Looking for a happy medium when it comes to choosing the right dog? Medium dog breeds might just be the perfect fit for you! They’re not too big, not too small, and often bring together the best qualities of both ends of the size spectrum.
Did you know that over 68 million American households have dogs, and many of those have medium-sized dog breeds? It’s no surprise. They’re a good fit for almost any family, whether you live in an apartment or a house with kids and pets.
These medium-sized pups usually weigh between 20 and 60 pounds, offering the right balance of exercise needs, temperament, and grooming requirements. Whether you’re looking for a medium dog that’s playful, alert, and even naturally protective, or a medium-sized dog with a soft coat and a curious personality, there’s no shortage of options.
Ready to learn lots about these amazing breeds? Let’s explore the world of medium-sized dog breeds.
Medium Dog Breeds
1. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff, is a confident, loyal, and affectionate member of the medium-sized dog breeds. Standing 17 to 19 inches tall and weighing 40–60 pounds, this medium dog is muscular yet gentle when well-socialized.
Despite a history tracing back to 18th-century England, where they were originally bred for bullbaiting, today’s AmStaffs are healthy breeds known for being great companions for families and kids.
These dogs tend to be energetic, intelligent, and love both mental stimulation and regular exercise. Their shiny, short coat comes in many colors like brindle, blue, brown, liver, black, and white, with minimal grooming needs.
They’re also easy to train and eager to please, making them a good fit for owners willing to put in time and consistency.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the blue or red heeler, is a sturdy herding dog developed in the Australian Outback.
Standing 17–20 inches tall and weighing 35–50 pounds, this medium dog is highly intelligent, loyal, and thrives when given tasks. Britannica mentions that they were originally bred to move cattle by nipping at their heels—hence the name “heeler.”
These dogs tend to be energetic, agile, and love regular exercise, making them perfect for active owners. Their short, dense double coat is weather-resistant and comes in blue or red speckles, with unique markings.
Minimal grooming is needed, but plenty of mental stimulation is essential to keep them happy. This breed is one of the most intelligent working dogs, famous for their problem-solving skills.
3. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, or “Aussie,” is a medium-sized dog with a lean, agile build and a sharp, intelligent gaze. Standing 18–24 inches tall and weighing 40–65 pounds, this medium dog was originally bred as a working dog to herd livestock.
AKC says that despite its name, the breed was perfected in the US, especially on ranches and rodeo circuits, where it became a cowboy favorite.
Aussies have strong natural herding instincts and an endless drive to work. Their medium-length coat can come in beautiful merle patterns with shades of blue or red. Minimal grooming is needed, but they require regular exercise and mental stimulation—otherwise, these dogs tend to get restless and might “herd” kids, other dogs, or even other animals in the home.
Known for being highly trainable, loyal, and energetic, Australian Shepherds make great companions for active families and owners who love outdoor adventures. They excel at dog sports, herding trials, and even therapy or service work, but they can be too much for sedentary households.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is one of the most highly intelligent and energetic dog breeds, standing 18–22 inches tall with a lean, athletic build. This medium dog was originally bred along the England-Scotland border as a top sheepdog and remains famous for its intense “herding eye” and unmatched agility.
They have either smooth or rough coats in various colors, most commonly black-and-white, though red-and-white, tricolor, and merle patterns are also seen. Minimal grooming keeps their coat in shape, but they need plenty of regular exercise and mental stimulation—without it, these dogs tend to get bored and may try to “herd” kids, other dogs, or other animals.
Border Collies excel in agility, obedience, and herding work, making them great companions for very active families or dedicated owners. While affectionate and loving, they’re best suited for those ready to match their endless energy and train their quick, smart minds.
5. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the best dogs for active families who love the outdoors. These sweet-faced hunting companions are incredibly loyal and eager to please.
They’re sturdy medium-sized dogs, standing 19–20 inches tall and weighing 40–50 pounds, built for long days in the field yet happy to relax with their people afterward.
Springers are gentle with children and naturally calm when well-exercised. Despite their soft, loving nature, they’re fearless when working as skilled bird hunters, covering ground with impressive physical stamina.
Highly trainable and motivated, they’ll do almost anything for praise or food, and thrive when included in daily family activities like walks, fetch, or swimming.
6. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a sleek, medium-sized dog from Hungary, standing 21–24 inches tall with a lean yet muscular build. Known for its smooth golden-rust coat, this breed was originally bred as a versatile hunting companion, excelling at pointing and retrieving in fields, forests, and water.
These dogs tend to be affectionate, forming a strong bond with their owners and often staying close by their side. Highly energetic and athletic, Vizslas need plenty of regular exercise, and they make great jogging or biking partners.
Their sensitive yet loyal nature makes them great companions for active families who can give them the attention they crave.
Low-maintenance in grooming thanks to their short coat, Vizslas are elegant, playful, and eager to please, thriving in homes where they have both love and a job to do.
7. German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is a sleek, elegant, and athletic dog, standing 17–20 inches tall and weighing 25–45 pounds. PetMD states that this pup is one of Germany’s oldest breeds and was originally developed to hunt rodents and guard farms.
With a shimmering coat in shades of red, black, or blue with red accents, this dog has a confident, noble presence paired with a lively, alert expression.
Highly intelligent and full of energy, the German Pinscher thrives on both physical activity and mental challenges. They’re quick learners, making training essential to keep their sharp minds engaged.
Their smooth, shiny coat is low-maintenance, requiring minimal grooming, but their spirited personality means they’re best suited for experienced and active owners.
Though smaller than the Doberman Pinscher, they share the same robust and agile nature, excelling as loyal and playful companions when properly socialized and trained.
8. Cocker Spaniel
Known for their merry personality and irresistible good looks, the Cocker Spaniel has long been one of the world’s most beloved medium-sized dog breeds.
Standing about 14 to 15 inches tall, they’re small enough to be portable but sturdy enough to keep up on long walks or outdoor adventures. This breed was originally bred as a skilled hunting dog, but over time, they’ve become just as popular as devoted companions.
One of their most striking features is their luxurious coat, which comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. It does require regular grooming, but many say the extra effort is worth it for such a stunning dog.
Beyond their appearance, Cockers are affectionate, gentle, and known to bond deeply with their owners. These dogs tend to be especially good with kids and love being part of family activities.
They’re lively and energetic enough to enjoy brisk walks and games of fetch, yet they’re also happy to relax and calm down at home. Their eager-to-please nature makes them easy to train, and they adapt well to city life, the suburbs, or the countryside.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a lively, intelligent companion with a history rooted in the fishing villages of Portugal. Originally bred as a fisherman’s helper, this versatile dog was tasked with herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, and even delivering messages from boat to boat.
Medium in size, they typically stand up to 23 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, making them sturdy yet agile for their many water-based tasks.
One of their most distinctive features is their tight, low-shedding curls, which not only make them stand out but also make them a good option for families concerned about allergens. They can be groomed in two classic styles: the functional retriever clip or the eye-catching lion clip.
While their adorable, teddy bear-like faces are a draw, these dogs are far more than just looks—they are highly athletic and excel in swimming, agility, and other active pursuits.
10. Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany is a lively, athletic dog with a heritage as a skilled bird-hunting companion from France’s Brittany region. Compact yet leggy, they stand about 17–20 inches tall and weigh 30–40 pounds, making them smaller than setters but a bit taller and more agile than most spaniels.
Their bold, beautiful coat is typically a mix of white with vivid orange or liver markings, giving them a stylish appearance to match their lively personality.
Known for their tireless energy in the field, Brittanys are highly adaptable dogs that thrive on activity. They’re equally at home hunting birds, competing in dog sports like agility or flyball, or joining their family on hikes and outdoor adventures.
Their gentle, expressive face and soft, high-set ears add to their charm, making them both hard workers and affectionate companions.
Conclusion
Medium-sized dogs truly offer the best of both worlds. They’re big enough to join you on outdoor adventures yet compact enough to fit comfortably into most homes and lifestyles. With the right balance of energy, intelligence, and affection, these dogs adapt well to families, singles, and even active seniors who can meet their needs for exercise and companionship.
Then there are other medium dog breeds as well! These include the Bull Terrier, English Cocker Spaniel, Standard Poodle, Greyhound, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and Dalmatian.
Before bringing one home, it’s important to consider their personality, activity level, and care requirements to ensure a perfect match for your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a workout partner, a loyal friend, or a loving family companion, a well-chosen medium-sized dog can bring years of joy, fun, and unconditional love.
