Top 10 Medium Dog Breeds for Families

Are you looking for your new best friend and thinking one of the medium dog breeds would be right for you?

Medium sized dogs are usually energetic enough to keep up with active kids but small enough to be easy to manage around the house.

In this list, we have the top 10 medium dog breeds for families. Please take a look and let us know which would fit your family best.

Jump to:

• What is considered a medium-sized dog?
• Beagle
• Boxer
• Bulldog
• Cocker Spaniels
• Australian Shepherd
• Brittany Spaniel
• Airedale Terrier
• Border Collie
• Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

What is considered a medium-sized dog?

Medium-sized dogs range in height from 13 inches to 2 feet tall at the highest point of their shoulder, according to "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds."

Their weight will depend on how stocky or muscular they are in build.

Even purebred dogs can vary in height and weight from their breed average.

Beagle

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), beagles were the fifth most popular breed of dog in America.

They have short, easy-care coats, are friendly, intelligent, and good with children, according to the "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs."

Beagles average 13 to 15 inches in height and from 18 to 30 pounds.

Boxer

The boxer is America's sixth most popular breed and Britain's ninth most popular.

They average in height from 22 to 23.5 inches tall.

Developed in Germany in the 1800s for the now-banned "sport" of bull baiting (where a dog would fight a bull), the boxer makes a great, although energetic, pet.

Bulldog

Also known as the English bulldog, this is the seventh most popular breed in America.

Bred in England in the 1800s, original bulldogs were much taller and long-limbed than modern bulldogs.

Now they average 12 to 16 inches tall and 50 pounds.

A con for the bulldog is that they often have health issues, according to "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs."

Cocker Spaniels

The AKC considers both the English and American cocker spaniels as two types of the same breed.

Combined, they are the 23rd most popular breed in America, but the English is the third most popular dog breed in the UK.

Originally bred to be hunting dogs, they are now mostly pets.

They can average from 13 to 17 inches tall and a weight of 24 to 14 pounds.

Australian Shepherd

Despite the name, this breed originated in America and is the 28th most popular in its home country.

Originally bred in the 1800s to herd sheep, the "Aussie" also excels in dog sports such as agility and flyball.

They average 22 to 23 inches in height and weigh from 40 to 65 pounds, according to "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds."

Brittany Spaniel

Another hunting dog that has been able to make the transition to family pet, the Brittany is the 30th most popular breed in America.

It originated in France in the 1800s.

It averages 17.5 to 20.5 inches tall and weighs 30 to 40 pounds.

Airedale Terrier

This is the largest terrier breed, averaging 20 to 23 inches tall with a weight of 50 pounds.

They originated in England in the 1800s.

Despite their friendly appearance, they make excellent guard dogs.

They are the 50th most popular breed in America.

Border Collie

This is the 52nd most popular dog breed in America and the tenth most popular dog breed in the UK.

Originally bred to herd sheep in the unforgiving border counties between Scotland and England, Border Collies excel in all dog sports.

They average 18 to 23 inches in height but weigh only about 30 to 45 pounds.

They are active and have a high energy level, which would make them the perfect choice for active families.

Bull Terrier

The AKC reports the bull terrier is the most popular breed of dog in Newark, New Jersey, and the 57th most popular dog breed in America.

The most famous bull terrier was Spuds Mackenzie of beer commercials in the 1980s.

This British breed averages 21 to 22 inches tall with a weight of 50 to 70 pounds.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The fifth most popular breed in its native England, the "Staffie" is ranked No. 77 in America.

Originally bred for dog fighting and bull baiting, they became guard dogs and pets.

They are nicknamed "nanny dogs" in the UK because they are so good with children.

They average 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh about 30 to 40 pounds.