as was his dog Sunny. As this breed's name implies, they love the water, but they're also agreeable buddies anywhere. They're fairly easy to train, alert, and generally a healthy breed.
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
English Springer Spaniel
This energetic bird dog makes a trusty hunting buddy as well as a cuddly companion when it's off duty. These trainable people-pleasers are ready and willing to learn lots of entertaining tricks, too.
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Brittany
This energetic breed is also quite trainable, making it excellent at sports like dock diving or just running around with the family in a dog park. They're good around humans and other animals, so they'll love being out and about.
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
German Pinscher
Doberman fans who want a dog a bit smaller should look at their cousin, the German pinscher. They're known to be very smart and energetic, so you should keep them stimulated and active. They are family friendly once trained, but are best for experienced dog owners.
Weight: 25 to 45 pounds
Irish Terrier
Irish terriers are energetic, intelligent, and great with kids and families. Because they were originally bred to hunt small animals, they're best as a solo pet. But they're very loyal and affectionate, so they should give you everything you need without help.
Weight: 25 to 45 pounds
Cockapoo
Technically a crossbreed, the increasingly popular cockapoo is a part cocker spaniel and part poodle. They tend to be easily trained and are as happy in apartments as they are in houses. They often inherit hypoallergenic qualities from their poodle parent and are known to be people pleasers.
Weight: 20 to 65 pounds
Finnish Spitz
Known as a very vocal and energetic breed, the Finnish spitz has a unique yodel-like sound. They're great with both families and other dogs alike, are highly affectionate, and are relatively easy to train
Weight: 20 to 35 pounds
Bohemian Shepherd
This all-star dog is skilled in many areas, including but not limited to dog dancing, search and rescue, and pastoral work. But we had you at dog dancing, didn't we? 😜
Weight: 37 to 60 pounds
Bergamasco Sheepdog
These shepherd dogs play nicely with children and other animals so they're sure to fit right into your family. They're also known for being smart, independent, and hardworking.
Weight: 57 to 84 pounds
Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is native to Appenzell, Switzerland and is known for its gorgeous tri-color coat. This high-spirited pup has boundless energy so would be best suited to larger homes as opposed to apartments.
Weight: 48 to 70 pounds
Barbet
Is this a dog or a Muppet? Either way, the adorable Barbet is sure to win over your family instantly with its soft, shaggy coat and sweet demeanor.
Weight: 35 to 65 pounds
Chow Chow
Clean freaks, this is your dog. They groom themselves, are housebroken easily, and rarely smell bad. Their sense of calm makes them great city dogs, too. Also, just look at that fluff.
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Boykin Spaniel
These cute chocolate brown pups got their start as hunting dogs and evolved into house dogs. They get along extremely well with young children and other animals, so if you have either or both, a Boykin Spaniel would be a great choice for your family.
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Deutscher Wachtelhund
The Deutscher Wachtelhund is the German hunting community's best-kept secret. And as determined as they are in the hunting field, these pups are just as sweet and loving in the home.
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Barbet
You may recognize the barbet from French art. They're the archetypal water dog, with long curly hair, an adorable beard, and absolute love for swimming. What's more, their high energy and loyal disposition make them great dogs for families with children.
Weight: 35 to 65 pounds
Bavarian Hound
With a smooth ombre coat that fades from dark chocolate brown to reddish-brown, the Bavarian Hound is an absolutely gorgeous medium-sized dog. This is the perfect furry friend if you're looking for someone with a steady personality: Calm and balanced, devoted to its owner, and reserved with strangers.
Weight: 37 to 66 pounds
Dalmation
These pups are as cute as their animated Disney counterparts! Their famed spotted coat definitely makes them stand out on the street. They were originally bred to guard horses, so some of that protective instinct remains; Dals are bright, loyal, and loving house dogs with their preferred humans.
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Look at this noble creature: Also known as the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset, these dogs were bred as hunters, so they have a lot of energy and are great with kids. Just be sure to train them, or they can get into some mischief.
Weight: 23 to 39 pounds
American Foxhound
Easygoing, sweet, kind, and loyal—what more could you want from man's best friend? These pups have been a staple of American life for two centuries and make great companions for runners and hikers.
Weight: 65 to 70 pounds
French Pointer
Swimmers will love playing with this waterdog. Their short coat is excessively soft (just look at those ears) and marked with pretty speckles of brown and tan. Their four key personality traits: Gentle, friendly, sociable, and submissive.
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Check out this Canadian breed if you're looking for a furry friend with a medium coat and kind disposition. They rate very well on the American Kennel Club's scales for family-friendly, good with children, and good with other dogs, making them an easy breed in many settings. As the smallest retriever, they do need to play a fair amount of fetch.
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
Airedale Terrier
This mustached and bearded dog is the biggest of the terrier breeds, weighing in at about 50 to 70 pounds. They can be a bit stubborn, but are nice and calm with kids, so they make a great family pet. Plus, they're great at sports, so get your dog toys out.
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Bluetick Coonhound
These dogs love to hunt and if there's prey nearby it will be tough to pull them away. They love attention and if they're not getting enough of of it, you'll hear their signature bark which sounds a little like mournful music. They get their name from their sleek mottled black and blue coat.
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Australian Cattle Dog
This breed is also known as a blue heeler or Queensland heeler and is actually related to dingos, Australia's wild dogs. Their beautiful mottled coats change color as they develop. They were bred to be excellent shepherds, but if you're not rounding up cattle, they make great running buddies thanks to their abundant energy.
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
Border Collie
Border Collies have always been popular pets and it's easy to see why: They're a great mix of energetic and cuddly. They're also smart and athletic, and while it may take them some time to warm up to strangers, they love their friends. Warning: Border Collies need good walks and exercise, so if you're a couch potato this is not the dog for you.
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
German Wirehaired Pointer
There's nothing cuter than a dog with a beard! A versatile hunting dog, they excel at retrieving anything from land or water. Make sure to have a few fetch toys around so that they can burn off some of that energy.
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Jindo
This breed hails from an island off South Korea and is alert and intelligent...and fluffy. Jindos are great hunting dogs, but they're often characterized by their incredible loyalty to their owners. When you adopt a Jindo, it's utterly and completely yours.
Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
English Setter
How much do you want to pet this dog right now? The English Setter's speckled coat makes it an effortless model, and its easy temperament and friendly demeanor make it the perfect partner. They were the prized pet of Annie Oakley, Clark Gable, and Brigitte Bardot.
Weight: 65 to 80 pounds
Bearded Collie
Who doesn't love a dog with a shaggy beard? They may look big with their puffy coats, but these Collies weigh between 45 and 55 pounds and are actually pretty lean under all that hair. They have lots of energy which can sometimes be tough to restrain, but they get along great with kids and other dogs. They're also fit for any outdoor adventures, so take this pup on a trip.
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Eurasier
This dog loves to be around people and needs to because of its strong instinct for bonding. Eurasiers look like they'd be perfect cuddling dogs, and they are because they're exceptionally loving and calm. They're a pretty new breed, having been developed in Germany less than a century ago.
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
American Staffordshire Terrier
These shiny-coated canines are easy to train but the AKC recommends doing the work and finding a recommended breeder. They tend to weigh between 40 and 55 pounds and are confident and smart.
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
German Shorthaired Pointer
This breed is down for anything. They love to swim, run, and play however they can. As you can guess, they have lots of energy, so any owner will need to spend some time on exercise. In fact, they're one of the most energetic dogs out there. But don't let that deter you—they're also great, trainable pets who are always willing to please.
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Karelian Bear Dog
These pups are loyal but independent and absolutely love to hunt. They were bred to hunt big game so they can be a bit aggressive, but know to behave around their people.
Weight: 44 to 49 pounds
Japanese Akitainu
This beautiful and athletic breed was bred as a hunting dog in the mountain regions of Japan but became so rare that there were only 16 of them following World War II. Breeding efforts have brought their numbers back up.
Weight: 65 to 75 pounds
You Might Also Like
