The 38 Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Families, Kids, Couples and Everyone in Between
Congrats! Your kids convinced you to get a puppy. Or maybe your fiancé wants to adopt a dog as soon as the wedding is over. That means it’s time to research breeds well-suited for kids, active family life and commands like, “No begging at the table!” The thing is, puppies—like kids—don’t stay puppies forever. You don’t want to find yourself in a Goldilocks-type situation with a dog too big to fit comfortably in your condo or too small to enjoy regular playtime. Finding a dog that’s just right for your family, both in size and personality, is important to everyone’s happiness. Our advice? Go for a medium-sized dog breed
Perhaps the best thing about focusing on medium-sized dogs is that there are so many options. Tons of breeds fall into the “medium” category, which has a fairly broad range. There’s wiggle room for these figures, but generally, dogs weighing between 20 and 65 pounds, and standing between 8 and 27 inches tall are considered medium size.
27 Best Low-Maintenance Dogs for People with Super-Hectic Lives
1. Collie
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Height: 22 - 26 inches
Weight: 50 - 75 pounds
Personality: Devoted, Athletic
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Collies are notorious for their kid-friendliness and showing affection to children. They learn quickly (a solid combination of intelligence and a desire to please) and love running around with their companions. If they get bored, they tend to bark, so include collies in as many activities as possible.
2. American Staffordshire Terrier
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Height: 17 - 19 inches
Weight: 40 - 70 pounds
Personality: Highly Affectionate, Intelligent
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Low
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
These pups are so trainable and energetic, Hollywood uses them frequently in films. In a family setting, they’re sure to contribute the same sweet personality with a healthy dose of loyalty. If you’re planning on getting more dogs, however, think about a different breed. AmStaffs (as they’re called) may get aggressive with other canines. But, they’re obedient and boy do they love their people!
3. Boykin Spaniel
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Height: 14-18 inches
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Personality: Cheerful, adaptable
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
In a more mellow household, the Boykin spaniel will feel right at home. These dogs are cheerful and unafraid to show affection. After a healthy run around the block, they’ll happily trot home to sleep or head out for a hike, depending on what their families want.
4. Border Collie
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Height: 18-22 inches
Weight: 30-55 pounds
Personality: Energetic, Smart
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Yes, getting a dog is a lot like having another kid, but this is especially true of border collies. These pups are balls of energy and need tons of attention (and exercise), so a larger family with active kids may be better suited to meet these needs. Obedience is not a problem for this herding dog breed, which is a good thing, so train commands early.
5. Brittany
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Height: 17 - 21 inches
Weight: 30 - 40 pounds
Personality: Loyal, lively
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
This is a glass-half-full kind of dog. Brittanys are genuinely upbeat animals who were bred to hunt, so are eager for outdoor time. They’re also extraordinarily amicable, which is obvious after one look into their sweet, puppy dog eyes. If your family likes to bike, hike or spend ample time outdoors, a Brittany is your breed.
6. Bulldog
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Height: 14 - 15 inches
Weight: 40 - 50 pounds
Personality: Protective, Sweet
Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Bulldogs are thick teddy bears, ready and willing to follow their families anywhere, be it a city apartment or countryside manor. Always up for friendly games and lazy naps, these charming dogs need enough exercise to stay healthy but don’t require intense excursions beyond the dog park.
7. Chow Chow
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Height: 17 - 20 inches
Weight: 45 - 70 pounds
Personality: Stubborn, Loyal
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
For a family with younger kiddos, a less hectic schedule or a city zip code, a Chow Chow could be the perfect match. These lovable, fluffy lumps have cat-like tendencies and enjoy lounging alongside their favorite humans. They make great watch dogs as they tend not to trust strangers (which also means training early is crucial).
8. Dalmatian
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Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Personality: Reserved, athletic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Dalmatians are strong dogs who aren’t afraid to protect their loved ones. They are instinctively vigilant and affectionate. This pup will be just as happy going for long walks with you and your babies in a stroller as she will be going on more rigorous jogs or hikes. Positive reinforcement works best during training.
9. English Springer Spaniel
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Height: 19 - 20 inches
Weight: 40 - 50 pounds
Personality: Dedicated, Friendly
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
With long, droopy ears and big eyes, these dogs will have you and your family wrapped around their fingers—er, paws. That’s not to say they’re mischievous! These pups genuinely want to spend time with you and will (politely) let you know. They’re smart and love to please, so obedience training is a cinch.
10. Finnish Spitz
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Height: 15 - 20 inches
Weight: 20 - 35 pounds
Personality: Happy, Social
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
With their pointy ears and orange hue, Finnish Spitz pups look like little foxes! They have as much—if not more—energy, too. They are happy dogs who don’t like to be without their people, but can be wary of strangers, which makes them keen watch dogs. Get ready for plentiful trips to the dog park or playtime in the backyard, as these canines love to run.
11. Pyrenean Shepherd
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Height: 15 - 21 inches
Weight: 15 - 30 pounds
Personality: Playful, Affectionate
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 17-19 years
This shepherd comes in two varieties: smooth-faced and rough-faced. Both versions are lively and agreeable, ready to learn a new game or follow you wherever you may go. Like other mountain dog breeds, they’re named after the mountain ranges in which they’ve herded sheep for centuries, so don’t leave your Pyrenean Shepherd at home when you’re out at soccer games, family picnics or camping trips. They’re eager for activity!
12. Samoyed
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Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Personality: Sweet, Adaptable
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Just as you’re the alpha dog in your household (aka The Boss), so must you be while training a Samoyed. These lovable, gentle creatures have an independent streak, but have been bred to be unflinchingly loyal to their companions once trained. They’re super social and enjoy meeting new people (and babies). Their gentle disposition also makes them excellent therapy dogs for people with autism.
13. Standard Schnauzer
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Height: 17 - 20 inches
Weight: 30 - 50 pounds
Personality: Alert, Lively
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
“Must love kids” might be the title of every Standard schnauzer’s autobiography. These dogs live for youthful affection and backyard games of tag or fetch. Loyal to the bone and smart as a whip, don’t leave this pup alone in the yard too long, or he’ll take it personally.
14. Vizsla
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Height: 21 - 24 inches
Weight: 44 - 60 pounds
Personality: Devoted, intelligent
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
A stunning, rust-colored dog, the congenial Vizsla needs lots of brain and body stimulation. Get out and toss a ball around! Teach this dog new tricks! Be sure to train early, as they like learning but can develop bad habits if not taught how to behave ASAP.
15. Welsh Springer Spaniel
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Height: 17 - 19 inches
Weight: 35 - 55 pounds
Personality: Happy, Dedicated
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
This breed has been around for a long time and couldn’t be happier about it. Give ’em something to chase or a family to entertain, and they’re good to go. Welsh springer spaniels are super loyal and get along with other dogs and people of all ages. They also have waterproof coats, so bonus points if you live in a rainy climate.
16. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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Height: 17-21 inches
Weight: 35-50 pounds
Personality: Smart, affectionate
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
With an almost dignified expression, this Canadian dog breed is alert, outgoing and ready for whatever the day brings. They’ve got lots of energy and affection to spare. Include all family members in training sessions with Tollers, as they tend to try to outwit you, and the more you reward and reinforce their good behavior, the better behaved they’ll be.
17. Australian Kelpie
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Height: 17 - 20 inches
Weight: 25 - 46 pounds
Personality: Smart, Playful
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Super smart, with a seemingly endless supply of energy, Australian kelpies appreciate having a job to do or orders to follow (as do most Australian breeds). On the flip side, they are also game for a nap or relaxing movie night when the family is ready to calm down. Ideally, you’ve got a yard for them to run around in.
18. Barbet
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Height: 19 - 25 inches
Weight: 35 - 65 pounds
Personality: Cheerful, Tireless
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Non-shedding
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Talk about a fluffy dog! Barbets have a curly, springy coat perfect for snuggling up against. They are calm for the most part, but make sure they wear themselves out with daily exercise, too. This agreeable breed is a huge fan of water, so if you live near a lake or ocean, consider upping the canine factor on your family trips to the beach (Barbets will feel really left out if you leave them at home).
19. Icelandic Sheepdog
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Height: 16 - 18 inches
Weight: 25 - 30 pounds
Personality: Curious, Friendly
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
On the smaller side of the medium-sized dog category sits the cute, curious Icelandic sheepdog. Similar to a Finnish Spitz, these pups have pointy ears and smiling faces. Always up for playtime, these dogs enjoy meeting new friends—both canine and human—so growing families take note.
20. Small Munsterlander Pointer
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Height: 20 - 21 inches
Weight: 40 - 60 pounds
Personality: Easy-going, Intelligent
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Dedicated to her family through thick and thin, the Small Munsterlander Pointer loves socializing and sees herself as a true member of the group. That said, they were bred to hunt and need lots of outdoor time. City living might not be the best environment, though ample jogs outside or dog park playdates could suffice.
21. Working Kelpie
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Height: 15 - 25 inches
Weight: 28 - 60 pounds
Personality: Outgoing, Adaptable
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
If you’ve got a wide variety of dispositions in your family already, a working kelpie may be best suited for your crew. These pups know how and when to crank things up and tone things down. Embracing children and other pets comes naturally to these canines, but be sure to give them some mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.
22. Siberian Husky
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Height: 20-24 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Personality: Loyal, energetic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
If you’ve always wanted a giant Alaskan malamute but don’t have the space, look no further than the friendly Siberian husky. These dogs are fluffy balls of fun who retain their pack mentality (which means the more the merrier).
23. Cocker Spaniel
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Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Temperament: Gentle, intelligent
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Sweet and extremely child-friendly, cocker spaniels make great companion pets and family dogs. They can be gentle with babies, athletic with older kids and patient with seniors. As one of America’s most popular breeds, they maintain a humble obedience and aim to please.
24. Finnish Lapphund
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Height: 16-21 inches
Weight: 33-53 pounds
Personality: Calm, Friendly
Activity Level: Low to Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Finnish lapphunds are up for games in the park or naps at home, as long as they’re with their people. Families with super busy schedules that keep them away from home a lot should think about a different breed—or take their Finnish lapphund along on the adventure. Their emotional intelligence and sensitive feelings will be hurt if you can’t put them first.
25. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
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Height: 17-19 inches
Weight: 30-40 pounds
Personality: Friendly, Independent
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Non-shedding
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Soft-coated wheaten terriers are slightly stubborn when it comes to training, but exude friendliness that makes them terrific family pets. Bred as farm dogs, they enjoy outdoorsy excursions followed by lazy evenings with their best friends (ahem…you).
26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Height: 10-12 inches
Weight: 28-30 pounds
Personality: Playful, Affectionate
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: High
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Known to be excellent companions for folks with anxiety, Pembroke Welsh corgis are highly intelligent and affectionate dogs. They can have fun with people of all ages and adapt well to your family’s schedule. One thing to watch for? Their herding instincts have been known to kick in around large groups of kids… which is very sweet and very funny. The AKC says Pembrokes are more energetic and outgoing than Cardigan Welsh Corgis, who tend to need some time to warm up to new faces.
27. Beagle
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Height: 10-15 inches
Weight: 15-30 pounds
Personality: Friendly, Doting
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Beagles are so obsessed with their families, they can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. They learn commands quickly and enjoy earning treats for a job well done. Incredibly sweet-natured and lovable, they also tend to have slight independent streaks, especially if their strong noses catch a whiff of something to track.
28. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
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Height: 10.5-12.5 inches
Weight: 25-38 pounds
Personality: Adaptable, Sweet
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Cardigan Welsh corgis, unlike their Pembroke counterparts, have tails that wag to indicate how much fun they’re having (which is almost all the time). These pups, while shy at first, adapt quickly to social situations and are adept at making friends over time. The AKC says they are also slightly calmer than Pembroke corgis, though both versions of the breed are playful and sweet.
29. American Eskimo Dog (standard)
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Height: 15-19 inches
Weight: 25-35 pounds
Personality: Intelligent, Social
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Say hello to one of the smartest, most outgoing canines you’ll meet. Eskies learn commands quickly and love being near their human family. Like Beagles, they may develop separation anxiety or become destructive if left alone too long. Playtime that involves mental stimulation is best for these fluffy pups.
30. Keeshond
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Height: 17-18 inches
Weight: 35-45 pounds
Personality: Lively, smart
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Keeshonds are smart, extroverted canines who unabashedly adore their humans. Sure, they need regular exercise and may exhibit some naughty behavior if cooped up too long, but they are hearty enough to adapt to various lifestyles. Translation: an obedient, friendly, companion dog, perfect for just about any family situation.
31. Shiba Inu
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Height: 13.5-16.5 inches
Weight: 17-23 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, Protective
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
These are confident canines who have become the most popular companion dogs in Japan (where they originated). Shiba Inus are notoriously good at potty training but should be always kept on-leash or in a fenced-in yard, otherwise they may wander.
32. Australian Shepherd
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Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Personality: Smart, Athletic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Seasonal
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
If your family is high-energy and needs a dog to match, go with an Australian Shepherd. These adorable, intelligent and athletic dogs are always game for, well, games. They’re herding animals and enjoy running and playing with their humans. Get ready to bond with your Australian Shepherd through activities and long walks.
33. Spanish Water Dog
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Height: 15-20 inches
Weight: 30-50 pounds
Personality: Active, Protective
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Talk about a cuddly teddy bear of a dog! Spanish Water Dogs love to play, especially if it involves water. Bring them on lake vacations and let them splash around. They make great watchdogs too because of a strong protective streak. Train them early and firmly (they actually enjoy training and learning new commands) to ensure good behavior with strangers.
34. German Pinscher
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Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 25-45 pounds
Personality: Intelligent, playful
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
If you want the look of a Doberman without the giant dog energy, go with a German Pinscher. These incredibly affectionate and playful dogs make delightful companions. Yes, they need lots of exercise. No, they don’t need fancy grooming. German Pinschers are also very smart and have been known to weasel their way out of training sessions. Don’t fall for their tricks!
35. Bearded Collie
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Height: 20-22 inches
Weight: 45-55 pounds
Personality: Willful, Friendly
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Bearded Collies are wonderful with kids and friendly to everyone. They can be stubborn, so training should be a family effort. Bonus points if your family enjoys time in nature. The AKC says, “Outdoorsy families looking for a sturdy dog to share an up-tempo lifestyle will never find a more affectionate and amusing sidekick.”
36. Border Terrier
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Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 11-16 pounds
Personality: Friendly, Adventurous
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Hypoallergenic
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
On the smaller side, what these medium-sized terriers lack in stature they make up for in personality. They might butt heads with other pets, but with kids and other family members they get along swimmingly. Border Terriers are also hypoallergenic, which could make them an ideal breed for families with allergy sufferers.
37. Manchester Terrier (standard)
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Height: 15-16 inches
Weight: 12-22 pounds
Personality: Lively, Intelligent
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Low
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
The standard-sized Manchester terrier is an obedient, intelligent breed who would simply love it if you did some agility training or lure coursing with them! Athletic and lively, these dogs are also keen on cuddles and may see themselves as big watchdogs (which means barking at strangers is to be expected).
38. Whippet
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Height: 18-22 inches
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Personality: Calm, playful
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Low to Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Friendly with other pets, good with kids, affectionate and playful, Whippets are sighthounds who make excellent dogs for small spaces and city living. Often compared to cats for their calm demeanor at home, they aren’t big barkers. Whippets are gentle dogs who work well for people of all ages.
Questions to Ask Before Bringing Home a Dog
Beyond the standard pre-dog questions about exercise requirements and potential health issues, think about conditions unique to your family. For instance, consider whether you’re going to want to be able to pick up your dog or not. Will the dog be at eye level to your kids when he’s fully grown? Taller? How hectic are your weeknights? Weekends? Plus, the amount of space you’ve got to offer your dog (inside and out) will also determine the best breed for your situation.
When it comes to temperament, a family dog has to be friendly, obedient and happy around children. Some breeds fulfill these requirements more easily than others, though every dog is different. A bad experience with kiddos in the past could make these relationships tricky for a rescue dog, even if her breed usually likes kids. But for the most part, the medium-sized breeds on this list can’t get enough of family fun time.
Finally, check in with your kids. Do they really want a dog? Make sure there are no hidden fears about canines (some kids may not want to disappoint the whole family). If you can, observe your kids around friends’ dogs. Test the waters by interacting with dogs as much as you can before you invest in one for yourself.
Where to Find Medium-Sized Dog Breeds
There are several ways to find the best medium-sized dog for your family. The first is through a local animal shelter. We love this option and highly recommend starting here. You don’t always know what breed you’re getting, but shelters have volunteers and foster parents who have worked with the dogs to prepare them for life in a forever home. You’ll gain knowledge about your dog’s temperament, social skills and eating habits before you even get home. Plus, there’s a feel-good factor. Adopting a dog from a shelter frees up space for another dog in need. Adoption is also much more budget friendly. Follow your local shelters on social media and watch for seasonal deals (many shelters have events where they waive adoption fees).
Fostering is also a great option! Often, shelters work with foster families to ensure the dog is a good fit for the household. (If a shelter doesn’t give you any say in which dog you bring home, you don’t have to work with that shelter. Your family’s safety is priority number one.) Typically, you’ll care for the dog for about two weeks. Shelters like PAWS Chicago offer tons of resources to ease you into dog life. This is such a wonderful opportunity to test-drive a dog!
You can also go through a reputable breeder. Definitely begin with The American Kennel Club’s list of breeders. These breeders meet high standards and put the health and happiness of the dogs first. Not only do they do health screenings, they work hard to socialize puppies and ensure they meet specific breed standards. So, if you want a devoted Collie, you know you’re getting a devoted Collie.
