11 Best Medium Sized Dogs for Families (With Weights)

Medium sized dogs generally weigh about 20 to 50 pounds as adults and stand roughly 14 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. Some of the best medium sized breeds for families are the Border Collie, Beagle, English Springer Spaniel, Keeshond, American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Below are 11 great medium breeds with their typical weights, plus a few popular breeds people often think are medium but are actually large.

Here at Bully Max, we love all dogs of every shape, size, and color. But there's something special about medium sized dogs. They're big enough to play hard and go on adventures, small enough to take most places, and they make excellent family dogs.

What Makes A Dog Medium Sized?

There's no single official definition, but most vets and breed clubs consider a dog medium sized if it weighs between about 20 and 50 pounds as an adult. Some sources stretch the range to 60 pounds. Height matters too: most medium breeds stand about 14 to 22 inches at the shoulder.

Dogs are commonly grouped into five size categories based on weight. Some breeds sit on the line between two of them, and individual dogs within a breed vary.

How much does a medium sized dog weigh?

Most medium dogs weigh 20 to 50 pounds. A "50 pound dog" is at the top of the medium range and the bottom of the large range. Breeds that often land right around 50 pounds include the English Springer Spaniel, Border Collie, Vizsla, Australian Cattle Dog and many American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. To find out what your own dog should weigh, use our guide to your dog's ideal weight.

Before we go further, a quick note on fuel: if a medium-sized dog needs more strength and energy from the bowl, a meat-based, high-protein food is the simplest place to start.

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Why choose a medium sized dog?

• Easy to live with. Big enough to hike, run and play, small enough for most homes, cars and apartments (with enough exercise).
• Good with active families. Many medium breeds are sturdy enough for kids and energetic enough to keep up.
• Lower costs than big dogs. They eat less than large breeds and need smaller, cheaper gear.
• Longer lives. Medium dogs generally live longer than large and giant breeds.

Our Top 11 Medium Sized Dogs

Here are our top 11 medium sized dog breeds, with typical adult weights.

Weights are typical adult ranges based on breed club standards and breed references. Males are usually at the top of the range.

1. Border Collie

Usually weighing between 30 and 55 pounds, border collies are loyal, spunky, and loving. They are also about as high energy as it gets.

Border collies are incredibly bright. Psychologist Stanley Coren's book The Intelligence of Dogs ranked them first for working and obedience intelligence. As a result they're fast learners, and they're often used as herding, sport and 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.

2. Beagle

Beagles have the sweetest, most playful and affectionate energy. Larger beagles usually weigh between 20 and 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. They also sure do love to eat, so measure their meals and keep an eye on their weight.

3. English Springer Spaniel

Springer spaniels have a reputation for being charismatic companions, and 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.

4. American Eskimo Dog

Isn't that coat gorgeous?

You might be surprised to learn that the American Eskimo dog has no connection to Arctic peoples. It descends from the German spitz, and the breed was renamed in the U.S. around World War I.

Because of their intelligence, beautiful appearance, and high trainability, they've been used historically for various trained-dog acts, including traveling circuses. Pierre, a famous American Eskimo dog from the 1930s, was well known for walking tightropes. Eskies are outgoing, friendly and alert. The breed comes in three sizes; the standard size is the medium one, at about 25 to 35 pounds. That thick white coat needs regular brushing.

5. Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs, AKA shelties, are loyal, playful dogs with heaps of energy. At 15 to 25 pounds they sit on the line between small and medium, yet they're quite athletic for their size. A loving and versatile dog, shelties originated in Scotland's Shetland Islands. 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.

6. Vizsla (Hungarian Pointer)

The Vizsla, also called the Hungarian pointer, is highly adaptable and makes a great companion. Originally bred as a hunting dog, it usually weighs 45 to 65 pounds, which puts it at the upper end of medium. Vizslas are social, do well with kids and other pets, and are known to form very strong bonds with their owners. They need a lot of daily exercise.

Many of the breeds on this list are smart, eager learners. Having a bag of high-protein training treats on hand makes it easy to reward good habits from day one.

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7. Keeshond

Another highly intelligent breed, it's hard not to appreciate the keeshond's relaxed yet social nature. Adults weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, though they appear larger than they really are because of their thick coat, which needs regular maintenance.

Hailing from Holland, keeshonds share common roots with 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. Keeshonds are fast learners, and they make for great companions and excellent family dogs.

8. American Pit Bull Terrier

American pit bull terriers are amazing dogs. These people-pleasers are friendly, playful and devoted to their families. They have been stigmatized by the media as dangerous, but a well-bred, well-socialized pit bull is a loving companion. (You may hear them called "nanny dogs." That nickname is a modern myth, and like any dog they should always be supervised around kids.)

Pit bull weight varies more than most breeds. The UKC standard puts males at about 35 to 60 pounds and females at about 30 to 50, though many pet pit bulls are heavier. They're one of the most athletic breeds out there, and they need lots of exercise, proper training, and plenty of socialization. See our guide to average pitbull weight, height and size for growth charts.

9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Staffy, is a compact English bully breed that packs a lot of muscle into a small frame. Staffys stand 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh 24 to 38 pounds. They're affectionate, outgoing and famously fond of people, with plenty of energy for play. Early socialization with other dogs is important. Learn how Staffys compare with their bigger cousins in Staffordshire Bull Terriers vs American Bullies.

10. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff, is the taller American relative of the Staffy, at about 17 to 19 inches and 40 to 70 pounds. Females often land in the medium range, while big males are closer to large. AmStaffs are confident, loyal and athletic, and they do well in dog sports. Like other bully breeds, they need daily exercise, training and socialization.

11. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, also called the blue heeler or red heeler, is a tough, compact herding breed at about 35 to 50 pounds. Cattle dogs are smart, loyal and tireless, and they bond closely with their people. They are best for active owners who can give them plenty of exercise and something to do every day.

Active medium-sized breeds need quality fuel to match their energy. A meat-based, high-protein food helps support strength and stamina for dogs who love to play.

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Popular Breeds That Are Bigger Than Medium

These family favorites are often called medium, but most adults weigh more than 50 pounds, which puts them in the large category.

Labrador Retriever

It's not hard to figure out why Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States: they're smart, hard-working, fun, relaxed, and adaptable. Adult Labs usually weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and they're strong enough to make excellent service dogs. Labrador Retrievers are loyal, and sure to bring a smile to your face.

Golden Retriever

Another hugely popular breed, golden retrievers are joyous dogs, not to mention intelligent, kind, relaxed, and hard working. Most adults weigh 55 to 75 pounds. Golden retrievers are natural swimmers, and they seem to keep some of their puppy-like nature well into adulthood. Hailing from Scotland, this breed is an absolute classic.

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

Standard Poodle

Poodles are wonderful family dogs. Standard poodles usually weigh between 40 and 70 pounds (miniature and toy poodles are much smaller). They're highly intelligent, quite athletic, playful, and relatively easy to train. They also don't shed much, although their coat needs routine grooming.

How to Choose the Right Medium Sized Dog

• Match energy to your lifestyle. Herding and sporting breeds (Border Collie, Cattle Dog, Vizsla) need hours of activity. A Keeshond or American Eskimo Dog is easier for a moderately active home.
• Think about grooming. Short-coated breeds like Staffys, pit bulls and beagles are easy. Spitz-type coats need weekly brushing.
• Plan for training. Smart breeds learn fast but get bored. Short, rewarding sessions work best. See our list of the easiest dog breeds to train.
• Check local rules. If you're considering a bully breed, check landlord, HOA and insurance rules before you bring a dog home.
• Consider adoption. Shelters have many wonderful medium sized dogs and mixes.

Feeding a Medium Sized Dog

A medium dog's food needs depend on its weight, age and activity. A 25-pound beagle and a 50-pound working Border Collie can need very different amounts. Start with the feeding guide on the bag or our dog food calculator, then adjust based on body condition: you should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure. For more detail, read how much should I feed my dog.

Athletic medium breeds, like pit bulls, Staffys and herding dogs, often do best on a meat-based, high-protein food (see our guide to the best dog food for Staffies). Hard keepers who struggle to hold weight may need a more calorie-dense diet; check with your vet if your dog is losing weight without a clear reason.

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FAQ

Treat Your Dog Right With Bully Max Nutrition

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

And to help your pup live a long and healthy life, you'll want to provide high-quality, balanced nutrition. Bully Max 30/20 High Protein Dog Food is made in the USA with meat-based nutrition, and every batch is triple tested for safety. Save 10% on every order with Autoship.