40 Medium-Sized Dog Breeds That Are Just Right for Your Home

GSPs can run, run, run and then for a nice change, run some more. If you've got an active family, this might be the dog for you. Their high marks in smarts, loyalty, and friendliness make them a popular option. GSPs need something to do; they can be destructive otherwise.

Weight: 55–70 pounds

Clever, happy, and always looking for approval, Huskies are social and love to make new friends—even with a burglar, so they’re not exactly guard dog material. What they are, however, is high-energy, outdoors-loving escape artists who thrive in colder climates. With a natural instinct to run, they’d do best in a home with a fenced-in yard.

Weight: 35–60 pounds

There’s a reason Lassie became famous: Collies are sweet, loving, and the ultimate companion for kids. These active yet affectionate herders need regular exercise, because boredom can lead to barking, and Collies tend to be very, very vocal. Because they have a double coat that can mat, Collies need regular grooming.

Weight: 50–75 pounds

It's no wonder that Labradors remain the most popular breed in the U.S.; these pooches are intelligent, friendly, loyal, and incredibly loving. They're so eager to please that Labs quickly adapt to jobs as service, guide, and rescue dogs. But most of all, they’re happiest being in your personal space (regardless of their size).

Weight: 55–80 pounds

Don’t let their show-stopping coifs fool you: These pooches are so much more than fashionable. They're athletic, high energy, and MENSA-level smart, so keep some tricks up your sleeve. Having a pool or living by a pond is a plus: Poodles love to swim.

Weight: 40–70 pounds

Given their legendary loyalty, Airedale Terriers are extremely trustworthy with children. They're eager to please and quick learners, but they can struggle to get along with other dogs, so it’s best to get an Airedale if you plan to be a one-dog household.

Weight: 50–70 pounds

Boxers are fun-loving, patient, and incredibly protective of their families, which makes them great watchdogs. But because they’re so protective, they need proper socialization. Daily exercise is a non-negotiable—otherwise, they’ll find their own (less ideal) ways to stay entertained.

Weight: 50–80 pounds

Also called Blue Heelers, Australian Cattle Dogs are tireless herders who need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. If an ACD isn’t challenged—with work, sport, or exercise—they can get into some serious mischief. But when content, you'll be rewarded with an alert and curious companion.

Weight: 35–50 pounds

Clever, kid-friendly, and easy to train, Eskies are the definition of ready to impress. In fact, these four-legged show-offs were often trained for traveling circus acts. They crave attention, companionship, and exercise, and they can cause trouble if they’re left alone for too long. Their cloud-like white coat sheds constantly, so regular brushing is a must.

Weight: 25–35 pounds

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Bearded Collies are boisterous and bouncy. They love the outdoors regardless of the weather and need regular exercise to let off some of that high energy. The friendly breed is great with kids, though they can have a stubborn streak, so training may require more patience.

Weight: 45–55 pounds

Shelties are small and agile, as well as affectionate and family-oriented. They love being around their people, so much so that you might find a pint-sized shadow following you from room to room. Natural herders, they love to corral anything, including people. Their long, thick coat needs regular brushing to help minimize shedding.

Weight: 15–25 pounds

Gentle and happy-go-lucky playmates, Cocker Spaniels make perfect companions for kids. These sporting dogs are active but don’t need to burn as much energy as some other breeds. They’re happy with walks and retrieving balls. People pleasers by nature, they’re as easy to train as they are to love.

Weight: 20–30 pounds

Bright, athletic, and energetic, Border Collies thrive on activity and need vigorous daily exercise. As herders, they’re happiest having a job to do and room to run, so they would do best with an active family, or one with a lot of space. Loving and loyal, they’re better suited in homes with older children.

Weight: 30–55 pounds

As field dogs, Brittanys have boundless energy and make for excellent running and hiking partners. They're quick to learn and love a challenge, but they can be somewhat reserved if not properly socialized. Bred to hunt, they need a lot of exercise and would do well with an outdoorsy family.

Weight: 30–40 pounds

Golden Retrievers put their ample smarts to good use as guide and service dogs, but underneath that trademark flaxen coat is a heart of gold. They’re fun-loving and aim to make their humans happy. Heavy shedders, they do need regular brushing to keep up their flowing coat.

Weight: 55–75 pounds

Beneath that frowning mug lies a real softie. They're loyal, steadfast, courageous, and determined. Bulldogs are also willing to please—once they figure out what it is that you want. Don’t confuse their easy-going nature for laziness. They do require regular exercise, especially to stay fit. In hot, humid weather, their short snouts can make breathing harder.

Weight: 40–50 pounds

An Irish breed, these fuzzy terriers are known for their deep devotion and enthusiastic displays of affection. With a natural prey drive, Wheatens will chase anything that moves, so they need to be kept in a secure area and always leashed on walks. Happy and friendly, they can also be stubborn and need lots of exercise to burn off high energy levels.

Weight: 30–40 pounds

Smart and spirited, it's no wonder that Schnauzers are bred in three different sizes (miniature, standard, and giant) so there's one for every household style. The sturdy canines are naturally protective and intelligent, great with kids, eagle-eyed watchdogs, and excellent at chasing squirrels.

Weight: 30–50 pounds