Looking for a dog that fits comfortably into your life without feeling too big or too small? Medium-sized dog breeds under 60 pounds often hit that sweet spot. They are easier to manage than giant breeds but still sturdy enough for active play, family life, and outdoor adventures.
From laid-back loungers to energetic companions, these dogs come in a wide range of personalities, coat types, and activity levels. The key is finding one that matches your lifestyle, space, and daily routine.
In this guide, we highlight nine popular and well-loved breeds that offer that just-right balance, helping you narrow down your options and find a dog that truly feels like home.
Dog Breeds Under 60 Pounds – Find Your Match
1. American Eskimo Dog
According to the AKC, the American Eskimo Dog is bright, alert, and always ready to be part of the action. Known for its striking white coat and expressive face, this breed was developed in the American Midwest and has a long history as both a working farm dog and an entertainer. Eskies are natural performers that enjoy learning new tricks and showing off their skills.
This breed forms strong bonds with its people and prefers to be involved in daily life rather than left to entertain itself. American Eskimo Dogs are kid-friendly and affectionate but can be cautious around strangers, often announcing new arrivals with an impressive bark. Their intelligence means they learn quickly, though it also means boredom can lead to mischief.
Exercise and mental stimulation are essential for keeping an Eskie happy. They enjoy walks, games, and activities that challenge their minds, such as learning tricks or participating in dog sports. Grooming requires regular brushing due to constant shedding, but professional grooming is optional if coat care stays consistent.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Falls well under the medium-size range while still feeling sturdy and active
Offers a lively personality without needing massive living space
Great for owners who enjoy training, interaction, and daily engagement
2. Basenji
The Basenji is a sleek, athletic hound with a proud posture and famously quiet reputation. While often called barkless, this breed communicates through yodels, growls, and expressive body language instead. Its short coat, curled tail, and upright ears give it a distinctive, alert appearance.
Basenjis are affectionate with their families but tend to be reserved around strangers. As per Hill’sPet, they are clever and independent thinkers, which can make training feel more like negotiation than instruction. Owners often describe them as catlike due to their grooming habits, quiet nature, and love of high vantage points.
Daily activity is a must for this energetic breed, whether that means running, agility, or structured play. Basenjis are easy to groom and keep clean but require supervision to prevent digging or chewing when bored. Early socialization helps them coexist peacefully with other dogs and adapt to family life.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Compact and lightweight while still energetic and athletic
minimal grooming needs appeal to owners who prefer simplicity
Ideal for active households that enjoy a clever, independent dog
3. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier breed is instantly recognizable thanks to its lamb-like appearance and graceful build. Despite the soft look, this breed is lively, confident, and full of terrier determination. Bedlingtons are known for forming deep attachments to their owners and thrive on companionship.
These dogs enjoy being involved in daily activities and can struggle when left alone for long periods. They are playful outdoors and affectionate indoors, striking a balance between energy and relaxation. While generally patient with children, supervision is important to keep interactions calm and positive.
PDSA states that Bedlington Terriers need daily exercise, mental and physical challenges to stay content. Grooming varies depending on coat style, with professional trims needed to maintain the classic look. Training should be consistent and positive, as their intelligence comes with a streak of independence that benefits from structure.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Small-to-medium size works well for varied living environments
Combines active playtime with strong loyalty to family
A solid choice for owners who are home often and enjoy interaction
4. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a lively, fox-like dog with a glowing red coat and expressive eyes. Originally bred for hunting, this breed is alert, bold, and deeply loyal to its family. Its distinctive curled tail and pricked ears add to its confident, animated presence.
Known for being vocal, the Finnish Spitz uses barking as a form of communication and alerting. With proper training, this trait can be managed, though it remains a defining part of the breed’s personality. They are intelligent and quick-witted but do best with owners who are patient and experienced.
This breed enjoys long walks and active play, ideally with access to a small outdoor space. Grooming is manageable with weekly brushing, and the coat naturally repels dirt. Finnish Spitz mature slowly and often retain a playful, youthful attitude well into adulthood.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Medium build offers durability without overwhelming size
Great for active owners who enjoy daily walks and interaction
Distinct personality for families who enjoy a talkative companion
5. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a cheerful, shaggy hound with a curious nature and friendly demeanor. Originally bred for hunting in packs, this breed thrives around people and other dogs. Its low-slung body and saber tail give it a charming, rustic look.
PBGVs are affectionate, playful, and quick to make friends, including strangers. Training can be challenging since they like to do things their own way, but positive reinforcement keeps them engaged. Their strong sense of smell means leash use is important during walks.
These energetic dogs need regular activity to stay happy and focused. Grooming requires weekly brushing to maintain the rough coat, along with routine ear and nail care. While adaptable, their loud bark may not suit quiet neighborhoods without training and enrichment.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Fits comfortably under 60 pounds while remaining sturdy
Social personality suits families and multi-dog households
Ideal for owners who enjoy outdoor activities and playtime
6. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is built for endurance, strength, and serious work. Originally developed to move cattle across vast stretches of rugged land, this breed is compact, muscular, and always alert. Its short double coat comes in distinctive blue or red speckled patterns that hint at its hardworking heritage.
Highly intelligent and deeply loyal, Australian Cattle Dogs form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally protective of their space. They tend to be cautious with strangers and can show herding behaviors, especially if they feel it is their job to manage people or other animals. This is not a passive dog and prefers clear leadership and structure.
Daily and regular exercise is non negotiable for this breed, as boredom can quickly turn into destructive habits. They thrive when given tasks, training challenges, or physically demanding activities. Grooming is simple with weekly brushing, but mental stimulation is just as important as physical movement to keep this dog balanced and content.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Stays under 60 pounds while offering impressive strength and stamina
Ideal for active owners who want a dog with purpose
Compact size paired with a bold, confident personality
7. Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is a cheerful, energetic medium sized herding breed known for its flowing coat and bright expression. Beneath all that hair is an agile, athletic body built for movement and long days of work. This breed carries itself with enthusiasm and rarely seems to run out of energy.
Friendly and affectionate, Bearded Collies enjoy being part of family life and tend to get along well with other dogs. They are intelligent and curious, which makes them fun companions but also means they need consistent engagement. Without enough activity, they may invent their own entertainment, usually not the kind owners appreciate.
Exercise is a daily requirement and includes both physical activity and mental challenges. Grooming takes commitment due to the long coat, which needs regular brushing to stay manageable. Owners who enjoy outdoor time and interactive play often find this breed a rewarding match.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Great choice for families who enjoy active routines
Balances playful energy with strong social instincts
8. Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is known for its expressive eyes, silky coat, and friendly personality. This breed thrives on companionship and enjoys being involved in daily routines with its people. Cockers are affectionate dogs that often form strong emotional connections within the household.
Energetic by nature, they enjoy long walks, play sessions, and mentally engaging activities. Their intelligence makes training enjoyable, though they can be easily distracted and benefit from patience and consistency. Because they are sensitive, gentle guidance works far better than harsh corrections.
Regular grooming is part of life with a Cocker Spaniel, especially to keep the coat and ears healthy. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day, as being left alone too often can lead to stress. With proper care, they are cheerful companions that bring warmth to family life.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
medium dog breed that adapts well to many homes
Social nature suits families and multi-pet households
Active enough for adventures but happy to relax afterward
9. Brittany
The Brittany is a lively, athletic breed originally bred for field work as a hunting dog. Light on its feet and eager to move, this breed loves exploring open spaces and following scents. Brittanys are known for their enthusiasm outdoors and their gentle, people-oriented nature indoors.
Highly trainable and eager to please, they respond best to positive, calm guidance. Brittanys enjoy being part of a family and generally do well with children, other dogs, and pets when properly socialized. They dislike being left alone too long and can become stressed if under exercised.
This breed requires substantial daily exercise, far more than a quick walk around the block. Grooming is relatively low effort with regular brushing to keep the coat tidy. For owners who enjoy outdoor activities and consistent interaction, the Brittany is an enthusiastic and loyal companion.
Why This breed Is a Good Fit
Medium weight keeps them agile and manageable
Excellent match for active pet owners and outdoor lifestyles
Friendly temperament paired with high trainability
Conclusion
Choosing a dog under 60 pounds gives you the best of both worlds: a companion that feels sturdy and capable without being overwhelming. As you have seen, most medium sized dogs vary widely in energy, personality, and care needs, so the right match depends on your lifestyle, space, and daily routine.
Whether you want an outdoor adventurer, a clever problem solver, or a social family dog, there is a medium sized breed that fits the bill. Take your time, do your research, and be honest about what you can offer. When you are ready, consider adoption or a reputable breeder and start your journey toward finding your perfect match.
Other pet dogs under 60 pounds that are widely loved by owners include the Portuguese water dog, Soft coated wheaten terrier, Basset hound, Staffordshire bull terrier, English springer spaniel, Border Collie and the Australian shepherd.
