Having a dog is one of life’s greatest joys—until your house looks like a fur-covered winter wonderland. While some people embrace the fluff, others prefer a dog that sheds just enough to be manageable but not enough to require constant vacuuming. That’s where moderate shedding medium dog breeds come in!
Medium-sized dogs strike the perfect balance—they’re not too small to be fragile and not too large to be overwhelming. They have just enough energy for outdoor fun but can also relax indoors. These moderate shedders will be a great fit if you want a low-maintenance, affectionate, and active companion. Explore some of the best breeds that won’t overwhelm your home with fur!
Moderate Shedding Medium Dog Breeds
1. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is a calm, affectionate, and loyal breed with a distinctive, stocky build.
Originally bred for bird hunting, these dogs are surprisingly laid-back and easygoing compared to other Spaniels. While their dense, soft coats do shed, it’s at a moderate level, and with weekly brushing, you can keep the loose fur under control.
These gentle giants are known for their mellow personalities. They prefer a relaxed lifestyle and will happily lounge on the couch after a short walk. This makes them perfect for families, seniors, or people who prefer a low-key companion.
Despite their relaxed nature, Clumber Spaniels love food, and their big, soulful eyes can easily convince you to hand over snacks. However, they are prone to obesity, so portion control and exercise are essential. They’re happiest with a couple of daily walks and some playtime to stay fit.
These dogs have a sweet, affectionate temperament and love being around people. They do well with children and other pets, making them fantastic family dogs.
However, they can be a little stubborn during training, so patience and positive reinforcement go a long way.
If you want a moderate-energy, low-maintenance, affectionate dog that doesn’t shed excessively, the Clumber Spaniel is a wonderful choice.
2. English Setter
With their stunning speckled coats and graceful build, English Setters are one of the most elegant medium-sized breeds.
These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable. Their moderate shedding is seasonal, and with regular brushing (2-3 times a week), you can keep their silky coat in top condition.
English Setters are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They form deep bonds with their families and are especially good with children. Despite their hunting background, they are incredibly friendly, making them poor guard dogs but excellent family pets.
These dogs love to run and require daily exercise to stay happy. If you enjoy hiking, running, or agility training, an English Setter will be your perfect adventure buddy. They are playful and social, so they thrive in homes where they get plenty of interaction.
Training an English Setter is relatively easy, as they are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. However, their curious nature means they can get distracted easily, so early socialization and training are essential.
For those looking for a loving, playful, and moderately shedding breed, the English Setter is a fantastic option.
3. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a highly intelligent, affectionate, and energetic breed that thrives in active households.
Bred for retrieving game birds, these dogs have a strong work ethic and love to be engaged. Their medium-length coats shed moderately, but frequent brushing helps keep it under control.
Springers are known for their loyalty and eagerness to please, making them fantastic family dogs. They are incredibly affectionate and form strong attachments to their owners. If you’re looking for a dog that will follow you everywhere and shower you with love, the Springer Spaniel is a perfect fit.
Because of their high energy levels, as per PetPlan, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They love fetch, swimming, and agility training, and without enough activity, they can become restless and mischievous.
Training is easy because they are intelligent and highly motivated. They excel in obedience training and dog sports, making them great for first-time owners who want an easy-to-train breed.
For families who love outdoor adventures and want a low-shedding breed dog that is loyal and affectionate, the English Springer Spaniel is an excellent choice.
4. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is one of the most striking breeds, with its rich, mahogany-colored coat and graceful build. These dogs are friendly, playful, and full of energy, making them ideal for active families.
While they shed moderately, frequent brushing keeps their coat smooth and prevents loose fur from spreading everywhere. Also, remove loose hair from the skin whenever possible!
Irish Setters are known for their youthful and fun-loving personalities. They retain their playful nature well into adulthood, which makes them endearing but sometimes a handful. Their enthusiasm for life is contagious, and they bring endless joy to their owners.
Because they are high-energy dogs, they require plenty of exercise. Purina says they love running, hiking, and playing fetch, making them great companions for active individuals. They do best in homes with large yards or access to open spaces where they can burn off energy.
Training an Irish Setter can be challenging because of their mischievous streak. They are intelligent but easily distracted, so patience and consistency are key. However, once trained, they are incredibly obedient and eager to please.
For those who want a gorgeous, playful, and affectionate dog, the Irish Setter is a wonderful choice.
5. Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is an all-American breed originally developed in South Carolina for retrieving waterfowl and hunting wild turkeys.
These medium-sized, intelligent, and affectionate dogs are known for their adaptability and hardworking nature. Their wavy or curly coat sheds moderately, but regular brushing (two to three times a week) can easily keep shedding under control.
They are highly energetic and love outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hunting, hiking, swimming, or retrieving, they are always ready for action.
Their enthusiasm and stamina make them perfect for active families or individuals who enjoy spending time in nature. However, their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors.
One of the most appealing traits of a Boykin Spaniel is its friendly and loving personality, as per PetMD. These dogs are social butterflies, getting along well with children, other pets, and even strangers. Unlike some guard dog breeds, Boykins are more welcoming and affectionate, making them great family dogs rather than watchdogs.
Training a Boykin Spaniel is fairly easy because they are highly intelligent and eager to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement training, and their strong work ethic makes them excel in obedience, agility, and fieldwork. However, because of their hunting background, they may have a strong prey drive, so early socialization is key.
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often called a Toller, is the smallest of the retriever breeds, but don’t let its size fool you—this dog is packed with energy, intelligence, and charm.
Originally bred in Canada for duck hunting, this low-shedding dog breed is an excellent retriever, swimmer, and all-around working dog. Their beautiful, water-resistant coat sheds moderately, but with weekly brushing, shedding is manageable.
Tollers are exceptionally playful and energetic, making them ideal for active families. They thrive outdoors, loving activities like hiking, running, and swimming.
If you enjoy dog sports such as agility, dock diving, or frisbee, a Toller will excel and have the time of its life! Their boundless enthusiasm is contagious, and they bring joy and excitement to any household.
These retrievers are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. They can learn commands quickly and enjoy problem-solving activities, making them one of the most trainable breeds. However, they can be a bit independent, so consistent training and socialization from a young age are important.
One of the unique things about these low-shedding dogs is their “tolling” ability—they use their playful and energetic movements to lure ducks within shooting range for hunters. Even if you’re not a hunter, this breed’s natural intelligence and curiosity make them entertaining and fun companions.
This medium-sized dog is playful with a low-shedding coat and loves outdoor adventures.
7. Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a classic gun dog breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature.
Unlike its cousin, the English Springer Spaniel, the Welsh Springer is slightly smaller and more reserved, making it an excellent option for those seeking a gentler, moderately active dog. Their medium-length coat sheds moderately, and regular brushing (two to three times a week) helps keep their fur tidy and prevents excessive shedding.
WebMD says they are highly affectionate and people-oriented. They form strong bonds with their families and can sometimes be clingy, following their owners from room to room. This strong attachment makes them wonderful companion dogs, but they don’t do well with long periods of alone time.
If left alone too much, they may develop separation anxiety, so they do best in homes where someone is around most of the time.
Training a Welsh Springer Spaniel is relatively easy, as they are intelligent and eager to please.
However, they can be sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle training methods. Harsh discipline can make them anxious, so it’s vital to use patience and encouragement when teaching them new skills.
For those who want a devoted, friendly, and moderately active dog that doesn’t shed excessively, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a wonderful breed to consider.
Conclusion
Moderate-shedding medium dog breeds offer the best of both worlds—they are beautiful, affectionate, and active with minimal grooming. Whether you choose the gentle Clumber Spaniel, the energetic Irish Setter, or the loyal English Springer Spaniel, each breed offers a manageable coat, fun-loving personality, and minimal shedding stress.
The soft-coated wheaten terrier, Irish terrier, Tibetan terrier, and Kerry blue terrier are some other low-shedding dogs.
If you want a dog that won’t overwhelm your home with fur, these breeds are perfect companions. A little routine grooming goes a long way in keeping their coats looking healthy and gorgeous while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of having a lovable, moderately shedding best friend.
