40 Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds That Are a Perfect Fit for Your Family
These pups are just the right size!
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 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 (she has basset hounds and yellow Labs), so there's no arguing that some of these slightly smaller breeds would also make excellent pets. Some 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! 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.
American Water Spaniel
This outdoorsy pup hails from the lake country of the upper Midwest and true to its name, loves to swim (as well as hunt). This spaniel is known for its webbed toes and wavy or curly waterproof brown coat.
Weight: 25 to 45 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
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
Barbado da Terceira
This Portuguese herding dog is one of the smartest breeds out there. The Barbado da Terceira's intelligence and eagerness to please will earn this pup a place in your family's heart in no time.
Weight: 46 to 60 pounds
Basset Hound
If you adore basset hounds as much as Ree does, there really is no other choice than this charming, beloved breed! Don't let its sad-looking eyes fool you, either: This pup is known for being friendly and affectionate.
Weight: 40 to 65 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
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 work drive for herding. These clever doggos are not for the sedentary life and do best with a job and lots of space.
Weight: 50 to 65 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 that 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
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
This Czechoslovakian breed gets its name for its uncanny resemblance to wolves. A gorgeous working dog, they're currently used in the United States for search and rescue, tracking, drafting, and herding. Hikers and hunters will bond quickly with their own wolfy friends.
Weight: 44 to 57 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
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
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
Erica Finamore is the Features Editor at Food Network Magazine and The Pioneer Woman Magazine, covering home décor, shopping and entertaining. You can follow her on Instagram @Decorofthematter
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