33 Medium Sized Dog Breeds

So you like medium-sized dogs? I get it. Large dogs knock down children with their tails, while small dogs get lost in the couch. Medium is surely the way to go.

To find out the best medium-sized dog breeds, we asked dogs to submit photos of themselves and explain why their breed is the finest. Who would have guessed that every single entry would nominate themselves? Naturally, we had no choice but to award all 33 entrants the first prize.

The Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog.

  • Temperament: Playful, Energetic, Bright
  • Height: 13-16 inches
  • Weight: 15-25 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is an extremely intelligent, quick, and obedient herder from Scotland's remote and rugged Shetland Islands. Shelties bear a strong family resemblance to their bigger cousin, the Collie.

We say: Oh would you look at that—there's a Sheltie up first. Our dear friends actually land right on the border of small and medium sized dog breeds, with English Shelties being a tad smaller than their American counterparts.

Not to be deterred, it was a Shetland Sheepdog by the name of Howard Woofington-Moon who stole our hearts in life, the competition, and everything. In his acceptance speech, Mr Woofington-Moon took a prolonged bow and thanked his brother Piper for nominating him. Piper actually nominated himself but was too shy to say anything during the ceremony.

The Samoyed

Samoyed

The Samoyed Dog.

  • Temperament: Adaptable, Friendly, Gentle
  • Height: 19-23.5 inches
  • Weight: 35-65 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Working Group

The AKC says: The Samoyed is a substantial but graceful dog. Powerful, tireless, with a thick all-white coat impervious to cold—Sammies are perfectly beautiful but highly functional. Even their most delightful feature, a perpetual smile, has a practical function: the upturned corners of the mouth keep Sammies from drooling, preventing icicles from forming on the face.

We say: Samoyed dogs are beautiful, deep blue dogs who love to run. Yes, they are deep blue. Samoyed dogs are white, which according to physics is not a single color but in fact every color. Blue is a color, therefore Sammies are blue. Interestingly, this is the same type of logic employed by a Samoyed when discussing whether or not he's already been fed.

The Keeshond

Keeshond

The Keeshond Dog.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Lively, Outgoing
  • Height: 17-18 inches
  • Weight: 35-45 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Non-Sporting Group

The AKC says: The amiable Keeshond is a medium sized Spitz dog of ample coat, famous for the distinctive spectacles on his foxy face. Once a fixture on the canal barges of his native Holland, the Kees was, and remains, a symbol of Dutch patriotism.

We say: The Keeshond is interestingly named as an onomatopoeia—that is to say, "Keeshond" is the noise a Keeshond makes when a Keeshond sneezes. They are the only breed of dog known to be named after an onomatopoeia, besides the Chinese Yap and the Swedish Woof.

The Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd.

  • Temperament: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant
  • Height: 18-23 inches
  • Weight: 40-65 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: The Australian Shepherd, a lean and tough medium-sized ranch dog, is one of those only-in-America stories: a European breed perfected in California by way of Australia. Fixtures on the rodeo circuit, they are closely associated with the cowboy life.

We say: Conversely, the Australian Shepherd is the least Australian dog in the community. What is going to happen next? Up is down? Today is tomorrow? Dogs are cats? It doesn't matter to the Aussie Shepherd, he's about to catch a stick, once again reminding you that the stick belongs to him.

The Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Clever, Courageous
  • Height: 23 inches
  • Weight: 50-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
  • Group: Terrier Group

The AKC says: His size, strength, and unflagging spirit have earned the Airedale Terrier the nickname The King of Terriers. The Airedale stands among the world's most versatile dog breeds and has distinguished himself as hunter, athlete, and companion.

We say: Airedale society unanimously accepts that the moustache is the very pinnacle of respectable modern fashion. As such, moustaches are displayed by male and female terriers alike. To quote Earl Terrence of Airedale: "Should a ruffian disparage the appearance of one's moustache, one must challenge said ruffian to a duel without hesitation." Well said, Terrence, well said.

The American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog.

  • Temperament: Playful, Perky, Smart
  • Height: 15-19 inches
  • Weight: 25-35 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
  • Group: Non-Sporting Group

The AKC says: The American Eskimo Dog combines striking good looks with a quick and clever mind in a total brains-and-beauty package. Neither shy nor aggressive, Eskies are always alert and friendly, though a bit conservative when making new friends.

We say: American Eskies are ironically the Australians of the dog community. Known for late night partying and nonsensical abbreviations, the American Eskimo or "Ammie Eskie" is the kind of dog you'd invite to a barbecue, but not the kind of dog you'd take out to a fancy restaurant.

The Basset Hound

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound.

  • Temperament: Charming, Patient, Low-Key
  • Height: Up to 15 inches
  • Weight: 40-65 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
  • Group: Hound Group

The AKC says: Among the most appealing of the AKC breeds, the endearing and instantly recognizable Basset Hound is a perennial favorite of medium-sized dog lovers all over the world. This low-slung and low-key hound can be sometimes stubborn, but is always charming.

We say: The Basset Hound is the most suspicious of all the medium sized dog breeds. Bassets are only suspicious of other Basset Hounds, and predominantly themselves. This makes no sense at all because Basset Hounds are in fact perfectly innocent*.

*Excludes carpet-based atrocities.

The Bearded Collie

Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie Dog.

  • Temperament: Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic
  • Height: 20-22 inches
  • Weight: 45-55 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: A boisterous and charismatic droving dog from Scotland, the shaggy-coated Bearded Collie (Beardie to his friends) enjoys outdoor exercise in all weather. Bred to be independent decision-makers, they can be willful but are always friendly.

We say: A Bearded Collie is the living incarnation of an avalanche, and we do not say that lightly. If you don't believe us, try bodily obstructing a litter of hungry Beardie pups from their mother when she's just got back from the store. You may end up explaining to your grandfather why a puppy is suckling your breast, which is far from preferable.

The Border Collie

Border Collie

The Border Collie Dog.

  • Temperament: Affectionate, Smart, Energetic
  • Height: 18-22 inches
  • Weight: 30-55 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog—maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done.

We say: The Border Collie is a black belt in outsmarting human beings. When Bobby the Border Collie stole a sandwich from seven-year-old Pete, revenge was most definitely on the cards. Young Pete invited Bobby into the kitchen, where he had prepared what he believed to be the hottest, most fearsomely spicy food imaginable: a buttered sandwich with ground black pepper in the middle. That would teach Bobby for eating his sandwich.

Young Pete threw the sandwich on the floor, knowing that Bobby would take one bite, yelp, and run for a drink of water. Instead, Bobby gulped the whole thing up and licked his lips. Pete was not a smart child.

The Chow Chow

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow Dog.

  • Temperament: Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded
  • Height: 17-20 inches
  • Weight: 45-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
  • Group: Non-Sporting Group

The AKC says: The Chow Chow, an all-purpose dog of ancient China, presents the picture of a muscular, deep-chested aristocrat with an air of inscrutable timelessness. Dignified, serious-minded, and aloof, the Chow Chow is a breed of unique delights.

We say: The American Kennel Club is prestigious, we suppose, but why isn't their entire description dedicated to the fact that Chow Chow tongues are blue? Yes, their tongues are blue! It boggles the mind. Blue!

The English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Playful, Obedient
  • Height: 19-20 inches
  • Weight: 40-50 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Sporting Group

The AKC says: The English Springer Spaniel is a sweet-faced, lovable bird dog of great energy, stamina, and brains. Sport hunters cherish the duality of working Springers: handsome, mannerly pets during the week, and trusty hunting buddies on weekends.

We say: Do you want a dog whose ears can be repurposed as a hammock for up to seven smaller dogs? In the last episode of the Bible, it says (paraphrasing here) that if a man shalt die without experiencing the glory of touching an English Springer Spaniel's ears, then a man shalt never truly know heaven.

The Eurasier

Eurasier

The Eurasier Dog.

  • Temperament: Confident, Calm, Family-Oriented
  • Height: 19-24 inches
  • Weight: 40-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
  • Group: Foundation Stock Service

The AKC says: The Eurasier is a medium-sized dog breed with a thick, medium-long coat that can come in a variety of colors. Confident, calm, and well-balanced, he is loyal to the entire family, but reserved towards strangers. He must live in close contact with his family, as he is not suited to be kept in kennels or tied up outside.

We say: Eurasiers think they are bears, and they are right, because they are actual bears. Somewhat incredibly, all Eurasiers share 100% of their genetic material with every species of bear. However, Eurasiers are also extremely liberal and many like to identify as dogs. To which we say: good dog Eurasier, you do you!

The Finnish Lapphund

Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Agile
  • Height: 16-21 inches
  • Weight: 33-53 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: The weatherproof Finnish Lapphund is a tough and substantial reindeer herder from north of the Arctic Circle. This remarkably empathetic breed is among the friendliest of all dogs—once he's satisfied that you aren't a reindeer rustler.

We say: The AKC draws your attention to the Finnish Lapphund's aversion to reindeer rustlers. And they're right to do so. Do not, under any circumstances, allow a Finnish Lapphund to suspect you're a reindeer rustler. To rustle reindeer in a Finnish Lapphund's society is the ultimate faux pas.

The Finnish Spitz

Finnish Spitz

The Finnish Spitz Dog.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Good-Natured, Lively
  • Height: 15.5-20 inches
  • Weight: 20-33 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
  • Group: Non-Sporting Group

The AKC says: The lively Finnish Spitz, the flame-colored, foxy-faced breed from the Land of 60,000 Lakes, is a small but fearless hunting dog whose unique style of tracking and indicating quarry has earned him the nickname the Barking Bird Dog.

We say: The Finnish Spitz may seem curious, but in fact they're simply physiologically unable to hold their heads on a level plane. The closest one got was Sir Edmund Voltswagen, who achieved a mere 1.5-degree tilt to the left at the 2021 International Canine Head-Levelling Championships in Helsinki (it's just easier for travel).

The Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted
  • Height: 21.5-24 inches
  • Weight: 55-75 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
  • Group: Sporting Group

The AKC says: The Golden Retriever, an exuberant Scottish gun-dog of great beauty, stands among America's most popular dog breeds. They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work.

We say: Golden Retrievers are unshakably positive. Experiments were done in the Soviet era, attempting to harness the positive energy of a Golden Retriever and convert it to a superweapon. The research concluded it wasn't possible to convert the joyous mood of a dog into a weapon, and that it was probably a rather silly thing to attempt in the first place.

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen.

  • Temperament: Independent, Happy, Outgoing
  • Height: 15.5-18 inches
  • Weight: 40-45 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
  • Group: Hound Group

The AKC says: The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a French scent-hound. Roughly translated, it means Large, low, shaggy dog of the Vendee. Somewhat active and never high-strung, GBGVs are busy dogs who don't tire easily.

We say: The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen postures himself only at perfect right angles. Every part must be perpendicular to every other part at all times, for obvious reasons. The exception is the tail. It's not possible to maintain a right angle on the obtuse angle of another right angle. So GBGVs mitigate this by rapidly alternating their tail angle between right angles of the back and the hind leg. Onlookers call this "wagging" but Grand Bassets consider this term reductive.

The Icelandic Sheepdog

Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Playful, Inquisitive
  • Height: 16.5-18 inches
  • Weight: 25-30 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: The Icelandic Sheepdog, Iceland's only native dog breed, is a charmingly friendly and faithful all-around herder of small to medium size. A densely coated Nordic spitz-type breed, Icelandics are enthusiastically devoted to their humans.

We say: The Icelandic Sheepdog has a proverb: "If it moves, it needs herding." While you'd think they would therefore herd anything that moves, modern Icelandic Sheepdogs treat the proverb as more of a general guideline than a hard rule.

The Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz Dog.

  • Temperament: Loyal, Playful, Smart
  • Height: 12-15 inches
  • Weight: 10-25 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Foundation Stock Service

The AKC says: The Japanese Spitz are little comedians who want to make you happy and laugh. They are very loyal and smart and make wonderful companions. Game for adventures, they will tag along on a hike, a car ride, or a trip to the beach or lake. They love their humans and just enjoy being with them.

We say: If you want a dog you can name "Snowball" then this is definitely not the dog for you. The Japanese Spitz has long been oppressed by people naming their dog by the colour of their fur. We're all the same color on the inside, and that's red.

The Kai Ken

Kai Ken

The Kai Ken Dog.

  • Temperament: Loyal, Agile, Keen
  • Height: 15.5-19.5 inches
  • Weight: 20-40 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Foundation Stock Service

The AKC says: The Kai Ken is a medium sized dog and is one of the six native Japanese breeds or Nihon Ken. Traditionally used to hunt a wide range of game in the mountains of Japan, the Kai Ken is highly intelligent and learns quickly. He's a trustworthy guardian and extremely devoted to his master.

We say: The Kai Ken is a good friend, first and foremost. He will cheer you up when you're lonely, cook you scrambled eggs when you're hungry, and counsel you on the emotional intricacies of struggling relationships. And you know he won't take advantage of you, because the Kai Ken is your friend.

The Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Active, Outgoing
  • Height: 21.5-24.5 inches
  • Weight: 55-80 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
  • Group: Sporting Group

The AKC says: The sweet-faced, lovable Labrador Retriever is America's most popular dog breed. Labs are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions who have more than enough affection to go around for a family looking for a medium to large sized dog.

We say: Labrador Retrievers are often mistaken for Golden Retrievers, which they love. Labs are never not laughing, in that they are in a perpetual state of laugh. Every single thing they experience is inexplicably hilarious to every Labrador, including laughing at the fact that they are laughing and they don't know why.

The Miniature American Shepherd

Miniature American Shepherd

The Miniature American Shepherd.

  • Temperament: Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted
  • Height: 13-18 inches
  • Weight: 20-40 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: The Miniature American Shepherd resembles a small Australian Shepherd. True herders in spite of their compact size, Minis are bright, self-motivated workers and endearingly loyal and lively companion dogs who have an affinity for horses.

We say: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are secretly never any bigger than a pup. However, they share a Voltron-like mechanism where multiple puppies can merge to form one slightly larger adult dog. It's said that if you startle a Mini American Shepherd, it can break apart into several puppies which scurry back to whence they came.

The Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound Dog.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Confident, Dependable
  • Height: 19.5-20.5 inches
  • Weight: 48-55 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Hound Group

The AKC says: The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust Spitz type known for his lush silver-gray coat and dignified but friendly demeanor. The durable Elkhound is among Europe's oldest dogs. They sailed with the Vikings and figure in Norse art and legend.

We say: "Hey, are you an elk? If not, have you seen any elk? No? What about yesterday? Do you know anyone who's seen any elk?"

This is what it is like to talk to a Norwegian Elkhound at any social gathering. Frankly, if you're not really, really into elk, you're not going to get a lot out of the conversation.

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

  • Temperament: Confident, Clever, Lively
  • Height: 17-20 inches
  • Weight: 30-50 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: A shaggy-coated herding dog who thrives on exercise and hard work, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is clever, confident, and a bit stubborn. Compact, alert, and adaptable, they are beloved companions and watchdogs of Polish city dwellers.

We say: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have record-breaking eyesight. Their incredible eyes are capable of spotting a rabbit standing still from a league and a half away. Unfortunately their overzealous eyebrows render the Polish Lowland Sheepdog virtually blind.

The Portuguese Sheepdog

Portuguese Sheepdog

The Portuguese Sheepdog.

  • Temperament: Intelligent, Devoted, Lively
  • Height: 16.5-21.5 inches
  • Weight: 37.5-59 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
  • Group: Foundation Stock Service

The AKC says: The Portuguese Sheepdog is exceptionally intelligent and lively. Very devoted to the shepherd and his herd, he can be somewhat wary of strangers and vigilant at night. Today, he is also an excellent companion, sporting and guard dog.

We say: Portuguese Sheepdogs were bred by Portuguese sheep as pets; a plan that backfired spectacularly. The sheep realized too late once they'd been herded into a paddock by their own pets. Humans used to mock the sheep for such a mistake, while failing to recognize the foreshadowing of their own fate with the rise of artificial intelligence.

The Puli

Puli

The Puli Dog.

  • Temperament: Loyal, Smart, Home-Loving
  • Height: 16-17 inches
  • Weight: 25-35 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: No other breed can be mistaken for the Puli, a compact but powerful herder covered from head to tail with profuse, naturally occurring cords. Bred to work closely with humans, these agile and faithful little dynamos are quick learners.

We say: Some people joke that Pulis are dogs that identify as Rastafarians, missing the truth entirely. Rather, Rastafarians are humans who identify as Pulis. And those Rastas are onto something. The Puli is subjectively one of the most magnificent creatures on the planet. Particularly so in the eyes of Pulis, and therefore also in the eyes of Rastafarians.

The Pyrenean Shepherd

Pyrenean Shepherd

The Pyrenean Shepherd Dog.

  • Temperament: Affectionate, Active, Enthusiastic
  • Height: 15-21 inches
  • Weight: 15-30 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: Late teens
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: Enthusiastic, mischievous, and whip-smart, the Pyrenean Shepherd is an indefatigable herder descended from ancient sheepdogs of the Pyrenees mountains. Tough and sinewy Pyrenean Shepherds come in rough-faced and smooth-faced coat varieties.

We say: Proof that a little knowledge is more dangerous than none, the Pyrenean Shepherd once read that light travels as waves. The Pyrenean then surmised that if he postured himself as a sine-wave, he would be be able to dodge all light. The result is an enthusiastic dog who moves like a sea serpent while chuckling and thinking he is invisible.

The Rough Collie

Rough Collie

The Rough Collie.

  • Temperament: Devoted, Graceful, Proud
  • Height: 22-26 inches
  • Weight: 50-75 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Herding Group

The AKC says: The majestic Rough Collie, thanks to a hundred years as a pop-culture star, is among the world's most recognizable and beloved dog breeds. The full-coated Rough Collie is the more familiar variety, but there is also a sleek Smooth Collie.

We say: Shelties often get mistaken for Rough Collies. It is a fair mistake, because even Shelties mistake each other, and sometimes themselves, for a Rough Collie. Rough Collies have the same problem in reverse. Conversations between the two breeds typically begin with a brief exchange of breed identity to smooth out any potential embarrassments.

The Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky Dog.

  • Temperament: Loyal, Outgoing, Mischevious
  • Height: 20-23.5 inches
  • Weight: 35-60 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Working Group

The AKC says: The Siberian Husky, a thickly coated, compact sled dog of medium size and great endurance, was developed to work in packs, pulling light loads at moderate speeds over vast frozen expanses. This northern breed is friendly, fastidious, and dignified.

We say: Siberian Huskies love running through snow, in the same way that kids loves candy, and geese love instilling morbid terror on humans. If you mention snow to a Husky, you better provide the aforementioned snow through which the Husky may run. The mere suggestion of snow results in every capacitor in the Husky's central nervous system discharging, firing him up until such time as he can burn off a trillion joules of energy. The fastest way to burn off that energy? Run through the snow, of course.

The Standard Poodle

Poodle

The Poodle Dog.

  • Temperament: Active, Proud, Very Smart
  • Height: Over 15 inches
  • Weight: 40-70 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
  • Group: Non-Sporting Group

The AKC says: Whether black, white, or apricot, the Satndard Poodle stands proudly among Dogdom's true aristocrats. Beneath the curly, low-allergen coat is an elegant athlete and companion for all reasons and seasons.

We say: Hairstyles of 1980s never went out of fashion for the mighty Poodle. He considers a perm to be the number 3 necessity for survival, just behind oxygen at number two and ahead of shelter at number four. All other dogs find Poodles startlingly attractive, which the Poodle naturally attributes to his epic hairdo. There is nothing standard about it.

The Standard Schnauzer

Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer.

  • Temperament: Fearless, Smart, Spirited
  • Height: 17.5-19.5 inches
  • Weight: 30-50 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
  • Group: Working Group

The AKC says: The bold, bewhiskered Standard Schnauzer is a high-spirited farm dog from Germany. They are the sometimes-willful but ever reliable medium sized members of the Schnauzer family of breeds. The Standard's sporty look is a canine classic.

We say: The Standard Schnauzer is the gold standard in Schnauzer, according to Schnauzer folklore. When the Schnauzer spies a squirrel, his brainwave frequency jumps up by 365% and he's so pleased with himself, he self-awards the gold standard during this moment of hyper-intelligence. Incidentally, the Standard Schnauzer considers all breeds of dogs to be a gold standard of something or other, including other types of Schnauzer.

The Schapendoes

Schapendoes

The Schapendoes Dog.

  • Temperament: Friendly, Watchful, Lively
  • Height: 16-20 inches
  • Weight: 26-55 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Foundation Stock Service

The AKC says: This shaggy sheepdog of Holland is also known as the Dutch Sheep Dog. Schapendoes are cheerful, funny, clever and brave and are very good family pets. They also have a strong desire to please.

We say: Sir Schapendoes agrees with the kind statements offered by the American Kennel Club, and would like to remind you that he did not steal your toast and eat it on the bathroom floor. It had butter on it, and it was delicious. He presumes! After all, Sir Schapendoes would remind you that his type are very good family pets. AKC's words, not his!

The Vizsla

Vizsla

The Vizsla Dog.

  • Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Energetic
  • Height: 21-24 inches
  • Weight: 44-60 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
  • Group: Sporting Group

The AKC says: The Vizsla is a versatile, red-coated gun-dog built for long days in the field. For centuries, these rugged but elegant athletes have been the pride of Hungarian sportsmen and their popularity in America increases with each passing year.

We say: The Vizsla often wonders why people aren't more curious? He can tell you where the stick is, with one hundred percent accuracy, every time. It's in his mouth. So why not throw it again, so he can tell you where it is. Are you not curious?

The Whippet

Whippet

The Whippet Dog.

  • Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Calm
  • Height: 18-22 inches
  • Weight: 25-40 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
  • Group: Hound Group

The AKC says: The sleek, sweet-faced Whippet, the Poor Man's Racehorse, is lightning quick. He is an amiable, dignified, and gentle soul, but give him something to chase and he's all business. The name Whippet is synonymous with streamlined grace.

We say: A Whippet can run, we get it. Everyone knows he's as quick as a whippet, and everyone knows how fast a Whippet can run. But does anybody think to ask how Mr Whippet is feeling? The Whippet is actually doing very fine, thank you. He's got a ball to chase later, had a really satisfying chew on his foot after lunch, and is thinking about going for a run. Best day ever.

Rebecca Casale, Creator of Sheltie Planet

Rebecca Casale is the creator of Sheltie Planet. She has two goofball kids and lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Meet her furballs Howard and Piper, download her guide to Shelties, and check out her other website Science Me.

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