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Medium Sized Dog & Puppy Breeds

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Dachshund

Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be medium sized dogs, individual pets will vary.  Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

19 Dog Breeds

Mostly black Dachshund dog breed standing side view with face forward against a white background

Dachshund

Close to the ground, short and sassy Dachshunds aren’t built to win any canine races, but they are built to win hearts. Part cuddle bug and part tiny dictator, this pup can be a pinch stubborn but remains endearing even in its most frustrating moments. Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs since they are always on high alert for their surroundings.

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Standing French Bulldog breed with head slightly tilted against a white background

French Bulldog

Clowning around comes naturally to the French Bulldog, who enjoys playing and enchanting their families. They make excellent cuddle buddies and are very happy simply snoozing next to their favorite person. Amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please, they make excellent companion dogs. 

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breed sitting side view with face forward against a white background

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Tiny but mighty, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a large dog in a small package, with the bark to prove it. These strong, athletic, lively little dogs are the best of both worlds: a fearless, independent, hardworking athlete who’s well-mannered and does well in family life. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are bright, intelligent, and sensitive. They equally love curling up on the couch and being active, especially when their owners are involved. These dogs are hopelessly devoted to their family and make excellent watchdogs. They are friendly and generally get along well with everyone. 

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Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed sitting down against a white background

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi dog breed is a highly spirited, sparky pup. They are goofy yet hardy, used to spending days dodging cattle kicks, although more likely now they are spending their days romping in a backyard. They can be well-behaved at home but do bark to alert. They can be scrappy with other dogs and reserved with strangers, but fun-loving and adoring with their owners. 

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Close up of a standing black Scottish Terrier dog breed against a white background

Scottish Terrier

Rugged and tough, the Scottish Terrier dog is a smart and determined dog. They are always ready for action and can often be fearless and feisty. Socialization is crucial to ensure they become well-mannered dogs. Reserved but amiable with strangers once they get to know them, they are utterly devoted family members. They tend to dig and bark, which can be overcome with proper training. 

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Beagle dog breed sitting side view with head tilted and tongue out against a white background

Beagle

Beagles are bold dogs who pack a hefty punch of personality for their size. Their happy, go-lucky, adventurous demeanor makes them full of life and pizzazz. They are highly active, affectionate, and cheerful dogs who love being involved with their owners.  Developed as pack animals, Beagles love being around others and crave companionship from humans and other dogs. They are great watchdogs who are vocal and will bark or howl at anything unusual and let you know when something is off. However, if a stranger offers them food or playtime, this all goes out the window! They are extremely food-motivated and can get especially vocal around dinnertime.  A naturally curious breed that loves to explore the outdoors, Beagles have an enthusiastic way of approaching life making them entertaining and enjoyable to be around. 

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Shetland Sheepdog breed sitting sideway with head facing the camera and tongue out

Shetland Sheepdog

Bright, sensitive, and willing to please, the Sheltie is an adaptable and hearty farm dog. They are devoted to their families. Their active minds take some time to quiet, and learning how to settle is an important part of their training. They get along well with children, albeit older ones since they are prone to nipping heels and herding while playing which might not be suitable for smaller children. Strangers might find them aloof and reserved, or on the end of a barking fit—Shelties take their job as watchdogs very seriously. 

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Shiba Inu dog sitting against a white background.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus form strong bonds with their humans without being overly clingy. When the headstrong Shiba Inu doesn't get what they want, they might scream like a banshee. The high-pitched sound is their signature chord. A confident and lively dog, they love to be outdoors where they can run free and wild. They are calm indoors, although they can be alert and reserved with strangers.  

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side view of english cocker spaniel with tongue out standing in front of a white background

English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniels are cheerful and active dogs who love nothing more than to be around their human companions. They are eager to please their owners and are deeply devoted and loyal to them, although they can also be sensitive. These social butterflies make great family pets as they get along well with kids and other animals. 

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Whippet dog breed sitting tall against a white background

Whippet

Quiet and devoted, Whippets are the most outgoing and amenable of the sighthounds and have a reputation for being gentle with children. They are calm and quiet indoors but love a good romp outside to get the zoomies out. They can be sensitive mentally and physically and need to be handled gently and with love. 

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Black and white Border Collie dog breed headshot with mouth open

Border Collie

Every Border Collie is a shepherd at heart, constantly on the lookout for things to round up. No toy is safe from being gathered! These active workers are intelligent and attentive, and they have incredible agility with the ability to change directions on a dime. They can sometimes be considered workaholics since it’s so ingrained in them to be alert at all times. 

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white and brown english springer spaniel standing in front of a white background

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are the straight-A students of the dog world. They’re busy dogs who are intelligent, quick-witted extroverts who aim to please. They are well-mannered and friendly. The English Springer Spaniel breed was developed to be around people so they thrive on human attention and company. As a result, they make excellent family pets who will want to join in on all the family fun. They are active and do well with equally active families. English Springer Spaniels will never be able to turn down an opportunity to play, find items, and carry objects in their mouth, so fetch is truly just the beginning! 

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Australian Cattle dog breed sitting tall in front of a white background

Australian Cattle Dog

Often cited as headstrong, stubborn, energetic, and hardworking, Australian Cattle Dogs love a challenge, whether physical or mental. Natural Energizer Bunnies, these dogs love to silently herd and learn new things. Given their instincts, they tend to nip at heels, especially when small children are running but do well with older children.

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Bull Terrier dog breed white with one black ear laying down against a white background

Bull Terrier

Comedians at heart, Bull Terriers are exuberant, playful, assertive, and yes, mischievous. They have a big imagination and like to see things their own way, which might even require reverse psychology when training them. For all their tough bravado, they are sweet, affectionate, and devoted to their owners. They might be reactive around other dogs and small animals and they are prone to compulsive behaviors.

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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier dog breed sitting with a loose leash on the grass in front of a river

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Wheaten Terrier can be playful and affectionate with their owners, although you should expect a headstrong streak or a lack of motivation akin to a teenager when it comes to doing things they don’t want to do, such as training. They dig and jump and bark to alert, although less than other similar terrier breeds. 

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Dalmatian dog breed laying down with head turned to the side and mouth open against white background

Dalmatian

The Dalmatian's personality is a whirlwind of energy and devotion. Although known to have a stubborn streak, their loyalty, eagerness to please, and playful nature make them a joy to own, as long as their exercise and stimulation needs are met consistently. 

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Samoyed dog breed sitting with tongue out against a white background

Samoyed

Gentle and playful with a heart of gold, a Samoyed has been bred for companionship from its origins. They bond closely with their families and are amiable with strangers, other pets, and other dogs. They are relatively chill indoors so long as they are exercised physically and mentally. They can have an impish streak if these needs are not met, and they’ll bark and dig excessively. Owners will need nerves of steel to combat a Samoyed’s stubborn streak, but they are generally responsive and eager to please their family, although they might herd small children.  

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Airedale Terrier dog breed laying down sideway looking at the camera against a white background

Airedale Terrier

Confident and bold Airedale Terriers share the common terrier traits of loyalty, friendliness, and boundless curiosity. Their playful spirit and seemingly endless energy make them enthusiastic companions, always eager for adventure. Airedales are fiercely devoted to their family and possess a strong protective streak. However, while generally friendly, they can be reserved with strangers and may not take kindly to unknown dogs. 

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Chinese Shar Pei dog breed with folds standing sideway looking at camera against white background

Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei’s personality is a complex blend of loyalty and independence. Well-socialized pups are devoted to their families and playful at times but often possess an aloof demeanor. Their stubborn streak can emerge without proper training, manifesting as territorial behavior. Shar-Pei are naturally wary of strangers, requiring careful introductions. Other pets can be a coin toss; they may integrate well with cats raised alongside them, but other dogs might be met with suspicion or even aggression. 

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