Bringing home a furry friend? It may seem like an easy process, but it can be quite overwhelming. There are many factors you must consider when bringing home a dog as a pet, for instance, size, affordability, nutrition, exercise needs, etc. We have put together this guide to make things a little less baffling.
We have gathered 9 medium-sized dog breeds that are neither too small nor too big and can adapt to any living situation as long as their needs are met. These small dog breeds not only bring joy and love into your lives but also make great companions and family pets.
Let’s get on with this guide and learn some details about these dog breeds, how you can cater to their exercise needs and nutrition to ensure they remain healthy, happy, and paw-some family dogs.
Top 9 Dog Breeds Under 50 Lbs: A Complete Guide
1. Cocker Spaniel
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Known to be one of the most beloved dog breeds all over the world, Cocker Spaniels are easily recognized by their big, expressive eyes, long ears, a sweet face, and a playful nature. These medium-sized dogs were originally bred to be hunters, but are now excellent family pets who get along well with everyone.
According to PetMD, thanks to their temperament, moderate exercise needs, and manageable size, these pups are pet owners’ favorites. Cocker Spaniels stay happy in short walks, playing fetch in the yard, or doing field work.
They follow you everywhere you go, which is another way they fulfil their energy needs.
These gun dogs can easily become overweight, which is why you must give them a well-balanced diet that is made just for these small-breed dogs. They may be an active breed, but their portions need to be divided to prevent obesity.
It is recommended to give them 2 meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening, to maintain healthy eating habits.
2. Shetland Sheepdog
Weight: 15-25 pounds
A herding breed also known as Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdogs are small to medium-sized dogs who are energetic and vocal, which makes them the perfect pet. These small dogs were bred to protect sheep, which is why they are naturally protective and won’t shy away from guarding their loved ones and territory.
Shetlands have a double long coat that sheds considerably, which is why you might find hair around the house. Their coat needs to be brushed weekly or monthly to keep it in good shape. These pups are affectionate companions for families and are exceptionally good-natured around children.
Shelties are prone to getting obese, which is why special attention must be given to their diet, exercise, and mental stimulation.
They have moderate energy levels and benefit from regular exercise to stay healthy and happy throughout their life.
3. Shiba Inu
Weight: 17-23 pounds
National dogs of Japan, the Shiba Inus, are bold, confident, and good-natured pups. This small dog breed thrives on human attention and may yodel, scream, or throw tantrums if their needs aren’t met properly.
They are affectionate dogs who are devoted to their owners and make loyal companions. They also get along well with children as long as they are properly socialized.
According to Pawlicy Advisor, Shiba Inus are fearless, alert, and selfless, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They don’t shy away from alerting their owners if something is not right.
These small dogs have a good lifespan, and they stay healthy as long as they are provided with proper nutrients, regular exercise, and healthcare.
Early socialization and training are a must for these small dogs. They are naturally obedient but can be a bit stubborn. With little patience, consistent training, and positive reinforcement, you can get a well-behaved pup.
These pups are prone to getting overweight and can eat anything in sight, which is why a controlled diet is recommended for these pups.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Weight: 13-18 pounds
Loving and affectionate companions who date back to British Royalty, Cavs have a friendly nature and a gentle demeanor, which makes them ideal for first-time pet owners. These small dogs are patient and tolerant, which not only allows them to get along with adults but also with children, cats, and other dogs in the vicinity.
Cavs may be a small dog breed, but they have moderate exercise needs and require mental stimulation to stay happy and satisfied. A 20-30 minute short walk and a fun play session is more than enough for them. Once they are fully satisfied, they like to lounge on the couch with their favorite pet parents.
This small dog breed requires human interaction to thrive, which is why leaving them alone for a long time is not advised.
Cavs need a well-formulated diet to fully flourish. Pet parents must use a diet made specifically for a small dog breed. You may also take advice from your vet to ensure they get all the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
5. Boykin Spaniel
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Medium-sized dog breed with a kidney brown coat, Boykin Spaniels are friendly and eager to please, pups who become friendly companions at home. These small dogs were originally bred to be hunters, but are now wonderful family companions.
According to Hill’s Pet, Boykins are easy to train, and it is recommended to provide them obedience training at an early age to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved canines. These little dogs are full of energy and require a yard to play in, along with a brisk walk around the block to fulfill their needs.
It is recommended to feed your dogs high-quality food to ensure they receive a balanced diet and proper nutrients. They must be fed 3 meals a day until they are 1 year old. Their diet should be planned in a way to ensure they don’t get overweight.
6. Dachshund
Weight: 16-32 pounds
Little dogs with short legs known for their long bodies, Dachshunds are wiener dogs who have a bold personality, are brave, and can be a little stubborn at times. These pups have a loving nature towards their family members and get along well with children.
They can be a little hard to train, but with positive reinforcements and reward-based proper training session all can be made easier.
Dachshunds are generally healthy dogs, but their long backs are at risk of injury, which is why it is advised that pet parents do not allow them to jump a lot. Since they are a small dog breed, they must be given a diet that is designed for their size to ensure optimal weight management.
Despite their small size, Dachshunds are known to be great watchdogs. They don’t shy away from barking if they feel something isn’t right. These velcro dogs need regular exercise and playful companions to fulfil their energy needs. Don’t let boredom get to them; they may tend to show unwanted behaviors.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Weight: 11-17 pounds
Energetic, athletic, and a little clownish, Jack Russell Terriers are a small dog breed with a spunky personality. These pups are believed to be a crossbreed between Beagles and Bull Terriers. They were bred for hunting foxes, but now make wonderful family pets.
They are high-energy canines and require several hours of exercise and mental stimulation every day. They have minimal maintenance needs as their coat requires to be brushed once or twice a week. This working breed gets along well with everyone and is also affectionate towards strangers.
However, because of being hunting dogs, they have a high prey drive, which is why they are not comfortable around other animals. They can become bored easily, which is why their training sessions should be filled with fun tricks to keep them engaged.
Pet parents must focus on their diet to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
8. Boston Terrier
Weight: 12-25 pounds
A non-sporting, bright, and friendly dog breed, the Boston Terrier is an endless source of entertainment and make great companion for the family.
They have an enthusiastic personality, which allows them to get along well with everyone. These small dog breeds are the perfect travel partners and can also be an ideal pet for apartment dwellers.
According to WebMD, Boston Terriers have an ideal body appearance. They are short with strong limbs and a strong body, which gives them their charming personality and look. These small dogs have a smooth, short coat that does not require regular grooming to stay in shape.
Boston Terriers are highly intelligent dogs and are people-oriented. They should not be left alone for a long time, as they get bored and may tend to show unwanted behaviors. They have the energy of big dogs and need a proper exercise routine to stay satisfied.
9. Beagle
Weight: 20-20 pounds
Medium-sized hound dog breeds, Beagles are known for having a strong sense of smell, which can sometimes get them into trouble. They thrive in active households and make wonderful family pets. Beagles are prone to obesity, which is why pet owners need to pay extra attention to their diet.
Regular exercise and a diet specially designed for small dogs is the best thing you can do to keep these pups healthy and happy. They must be fed two to three times daily to increase their metabolism.
These canines are full of energy, but they slow down as they age. Otherwise, they love running around, playing fetch, and being involved in everything their owners do.
This hound dog breed is known for their loud bark. They bark or howl if they feel like something isn’t right. They are smart but have a short attention span, which is why it is essential to use positive reinforcement methods and involve new tricks to keep them engaged and ensure they remain calm and well-behaved.
Conclusion
These small dogs make beloved pets because of their gentle nature and the way they get along well with everyone. They typically weigh under 50 pounds or less, but are still full of life and energy. They make the best family pets and also alert you if something seems off.
Consider adopting one because they, too, can be the perfect furry friends that you are looking for.
