Choosing the right dog breed is about more than just looks—it’s about matching energy levels, size, and personality with your lifestyle. For many, dogs under 60 pounds hit the sweet spot: manageable, versatile, and affectionate companions.
These breeds often balance playfulness with practicality, making them ideal for families, singles, or apartment living.
Smaller yet spirited dogs offer a range of temperaments, from calm lap dogs to active hiking partners. Understanding each breed’s exercise needs, grooming requirements, and social tendencies helps ensure a lifelong, harmonious relationship. The right breed can adapt to your home while providing companionship, loyalty, and joy for years to come.
This guide highlights the top 10 dog breeds under 60 pounds, showcasing traits, care tips, and unique qualities to help you make an informed choice.
Dog Breeds Under 60 Pounds: Finding The Right Fit
Discover the perfect canine companion with our guide to the top 10 dog breeds under 60 pounds.
1. Border Collie
The Border Collie’s story begins with ancient herding dogs brought to Britain by Roman legions, later mixed with swift Viking spitzes. This blend created a compact, agile worker built for the hilly, rocky landscapes of Scotland and Wales.
Brains, Energy, and Loyalty in Motion
Known as one of the smartest dog breeds, Border Collies are non-stop bundles of energy who thrive when given a “job” to do. Friendly with family but often reserved with strangers, they require early socialization and consistent mental stimulation.
Perfectly Sized for Active Homes
Their medium frame makes them ideal for active families or individuals seeking a high-energy dog that can keep up with sports or outdoor adventures. Their manageable size, paired with their boundless energy, makes them a standout choice under 60 pounds.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog was developed in 19th-century Australia to work cattle across rugged terrain, as per the AKC. Built for stamina and endurance, this medium-sized herding breed became the relaxed companion of farmers navigating the harsh Outback.
Smart, Tough, and Independent
Intelligent and quick to learn, Australian Cattle Dogs are both resilient and headstrong. They thrive on challenges—herding, agility, or obedience—and need mental and physical stimulation daily. Playful and affectionate with family, they can be cautious around strangers and make excellent watchdogs due to their protective instincts.
Compact Powerhouses for Active Owners
Weighing under 60 pounds, these dogs combine strength, energy, and agility in a manageable frame. Their short, dense coat offers protection while outdoors, and their size makes them perfect for active individuals who want a highly energetic, hardworking companion without handling a giant dog.
3. Whippet
The Whippet originated in England as a cross between Greyhounds and terriers, bred to hunt small game like rabbits. By the late 1800s, Whippets were brought to the U.S. and quickly gained recognition for coursing and racing, as per PDSA.
Gentle, Playful, and Loyal
Whippets are affectionate and friendly, enjoying both active play and quiet relaxation. They bond closely with their families, get along well with other dogs, and respond best to patient, proper training. Despite their athletic nature, they can be sensitive and may suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Compact Sprinters for Everyday Life
Weighing well under 60 pounds, Whippets combine speed, elegance, and agility in a manageable frame. Their short, low-maintenance coat and moderate exercise needs make them ideal for first-time owners or families seeking a gentle, energetic dog that fits comfortably in both apartments and homes with secure yards.
4. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie traces its roots to Scottish Collie-type dogs brought to Australia in the late 1800s. Bred to withstand harsh heat, dust, and vast distances, Kelpies became tireless herders on enormous sheep stations, as per Purina.
Energetic, Intelligent, and Devoted
Kelpies are highly alert, intelligent, and full of energy. They thrive on work and mental stimulation, excelling in herding, agility, and active play. While they enjoy family companionship and get along with children and other dogs, they prefer activity over lounging, making them perfect for active households.
Compact Workers for Active Lifestyles
Weighing well under 60 pounds, Australian Kelpies combine stamina, agility, and focus in a manageable size. Their medium frame allows them to navigate open fields or backyards with ease, making them ideal for owners who can provide daily exercise and mental challenges without needing a giant dog.
5. Azawakh
The Azawakh hails from the Sahel region of Africa, where nomadic tribes bred them for hunting and guarding. Known as the “sighthound of the free people,” these dogs chased antelope and protected families across vast deserts.
Loyal, Observant, and Reserved
Azawakhs are affectionate and loyal with family but cautious with strangers. Highly intelligent and observant, they bond closely with their people and excel as watchdogs or active companions. They require daily interaction and exercise, thriving when challenged mentally or physically, but can become anxious if left alone or bored.
Lean, Agile Companions
Weighing between 35 and 50 pounds, Azawakhs combine speed, grace, and endurance in a slim frame. Their manageable size, paired with remarkable agility, allows them to fit well into households seeking a sleek, energetic dog under 60 pounds.
6. Basenji
The Basenji is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, originating in central Africa and prized by tribes along the Nile and Congo rivers for hunting and companionship. Known as the “dog of the bush,” Basenjis impressed ancient Egyptians and remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.
Catlike, Clever, and Alert
Basenjis are intelligent, independent, and affectionate with family, yet reserved with strangers. Their unique “yodel” replaces barking, and they groom themselves much like cats. Active and agile, they enjoy running, agility, and interactive play, but require patient, creative training to channel their cleverness positively.
Petite Athletes for Thoughtful Owners
Weighing just 22–24 pounds, Basenjis combine speed, grace, and stamina in a compact frame. Their small size, low-maintenance coat, and high energy make them ideal for owners seeking a smart, athletic dog under 60 pounds who thrives with daily exercise and mental engagement.
7. Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier originated in 19th-century America as a clever, quick farm dog bred to hunt rats and guard livestock, as per PetMD. Once a favorite on U.S. farms, this small but tough breed adapted over time to become a lively companion, capable of excelling in hunting, watchdog duties, and household play.
Energetic, Smart, and Entertaining
Rat Terriers are playful, curious, and full of personality. Highly intelligent and tenacious, they thrive on mental and physical challenges, making them a fun, affectionate family dog—but one that requires patient, consistent training and early socialization with people and other pets.
Compact Powerhouses for Active Homes
Rat Terriers are sturdy, athletic, and perfectly suited for households seeking an agile, under-60-pound companion. Their small frame, combined with abundant energy and alertness, makes them ideal for active families who can provide daily exercise and mental engagement.
8. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel has a long history as a skilled hunting dog, bred to flush game birds for hunters in England. With roots dating back to the early 19th century, Springers were carefully developed for stamina, intelligence, and cooperation with humans, earning a place both in the field and as beloved family pets.
Energetic, Loyal, and Trainable
Springers are friendly, affectionate, and eager to please, thriving on interaction and activity. Their intelligence and people-oriented nature make them highly trainable, though they need consistent guidance, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation to avoid boredom.
Medium-Sized Athletic Companions
Standing 19–20 inches tall and weighing 40–50 pounds, English Springer Spaniels are rugged yet graceful dogs that fit comfortably into homes under 60 pounds. Their versatility as hunters, athletes, and wonderful family companions makes them ideal for households seeking a smart, energetic, and loving medium-sized dog.
9. Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is a historic breed with roots dating back thousands of years in the Middle East. Originally used by ancient Israelites to guard camps and herd livestock, this breed is Israel’s national dog. Canaan Dogs were valued for their alertness, intelligence, and loyalty, traits that still define the breed today.
Intelligent, Alert, and Trainable
Canaan Dogs are gentle with their families but naturally wary of strangers. Highly alert and territorial, they make excellent watchdogs while also forming strong bonds with their human companions and other pets in the home, as per WebMD.
Medium-Sized, Active Breed
They have a square, lean build, erect ears, and a bushy tail that curls over the back. With a dense double coat that adapts to various climates, they are healthy, active dogs that need regular physical and mental exercise, thriving in households that can match their energy and intelligence.
10. Kromfohrlander
The Kromfohrlander, often called the “Kromi,” is a medium-sized companion dog known for its affectionate, playful, and loyal nature. Originally bred in Germany in the 1940s from a Fox Terrier and Griffon mix, the Kromfohrlander was designed to be a loving, family-focused pet rather than a hunting dog.
Intelligent and Trainable
Kromfohrlanders are highly intelligent, spirited, and eager to please, excelling at agility, tricks, and obedience training. They are alert watchdogs who will quickly notify their owners of strangers, but are generally gentle and low-key around familiar people.
Active, Medium-Sized Breed
While they enjoy lounging with their family, they require regular exercise to stay happy, including walks, playtime, or frisbee sessions. They are clean, low-maintenance dogs with minimal odor, making them ideal for families seeking an attentive, playful, and intelligent companion.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog is all about understanding which dog breeds under 60 pounds will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Medium-sized dog breeds offer the perfect balance between the energy of larger dogs and the manageability of tiny toy breeds. For first-time dog owners or experienced pet parents, these medium dogs can provide both companionship and versatility.
Most medium-sized dogs thrive with regular exercise and mental stimulation, making them ideal for active households. Whether you’re seeking loyal dogs, naturally protective family pets, or gentle nature companions, medium-sized breeds can adapt well to family life and other pets.
From energetic dogs to great companions, medium dog breeds excel at balancing affection with independence. With minimal grooming for short coat varieties or professional grooming for wavy and fluffy coat types, pet owners can enjoy a range of medium-sized breeds without feeling overwhelmed.
