Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
As a dog lover, I can’t resist the charm of medium-sized breeds. They offer the perfect blend of snuggly companionship and energetic playfulness that families crave. Unlike massive giants that could easily knock you over or tiny lap dogs that get underfoot, mediums hit that sweet spot.
So naturally, they are really the perfect option for families who are looking for their first dog, particularly if your kids are now a bit older and can interact better with their pets.
In this post, I will cover the top 10 best medium-sized dogs that I think will be great for families!
Medical Questions? Talk to a Veterinarian 24/7.
Connect one-on-one with a licensed vet who will answer your questions in minutes.
*Article may contain affiliate links to retailers like Amazon and Chewy. Learn more on our disclosure page.
Top 10 Best Medium Sized Dogs That Are Perfect For Families!
1. Australian Shepherd
These Aussies may look like adorable fluffballs, but let me tell you – they’re brilliant little herders with minds of their own.
With those intense staring contests and urge to constantly round up their human pack, you’ll never feel alone again.
Fiercely loyal to their families, they can be a tad suspicious of strangers at first.
But once you’re in an Aussie’s inner circle, that loving bond is forever.
Just be prepared for a velcro dog who wants to be your permanent shadow!
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
These GSPs are the energizer bunnies of the dog world – they’ll run rings around you until you beg for mercy (and then keep on going!).
If your family loves being on the move, this dynamo pup will be your perfect match.
Wicked smart, excellent hunting skills, and the ultimate loyal companion – it’s no wonder these versatile velcro dogs rank as one of America’s favorites.
Just don’t expect them to be couch potatoes…unless you consider collapsing from exhaustion on the sofa “couch potato” behavior!
3. Airedale Terrier
When it comes to kid-friendly pups, the ultra-loyal Airedale simply can’t be beat.
These eager students will follow your littles around like furry bodyguards!
Smart as a whip and desperate to make you proud, Airedales are a dream for training.
However, don’t expect them to be too pally with other pooches.
These terriers would much prefer being your one-and-only canine companion, thank you very much.
An Airedale promises to keep your brood safe with that big “don’t mess with me” attitude while being a gentle, goofy sweetie at home.
4. American Eskimo Dog
Don’t let that “Eskie” name fool you – these circus-performer pups have zero ties to the Eskimos!
Instead, they gained fame amazing crowds under the big top, prancing across tightropes and showing off their uber-smart trick repertoires.
As family companions, Eskies are a total delight.
These playful smarty-pants live to entertain with their perky personalities and eagerness to learn new stunts.
You’ll be laughing constantly at their hilarious antics and begging them to “do it again!”
Just be prepared for your very own furry comedy act when you bring one of these clownish cuties home.
5. Shetland Sheepdog
Don’t let those adorable fluff-ball looks fool you – Shelties may be compact, but they’ve got the high-energy zoomies of dogs twice their size!
These miniature herding dynamos can sprint gracefully for hours chasing anything that moves.
But the best part? When they finally run out of steam, you can easily scoop up your cuddly pal for snuggles on the couch.
Talk about the ultimate portable playmate!
Shelties give you all the spunky fun of the big herding breeds in a cute, transportable package. Just be ready to keep up with their puppy-level antics well into adulthood.
Hey there, sorry to interrupt but I wanted to tell you about an online vet service I’ve been using for years.
An in-person visit with one is great, but it’s not always an option.
Now, thanks to technology, you can speak to one without leaving your home.
Got something to ask a vet?
Talk to one anytime, 24/7.
* Don’t use this service for emergencies.
Thank you. The rest of the article continues below.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
These pups definitely weren’t dubbed “water dogs” by accident!
With their waterproof coats and webbed feet, Portuguese Water Dogs were quite literally born to make a splash.
Originally the fishing buddies of Portuguese mariners, they’ve traded the high seas for dry land…and even the White House!
The Obama family’s famous PWD pair put this breed on everybody’s radar, with their hypoallergenic fur being a key selling point for the First Family.
Let’s be real – having a dander-free pup means more snuggles and fewer sneeze attacks.
But whether you’re a regular family or the President, a PWD makes an incredibly fun, athletic companion ready to dive into any adventure…as long as there’s water involved!
7. Dalmatian
Talk about a true renaissance dog! These spotted pals have pretty much done it all – warriors, herders, hunters, you name it.
And of course, who could forget their iconic role as a firefighter’s trusty mascot?
But multi-talented Dalmatians make way more than just adorable firehouse residents.
They’re brilliant students who live to put that boundless spirit and eagerness to learn to good use. Loving family companions to the core, with a natural watchdog’s protective instincts.
Just don’t expect them to instantly warm up to strangers or tolerate other pups invading their turf.
Dals would much prefer keeping their circle small and loyal, thankyouverymuch. But for the right family, these energetic coaches’ pets have tons of love and personality to spare!
8. Samoyed
If your idea of paradise involves romping through freshly fallen snow, a Samoyed will be your new best friend.
With their thick coats and sky-high energy levels, they practically live for outdoor adventures once the temperatures drop.
But don’t let that shy exterior fool you – underneath all that fluff beats the heart of an eager-to-please goofball.
Samoyeds are incredibly smart cookies who just want to make their families happy. They’ve got both brains and an effervescent personality!
While naturally a little reserved around strangers at first, your Sammy will smother you with love and cuddles at home.
Just be ready for a pooch who’s always up for polar expeditions and shenanigans in the cold.
9. Boykin Spaniel
These Southern charmers aren’t just the official dog of South Carolina – they’re the ultimate hunting buddies for any outdoorsy family!
With webbed feet and an endless supply of energy, Boykin Spaniels were practically born to spend their days paddling through swamps and marshes in hot pursuit of waterfowl.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an avid hunter to fall for this breed’s eagerness to please and totally endearing personality.
Boykins are always up for any adventure, whether that’s swimming laps or just cuddling on the couch after a long day of romping.
Their happy-go-lucky zest for life is straight up contagious.
10. Vizsla
These athletic hunters may look a bit quirky with their sleek golden coats and wiry frames, but Vizslas are some of the most versatile, fun-loving companions around.
Bred as elite Hungarian bird dogs, their seemingly endless stamina and laser-focused pointing abilities mean they’ll happily join you on any outdoors adventure – just don’t expect them to quit anytime soon!
At home, be prepared for a velcro dog who lives to entertain. Vizslas crave being part of the family action at all times, whether that means snuggling up for movie nights or turning your living room into an agility course.
Just be sure you can match their energizer bunny zest for field work and play – a bored Vizsla is a destructive Vizsla!
But for active families, few breeds compare to having such an affectionate, tireless pal always raring to explore by your side.
In Conclusion: What Are The Best Medium Sized Dogs For Families?
At the end of the day, medium breeds offer the perfect blend of portability and activeness that many families crave in a canine companion.
From cuddly couch potatoes to high-energy exercise buddies, this size category has an option for every lifestyle.
Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a loyal, loving pup that’s the right fit for snuggles, playtime, and everything in between.
With their versatility and “not too big, not too small” stature, medium dogs make the ideal four-legged family members.
So what are you waiting for? Your perfect furbaby match is just a quick search away!
Hey! If you found this post useful, check out these articles too:
