The following medium dog breeds are just as affectionate as smaller pups and as playful as larger dogs, in a convenient medium-sized package.
These dogs exemplify the perfect “happy medium,” which explains why these breeds consistently make the list of most popular dogs. Medium dog breeds are excellent family dogs and wonderful companions. Let us deep dive into why these friendly and eager-to-please dog breeds are the perfect choice for many prospective pet parents.
What is a Medium-Sized Dog? Size Range Explained
The parameters to define medium-size dogs vary. Some experts prefer categorizing dog sizes by detailed groupings, including extra-small, small, small-medium, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, and giant.
In general, medium-sized dog weight falls between small dogs that tend to weigh up to 20 pounds, and large dog breeds weighing in at over 60 pounds. So medium-size dogs weigh anywhere between 20 to 60 pounds and represent a large percentage of the existing dog breeds.
Top 10 Medium Dog Breeds
Depending on the breed, medium dogs run the gamut from super chill to high energy and athletic, so you can find the perfect mid-sized dog breed for your lifestyle. There are many breeds to choose from, so with a little research, you can easily find the perfect fit pup for you and your family.
Let's explore some popular medium dog breeds to learn more about their specific characteristics, including their temperament and energy levels.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian cattle dog is an intelligent and athletic breed smack in the middle of the medium-size dog category. This active and compact dog breed is a curious workhorse and needs intellectual stimulation to keep themselves out of mischief. Australian cattle dogs are smart, alert, and unfailingly loyal, making them the perfect canine companion for active pet parents.
Basset Hound
The mournful-looking Basset hound is an easygoing pup despite its rather sad expression. These distinctive-looking dogs have very short legs, but still easily weigh in at the medium-size range.
If you decide to welcome a Basset hound into your home, be aware that you must keep your fur baby's ears and coats impeccably clean, because Bassett hounds are prone to ear infections and skin problems. If you are willing and able to keep this commitment, these are wonderful companions that work best in quiet to moderately active environments.
Beagle
The beagle is a friendly, happy-go-lucky pup and a firm favorite among dog owners who prefer a moderately active pooch with a sweet disposition. Snoopy is, of course, a beagle, and has been providing the breed with good PR since the 1950s.
Beagles are considered to be in the small-medium range of dog breeds. They are compact enough to transport easily and fit in smaller environments, but still rugged enough to easily handle energetic play times or a long hike with their humans.
Border Collie
The border collie is a high-octane pup and also one of the smartest dog breeds. This medium-sized breed loves to work and be active. Challenging your border collie physically and mentally is essential to staving off boredom and avoiding damaging behavior before it begins. This affectionate breed is well-suited to active households.
Bulldog
The bulldog is a breed renowned for its unmistakable short muzzle and loud snoring. Bulldogs may hug the ground, but they still weigh in the middle range of the medium-size dogs thanks to their dense muscle mass.
Young bulldogs may be on the energetic side, but they usually slacken their place as they enter adulthood. Bulldogs are generally friendly and well-mannered pets, but keep in mind this breed is prone to breathing, skin, breathing, and orthopedic issues.
Cocker Spaniel
The popular and lovable cocker spaniel is on the small end of the medium breed range, making it a great choice if you're short on space. This breed is known to be playful and good-natured companions who benefit from regular moderate exercise. If you want to keep your cocker spaniel's coat long, daily brushing is to keep it silky and shiny. Be mindful of your fur baby's ears as cocker spaniels are susceptible to infection.
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is easily recognizable thanks to its distinctive black spots. This breed is in the larger size range of medium dog breeds. Dalmatians are athletic and prefer an active lifestyle, and some Dalmatians may have a stubborn or nervous streak. This breed can also be distrustful of strangers.
To help your Dalmatian with these behavioral issues, make sure your pup gets regular socialization, and consistent training and exercise. A firm hand is essential for this breed to be content and healthy.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a handsome and vigorous pup legendary for their entrancing blue or multicolored eyes and luxurious double coat.
This breed was created to thrive in the harsh, unforgiving Arctic environment, so the Husky is agile and tailor-made for pulling sleds in frigid conditions. The Siberian Husky's outgoing and affectionate nature makes them an ideal family pet.
This breed has an independent nature and a strong tendency to roam, so, consistent obedience training and supervision are important. If you can provide an action-packed environment as well as lots of mental stimulation, a Husky may be a perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.
Samoyed
The working breed Samoyed originates from Siberia and is best known for its impossibly fluffy white coat and perpetual smile. Because the Samoyed was bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds, it is a creature of both beauty and practicality. Their show-stopping thick double coat keeps them snug in frigid temperatures, but their coat requires a consistent grooming schedule to maintain your pooch's impressive floof.
This breed has an agreeable and gentle nature. The Samoyed is affectionate with their human family and tends to be patient and good-natured with kids and other fur babies.
Chow-Chow
Speaking of floof balls, the Chinese Chow-Chow is another medium size dog breed with a fetching outsize coat. This breed is striking in appearance with distinctive lion-esque manes and blue-black tongues.
Chows have a standoffish disposition that they wear like a cape of canine elegance. Although they are often aloof and reserved around strangers, this breed forges strong bonds with their human pack family and can be fiercely protective of them.
And remember pet parent, that epically beautiful coat doesn't just happen. Your pooch requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medium Breed
Welcoming a medium-sized dog to your family is a serious commitment. Careful research before choosing a particular breed helps circumvent any future problems you can avoid by knowing exactly what you're signing on for.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, size really does matter when it comes to dogs. Your new pooch should be a good “fit” for your home and lifestyle. A larger dog needs enough room to roam around the house and stretch out at night. If you are tight on space, medium-small dog breeds could be the best choice for your living situation.
Most dogs benefit from exercise so consider your access to green spaces for your pup to frolic in. A large fenced-in yard is preferable to a few square feet of grass. Some medium breeds are very active, so having a large yard is a bonus. Other breeds are happy with just an occasional outside jaunt. Either way, your pup will still have to go potty, so you will need an area close by for bathroom breaks and exercise.
Before bringing home a new fur baby be sure everyone in your household is on board with welcoming a canine family member. Do you have a partner, children, or seniors at home? If you have other adults or older children willing to share the responsibilities of caring for a dog it's one for the 'win' column.
If you already have young kids or see parenthood (or grandparenthood) in your future within the next decade or so, select a breed that is patient and gentle with children. If you share your home with seniors, take into account your preferred dog's activity level and choose accordingly. An energetic breed like a terrier could inadvertently trip someone with mobility issues. A dog with a calmer disposition may be a better fit under these circumstances.
Conclusion
One of the perks of choosing a medium dog breed is the almost endless choices. With a little investigation, finding a pup that's perfect for your family's lifestyle is all but assured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some medium-small dog breeds?
Some popular medium-small breeds include the bulldog, basset hound, and cocker spaniel.
What is considered a medium-sized dog?
In general, medium-sized dog weight falls between small dogs that weigh up to 20 pounds, and large dog breeds weighing in at over 60 pounds. So medium-size dogs weigh anywhere between 20 to 60 pounds and represent a large percentage of the existing dog breeds.
What midsize dogs are hypoallergenic?
Numerous medium dog breeds are also hypoallergenic including the poodle, samoyed, and border terriers.
What are some medium-sized dog breeds?
There are many medium-size breeds to choose from. Some of the most popular include the Labrador Retriever, the Boxer, and the Cocker Spaniel.
