40 Best Medium Sized Dog Breeds for Your Family

These hairy hounds were brought to the Iberian Peninsula centuries ago for hunting purposes, but they also make great family pets! The Portuguese Podengo comes in three sizes: pequeno, médio, and grande. They’re highly intelligent, making them quick learners, but they thrive with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Loyal and affectionate with their families, these pups make great companions for active households that can keep up with their energetic nature!

Weight: 35 to 66 pounds

If you’re familiar with the story of Balto, then you know how loyal and agile these sled dogs are! With their thick double coats, striking blue or multi-colored eyes, and signature wolf-like appearance, they’re as beautiful as they are hardworking. They thrive in active households that can keep up with their high energy levels and love for the outdoors! (Just keep in mind…some of them can edge on the larger side!)

Weight: 35 to 60 pounds

This real-life teddy bear is another dog that thrives in cold environments with lots of stimulation, as they were originally bred for herding and pulling sleds. They make great family pets due to their affectionate and playful nature, but they do require plenty of exercise and attention. And, yes, their omnipresent smile has a real purpose! The upturned corners of a Samoyed’s mouth help prevent drooling, which keeps icicles from forming on their face.

Weight: 35 to 65 pounds

If you love basset hounds as much as the Drummonds do, then this lovable breed is the obvious choice! And don’t be fooled by those droopy eyes—these pups are as friendly and affectionate as they come.

Weight: 40 to 65 pounds

Thanks to Lady and the Tramp, this breed is instantly recognizable! English cocker spaniels are known for their gorgeous coats and soulful eyes. While they were originally hunting partners, they’re just as happy these days being lovable, easygoing family pets.

Weight: 28 to 34 pounds

Before there were goldendoodles, there were miniature, toy, and standard poodles! One of the best things about them? They’re hypoallergenic, making them an awesome family pet. They may look fancy, but they’re actually athletic, strong, and super easy to train!

Weight: 60 to 70 pounds

This iconic breed is a celebrity favorite—just ask Michael Phelps or Adam Sandler! They have a dignified look to match their calm and loyal nature, making them amazing companions. They enjoy walks and exercise, but watch out for hot and humid weather—their short snouts can make breathing a bit tricky.

Weight: 40 to 50 pounds

This adventurous pup comes from the lake country of the upper Midwest and, as its name suggests, absolutely loves to swim! With webbed toes and a wavy, waterproof brown coat, this spaniel is built for the water—and it’s got a strong hunting instinct, too!

Weight: 25 to 45 pounds

Despite their name, Australian shepherds are actually all-American! These intelligent, high-energy pups are a staple on the rodeo circuit and a favorite among cowboys thanks to their natural herding instincts. They thrive when they have a job to do and plenty of space to run!

Weight: 50 to 65 pounds

Wondering what’s behind that wrinkly snout? A loyal and fierce guard dog! These pups are naturally protective of their owners, so they do need proper training to stay calm around strangers or other dogs.

Weight: 45 to 60 pounds

As Lassie suggests, the standard long-haired Collie, or “Rough Collie,” is wonderful with kids and makes a fantastic family dog! Known for their sweet nature, these dogs are gentle, loyal, and loving companions. While they have a history as herding dogs, they’re also known to be quite chatty and easy to train, making them both adaptable and well-suited for family life.

Weight: 50 to 75 pounds

Who could resist that quirky little face? Bull terriers are playful, sneaky, and definitely look the part. They do need training and regular exercise, but when they’re well taken care of, they’re loving, entertaining, and make fantastic pets.

Weight: 50 to 70 pounds

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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