20 Medium-Sized Dogs Just Right for Your Home

• Size: 40–70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Devoted, funny, playful

Known for their strength and agility, American Staffordshire Terriers are devoted to their families and thrive with proper training and socialization. 

These dogs need at least an hour of exercise every day, and some of their favorite activities include playing with rope toys, playing fetch, and participating in flyball competitions. 

• Size: 35–50 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Adventurous, intelligent, energetic

You might know the Australian Cattle Dog by their nickname: Blue Heeler. They’re one of the smartest dog breeds and incredibly active, so they need to keep their body and mind well-exercised.

Their strong work ethic and loyalty make them ideal for active individuals or families experienced with high-energy breeds.

• Size: 40–65 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, eager, energetic

Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs with a pretty double coat that comes in many colors and patterns, from all-black to red merle. Their grooming and energy needs make Aussies somewhat high-maintenance, so they need a dedicated pet parent who is willing to exercise and brush their dog every day. 

• Size: 40–65 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Laid-back, loyal, friendly

Basset Hounds are scent hounds with an incredible sense of smell and a calm, easygoing demeanor. Their short legs and long ears make them look smaller than they really are, but they are true medium-sized dogs, weighing in at 40–65 pounds. 

They enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and a calm home environment, but (like all dogs!) they still need daily exercise to ward off obesity, which is a common health problem for this breed. Keep track of how many dog treats you give them, too.

• Size: 30–55 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, focused

Border Collies have it all—they’re smart, athletic, and oh-so-cute. Originally bred for herding, they need intense daily exercise and thrive on tasks like agility, obedience, or flyball. 

Without enough mental stimulation, they can easily become bored. These dogs are best suited for experienced, active pet parents who can keep this medium dog breed worn out.

• Size: 50–70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Playful, mischievous, loyal

With an egg-shaped head and triangular eyes, Bull Terriers are hard to miss. And once you get to know one, you’ll see that their personality is just as captivating as their unique look. 

Bull Terriers are bold, loving, and goofy. They make great family dogs, but they do need consistent and patient pet parents who can teach them good manners. 

• Size: 40–50 pounds
• Life expectancy: 8–10 years
• Temperament: Calm, charming, affectionate

If you’re looking for a dog that’s lovable and lazy, meet the Bulldog. Commonly called the English Bulldog, this medium-sized dog has a stocky build and a brachycephalic (flat-faced) appearance, which makes them a better fit for the couch than the agility field. 

The breed’s smooshed face makes them prone to respiratory issues when exercising, in hot weather, and even when they’re at rest. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your Bulldog’s breathing. 

• Size: 45–60 pounds
• Life expectancy: 8–12 years
• Temperament: Reserved, independent, devoted

The Chinese Shar-Pei has loose, wrinkled skin and a loyal nature. They tend to be more reserved with strangers but bond deeply with their family. 

Shar-Pei are relatively low-energy dogs, so you won’t spend hours out exercising them. But their wrinkly skin does need special care, such as regular wipe-downs with a medicated drying wipe, like MalAcetic Wet Wipes, to stay healthy. 

• Size: 45–70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 8–12 years
• Temperament: Dignified, loyal, independent

Chow Chows are reserved dogs best suited for experienced pet parents. They aren’t too keen on cuddling, but they are devoted to their pet parents who respect their personal space. While not overly active, they need daily walks and grooming to maintain their thick double coat.

• Size: 50–75 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Gentle, friendly, intelligent

Collies are smart and friendly family dogs. Originally bred for herding, Collies need lots of daily exercise and mental stimulation. 

Their coat comes in two varieties: rough and smooth. Rough Collies have long fur that needs to be brushed every day with a slicker brush, pin brush, or comb. Smooth Collies have a short coat that’s much less high-maintenance. 

• Size: 45–70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Outgoing, intelligent, sensitive

Dalmatians historically worked as carriage dogs. Today, they are active dogs who love to run. They thrive in homes where they receive plenty of physical activity and training. But they do shed a lot, so you’ll need to keep their fur under control with frequent grooming sessions.

• Size: 45–80 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12 years
• Temperament: Friendly, gentle, energetic

English Setters are happiest when they’re outside, whether they’re hiking or hunting. But outdoor activities are only one place where these pups thrive—they’re also great dogs for families with kiddos, and their eager-to-please nature makes them a good fit for first-time pet parents. 

• Size: 45–70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Energetic, enthusiastic, smart

German Shorthaired Pointers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., but they’re not for everyone. These are high-energy, super smart dogs that need lots of daily exercise. Running, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch will help tire them out. If you prefer a more low-key lifestyle, look elsewhere. 

• Size: 35–60 pounds
• Life expectancy: 11–13 years
• Temperament: Adventurous, loyal, energetic

Is that a furry fish or a Portuguese Water Dog? The jury’s still out. 

These dogs love swimming more than anything (except for their family!). Their curly coat keeps them warm in water and is more allergy-friendly than that of many other breeds. In fact, Portuguese Water Dogs have a reputation for being hypoallergenic dogs. 

• Size: 35–65 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Friendly, gentle, playful

With their bright white coat and perpetual smile, Samoyeds are gentle and affectionate companions. They were bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds, so daily exercise is a must. 

Their dense double coat also requires frequent grooming, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons. 

• Size: 35–60 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Energetic, social, independent

Another dog who loves cold weather, the Siberian Husky is a thick-coated, athletic pup bred to work in Siberia and Alaska. 

But what the dogs are best known for is their talkative nature—Huskies are often known for howling and barking. Training can help reduce unwanted barking, but don’t expect a Husky to be a quiet dog. 

• Size: 40–70 pounds
• Life expectancy: 10–18 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, active, elegant

The original (and largest!) of the three types of Poodles, the Standard Poodle is a hypoallergenic, intelligent, and easy-to-train dog. Initially bred for retrieving waterfowl, today they excel as family pets and service dogs. 

Their curly coat needs professional grooming every four to six weeks, so budget accordingly—or learn to give your dog a haircut at home.

• Size: 30–50 pounds
• Life expectancy: 13–16 years
• Temperament: Smart, spirited, loyal

Standard Schnauzers are alert, medium-sized dogs who thrive with structured activities like obedience or nose work. Their wiry coat requires hand-stripping or clipping every few weeks. They are affectionate with family, but may be reserved around strangers.

• Size: 44–60 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, athletic

Vizslas are always on the go, and they’ll only truly be happy when you’re moving beside them. In fact, they’re nicknamed Velcro dogs because of their desire to always be close to you. Taking them on walks, runs, and hikes will help meet their energy needs, and don’t be surprised if they follow you around at home.

• Size: 25–40 pounds
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Gentle, calm, agile

Larger than Italian Greyhounds but smaller than Greyhounds, Whippets are graceful, slender sight hounds who were built to run but love to lounge. Despite their racing background, they don’t need hours of activity—short sprints followed by cuddles on the couch is their favorite way to spend their day.