Looking For a Dog That’s Not Too Big or Too Small? These Medium Sized Pups Are Perfect

Not that we could ever choose a favorite, but there is something to be said for medium-sized dogs. Up for more activity than small dogs, more portable than big dogs, they often make for great family pets without taking up the whole couch. Although there aren't any hard and fast rules about what makes a dog a small versus a medium dog, Joseph Turk, D.V.M., a veterinarian in Palm Harbor, Florida says you can make generalizations. "I would group dogs into five size categories: toy-up to 10 pounds, small-10-25 pounds, medium-25-60 pounds, large-60-100 pounds, and giant-over 100 pounds," he explains.

Because both very tiny and very large dogs tend to have shorter lifespans, medium-sized dogs often get to spend more years with their owners. While plenty of medium-sized dogs are up for big adventures, it's wise to avoid major activity with short-nosed dogs, who can have trouble breathing, explains Patrick Mahaney, V.M.D., a veterinarian in Los Angeles.

Just one more thing to consider: "Potential dog owner[s]...should first contact breed-specific rescue organizations to see if there is an available pooch that suits their interests," Mahaney says. If you don't find the right dog and choose to go to a breeder, be sure to do your research to make sure they put the health of the dogs first.

Ready for the sweetest medium-sized dogs? Right this way.