Most popular mid-size dog breeds
Pets
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By Cu Fleshman, Tamara Rahoumi, Stacker
Most popular mid-size dog breeds
Dogs may be man's best friend, but some dogs may be better friends than others. When it comes to selecting the right dog for you and your family, there are several factors you need to take into account. These include your location, your schedule, your budget, your family dynamics, and your ideal pup personality. If you live in a studio apartment in New York City, for example, it probably doesn't make sense for you to get a pointer that thrives with a lot of space and activity. If you have young kids, it might not make sense to get shar-pei, which may require a little tact in how you interact with them. And if you live in Florida, where the weather is mostly hot and humid, you're probably best steering clear of a bulldog.
It's key to become familiar with some specifications before taking the leap to owning a pet. A good place to start is by looking at some of the most popular dog breeds out there—they're popular for a reason, right?—and working backward from there.
To help break it down, Stacker pulled data from the American Kennel Club to compile a list of the 20 most popular mid-size dog breeds. To determine this list, the dogs on the AKC's medium dog breed list were evaluated based on their 2023 AKC popularity rank, released in 2024. Read on to learn more about each of the top 20 dog breeds, what some of their most notable characteristics are, and what a few of the key specifications are for aspiring owners to take into account.
#20. American Staffordshire terrier
- Height of dog: 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #95 of 200
- Temperament: confident, smart, good-natured
- Life expectancy: 12-16 years
The American Staffordshire terrier is confident and intelligent, but also loving and affectionate. A notably strong breed, the American Staffordshire terrier is well-meaning but can sometimes get a little rowdy and carried away with its strength, such as during walks or when playing with children. It's important to impose rules early and to train them with a firm—but not harsh—hand. With the right socialization and training, this breed can be a fantastic family dog, and may even have the potential to be working dogs in fields like police work and athletic competitions.
#19. Keeshond
- Height of dog: 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 35-45 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #89 of 200
- Temperament: friendly, lively, outgoing
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
The playful keeshond is descended from the same family as Pomeranians and Samoyeds. Easily recognized by their distinct "spectacle" facial markings, keeshonds served as the mascot of Holland's Patriot Party in the 1700s. Though they make for loving and loyal companions, they do need significant grooming to keep their long, heavy coats in check.
#18. Chow chow
- Height of dog: 17-20 inches
- Weight of dog: 45-70 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #88 of 200
- Temperament: dignified, bright, serious-minded
- Life expectancy: 8-12 years
Don't let its fun name fool you; the chow chow is a particularly dignified, serious, and aristocratic breed that was once an all-purpose dog in ancient China. These dogs are characterized by a catlike demeanor and level of cleanliness, and some of their notable features include a kind of lion-like mane around the face and a bluish-black tongue. They're not particularly cuddly and warm, so it's important to know what you're getting with a chow chow before you commit. Without early training and socialization, it can be hard for chow chows to distinguish between safe humans and threats, so this breed must get the right kind of attention early to ensure appropriate long-term behavior.
#17. Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever
- Height of dog: 18-21 inches (male), 17-20 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 35-50 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #85 of 200
- 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 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.
#16. Boykin spaniel
- Height of dog: 15.5-18 inches (male), 14-16.5 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 30-40 pounds (male), 25-35 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #75 of 200
- 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.
#15. Airedale terrier
- Height of dog: 23 inches
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #67 of 200
- 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.
#14. Bull terrier
- Height of dog: 21-22 inches
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #65 of 200
- 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.
#13. German Wirehaired Pointer
- Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), minimum 22 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #61 of 200
- 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.
#12. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Height of dog: 22-24 inches (male), 20-22 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50-70 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #57 of 200
- 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.
#11. Australian cattle dog
- Height of dog: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 35-50 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #52 of 200
- Temperament: alert, curious, pleasant
- 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 is 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.
#10. Whippet
- Height of dog: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 25-40 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #51 of 200
- Temperament: playful, affectionate, calm
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
With the appearance of a sized-down 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 small size and quiet nature.
#9. Dalmatian
- Height of dog: 19-24 inches
- Weight of dog: 45-70 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #47 of 200
- 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.
#8. Collie
- Height of dog: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 60-75 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #40 of 200
- 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.
#7. Vizsla
- Height of dog: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #35 of 200
- 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.
#6. Basset Hound
- Height of dog: Up to 15 inches
- Weight of dog: 40-65 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #34 of 200
- 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 medieval 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.
#5. Miniature American Shepherd
- Height of dog: 14-18 inches (male), 13-17 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 20-40 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #29 of 200
- 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.
#4. Brittany
- Height of dog: 17.5-20.5 inches
- Weight of dog: 30-40 pounds
- AKC popularity rank: #28 of 200
- 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.
#3. English springer spaniel
- Height of dog: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #27 of 200
- 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.
#2. Australian shepherd
- Height of dog: 20-23 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
- Weight of dog: 50-65 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #12 of 200
- 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 are native to 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.
#1. Bulldog
- Height of dog: 14-15 inches
- Weight of dog: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
- AKC popularity rank: #7 of 200
- Temperament: friendly, courageous, calm
- Life expectancy: 8-10 years
One of the popular mid-size breeds that isn't in the 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.
