Most popular mid-size dog breeds

- Height of dog: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 65-80 pounds (male), 45-55 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #89
- Temperament: friendly, mellow, merry
- Life expectancy: 12 years

The English setter gets its name from an old hunting habit. Medieval setters would crouch low when they found birds, marking the spot for the hunter, and that position was called "setting." The modern breed owes much to Edward Laverack, a 19th-century Englishman who refined his line over 35 years and published "The Setter" in 1872. Its signature speckled coat pattern is called belton. English setters are mellow at home but bird dogs at heart, so they need daily exercise and room to run.

- Height of dog: 21-22 inches
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #86
- Temperament: playful, charming, mischievous
- Life expectancy: 12-13 years

Known for their one-of-a-kind "egghead" appearance, bull terriers are particularly muscular, endearing dogs that thrive on a lot of activity and love. Originally used as a fighting dog in the 1800s, the bull terrier later became something of a statement companion for gentlemen before becoming a family dog. Because bull terriers have a lot of energy and can find themselves getting into mischief, they need to end up with families that are active and alert enough to keep up with the restless breed.

- Height of dog: 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 35-45 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #85
- Temperament: lively, outgoing, friendly
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years

The Keeshond was once a political symbol. In 18th-century Holland, the fluffy spitz-type dog became the emblem of the Patriot faction, whose leader, Cornelis "Kees" de Gyselaer, gave the breed its name. When the rival House of Orange returned to power, the dog fell out of favor and nearly disappeared. Before all that, Keeshonden worked as watchdogs on Dutch canal barges. Today they're cheerful, people-oriented companions known for the dark "spectacles" around their eyes. Their thick double coats call for regular brushing.

- Height of dog: 23 inches
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #70
- Temperament: friendly, clever, courageous
- Life expectancy: 11-14 years

The Airedale terrier has been dubbed the King of the Terriers, largely thanks to the breed's strong spirit, size (it's the largest of the terriers), and adaptability. Excelling as a hunter, athlete, and family companion, the Airedale terrier was originally used in its home of Yorkshire to catch otters and rats between the Aire and Wharfe rivers. It's important to note that Airedale terriers are smart and have independent spirits. When paired with their intolerance for aggression, this can make them a little hard to temper when they're feeling intimidated. Anyone with an Airedale needs to be prepared for their occasional stubborn attitudes.

- Height of dog: 18-21 inches (male), 17-20 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 35-50 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #69
- Temperament: affectionate, intelligent, outgoing
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years

On the smaller side for a retriever, the smart and loving Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever has a boundless amount of energy, which served it well in its original role of luring and retrieving waterfowl. As a household dog, though, it's important for tollers to be part of a family that has the time and energy to keep up with them. Tollers like hiking, hunting, and swimming. While they get along well with children and other dogs, they may not necessarily do well with a lot of other pets, like cats, since their hunting instincts might take over.

- Height of dog: 15.5-18 inches (male), 14-16.5 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 30-40 pounds (male), 25-35 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #64
- Temperament: friendly, eager, lovable
- Life expectancy: 10-15 years

The Boykin spaniel hails from the South Carolina lowlands, where hunters bred them as birding dogs in the 1900s. Sporting a soft expression and a thick, solid brown coat, Boykins are just as comfortable at home with family as they are searching for turkeys and waterfowl in the field. If you don't plan to go hunting with your Boykin, make sure this high-energy breed gets plenty of exercise.

- Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), minimum 22 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #58
- Temperament: affectionate, eager, enthusiastic
- Life expectancy: 14-16 years

A close relative of the German Shorthaired Pointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer stands slightly taller and weighs slightly more, but is likewise an excellent hunting companion. This energetic, dedicated breed needs a high volume of exercise and can handle just about any weather condition imaginable thanks to their rough coats. Owners should plan to take their German Wirehaired Pointer on the road with them, as they don't do well with extended periods of alone time.

- Height of dog: 22-24 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #51
- Temperament: friendly, devoted, trainable
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Wirehaired pointing Griffons make excellent gun dogs and were originally used to help hunters retrieve game, like birds and hares. Beyond that, though, Griffons also have a delightful sense of humor and generally happy disposition that makes them excellent family dogs. Though one of the perks of Griffons' rough coats is that they don't shed a lot, the bristly look of their fur tends to make them appear unkempt.

- Height of dog: 19-24 inches
- Weight of dog: 45-70 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #50
- Temperament: dignified, smart, outgoing
- Life expectancy: 11-13 years

Known primarily for their signature spots, Dalmatians were originally used to guard horses and coaches, thanks to their strong protective instincts. Dalmatians are muscular and like their fair share of physical activity, making them excellent companions for active owners. While they're not necessarily the warmest with strangers, Dalmatians tend to be loving and loyal to their owners and families

- Height of dog: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 25-40 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #48
- Temperament: playful, affectionate, calm
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years

With the appearance of a smaller Greyhound, the Whippet is a lean, muscular racing dog. When not on the course, Whippets like to relax at home with their owners. Provided they receive enough exercise, Whippets are a great choice for city-dwellers because of their compact size and quiet nature.

- Height of dog: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 35-50 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #47
- Temperament: loyal, intelligent, tenacious
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years

The Australian cattle dog has earned the nickname "the heeler" because of the breed's original role in herding cattle by nipping at their heels. Proper training is critical to curbing an Australian cattle dog's natural biting instincts, as are socialization and reliable supervision, especially because this breed is intelligent enough to outsmart its owners. When it comes to activity, the Australian cattle dog is energetic and needs to move, so it does best in the charge of active owners.

- Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #39
- Temperament: devoted, proud, graceful
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Instantly recognizable due to their place in pop culture (thanks to "Lassie"), collies come in rough- and smooth-coated varieties. The breed was used extensively for herding in the highlands of Wales and Scotland, but today is better known as an ideal family dog that bonds easily with children. You generally won't have trouble training these easy-going, obedient dogs, though you might struggle to keep up with rough collies' grooming needs.

- Height of dog: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #36
- Temperament: affectionate, gentle, energetic
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years

The red-coated Vizsla, which comes from Hungary, is an active sporting breed, having served largely as a gun dog and bird hunter throughout history. As a family companion, though, Vizslas are gentle and sweet and prefer to have a lot of interaction with their owners. As a sporting breed originally, Vizslas require a good amount of physical activity, so they must live with active families.

- Height of dog: Up to 15 inches
- Weight of dog: 40-65 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #34
- Temperament: charming, patient, low-key
- Life expectancy: 12-13 years

The Basset Hound's droopy face and ears and calm nature have won over countless dog owners since the Middle Ages, when French monks bred the hounds for wealthy clients. Bassets have since developed a reputation for being lazy and unintelligent, but don't be fooled. These low-slung dogs were originally used for hunting, and they've retained a strong sense of stubbornness as well as their characteristic loud baying. Those interested in welcoming a Basset Hound into their home have to pay close attention to their feeding schedule, as the breed is prone to obesity and resulting back problems.

- Height of dog: 17.5-20.5 inches
- Weight of dog: 30-40 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #31
- Temperament: bright, fun-loving, upbeat
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years

This high-energy spaniel variety was bred for the hunt. Whether at home or on the trail, Brittanys are eager to please their owners but need frequent exercise to prevent undesirable behaviors. Agile and surefooted, the breed also excels in sports like dock diving, flyball, and agility courses.

- Height of dog: 14-18 inches (male), 13-17 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 20-40 pounds
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #28
- Temperament: intelligent, good-natured, devoted
- Life expectancy: 12-13 years

Though often confused with their Australian Shepherd ancestors, Miniature American Shepherds have a personality and style all their own. These athletic herding dogs need relatively large amounts of both mental and physical stimulation, so they're a good choice for an active household. Miniature American Shepherds are easy to train, but their double coats can be difficult to care for.

- Height of dog: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #27
- Temperament: friendly, playful, obedient
- Life expectancy: 12-14 years

The English springer spaniel is loving and playful, not to mention quite smart. Originally bred for hunting, the English springer spaniel was bred to work closely with humans, which makes it eager to please and easy to train. Because they have a lot of energy, English springer spaniels need owners who can regularly exercise them. Otherwise, they can become nervous or destructive.

- Height of dog: 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #14
- Temperament: smart, work-oriented, exuberant
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Australian shepherds, or Aussies, are top-notch herding dogs. The breed has earned a reputation as an ideal ranch dog and is often associated with cowboys. Contrary to what their name suggests, Aussies were developed in California, where they were mostly used to herd livestock around the Gold Rush. Today, Aussies make for excellent family dogs, but they require owners who can keep them busy and active, as they are happiest and most fulfilled when they've got work to do. That said, these dogs are also affectionate and like cuddling with their owners when work is done.

- Height of dog: 14-15 inches
- Weight of dog: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #10
- Temperament: friendly, courageous, calm
- Life expectancy: 8-10 years

One of the popular mid-size breeds in the AKC's non-sporting group, bulldogs are thicker-set (albeit still quite muscular) dogs known for their scrunched-up faces and sweet, chilled-out temperaments. While these dogs were once used to drive cattle, they now make excellent family companions for low-key families, preferably with children. This breed appreciates a slower pace, and a nice walk with some follow-up relaxation is pretty much the kind of activity that an owner would be in for with a bulldog. If you live in a hot climate, this might not be the breed for you, though, as bulldogs tend to overheat easily.

- Height of dog: Over 15 inches
- Weight of dog: 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female)
- 2025 AKC popularity rank: #6 (all poodle varieties)
- Temperament: active, proud, very smart
- Life expectancy: 10-18 years

Though the poodle is the national dog of France, the breed was actually developed in Germany as a hunting dog. Today, these curly-haired pooches are beloved around the world as companions and athletes, show dogs, and workers. Their iconic, fluffy coats may require regular maintenance, but poodles shed relatively little and are often recommended for allergy sufferers (though no breed is truly hypoallergenic). Highly intelligent, loyal, and eager to please, the poodle can adapt to almost any living situation if given enough physical and mental exercise.

Additional writing by Cu Fleshman. Updated by Colby Droscher.