Here at Bully Max, we love all dogs of every shape, size, and color. There’s not a single dog breed out there that’s not unique and lovable in its own way. However, there’s just something special to be appreciated about medium sized dogs.

They’re big enough to play with, they’re small enough to take most places, and they just make such excellent family dogs. In this article we’ll discuss the 11 best medium sized dog breeds, and explore the reasons why they make such great pets.

What Makes A Dog Medium Sized?

So just what is it that makes a dog “medium sized?” It’s not necessarily rigid or set in stone, but medium sized dogs generally weigh between 20 and 50 pounds.

This accounts for a lot of different breeds!

Dogs can be divided into 5 categories relating to their size. These are based on height and weight, and some breeds may be on the fringe of two different categories. The 5 dog sizes include toy (2-10 lbs), small (10-20 lbs), medium (20-50 lbs), large (50-100 lbs), and giant (100+ lbs).

Our Top 11 Medium Sized Dogs

As we mentioned briefly, there are a ton of awesome benefits to owning a medium sized dog. They can embody the best qualities of both small and large dogs! They’re big enough to play with, while also being portable and convenient to travel with. They also tend to have longer lifespans than bigger dogs.\

So without further ado, here are our top 11 medium sized dog breeds.

Border Collie

Usually weighing between 30 to 50 pounds, border collies are loyal, spunky, and loving. They are also about as high energy as it gets!

Border collies are incredibly bright, often ranking as the #1 most intelligent dog breed. As a result they’re fast learners, and often employed as search and rescue dogs.

Just keep in mind that border collies require exercise and an active lifestyle. These dogs are not couch potatoes. They will be unhappy and may even act out if this important need of theirs is not being met.

Beagle

Beagles have the sweetest, most playful and affectionate energy. They usually weigh between 20 to 30 pounds, which is a very versatile size. They’re easy to travel with and manage in smaller homes, yet they still make great companions to play with or take on adventures. 

In the past they were sought after as hunting dogs, but now more often than not they end up in the role of fun family dog. If you’ve spent time around beagles you know what excellent companions they make. They also sure do love to eat!

Poodle

Poodles are wonderful family dogs. These highly intelligent doggies usually weigh between 40 to 70 pounds. They’re also quite athletic. They also don’t shed much fur, making them easier to clean up after (although their coat does require routine maintenance). Finally, poodles are playful and relatively easy to train.

Springer Spaniel

Springer spaniels have a reputation for being charismatic companions. (They’re great with kids.) They’re playful, relaxed, and sensitive to their owner’s needs. Weighing in at 40 to 50 pounds, they were originally bred for bird hunting—and they thrive in an active, social lifestyle. They also get along quite well with other dogs. Springer spaniels do well with large families, and they love to feel included. A picture says a thousand words. Just look at those eyes!

Labrador Retriever

It’s not hard to figure out why Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the United States: they’re smart, hard-working, fun, relaxed, and adaptable. Labs really seem to think that they are humans!

Weighing 50 to 80 pounds on average, they’re strong enough to make excellent service dogs. Labrador Retrievers are loyal, and sure to bring a smile to your face. ‘Nuff said!

American Eskimo Dog

Isn’t that coat gorgeous?

You might be surprised to learn that the American eskimo dog is in no way related to the eskimos—although they do have an interesting background. Prior to World War I, these cute canines were known as the German spitz. 

Because of their intelligence, beautiful appearance, and high trainability, they’ve been used historically for various trained-dog acts (including working with traveling circuses). Pierre, a famous American eskimo dog from the 1930s, was well known for walking tight-ropes! Eskies are outgoing, friendly and relaxed. These lovable pups weigh typically 25 to 40 pounds.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs, AKA shelties, are loyal, playful dogs with heaps of energy. They weigh 15 to 25 pounds, yet they’re still quite athletic for their size. A loving and versatile dog, Shelties originated in Scotland. They’re herding dogs, and they require an outlet for their near boundless energy.

They make excellent family dogs, though they can be shy around strangers. Shelties are dependable and very alert and aware of their surroundings. They make good watchdogs. Just be sure that you can provide them with the exercise and sense of purpose that they thrive on.

Hungarian Pointers

Hungarian pointers are highly adaptable and make for great companions. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they weigh generally 50 to 70 pounds. They’re social creatures, and they do well with kids and other pets. Hungarian pointers are known to form very strong bonds with their owners.

Golden Retriever 

Another hugely popular breed, golden retrievers are joyous and life-affirming dogs—not to mention intelligent, kind, relaxed, and hard working. They’re also accomplished hunters. 

Golden retrievers are natural swimmers, and they seem to maintain some element of their puppy-like nature well into adulthood. Hailing from Scotland, this breed is an absolute classic.

They also make for exceptional service and support dogs. (If you are interested in getting an emotional support dog for anxiety, check out our article on service dog breeds for PTSD and anxiety.)

Keeshond

Another highly intelligent breed, it’s hard not to appreciate the keeshond’s relaxed yet social nature. Adults will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, though they appear larger than they really are because of their thick coat. (Which will require some maintenance.) 

Hailing from Holland, Keeshonds share common roots with the other spitz-type breeds such as the samoyed and pomeranian. Their trademark feature is their “spectacles,” the markings around their eyes that look like stylish glasses. This gives them a smart and sophisticated appearance. Keeshonds are fast learners, and they make for great companions and excellent family dogs.

American Pit Bull Terrier

American pit bull terriers are amazing dogs. These people-pleasers are quite friendly and playful. They have been stigmatized by the media as dangerous and even mean-spirited, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. They’ve even been given the nickname “nanny dogs” because of the gentle and loving way that they interact with children. 

The pit bull terrier’s weight can vary more than most other breeds, as they can weigh in at anywhere between 30 and 90 pounds. They’re one of the most athletic dog breeds out there, and they require lots of exercise, proper training, and plenty of socialization. You could not ask for a better companion. APBTs also tend to live longer than other dog breeds of a similar size and weight.

Treat Your Dog Right With Bully Max Nutrition 

When it comes to family-friendly medium sized dogs, there are a lot of really great options. If you do plan to get a medium sized dog you might consider adopting from your local animal shelter.

And to ensure that your pup lives a long and healthy life you’ll want to provide high-quality, balanced nutrition for your dog. Our top-rated high protein dog food is an all-natural, all-life-stages formula with full label disclosure. Your dog is sure to love it, no matter what their size.