When it comes to choosing the right dog breed, size, temperament and activity index of the dogs play a huge role. While most people like big dogs and others like small dogs that they can carry in their arms, there is also a growing list of pet dog lovers who could use the middle ground. And that middle ground is choosing a medium-sized dog as they are in between the small dog breeds as well as the large dog breeds.
List Of Popular Medium Sized Dog Breeds
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- American English Coonhound
- American Eskimo Dog
- American Foxhound
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Australian Shepherd
- American Water Spaniel
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Basenji
- Basset Hound
- Bearded Collie
- Beauceron dog breed
- Bedlington Terrier
- Belgian Malinois
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Belgian Tervuren
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Black and Tan Coonhound
- Black Russian Terrier
- Border Collie
- Boerboel
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Bloodhound
- Boykin Spaniel
- Canaan Dog
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Bullmastiff
Medium dogs can also be those dogs that have both characteristics of big dogs and small dog as well. For instance, those dogs that are small enough to be carried but can play like a big dog.
Small dogs usually grow to about 20 pounds and big dogs grow to 60. We might as well say that medium-sized dogs are in between 20 and 60. However, some people find it hard to distinguish the medium-sized dogs to big dogs and small dogs. This is because of some characteristics that can be found in all types.
When selecting a breed we consider things like the ability to be easily trained, their activity or energy level. The good side is that the breed itself has characteristics of the dog that come with it so we already to know what to expect from that breed.
Let’s take a look at the top medium breeds and see which one will be best for you.
Standard Schnauzer
This breed is Smaller than the Giant schnauzer and bigger than the Miniature schnauzer as its growth ranges from 30 to 55 pounds. It, however, possesses traits of both the miniature and the giant.
Many years ago, the standard schnauzer was used a farm dog since it is very fast and athletic. Its clever and alert character makes this an excellent watchdog.
On top of that, it is both very loyal and faithful to its owners.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This breed weighs from 24 to 38 pounds and has a muscular body, short legs and a large head which makes the breed look very tough. Due to these characteristics, they are mostly mistaken for a small pit-bull dog breed.
Despite being tough dogs, they are sometimes called “Nanny Dogs” because they are very affectionate and love children.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
As its names says, this breed is very well known for its soft coat and its joyful character. They are very suitable for allergic people because they shed less. Their coat requires care to prevent it from tangling.
The breed is a listener which makes it very easy to train. It is quite playful, smart loyal and it is the kind of dog that easily adapts to any kind of household or environment.
Miniature American Shepherd
Despite the name Miniature shepherd, this breed falls under the medium dog breed category. It is the smaller than the Australian Shepherd and weighs from 20 to 40 pounds which may seem heavy for some people.
This dog is very smart and playful. For people who like going for runs, this energetic dog will be suited for you. It is also very affectionate to its owners but may seem sometimes territorial to strangers.
Dalmatian
These dogs are very well recognized for their spots but their weight ranges from 45 to 70 pounds. Because of this, a lot of people assume that they are in the category of big dogs.
Dalmatians are perfect for people who are looking for a smart and outgoing dog that can be trained without a lot of sweat. The training needs to be well-formed and constantly exercised. Fortunately, they are always open to learning new things so training them new things won’t cause too much stress
English Springer Spaniel
If you are looking for a breed that will love and respect your whole family then get this spaniel. It is very affectionate, loyal and very playful.
They, on the other hand, have incredible hunting instincts which date back to the 18th century. They need regular exercise and grooming.
Collie
This dog became very famous around the time it was used in the movie, Lassie, and it is remembered for its thick beautiful coat.
These dogs are very loyal to their owners and tend to develop anxiety when they are not around their owners for a long time. So if you are a regular 7 to 5 person, you might want to reconsider.
This breed is very easy to train and very good to be around children without much supervision.
Cocker Spaniel
This breed weighs from 20 to 30 pounds and seems rather on the smaller side of the medium range. They have a big coat which needs to be brushed daily. This may sound like too much work but it is essential in the long run.
The Cocker Spaniel is very good at socializing if they have been given a good training. They are the type of dogs that can play with the whole family.
Bull Terrier
Usually called “Goofball” because of their love for playing with their owners, these dogs are very charming. They weigh about 50 to 70 pounds and they are short, large-boned with well-muscled bodies.
This dog needs a lot of exercise to keep it from being restless and they need training but on the other side, they are very energetic dogs.
Brittany.
This is one of the most active dogs whether it is hunting or any dog sport and so they need active owners or else they tend to get bored if there is no activity.
Keep your dog active by going on adventures, sport, swimming or running. Plus the Brittany is very affectionate and can make a great companion
Boykin Spaniel
This dog weighs somewhere from 25 to 40 pounds and is a very lovable dog that makes a great at cuddling. Its adaptation skills allow it to be very suitable for any type of household.
The Boykin is very active and you can definitely take it for a swim since it is very skilled at swimming. This dog can be your best friend
Beagle
The Beagle weighs about 20 to 30 which is surprisingly light as compared to other medium-sized dogs. They are very affectionate, like to please their owners, very smart and active.
These dogs are sometimes called “Food vacuums” because they tend to eat any food that is left unattended in the house so watch out for your food.
Basset Hound
This unique breed weighs about 40 to 65 pounds. They have short legs which keep their chest low and they have a medium-sized coat. They also have big ears which are very distinctive.
These dogs are very energetic when they are younger. Their owners need to brush their coats to prevent any skin infections. On the other hand, they are perfect for quiet homes.
Whippet
This is a breed that is confused with a greyhound of having similar features but however, the whippet weigh 25 to 40 pounds which is less than that of an average greyhound and the whippets are more solid than Italian greyhounds which are very fragile
The whippet’s coat requires less grooming as compared to other dogs. They are highly active, fast and like to seek adventure. They make an excellent companion and will always keep up to your activities.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This athletic and energetic dog weighs about 20 to 30 pounds, has pointy ears, short legs and a long body which very recognizable. It was known and used in the past as a herding dog.
These dogs are very affectionate as well as very loyal to its owners and tend to be very jumpy as they are playful.
Keeshond
It is most of the times called “Furball” because it has a lot of hair that makes the dog appear large. Despite that, its weight lies between 35 to 45 pounds. The keeshond looks a lot like the Pomeranian. The reason is that they have a common ancestral past.
All the hair on the keeshond needs regular brushing to reduce dander on their skin. They also need exercises. Other than that, these dogs are very friendly and are definitely the dogs you can take out with you.
Border Collie
This breed is known for both being the world’s smartest dog breeds and most highly energetic dog breeds and it weighs about 30 to 60 pounds.
Border Collies tend to develop stress if they are bored or if they feel inactive. If you have a very active life then this breed might suit you. Plus, they are very loyal and they will be your best friend.
Australian Cattle Dog
Weighing about 35 to 50 pounds, this dog is very powerful and make for work. The Australian cattle dog is a working and family dog breed that is extremely intelligent and a very good listener of commands.
It is yet loyal and can make an excellent companion for busy people. This breed is also very curios and easily alarmed which makes it a great watchdog.
German Shorthaired Pointer
They are most of the times just referred to as GSPs. They are known for their high energy because they can run for a long period of time and weigh about 45 to 70 pounds
These dogs are so popular for their companionship trait, loyalty and their running abilities make them good hunters
Labrador Retriever
These dogs have, for many years, been popular in the U.S. and they will continue being popular many years to come. They weigh from 55 to 80 pounds and are very intelligent dogs and easy to train.
They are quick to adapt, learn and very easy to please. This is why they are mostly used in jobs like dog service or rescue dogs
Siberian Husky
These dogs weigh about 35 to 60 pounds. They are energetic and are very playful but sometimes they can be very hard to control.
Overall they are active listeners, happy and smart and if you like going out then this is your dog.
American Staffordshire Terrier
These breeds weight between 40 to 70 pounds and appear larger than medium. They are sometimes just called “Am Staff’. Their resemblance to a bit-pull (which is considered dangerous) has led to the banning of these breeds along with any breeds that look like pit-bull as well due to some legislations.
Despite that, The Am staff are very loyal, affectionate and friendly that suits every active home.
Bearded Collie
This breed, weighing from 45 to 55 pounds, has a very big fluffy coat that makes the dog look a little darker than it is. It is very fast and it was raised as a herding breed in the past.
It will require regular brushing of its coat but besides that it a good outgoing dog which is very energetic
Golden Retriever
These dogs are friendly and loving to the whole family. They weigh between 55 to 75 pounds and are mostly used as guide and service dogs (similar to Labrador Retriever breed) because they are smart dogs.
Chinese Shar-Pei
These smart dogs weigh about 45 to 60 pounds and are very loyal to its family. This makes them great watchdogs
The Shar-Pei displays an independent character as it does not beg for attention from its owners.
In conclusion, these are the Top 25 medium-sized breeds. As I said earlier, picking the breed means picking the characteristics that the type of breed has. I hope you have found a suitable breed.
