Known as man's best friend, a pet dog can bring so much joy to a household, but there are so many breeds to choose from – whether from your local shelter or a verified dog breeder.

Some people might prefer to have a medium-sized dog for a number of reasons; firstly, they may feel more protected when walking their dog.

With winter coming, the evenings will become darker and darker, and some people may not feel comfortable taking a walk once it's dark outside if they only had a little pooch.

And, secondly, there's less risk of a medium-sized dog getting under your feet while in the house like a small dog would. Another possible reason to prefer a medium-sized dog is that your place is simply not large enough for a very big dog.

Or maybe the strength of a very big dog may feel overwhelming; whichever the reason you prefer a medium-sized dog, here are some of the cutest breeds around.