Black and White Dog Breeds Medium: 8 Striking Breeds With Size, Care and Health Facts
What are the best medium black and white dog breeds? Top picks include the Border Collie, English Springer Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd, plus the slightly larger Dalmatian and Pointer. Most weigh roughly 30 to 60 pounds. Energy levels are high across the group, so match the breed to your lifestyle, not just its coat.
Whether you call it a black and white or a white and black dog, a crisp two-tone coat turns heads on every walk. But looks are only the start. This guide covers black and white dog breeds medium-sized enough for most homes, with verified height, weight and lifespan figures, exercise needs, health issues to ask breeders about, and name ideas for your new two-tone companion.
Key takeaways
- Hill’s places small dogs at about 30 pounds or less and large dogs at over 55 pounds, so medium sits in between.
- The Border Collie (30 to 55 lbs) is the classic medium black and white breed.
- Dalmatians and Pointers often weigh more than 55 pounds, so treat them as medium-to-large.
- Several of these breeds need one to two hours of exercise a day.
- Ask breeders about deafness testing, especially in Dalmatians and Border Collies.
In this guide
What Counts as a Medium Dog?
There is no single official cutoff, but Hill’s Pet Nutrition offers a useful guide. It describes small dogs as weighing around 30 pounds or less and large dogs as over 55 pounds, which leaves medium sized dogs roughly between those figures. Many medium sized dog breeds overlap the edges, especially males.
That is why this list of black and white dog breeds medium owners love includes a few “medium-to-large” options. Always check the adult weight range, not just a puppy’s size, before you commit.
Black and White Dog Breeds Medium: Quick Comparison
| Breed | Height | Weight | Lifespan | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Border Collie | 18 to 22 in. | 30 to 55 lbs | 12 to 15 years | Very high |
| English Springer Spaniel | 18 to 21 in. | 40 to 50 lbs | 10 to 14 years | High |
| Siberian Husky | 20 to 23.5 in. | 40 to 60 lbs | 12 to 14 years | High |
| Portuguese Water Dog | About 19 to 22 in. | 35 to 60 lbs | 10 to 14 years | High |
| Australian Shepherd | 18 to 23 in. | 40 to 65 lbs | 12 to 15 years | Very high |
| Dalmatian | 19 to 24 in. | 45 to 70 lbs | 11 to 13 years | Very high |
| Pointer | 23 to 28 in. | 45 to 75 lbs | 12 to 15 years | Very high |
| Boston Terrier (smaller option) | About 16 to 17 in. | 10 to 25 lbs | 10 to 14 years | Moderate |
Sources: Chewy (Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, Pointer), VCA (Springer), Hill’s (Husky, Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier). Energy ratings summarize each source’s exercise advice.
8 Black and White Dog Breeds Medium Owners Love
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is the classic medium black and white dog. Chewy lists a height of 18 to 22 inches, a weight of 30 to 55 pounds and a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, with “white and black” among its many coat options. This brilliant herder needs one to two hours of exercise daily, plus training games, and does best with experienced owners. Chewy sums up this star of black and white dog breeds medium in size as “Active, Confident, Genius.”
2. English Springer Spaniel
Purina lists “black or liver with white” among Springer coats, along with roan and tricolor. VCA Animal Hospitals gives a height of 18 to 21 inches, a weight of 40 to 50 pounds and a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. VCA describes Springers as exuberant, eager to please and usually good with children, but they need a daily long walk or jog and can gain weight easily.
3. Siberian Husky
According to Hill’s, Huskies stand 20 to 23.5 inches tall, weigh 40 to 60 pounds and live 12 to 14 years. Hill’s lists black-and-white among the common coat patterns. Huskies are social, playful and vocal, need at least an hour of activity daily, and “blow” their coat twice a year, so expect heavy seasonal shedding.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Hill’s lists coats of white, black or brown, solid or with white, so black-and-white “Porties” are an accepted look. Males stand about 22 inches and weigh 42 to 60 pounds; females are about 19 inches and 35 to 50 pounds. They typically live 10 to 14 years. Hill’s notes the “hypoallergenic” label may or may not hold true for each person, which matters if you want black and white dog breeds medium in size for an allergy-prone home.
5. Australian Shepherd
Chewy lists Aussie colors as blue merle, black, red and red merle, often with white or tan markings, so a black Aussie with white trim fits this list. Expect 18 to 23 inches, 40 to 65 pounds and 12 to 15 years. Aussies need an hour or two of activity daily.
Like other black and white dog breeds medium in size with herding roots, Aussies can carry MDR1, a mutation Chewy calls common in herding breeds. It affects how dogs react to some medicines, so ask your vet about testing.
6. Dalmatian
The classic spotted dog stands 19 to 24 inches and weighs 45 to 70 pounds, per Chewy, so larger individuals tip into the large category. Dalmatians live 11 to 13 years and need about two hours of exercise daily. Chewy notes deafness is commonly seen in blue-eyed Dalmatians, with one study finding up to 17% have some hearing loss, and bladder stones occur more often than in other breeds.
7. Pointer
Chewy lists black and white among Pointer color combinations. At 23 to 28 inches and 45 to 75 pounds, Pointers are at the large end of medium. They live 12 to 15 years, need at least two hours of exercise daily and are friendly with people, though their prey drive is strong. Chewy lists bloat (GDV) among breed health concerns.
8. Boston Terrier (a smaller option)
If the breeds above sound too big or busy, consider the Boston Terrier. Hill’s lists black with white as an accepted color, with males weighing 15 to 25 pounds. Bostons are cheerful, affectionate and need only moderate exercise, which can suit smaller homes.
Dog With Black, White and Brown: Tricolor Options
Many people searching for black and white dog breeds medium in size also love tricolor coats. Two breeds above come in black, white and brown or tan: Purina lists tricolor among Springer Spaniel coats, and Chewy notes Australian Shepherds can have both white and tan markings. Smaller tricolor dogs include the Beagle; see our guide to Beagle shedding and size. If you prefer solid dark coats, explore black dog breeds instead.
How to Choose Among Black and White Dog Breeds Medium in Size
A black and white color dog is no calmer or wilder than any other, because coat color tells you nothing about temperament. As general advice, choose based on these factors:
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| An athletic running partner | Border Collie, Pointer, Dalmatian |
| A family dog that loves people | English Springer Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog |
| A dog for cold climates | Siberian Husky |
| A dog for agility or herding sports | Border Collie, Australian Shepherd |
| Lower exercise needs | Boston Terrier |
| A swimming companion | Portuguese Water Dog |
If you adopt a black-and-white mix, a dog DNA test can suggest which breeds shaped its energy and size. Porties who love water may enjoy a backyard dog pool in summer.
Coat Care and Health for Black and White Dogs
Black and white dog breeds medium in size need the same coat care as any other color. As general advice, weekly brushing suits most of these breeds, with more during seasonal sheds. Health depends on breed, so ask breeders for screening results:
| Breed | Health topics to ask about |
|---|---|
| Border Collie | Deafness, epilepsy, collie eye anomaly, MDR1, hip dysplasia (Chewy) |
| Australian Shepherd | MDR1, epilepsy, eye conditions, hip dysplasia (Chewy) |
| Dalmatian | Deafness and bladder stones (Chewy) |
| Pointer | Bloat (GDV), hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness (Chewy) |
| English Springer Spaniel | Weight gain and ear problems (VCA) |
Pet Care Tip: White areas of a coat can sunburn more easily, especially on the nose and ears of short-coated dogs, as general advice. Ask your vet about a pet-safe sunscreen if your dog spends long hours outdoors.
When to call a vet right away: For deep-chested breeds like the Pointer, common bloat signs include unproductive retching, a swollen belly and restlessness. For Dalmatians, Chewy lists straining, frequent urination or blood in the urine as signs of bladder stones. Call your vet or a 24/7 emergency animal hospital immediately.
Black and White Dog Names
Once you have picked from these black and white dog breeds medium owners adore, the fun part is naming. Looking for names for black and white puppies? Popular picks include Oreo, Domino, Panda, Tux, Pepper, Cookie, Checkers, Bandit, Piano and Magpie. For more ideas inspired by dark coats, browse our unique black pet names.
7 questions to ask a breeder
- How much do the parents weigh as adults?
- Which health screenings have the parents passed?
- Have the puppies had a hearing (BAER) test?
- How much exercise do the parents get each day?
- How have the puppies been socialized?
- Are the parents MDR1 tested, if relevant to the breed?
- Will you take the dog back if needed?
Example Scenario (illustrative)
Emma in Portland wanted a black and white dog under 50 pounds for hiking. She considered a Dalmatian but realized many top 55 pounds. She chose an English Springer Spaniel from a breeder who shared hip and eye screening, and kept her dog lean with daily hikes and measured meals.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “All black and white dogs are the same breed type.” | The group includes herders, sporting dogs, sled dogs and terriers. |
| “Dalmatians are medium dogs.” | Chewy lists 45 to 70 pounds, so many are medium-to-large. |
| “Coat color affects personality.” | Temperament comes from breed, genetics and training, not color. |
| “The Maltese is a black and white breed.” | The Maltese is an all-white toy breed. |
What most owners get wrong
Many people choose a striking two-tone dog for its looks, then struggle with its energy. Border Collies, Aussies and Pointers can need two hours of activity a day. Before choosing among black and white dog breeds medium in size, be honest about your time for exercise and training.
Black and White Dog Breeds Medium: FAQs
What medium dog breeds are black and white?
Common choices include the Border Collie, English Springer Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd, plus the Dalmatian and Pointer.
What size is a medium dog?
Hill’s describes small dogs as about 30 pounds or less and large dogs as over 55 pounds, so medium dogs fall between.
Is a Border Collie a medium dog?
Yes. Chewy lists Border Collies at 18 to 22 inches and 30 to 55 pounds.
Is a Dalmatian a medium or large dog?
Chewy lists Dalmatians at 45 to 70 pounds, so they range from medium to large.
Which black and white dog is calmest?
Of this list, the smaller Boston Terrier needs only moderate exercise, per Hill’s. The others are high-energy breeds.
Are black and white dogs prone to deafness?
Some breeds are. Chewy notes deafness is common in Dalmatians and more likely in some Border Collie coat types.
What are good names for black and white dogs?
Popular names include Oreo, Domino, Panda, Tux, Pepper and Checkers.
Final Verdict on Black and White Dog Breeds Medium
The best black and white dog breeds medium in size include the Border Collie, English Springer Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Portuguese Water Dog and Australian Shepherd, with the Dalmatian and Pointer as larger options. All are beautiful, but most are high-energy. Choose for lifestyle first, ask about health screening and plan for daily exercise.
Your next steps
- Shortlist two breeds that match your activity level.
- Meet adult dogs of each breed if you can.
- Ask breeders or rescues about health and hearing tests.
Join us on the Pets Store Home Facebook page, and find more breed guides in our Dogs section.
About the author: Written and reviewed by the Pets Store Home Editorial Team, pet owners who check every guide against trusted sources.
How we checked this guide: Size definitions come from Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Breed size, lifespan, colors and health come from Chewy (Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, Pointer), VCA and Purina (English Springer Spaniel) and Hill’s (Siberian Husky, Portuguese Water Dog, Boston Terrier).
Where sources differ, such as Springer lifespan (VCA 10 to 14 years, Purina 12 to 14), we use the wider range. This guide was fully rewritten in November 2026 and is reviewed every 12 months.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
Sources (accessed November 1, 2026)
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