ComScore

The 38 Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Families, Kids, Couples and Everyone in Between

Find you the pet that’s juuuuuust right

best-medium-sized-dogs
Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

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


best medium sized dogs for families collie
lessydoang/Getty Images

1. Collie

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families collie american staffordshire terrier
Photographs by Maria itina/Getty Images

2. American Staffordshire Terrier

  • 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!

best medium sized dogs for families boykin spaniel
ChrisLuker/Getty Images

3. Boykin Spaniel

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families border collie
Peter Steffenson/Getty Images

4. Border Collie

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families brittany
KatPaws/Getty Images

5. Brittany

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families bulldog
Westend61/Getty Images

6. Bulldog

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families chow chow
GlobalP/Getty Images

7. Chow Chow

  • 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).

best medium sized dogs for families dalmatian
Matty Anderson / EyeEm/Getty Images

8. Dalmatian

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families english springer spaniel
WWBPhotos/Getty Images

9. English Springer Spaniel

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families finnish spitz
FlashPop/Getty Images

10. Finnish Spitz

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families pyrenean shepherd
cynoclub/Getty Images

11. Pyrenean Shepherd

  • 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!

best medium sized dogs for families samoyed
Tobias Poel / EyeEm/Getty Images

12. Samoyed

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families standard schnauezer
vizland/Getty Images

13. Standard Schnauzer

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families vizsla
Pamela Webb/EyeEm/Getty Images

14. Vizsla

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families welsh springer spaniel
Tara Gregg/EyeEm/Getty Images

15. Welsh Springer Spaniel

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families nova scotia duck tolling retriever
Jagoda Matejczuk / 500px/Getty Images

16. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families australian kelpie
Tara Gregg / EyeEm/Getty Images

17. Australian Kelpie

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families barbet
WilleeCole/Getty Images

18. Barbet

  • 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).

best medium sized dogs for families icelandic sheepdog
LouisePl/Getty Images

19. Icelandic Sheepdog

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families small munsterlander pointer
Eriklam/Getty Images

20. Small Munsterlander Pointer

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families working kelpie
stephenallen75/Getty Images

21. Working Kelpie

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families siberian husky
JaneKWD/Getty Images

22. Siberian Husky

  • 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).

best medium sized dogs for families cocker spaniel
YULIA REZNIKOV/GETTY IMAGES

23. Cocker Spaniel

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families finnish lapphund
PACO GARCIA/GETTY IMAGES

24. Finnish Lapphund

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families wheatan terrier
MARKA/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP/GETTY IMAGES

25. Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

  • 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).

best medium sized dogs for families cardigan welsh corgi
HOLLY HILDRETH/GETTY IMAGES

26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families beagle
KEVIN VANDENBERGHE/GETTY IMAGES

27. Beagle

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families corgi dog
AWDEBENHAM/GETTY IMAGES

28. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families american eskimo
AleksandarGeorgiev/Getty Images

29. American Eskimo Dog (standard)

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs for families keeshond
Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

30. Keeshond

  • 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.

medium sized dog breed: shiba inu on grass
FENG XU/GETTY IMAGES

31. Shiba Inu

  • 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. 

medium sized dog breed: australian shepherd smiling in grass
BIGANDT_PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES

32. Australian Shepherd

  • 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.

medium sized dog breed: black coat spanish water dog
CYNOCLUB/GETTY IMAGES

33. Spanish Water Dog

  • 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.  

medium sized dog breed: close-up image of german pinscher
VIERIU ADRIAN/GETTY IMAGES

34. German Pinscher

  • 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!

medium sized dog breed: side view of bearded collie at a park
AUSCAPE / CONTRIBUTOR/GETTY IMAGES

35. Bearded Collie

  • 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.”

best-medium-sized-dogs-border-terrier
Mike Powles/Getty Images

36. Border Terrier

  • 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.

best medium sized dogs manchester terrier
Mary Swift/Getty Images

37. Manchester Terrier (standard)

  •  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).

best medium sized dogs whippet
EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS/Getty Images

38. Whippet

  • 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.


SAshley Headshot PureWow

Freelance Writer

Sarah Ashley is a Chicago-based freelance journalist. She has covered pets for PureWow for six years and tackles everything from dog training tips to the best litter boxes. Her...