Looking for a pup that’s just the right size—not too big, not too small? When picking the perfect dog, size does matter. It affects how smoothly they’ll fit into your lifestyle, your home, and your daily routines.
Medium-weight breeds, ranging in weight from 25 to 60 pounds, provide the perfect combination of power, agility, and control. They are sturdy enough to experience fun activities such as hiking, running, and camping, yet small enough to do well in apartment living or smaller houses with restricted space. These dogs are quick learners, easier to train compared to smaller ones, and easier to handle compared to the bigger ones.
No matter if you’re a working professional or a retiree in search of a loyal friend, you can find a suitable medium-sized breed to fit your lifestyle. So if you’re in search of a furry friend that provides the finest characteristics of both big as well as small canines, these pups will be your ideal choice!
Medium Build Dog Breeds
1. American Staffordshire Terrier
The Staffordshire Terrier, aptly known as ‘AmStaffs,’ is a do-it-all champion of the world of the medium breeds. Muscular in body, strong in presence, with a heart as large as their body. The Staffordshire Terrier is a complete show-off.
They may look tough, but beneath the wide shoulders and sharp jawline, they’re snuggle bugs, loyal to the core, and a little bit of troublemakers.
Despite their tough appearance, AmStaffs are incredibly loving and enjoy being around people, especially their family members. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable with consistent guidance.
The breed has a short, low-maintenance coat and generally good health, making them relatively budget-friendly in terms of grooming and vet care. When given proper exercise, attention, and love, the American Staffordshire Terrier can be a devoted and protective pet with a long, happy life.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a working dog. These smart, high-energy dogs are noted for their work ethic, yet don’t be fooled: they can be goofy and fun to be around in their downtime.
With their perked-up ears, shiny coat, and eyes that are always looking for the next big thing, the Australian Cattle Dog won’t be sitting still for long. If you imagine you can toss a tennis ball and get back to whatever else you were doing, forget about it.
And here’s the catch: they’re also a bit of the “motivational speaker” of the world of canines. When you need an active-play friend or a trainer to push you into action, your Aussie Cattle Dog is right by your side, tail in eager motion with as much enthusiasm as your trainer.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these dogs can get bored easily and indulge in problematic behavior. The owner should keep them mentally and physically stimulated through regular exercise or involve them in work and sports activities.
3. Border Collie
One of the most popular dog breeds, the Border Collie, also happens to be the Einstein of the canine world. These intelligent furballs can do anything, whether a crafty trick, an agility routine, or opening the fridge door in the middle of the night.
Many enthusiasts of Border Collies, formerly referred to as sheepdogs, opposed the breed’s recognition by the AKC, as admitted by VCA; however, the AKC decided to officially recognize the breed in 1995.
They’re the type of herding dog that might make you feel as if you need to level up to keep pace with them due to their unlimited energy, intelligent mind, and herding instinct.
Border Collies are also loyal and affectionate. They’re a kind of dog that will grow to adore their family and refuse to ever be parted from their company. And don’t even dream about taking a nap without them – they’ll be right by your side, cuddling!
And the best part is, they can be extremely hilarious. In their world, they will try to “herd” anything that requires a little guidance, such as socks, your shoes, or the vacuum cleaner. Border Collies are good-natured and truly the clowns of the canine world, keeping you in stitches with their antics at all times.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs are the couch potatoes of the canine world – and they pull it off beautifully. Their wrinkled faces, sturdy physique, and grumpy-but-cute expression make them the ultimate partner for a lazy day on the couch.
The Bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed that can be identified by its calm behavior, strong physique, and distinctive wrinkled face and smooth coat. Bulldogs are brave, friendly, and great companions, especially for homes and apartments.
They’re not a high-energy breed, but their charm is simply irresistible. These dogs with a muscular build are the perfect mix of stubborn and sweet. They’re fiercely loyal and will be right by your side through thick and thin – especially if snacks are involved. Being low-maintenance, they are an excellent option for homes with more laid-back lifestyles.
Bulldogs have perfected the art of the “don’t you dare leave me” stare. But don’t be fooled by their laid-back nature – they’ve got a playful side, too! A few zoomies around the house, and then it’s right back to nap mode. It’s a whole mood.
5. Australian Shepherd
Meet the Australian Shepherd, an intelligent, energetic dog with long legs and a full personality. They seem to be constantly observing their surroundings, ready to act at the next big adventure, thanks to their stunning merle coats and intense, hypnotic eyes.
Bred to work, these dogs need to be active and employed. Whether they’re chasing a frisbee or picking up a new trick, they’re always ready to jump in. These dogs are incredibly intelligent, learning new words before you even get them out of your mouth. Provided you’ve got room, that is, because they’ll be doing laps around you before you know it!
But in addition to all that energy, they are also very affectionate. These dogs are very loyal and enjoy the company of their family. They’ll gladly follow you everywhere and even lounge around on your feet just to be around you.
If you have an active family lifestyle and can give them the regular exercise and mental stimulation they desire, then these dogs will make the ideal companions. Not only are they intelligent and active, but they’ll be affectionate, loyal, and ready to snuggle after a stressful workday.
6. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a unique and loving dog breed known for its long ears, droopy eyes, and low-to-the-ground height. Basset Hounds were created in France to help track small prey and rabbits. They do have a very good sense of smell.
Bassets were bred to hunt, but are gentle, friendly dogs that make wonderful family companions. They are good with children and other pets, so they are an all-around family dog. While they love relaxing on the couch, they need regular walks to stay healthy, and not too heavy.
A Basset Hound requires frequent grooming, particularly its long ears, which are susceptible to infections. Their short coat is low-maintenance, and their loose skin can be cleaned as needed to avoid irritation. Their unique body structure — long back, short legs — means they were not built for climbing stairs and are susceptible to back problems.
PetMD notes, ‘IVDD affects dogs with long backs and short legs, such as the Basset Hound. It’s a condition that affects the spine, caused when the cushioning discs between bones in the spinal column become displaced.’
Their cuddly, slow-moving personalities are guarded by a stubborn streak that can make training a task. But with patience and positive reinforcement, they can be great companions. ‘Bassets can be serious barkers and with their sturdy feet and nails, they tend to be diggers,’ says Hillspet.
7. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie affectionately referred to as the “Beardie” is a happy, high-energy, popular breed, bred in Scotland to be able to navigate rugged terrain. This breed has an eye-catching appearance with its long coat and instantly recognizable “facial beard.”
The Bearded Collie is an active dog who is quite bouncy, possessing a playful disposition, making them a great family dog. They are smart and eager to please, but their independent streak will call for proper training and socialization.
They are highly social dogs who need a lot of human interaction and physical and mental exercise to be happy. The breed has a long coat that needs regular brushing to avoid matting, but their gentle demeanor and loyalty worth the efforts. The dogs are well-suited to a very active household, offering human companionship and purpose.
8. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds, and it is native to China, known for its thick lion-like mane, deep-set eyes, wrinkled face, and funky blue-black tongue. Chow Chows, a proud, dignified breed, are often aloof and independent, and function a bit like cats.
Although they can be very protective and loyal to their families, they are usually aloof with strangers and need to be socialized from a very young age.
As clean dogs with low energy, Chow Chows do well in apartments as long as you keep up with their exercise needs.
But they require an experienced master to offer firm but gentle leadership. Brushing should be done often, especially during shedding season, as the breed has a rough coat.
9. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is hard to miss with its deeply wrinkled skin and “hippopotamus” face. They were originally bred as guard dogs and farm companions in China.
The Shar-Pei is calm, loyal, and seems somewhat reserved around strangers. The Shar-Pei pups are protective and devoted, enabling them to become remarkable family watchdogs. However, they can be set in their ways and quite independent, making early socialization crucial from an early age.
According to Petplan, Chows are known to form very strong attachments to their owners, which can cause possible separation anxiety if left alone for a long period. They usually like to be in homes that have someone around most of the time.
They do not have a hyperactive personality, but require daily walks and mental stimulation. Their coat is low maintenance, but the skin wrinkles do require regular care to prevent infection. The calm yet confident nature of the Shar-Pei and their distinctive looks make them devoted, lifelong companions.
Conclusion
Medium-sized herding breeds that missed out on the list are Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Springer Spaniel, Airedale Terrier, German Shorthaired Pointer, Standard Poodle, and Golden Retriever, which provide a wonderful cross of energy, intelligence, and companionship for all types of pet owners.
These charming dogs are active, highly trainable, and naturally protective, with some, such as the Portuguese Water Dog and Corgi, gaining popularity due to their herding and working prowess. Unlike tiny toy breeds, these breeds are so energetic and often pretty possessive of their homes, making them eligible for family settings. These working breeds are adaptable in various areas, pulling sleds, herding livestock, or being just an ever-loyal companion.
With regular grooming to maintain their fluffy coats and a natural love for work, medium-sized breeds make great pets for families, singles, and those with other animals, offering a balance of affection and purpose.
