If you love the idea of bringing home a midsized dog, this list features some of the most affectionate dogs commonly referred to as Goldilocks. These friendliest medium sized dog breeds are neither too big nor too small – just the right size for a family pet!
For most families, midsize dogs are the best bet since small breeds can be tricky managing around kids, and large breeds are difficult to travel with in the car or plane. Additionally, small dogs can wiggle their way into dangerous spaces while large dogs consume a lot of food and shed more fur.
In terms of exercise, medium-sized dogs have better endurance than smaller dogs, making them great for owners looking for a workout buddy.
Top 10 Friendliest Medium Sized Dog Breeds
If you’re looking for the most genial dogs for a family in the midsize category, here are our top recommendations:
1: Poodle
Apart from their distinctive haircut, Poodles are another smart and gentle dog breed. Poodles are available in miniature and standard sizes, meaning that you should choose a size that suits your living environment. They can live in harmony with people with pet allergies since they shed little fur.
Both sizes of the Poodle have varying perks. For instance, the standard sized Poodle is obedient, playful, adventurous, and smart. However, they are typically shy with strangers but get along with kids and familiar people easily. Miniatures, on the other hand, dedicate themselves to a specific person. They are also not very good with kids and other pets.
Regardless of the type, Poodle has keen instinctive behavior. They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience training. That aside, they perform well in dog sports, including flyball, dock diving, dog agility, field tracking, and Schutzhund. They can also follow owners on hiking trips. The only issue is that their coats require scheduled grooming.
2: Labrador Retriever
In general, the retriever breed of dogs is most popular for many reasons. When healthy, they are playful, loving, patient, protective, and very reliable. That aside, most people like them for their intelligence. They take up training very well and learn fast. Their love for exercise will keep your family or any other caregiver on tabs, be it in the dog swimming pool or while walking them.
Whether you choose the chocolate, yellow, or black variety, all Labradors share similar strength, stamina, and obedience. This is probably what makes them one of the most amiable dog breeds. The affable nature of Labrador Retriever makes them get along with other dogs and people with ease. Their short coat also means that they need less maintenance, which is weekly combing to keep them clean. However, you should observe other methods of taking care of the dog.
3: Wheaten Terriers
Wheaten terriers are among the friendliest dog breeds for families. They are extremely independent and quiet pups, but they can also do a great job at watching your house while you’re away. Overall, they are unique, affectionate, adorable, and charming pets.
4: Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an amazing small-to-medium-sized dog breed, a favorite of the Queen who has bred more than ten generations to date. Corgis grow up to around 12 inches and 30 pounds and make very affectionate companion dogs.
Overall, Corgis love to give their all and will succeed in whatever you want them to do, from therapy work to agility and scent work.
5: Collies
Like the Poodle, Collies are available in various breed types. The main types are the Border Collie and Bearded Collie. Collies and their mixes are generally gentle and very predictable. They rarely misbehave and can be trained with ease. This makes them a perfect choice for families and people who are not familiar with dogs at all. Like the Newfoundland, Collies get along with children easily and love pleasing their owners.
Although they can be quite mild-mannered, Collies were initially bred as herding dogs. You will realize this once your dog tries herding your children. Due to their long hair, Collies require regular grooming to keep their coats in shape. Depending on the prevailing situations, this breed can be both gentle and stubborn. For better interaction, ensure that you get your dog some obedience training sessions.
6: Bulldogs
The Bulldog is the go-to dog breed for its devoted, patient, and affectionate character towards kids. Bulldogs have a sturdy build that makes them suitable for kids who enjoy roughhouse. This breed’s docile, loyal, and friendly nature also makes them get along easily and well with other dogs and pets. The dog can comfortably live in large houses or small apartments.
Apart from living well with other pets, Bulldogs are very pleasant with external visitors, thus good for a busy and social family. Note that the Bulldog features a compressed jaw and will require extra care in teeth cleaning. Similarly, expect some snoring and drooling. However, their coat requires minimal care and is less susceptible to fleas infestation.
7: English Springer Spaniels
These loving dog breeds make great family dogs and enjoy playing with children. They are extremely intelligent, making training fun and easy even for new puppy owners. Spaniels are also playful and big enough to be able to get down for a fun game of chase or tug.
8: Australian Cattle
Australian Cattle may seem compact, but they’re extremely energetic, curious, intelligent, and good-natured dogs.
9: Beagle
Beagle’s small size makes them very portable. Their calm temperament makes them good choices for families with kids who love outdoor activities. Beagles like exploring outdoors and take on trails lively. This is probably because they were originally bred as hunting dogs. Their sturdy build also means that they are never tired of playing games.
10: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
This adorable breed is much smaller than most retrievers, but they are very loyal, loving, and hard-working, making them great family pets. They also enjoy playing and swimming, especially around family members.
Bonus friendliest medium Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are smart, confident, and loyal dogs. Their temperament is probably the hallmark of the breed due to their character. Due to this, they make perfect family pets, especially since they can tolerate children. They are also calm and not one-man dogs – they can amicably relate with owners and strangers alike.
Their gentle disposition and easy trusting nature make Golden Retrievers poor guard dogs. These dogs consider any kind of hostility or aggression towards people, dogs, and other pets unacceptable. In general, they remain calm, biddable, and naturally intelligent with much eagerness to please. And if you’re an ardent fisherman or woman, Golden Retrievers make perfect fly fishing partners.
Like other healthiest dog breeds, Golden Retrievers need a lot of exercises and play. Retrieving games, as their name suggests, are their favorite games. You should strive to teach your dog how to play retrieving games. Whereas this breed is adapted to living outdoors, they prefer being indoors with their owners. For proper care, consider brushing their golden coats at least twice weekly to minimize shedding.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is another powerful dog breed with fully developed genetic guarding and herding instincts. In most cases, the harmful behavior of Rottweiler often results from irresponsible parenting, including abuse, lack of socialization, and neglect. Their great strength is a serious risk factor that should not be neglected. To match their strength, Rottweilers should undergo formal training and extensive socialization.
Typical Rottweiler behavior includes genuine love for their owners and clownish behavior to other friends and family. They are very protective of their territory and don’t welcome strangers easily until properly introduced. Therefore, always be on the lookout as their aggressiveness can result in bites or bite attempts.
Irish Setter
Popularly known for its red coat, the Irish Setter is an overly energetic, playful, and lovely dog around people. They also play well with children. The dogs love staying around people so much that loneliness can overwhelm them when neglected. They are also in their best behavior when surrounded by people they love. You should learn some simple ways to prevent the separation anxiety of the dog if you won’t be around your dog for some time.
To reduce their energy levels, Irish Setters need a lot of exercise. This makes them a good match for energetic kids. They are also smart and easily trainable companions, making them a good choice if you have a spacious backyard and lots of dog toys. Also, you won’t have to worry about your visitors as they are great at meeting new people and welcoming them into your home.
Bull Terrier
Wrongly branded as an aggressive breed, the Bull Terrier is a good companion dog that is friendly and loving towards kids and adults alike. Bull Terriers are well framed with a great threshold for pain, thus perfect for rambunctious children still learning how to properly treat these loving pets.
Bull Terriers often have little mischiefs, especially with small dogs and animals. Therefore, avoid unpleasant issues by keeping the dog mentally and physically active all times. They have a short and flat coat that is easy to care for.
Final Words
There you go with our list of some of the best small dog breeds for a family. These breeds are great with kids too and can live in tiny spaces, including apartments and condos. But if you prefer large and giant breeds, here is our list of some of the calmest large-sized dog breeds.
