Neither too big nor too small, medium-sized dogs are the right fit for many families looking for a canine companion. Medium-sized dogs combine characteristics of both small and large dogs. Their heights can vary a lot, but all of them have a similar body weight.
Medium-sized dogs typically weigh between 20 and 60 pounds. These canines can also differ in their temperament and energy levels. Regardless of their physical and behavioral characteristics, they are incredibly loyal companions and form strong bonds with their pet parents.
Remember, size is not the only element to consider while purchasing a dog breed. As a potential pet parent, you also need to consider their activity level, temperament, personality, possible health issues, and grooming needs.
Have a look at these top dog breeds under 45 pounds, find your match.
Top Dog Breeds Under 45 Pounds: Find Your Match
1. Dachshund
Famously nicknamed as ‘hot dogs’ or ‘weiner dogs,’ Dachshunds are known for their stubby legs, floppy ears, and elongated bodies. They were originally bred to hunt badgers. Dachshunds are available in two sizes: standard and miniature.
Dachshunds also come in three coat varieties, including smooth-coated, longhaired, and wirehaired. They are friendly dogs with a playful nature and make excellent pets for first-time dog owners. Thanks to their moderate exercise needs, they make good pets for apartment dwellers.
Dachshunds are very intelligent dogs, but have an independent streak and can be a bit stubborn. That is why they can be a bit challenging to train. However, consistency is the key. Dachshunds have a strong sense of smell and a high prey drive.
2. English Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniels are one of the medium-sized dog breeds that were originally bred as hunting dogs. They possess sharp instincts and are very active. Having a sweet temperament, English Cocker Spaniels make fantastic family dogs.
These busy dogs have a friendly nature and thrive on companionship, and are incredibly loyal to their owners. Cocker Spaniels love nothing more than pleasing their owners, explains Purina. They are ideal for homes with children and get on well with other pets as well.
English Cocker Spaniels are Sporting dogs who require daily physical and mental exercise to stay fit. If you are looking for a happy dog breed that welcomes you home with a wagging tail, you should adopt a Cocker Spaniel.
3. Whippet
Whippet is another medium-sized dog breed, loved for their playful and calm personalities. These affectionate dogs have a gentle and dignified nature. Whippets are valued for their approachable size and moderate exercise needs.
Whippets are easygoing and easy-to-care-for dogs, which makes them suitable for owners looking for a low-maintenance dog. They are sprinters by nature and need adequate exercise for mental and physical stimulation.
Whippets tend to be calm companions at home, but they also have a stubborn streak. They are smart, agile, and mischievous canines who can jump and climb. Early training and socialization are important to turn Whippets into well-adjusted and well-mannered dogs.
4. American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo dogs come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Standard American Eskimo dogs are medium-sized dogs that look like a smaller version of Siberian Huskies. These alert, friendly, and easygoing dogs tend to be reserved of strangers.
American Eskimo Dogs make excellent partners for obedience, agility, and trick training. According to the American Kennel Club, these active dogs possess lots of energy. Eskies need lots of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Eskies are highly intelligent dogs with an eager-to-please nature. They learn new commands quickly and are one of the highly trainable dog breeds. American Eskimo dogs crave companionship and can develop behavioral issues when left alone for too long.
5. Lagotto Romagnolo
Lagotto Romagnolo is a powerfully built medium-sized dog breed. Originally bred as waterfowl retrievers, it is a versatile working dog breed. They are Italy’s adorable ‘truffle dogs’ who look like real-life teddy bears. Their trademark curls feel and behave more like human hair than fur.
Lagotti are rugged workers known for their strength and endurance. As with most sporting dogs, they are better suited for active families who can keep up with their energy needs. However, Lagotti are not hyper and do not require a great amount of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
This relatively rare dog breed forms strong bonds with its owners and loves spending time with them. Their rough-looking, thick double coat needs to be brushed at least once a week. Lagotti excel at a variety of canine sports like agility and obedience.
6. Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniel is a medium dog breed with an eager and friendly personality. This furry friend was initially bred as a hunting dog with an energetic nature. Boykin Spaniels have a gentle personality, and they thrive on companionship.
Proper training and early socialization are important to turn them into well-mannered dogs. Boykin Spaniels are fiercely loyal to their humans and well-suited for novice pet parents. They need moderate to high exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
These athletic canines make excellent hiking, biking, or running companions. Boykin Spaniels also excel at veriety of dog sports like obedience, tracking, agility, and field events. According to Hills Pet, they are fantastic swimmers and learn quickly.
7. Pumi
Pumi is a lively and energetic dog breed, loved for its intelligence, agility, and boldness. This medium–sized breed is instantly recognizable due to its lean body and deep-chested herder. Pumik have an endless capacity to work and play.
Pumik are intelligent and energetic dogs who need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They love playing with tennis balls and flying discs. Pumik are thinkers who assess every situation. They learn quickly and have a willingness to work without being obsessive about it.
This herding breed is loyal to its owners but wary of strangers. Pumi has a lively and alert disposition, which makes them well-suited for their job of guarding flocks. These smart canines respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
8. Cirneco dell’Etna
This elegant and slender medium dog breed hails from Sicily. Cirneco dell’Etna is an athletic and independent sight hound, still considered rare outside its native region. Having an affectionate nature, Cirnechi cannot tolerate being left alone.
If you are a busy pet parent often away from home, consider adopting another dog breed. This high-energy breed has even higher exercise needs. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of walking each day with active play sessions in between.
Their smooth and short coats have minimal grooming needs. Brush your Cirneco with a soft brush at least once a week. These intelligent furry companions are easy to train and respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
9. Mudi
Mudi are alert and agile herding dogs having high energy and lots of stamina. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to channel that energy. This medium dog breed is better suited for active households that can keep up with their exercise needs.
They are quite attentive and quick to respond. Herding activities are good for them, but they also excel at other dog sports like agility. Well-exercised Mudi are happy to relax and are adaptable to living in an apartment.
Mudik form strong bonds with their humans and are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. They are highly trainable and eager to please dogs. Being suspicious of strangers, Mudik are excellent watchdogs and makes ideal companion for experienced dog owners.
Mudik are vocal dogs who will use a range of noises to communicate with you for attention. Their thick double coat repels dirt and provides insulation. These canines do not require extensive coat care. However, it should be brushed at least a few times a week to remove tangles and debris.
Conclusion
Medium-sized breeds may vary in height, but typically weigh less than 45 pounds. They also vary greatly in their temperaments, personalities, energy levels, and grooming needs. Many of them are very energetic and are better suited for active families.
Finding the right dog means balancing personality, energy, and lifestyle. These compact companions prove you don’t need a large breed to enjoy loyalty, intelligence, and affection.
Whether you prefer playful and energetic or calm and cuddly, there’s a perfect small-to-medium pup waiting to match your home and heart. Choose wisely, and you’ll gain a devoted companion who fits beautifully into your everyday life.
