Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing or adopting a dog breed. Medium-sized dogs are neither too big nor too small. These lovely canines are the epitome of happy medium-sized dogs and are capable of bringing pleasure into your life.
Many medium-sized dogs make the list of popular dog breeds due to their loving and adorable personalities. If you have ample space, these pooches can make excellent family dogs.
They are usually known for their playful and kind nature. Medium-sized dog breeds usually need an hour or two of daily exercise for mental and physical stimulation. Like all other dogs, proper training and socialization are required to turn them into well-behaved pets.
Have a look at these top 9 dog breeds under 60 pounds.
Top 9 Dog Breeds Under 60 Pounds: A Complete Guide
1. Border Collie
Border Collie is a medium-sized dog breed known for its high intelligence and eager-to-please nature. These extremely energetic dogs love to run and thrive on having a job to do. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit.
In the absence of adequate exercise and mental stimulation, Border Collies can become destructive. This herding breed forms strong bonds with its owners and is very protective of them. Border Collies make excellent watchdogs, explains Hill’s Pet.
Border Collies excel at various canine sports, including agility, obedience training, and herding. They also enjoy playing flying disc and flyball. Border Collies make affectionate companions, but are reserved towards strangers.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
These compact and muscular dogs are also known as Blue or Red Heelers. These hardworking and intelligent dogs were originally bred as a medium-sized herding breed. Australian Cattle Dogs are known for their impressive work drive and excel at controlling and moving livestock.
Australian Cattle Dogs are alert and loyal dogs who tend to be wary of strangers. According to the American Kennel Club, Aussies are a high-energy breed and need more than just a quick walk and playtime in the yard. Like Border Collies, they also need a job to be happy.
Australian Cattle Dogs are well-suited for active households where they can get ample amount of physical and mental stimulation. They enjoy taking part in activities like obedience, herding, and agility. This incredible dog breed is very smart and learns quickly.
However, they have an independent and strong-willed personality. That is why they are better suited for experienced handlers.
3. Whippet
Whippets were originally bred for racing and rabbit hunting. These medium-sized hunting dogs are capable of speeds up to 56kph, explains Purina. Whippets are sprinters by nature and need a minimum of an hour of exercise every day for stimulation.
These sighthounds are known for their amiable, friendly, and gentle nature. Whippets are active during hunting pursuits, but quiet and dignified at home. These lovely and loyal companions are a wonderful addition to any household.
Resembling a Greyhound in appearance, Whippets have a sweet and easygoing temperament. They are natural athletes who excel at dog sports like lure coursing and agility. Whippets form strong bonds with their owners and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
4. Australian Kelpie
Australian Kelpies are loyal and intelligent dogs with an alert nature. Kelpies have a natural protective of their loved ones as they have an aptitude for working with sheep. This medium-sized dog breed possesses great enthusiasm for any adventure.
These herding dogs love to spend time with their people. Australian Kelpies enjoy being in wide-open spaces and are adaptable enough for life in suburbs. They excel at dog sports agility, obedience, and rally.
Australian Kelpies are athletic dogs with energetic personalities. These highly intelligent dogs have a high drive and thrive on hard work. They need tasks to stay busy and do well with owners who need plenty of stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
5. Azawakh
Azawakh is a medium-sized breed known for its athleticism and high energy levels. Their intelligent minds and loyal nature make them good family pets. Azawakhs have graceful, slender bodies and expressive, almond-shaped eyes.
This rare dog breed is highly affectionate towards its people but is reserved towards strangers. These tough and durable sighthounds were bred for chasing gazelles accross scorching sands of the Sahara desert several years ago.
Azawakhs are active dogs who need plenty of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. They need early socialization and proper training to become well-mannered. These sensitive dogs respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
6. Basenji
The popular ‘barkless dogs,’ Basenjis, are known for their yodel-like sound called a ‘baroo.’ Due to their fastidious nature, they are often compared to cats. Basenjis are highly affectionate to their families, but tend to be reserved towards strangers.
Basenjis were originally bred to hunt in packs and do well with other dogs with proper training and socialization. These medium-sized dogs are quite smart and have an eager-to-please nature. Basenjis possess high energy levels.
They need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Basenjis make great companions for active families who can keep up with their energy needs. They form strong bonds with their owners and do not like being left alone for too long.
7. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is a happy and outgoing breed. These medium-sized dogs are a good fit for households of any size. Griffon Vendeens have a willingness to please their owners and the ability to get along well with other pets.
GBGVs were originally bred as working dogs with high energy levels and exercise needs. They tend to bark loudly and frequently and can be stubborn. Therefore, proper training and socialization are important to turn them into well-mannered canines.
Their medium-length coat needs to be brushed once a week using a slicker brush and a comb. GBGVs love playing games like fetch, hide-and-seek, and tug-of-war. Long walks and runs on leash are also a great way to exercise your dog.
8. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog, the national symbol of Israel, was originally developed for herding livestock and guarding property. Canaan is a rare medium dog breed having a short coat, square build, and upright ears. They are highly affectionate to their owners and form strong bonds with them.
However, Canaan dogs are territorial and wary of strangers. Due to these traits, they make wonderful guard dogs. Canaan dogs are highly intelligent and love being a part of a family. They do well in homes with children, but prefer to be the only pet in the household.
Their strength and stamina make them a better fit for experienced pet owners. With proper training and socialization starting from an early age, Canaan dogs make wonderful family dogs. Bored Canaan dogs may bark excessively or start digging.
They respond well to short and upbeat training sessions. These are highly agile dogs and love to take part in agility sports.
9. Kromfohrlander
Another rare, medium-sized dog breed, the Kromfohrlander is a sensitive, loving, and loyal companion. These intelligent and funny canines have a distinctive smile, and they sneeze to greet you. Nicknamed Kromi, they are patient around children and deeply attached to their owners.
Kromis are agile dogs who love to run and climb. Their medium-sized bodies need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Kromis are quite intuitive and good at guessing. It makes them sensitive to their owners’ moods and emotions.
Kromis are usually spirited and have cheerful and affectionate personalities. They are easy to train and adapt quickly to their circumstances. There are two distinctive Kromi varieties, distinguished by their coat type: rough coat and smooth coat.
Conclusion
Medium-sized dog breeds stand out from other breeds in the dog world due to their unique physical and behavioral traits. They may belong to different groups, such as a herding group or a sporting group. However, all are incredibly loyal to their owners.
These medium canines, like all breeds, form strong bonds with their humans. They need regular exercise of an hour or two every day for physical and mental stimulation. Lastly, they become well-behaved pets with proper training and early socialization.
