47 Medium Dog Breeds to Choose as Pets

If you’re looking for a furry companion, medium dog breeds are ideal. They’re not too small or too big to fit in your home. Therefore, you don’t need to have a lot of space, and you can adopt a medium-sized dog if you live in an apartment.

Of course, they’re loyal, friendly, and great companions if you have the time that caring for them implies. In the following article, we’ll provide a detailed list of the most popular dog breeds that exist within this size range. In addition, we’ll provide a description of their characteristics and basic care requirements. Don’t miss a thing!

The characteristics of medium dog breeds

Medium-sized breeds are those that include dogs whose weight varies between 22 and 66 pounds. According to their exact weight and lifestyle, you’ll need to guarantee a certain amount of food or supplements.

In addition to their weight, these medium dog breeds usually have certain characteristics in common, such as the following:

• Size
• Musculature
• The length of their limbs

Also, they’re animals that need exercise, although it’s not possible to make generalizations.

Therefore, even though you can have a dog of this size in an apartment, it’s important that you take it for walks on a regular basis. Although a sedentary lifestyle is common these days, you should keep in mind that it can influence their behavior. Likewise, exercise prevents them from becoming overweight.

Having pointed out these basic characteristics, we’ll now give you a list of 47 popular medium-sized dog breeds. That way, you’ll be able to see which one you like the most and which suits your personality and lifestyle.

Each dog breed has its own particularities. Therefore, it’s important that you consult a veterinarian about their specific care and feeding needs.

1. Labrador retriever

The first canine on this list is the Labrador retriever. This dog is very popular due to its friendliness and good temperament. It usually weighs about 66 pounds and has a sturdy neck and head. It lives between 10 and 13 years. It has a coat that’s easy to care for and can come in the following colors:

• Black
• Golden
• Chocolate

It’s common that they like to be in the water and play. They’re good companions for children and are well-disposed to exercise. They can adapt to the home and establish a strong bond with family members. It’s important to note that these dogs aren’t guard dogs.

2. Border Collie

Border Collies are very intelligent and energetic dogs. For many years, they were used as a herding breed. They live between 12 and 15 years and their main characteristic is their long coat that requires brushing. They usually have black and white coats, although they can vary between the following:

• Lilac
• Red
• Blue

They’re slightly smaller than other medium-sized breeds, weighing between 29 and 55 pounds. Although they tend to be very affectionate family companions, they need exercise to expend their energy. Otherwise, they may develop undesirable behaviors. Therefore, it’s important that they maintain a daily routine.

3. Belgian Malinois

They weigh around 40 to 80 pounds and live between 14 and 16 years. Although they have a short coat, with colors ranging from brown to red, they tend to shed their hair. The body of the Belgian Malinois is robust and strong. In addition, it has erect ears and a thin muzzle.

It’s a canine that’s often used in police forces and in the search or tracking of objects and people. If you want one to be part of your family, you must take into account that it’s a very energetic breed, so a simple daily walk won’t be enough. In addition, it would be best if your dog’s daily routine includes mental stimulation.

4. English Bulldog

Dogs of a smaller and compact size, weighing between 40 and 49 pounds. Their life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years. They have a short coat with folds, which requires frequent care, as they tend to shed. Among their most common colors are the following:

• Red
• White
• Brown

Despite its appearance, the English bulldog is very affectionate with family, children, and strangers. One of its main characteristics is that it doesn’t have much energy, so it can spend a lot of time lying down.

5. Golden retriever

This breed is very similar to the labrador retriever, except that the golden retriever has a longer coat. For this reason, it needs frequent brushing, as it loses a lot of hair. It has a robust face and hanging ears. In addition, it lives between 10 and 12 years.

These dogs are cheerful, playful, and intelligent. At the same time, they love water and burn their energy in it or while on walks. They’re very sweet and affectionate with people, so they can be a great companion for the family, especially if there are children.

6. Irish Setter

Irish setters weigh between 59 and 68 pounds and have a long reddish coat. Their coat tends to shed and, therefore, needs to be brushed. If you’re looking for a medium-sized dog breed that’s friendly, this one is perfect. They’re very affectionate with family, children, and other pets.

They’re cheerful dogs and have a lot of energy. Therefore, it’s necessary for an Irish setter to exercise every day in order to keep its mind entertained. Also, it may bark a little more than other breeds.

7. Siberian husky

Perhaps its wolf-like appearance seems intimidating. However, the Siberian husky is one of the most loving and gentle medium dog breeds. They make great companions and working animals, for example, for pulling sleds.

They weigh between 35 and 59 pounds. At the same time, their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 14 years. Although they come from cold climates, they adapt very well to the environment. They’re not very watchful, although their physical appearance may suggest otherwise. However, they tend to distinguish themselves by barking a lot, losing their fur, and having a great deal of energy.

8. Basset hound

Unlike other medium-sized dog breeds, this one stands out for its short stature, long trunk, and elongated ears that give it a sad look. The basset hound weighs between 40 and 66 pounds. At the same time, it can live for up to 12 or 13 years. It has a short coat and tends to shed very little. In addition, it has the following colors:

• Black
• White
• Brown

The basset hound is a dog that likes to be in contact with children and other animals. Even so, it has little energy. However, it’s important to walk basset hounds in order to avoid excess weight. They adapt very easily and accept training. One important con to keep in mind is that they tend to breed.

9. Collie

The basic characteristic of collies is the great coat they have, which is long and straight and requires a lot of care. Collie dogs live between 12 and 14 years and can weigh from 48 to 75 pounds.

They’re friendly and adapt very well to their environment, so it won’t be difficult to train them. They’re not too energetic, but they can bark a lot, as they’re protective. Despite this, they’re very affectionate and cheerful, especially with children.

10. Boxer

Boxers are muscular, tall, and slender. They can weigh between 64 and 80 pounds and live between 10 to 12 years. In addition, they’re characterized by a short brown and white coat. Their temperament makes them excellent friends with children, although they can have problems with other dogs.

In spite of this, they’re generally friendly and protective animals. They’re also very active. For this reason, it’s important to keep them moving frequently. One thing to note is that they tend to drool.

11. Bull terrier

Among the breeds of terrier dogs, the bull terrier is distinguished by its short coat and oval head. They live 12 to 13 years and usually weigh between 48 and 68 pounds. Although playful and affectionate, it’s important to socialize and train them to develop a balanced temperament.

Although this dog’s coat is short -usually white- it can shed it easily. As a side note, this breed has a lot of energy and needs to go for walks. You may need to walk your pet with a muzzle, depending on the regulations where you live.

12. English Cocker Spaniel

A little smaller than the medium-sized dog breeds we’ve seen so far, the English Cocker Spaniel weighs between 24 and 33 pounds. They usually live up to 14 years of age.

This breed is characterized by a very friendly temperament with people, other dogs, and children. It is a dog that’s full of vitality and is very cheerful. It’s also very adaptable and sociable. As if that weren’t enough, it’s one of the most intelligent breeds. If you want to adopt one as a pet, take into account the fact that they lose a lot of hair.

13. Dalmatian

This well-known breed stands out for its black spots, although it can also be white and brown. The Dalmatian breed has a very short coat, which it tends to shed, and an erect tail that’s very characteristic. It weighs between 44 and 68 pounds and lives between 11 and 13 years.

These animals are reliable watchdogs and can be aloof with strangers. This also means that they can be reticent to other dogs and children. However, they’re very affectionate with their family. Finally, they have a lot of energy, so physical exercise is a must if you want to have one as a pet.

14. Afghan hound

The Afghan hound is a medium-sized, tall, and slender dog. They weigh between 48 and 15.5 pounds, although they measure approximately 2 feet. Therefore, they’re agile hunters. At the same time, they can live longer than other breeds on the list: Between 12 and 18 years.

As you can probably guess, their coat requires regular maintenance. It’s not a breed for every owner, given the demands in regard to its care. Even so, the Afghan hound is an independent, sweet, and energetic dog.

15. Poodle

You may know more about toy poodles, which are small and very popular as pets. But there are also larger poodles, which measure more than 1.25 feet and weigh between 40 and 68 pounds, and can live up to 18 years, so their life expectancy is quite long.

Their great friendship with the family and infants is a distinctive feature of this breed, although this isn’t always the case with other dogs. Also, they’re very cheerful, friendly, and, at the same time, guardians. Finally, they usually respond well to training, although their barking can be annoying.

16. Brittany Spaniel

Weighing between 28.5 to 39.5 pounds and with an average life expectancy of 13 years, the Brittany Spaniel, or Brittany, as it’s not actually a Spaniel, is a dog that’s characterized by the fun it brings to the home. It’s good with family and other pets, as well as with other dogs.

At the same time, it’s very athletic and agile, so it performs very well as a hunting dog. For this reason, it needs constant physical activity. Even so, it’s very receptive to training, so you’ll have no problem getting them to follow your commands.

17. Australian Sheepdog

As a good shepherd, this medium-sized dog breed is work-oriented and stands out for its intelligence. It also has an incentive to be active. It has a slender body and can weigh from 38.5 to 64 pounds on average. Their coat is unique and beautiful and can come in the following colors:

• Red
• Black
• White
• Blue

Australian Sheepdogs are excellent companions for small children, so they can be good friends for the family. At the same time, they live up to 15 years, so they’re longer-lived than other breeds. They’re dogs with a strong drive to work, so they may not be ideal for owners who are more accustomed to sedentary pets.

18. American Foxhound

American Foxhounds are independent and calm hunting dogs. Their short coat exhibits three colors:

• Black
• White
• Brown

They don’t require a great deal of maintenance, and they get along well with children and other animals, such as dogs and cats. They’re characterized by their great speed and endurance.

However, their character needs a lot of exercise because they can become depressed and destructive. At the same time, they tend to bark a lot, and if you’re not used to it, it’s often exhausting.

19. Airedale terrier

The Airedale terrier is the largest of the terriers. For this reason, they’re often called “the kings of the family.” They can measure around 23 inches and weigh up to 68 pounds. As for their life expectancy, it extends up to 14 years. Their dense coat is characteristic and needs constant maintenance. On the flip side, one advantage is that they’re less likely to cause allergies in humans.

They’re one of the most versatile breeds in the world, as they can be hunters, athletes, and good companions. They’re docile and patient, but they can be very protective, bold, and stubborn, just like the smaller members of the terrier family.

20. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers are dogs that weigh between 44 and 70 pounds and usually have a docked tail, although in some countries, this is already forbidden. They’re characterized by their short coat, which is spotted with three colors:

• Black
• White
• Brown

The German Shorthaired Pointer enjoys movement and activity. In addition, it’s easy to train. It’s very affectionate and energetic. Therefore, it needs a lot of exercise. This breed also makes for a great watchdog.

21. Barbet

The Barbet is an agile medium-sized dog breed that loves water and has often been used to hunt birds. It’s recognized by its long and dense curly coat, which can be of the following colors, accompanied by white patches:

• Gray
• Black
• Brown

These dogs have a calm nature as long as their exercise needs are met. They’re also very intelligent and affectionate. They weigh between 33 and 66 pounds and usually live to be 14 years old.

22. Chow chow

Chow chows are one of the medium-sized dog breeds that come from China. They have a structure that gives them a majestic air with a compact constitution. Their weight ranges between 44 and 68 pounds. In addition, their hairy ruff resembles a lion’s mane. They have a stiff-legged gait and don’t require special care.

Chow chows can be aloof with strangers but affectionate and protective with their family. Their life expectancy is shorter than that of other breeds, estimated to be between 8 and 12 years. They don’t usually have problems with adaptation and, if they’re well educated, they’re not aggressive.

23. Whippet

Whippets, which are similar to greyhounds, are another medium dog breed. They’re also very fast animals and have been used in racing. With a very slender body, this breed weighs up to 40 pounds.

Their personality is that of a playful dog, which is affectionate but at the same time calm. They tend to be very kind to other animals and children. One thing to note is that they love to expend their energy, so it’s important that, if you choose one as a pet, they’ll be happy to go for a run. They can adapt well to small spaces as long as they get the exercise they need.

24. Bearded Collie

Similar to the bobtail or old English shepherd, the Bearded Collie or beardie is smaller. It measures about 20 centimeters and weighs about 45 pounds. Of course, it stands out for its long, straight coat, which requires quite a lot of maintenance. The colors it can exhibit are the following:

• Blue
• Black
• White
• Light brown

These dogs are great jumpers, which is why they’re often prepared for competitions. Also, they’re very charismatic and kind to family, strangers, children, and other pets. Despite this, they can get bored very easily. Therefore, they’re ideal for those families who enjoy outdoor activities.

25. Hokkaido

The Hokkaido is docile and faithful. This medium-sized dog breed has a strong constitution and weighs between 45 and 66 pounds. It can live up to 15 years, and during that time, it shows great endurance.

As for their character, these are medium-sized dogs that must have proper training to become loyal companions. If so, they’ll be loyal to their family and pleasant with children.

26. Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherds are distinguished by their brindle-colored coats. In addition, they’re known for their great physical ability, which they display in herding or defense activities. For this reason, they’re used as police or military dogs. Among their temperament traits, the following stand out:

• Strength
• Intelligence
• Loyalty to their owners

Their weight can reach a little more than 66 pounds. They have large muscles and vitality, so it’s essential that they run. One aspect to highlight is that they can be great guardians, adaptable, and kind.

27. English Setter

We’ve already talked above about the Irish Setter, but not about its English relative. This is a very popular breed because it makes good friends with its guardians, children, strangers, or other dogs. It’s a medium-sized dog with traits that are very appreciated by its owners:

• Sweet
• Cheerful
• Friendly
• Playful

They weigh around 66 pounds and have speckles in their coat, which can be of the following colors:

• Black
• Brown
• Orange

The English Setter is very active and noisy when playing, but it can also be quiet, especially if it gets enough daily activity. Similarly, we emphasize that they’re dogs that live about 12 years.

28. Medium-sized Anglo-French Hound

Also called Anglo-François de Petite Véneire, it’s one of the medium breeds that resulted from crosses between hounds, such as the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore and the English foxhound. Therefore, it can present the following combinations in its coat:

• White and black
• White and orange
• White, black, and red

It has a balanced temperament, as it’s gentle and calm. However, at the same time, proactive and energetic. The medium-sized Anglo-French hound is sociable with children and other animals, as well as obedient if trained to be so. Like most dogs on this list, it needs walks to let off steam.

29. Standard Schnauzer

Medium Schnauzer breeds are slightly larger than their miniature companions and smaller than the giants. They can measure up to 19 inches tall and weigh up to 49 pounds.

One characteristic they do share with the family is their level of affection, as they’re very affectionate, both with their owners and with children. They’re characterized by joy and sociability. Likewise, they’re guard dogs that can be trained very well. If you like this breed as a pet, you should keep in mind that their coat requires care.

30. Shar-pei

These dogs are very calm, affectionate, and loyal to their family. They’re compact and medium-sized, weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. They’re protective, independent, and make good guardians.

Therefore, they can be calm but act out in the face of a perceived threat. Both training and early socialization are key to avoiding problems when they grow up. They can live up to 12 years and are prone to skin problems, so it’s important to take care of them properly.

31. English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are one of the medium dog breeds that’s the sweetest with their family. They stand out for combining their playful temperament with obedience. They’re cheerful and intelligent and are easy to train. They can live between 12 and 14 years and stand out for being very faithful to their handlers.

Besides being dogs designed for hunting, they’re educated. And, as if that weren’t enough, they’re good with children and other pets. They can be happy living indoors, but they also love outdoor activities.

32. Pyrenean Shepherd

Another of the medium dog breeds on this list is the well-known Pyrenean Shepherd. These dogs are characterized by the following traits:

• Active
• Cheerful
• Affectionate
• Enthusiastic

In addition, they’re good guardians despite their weight, which reaches only 29 pounds. Likewise, they tend to live longer than most medium breeds, between 17 and 19 years. Of course, they have a lot of energy and need stimulation so as not to get bored.

33. Vizsla

Did you know this Hungarian Hound? Also called Hungarian Braco, the Vizsla is a typical hunting dog. As such, it’s strong, agile, and enjoys moving. It has a long and tall body, which can reach a weight of 60 pounds.

However, its hunting spirit doesn’t mean that it’s not a friendly breed. In fact, the Vizsla is very friendly, both with its owners and with strangers and children. It will also get along well with other pets. Given its characteristics, it’s best to adopt one if you have space in your home or a park nearby.

34. Basenji

This is one of the medium-sized breeds that has a unique quality: It doesn’t bark. Instead, it makes a strange sound that can be perceived as a laugh or a grasshopper’s chirp. This makes it a good choice for apartment dwellers.

Dogs of this breed are active and independent. In fact, they’re often compared to cats due to their nature and the amount of time they dedicate to grooming each day.

35. Beagle

This is another one of the lighter medium dog breeds on the list. Weighing between 22 and 29 pounds, beagles are curious and cheerful dogs. Their long ears are characteristic of their hunting nature.

They are easygoing, fun-loving, and affectionate. Therefore, they’re great dogs for a family environment. Because they’re energetic, it’s important to have time to play with them. As an added bonus is that they can live to be 15 years old.

36. Keeshond

Keeshonds are a very familiar breed originating from the Netherlands. They are good with people, both young and old. They’re also noted for their kindness to other dogs. They have a small build and can live approximately 14 years.

Their main characteristic is their thick coat with a mane similar to that of a lion, so they lose a lot of hair and need daily brushing. At the same time, they’re dogs that adapt very well to their environment, whether it’s a large space to run or a small home. They’re also good watchdogs.

37. American Staffordshire terrier

This medium-sized dog breed enjoys the family environment and is very affectionate. If you choose this dog as a pet, it’ll be with you for 12 to 16 years, which is the range of its life expectancy.

This dog can have a variety of coat shades, from black to brindle brown. If they grow up in adequate environments, it’s rare for them to present aggressive behaviors, although they can occur, as indicated by the American Kennel Club.

For this reason, it’s important that they have correct training from an early age. Despite this, the American Staffordshire terrier isn’t suitable for a family with small children.

38. Norwegian Elkhound

Friendly and reliable, the Norwegian Elkhound is another medium-sized dog breed that you can adopt. It has a rich silver coat with a tail that curves towards its back and pointed ears.

They’re excellent companions and guardians. They’re also sociable and reserved with strangers. At the same time, they bark a lot and have a lot of energy. For this reason, and because of their intelligence, it’s a good idea to stimulate them with mental challenges.

39. Australian Cattle Dog

This dog is a shepherd that is robust and agile. A distinguishing trait is its energy level, which is often boundless. This means that it can get bored easily and, therefore, it needs games, work, or exercise as a diversion.

A good option is participation in canine sports so that it can burn off all the energy it has in its approximately 40 pounds. Beyond that, it’s a good guard dog and loyal, although it doesn’t stand out for its level of affection. At the same time, it can live up to 16 years old.

For families with small children, it might be interesting to know that this is the dog breed represented in the acclaimed Disney cartoon series, Bluey.

40. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Shepherd is similar to the Collie but is smaller. Also known as Shelties, these dogs weigh up to 27 pounds, much less than other medium-sized dog breeds we’ve looked at. Therefore, they stand out for their agility and activity.

They’re distinguished by their kindness, although they can be distrustful with strangers. This is related to their guardian and protective nature. Another characteristic that sets them apart as great watchdogs is that they like to bark.

41. Samoyed

Samoyeds are dogs with a thick coat that are able to withstand sub-zero temperatures and work on sleds. They’re intelligent and affectionate, although they’re also often noisy. In other words, they bark regularly.

They enjoy the company of their family and are friendly with children. If you want to adopt one, take into account that they shed their hair continuously. Likewise, being working dogs, they require large amounts of exercise.

42. Portuguese Water Dog

As you might expect, the Portuguese Water Dog is one of the medium dog breeds that loves aquatic environments. It usually weighs around 45 to 55 pounds. They’re athletic and active dogs that live up to 13 years.

They get along well with children and are very friendly. At the same time, they’re intelligent, so it’s common to see them participate in agility competitions or other kinds of canine sports. If you wish to become the guardian of this breed, don’t forget that their coat must be kept well cared for.

43. Shiba Inu

Like the hokkaido, this is another medium-sized Japanese dog breeds that has an abundant coat. Shiba Inu are small and can weigh about 22 pounds. Because of their agility, they’re often compared to cats.

Their character is special, as they can be very lively and alert. In the same way, they’re very affectionate with the family, although they can be distrustful with people that they don’t know.

44. Pointer

The pointer, also known as the English pointer, is one of the medium-sized hunting dog breeds. In this regard, it’s characterized by its hard-working and sociable nature with people and other dogs. In addition, it’s intelligent, cheerful, and eager to please.

It’s a tall dog of great size, with an average weight of 66 pounds. Although it’s most commonly bicolor, its coat can vary between the following colors:

• Black
• White
• Brown

The most important thing to keep in mind is that, given its characteristics, it needs daily exercise.

45. German Pinscher

Similar to the Doberman, the German Pinscher is smaller, though not as small as its miniature relative. It weighs between 31 and 44 pounds. It stands out for its short coat, which can have three colors:

• Black
• Reddish
• Brown

This breed loves to play and needs stimulation according to its high energy level. It also enjoys company, as it’s very loving with its family. To top it off, it’s very intelligent and has great trainability.

46. Picardy Shepherd

The Picardy shepherd or Berger Picard is a canine of French origin that’s often used as a shepherd. It’s another intelligent pet on this list of medium-sized dog breeds. Also, they’re distinguished by traits that are highly appreciated by pet owners:

• Gentleness
• Sensitivity
• Calmness

Like most animals, this little furry one needs frequent exercise. If it doesn’t get enough, it could become destructive. So, if you’re looking to adopt one, try to keep it entertained.

47. Belgian Shepherd

This breed shouldn’t be confused with the Belgian Malinois. In this case, we’re dealing with a very different animal in terms of its coat, which is longer and fully black in color. In addition, this canine is very intelligent and eager to please its owners. Therefore, loyalty is one of its outstanding features.

At the same time, it’s a guardian that’s protective but loving with children and its family. In addition to this, it stands out when it comes to training, as it responds very well to it. If you want to add a Belgian Shepherd to your family, don’t overlook the fact that it sheds a lot of fur and needs regular maintenance.

Which of these medium dog breeds is your favorite?

Each of these medium breeds has its own particular characteristics. Despite them, you may have noticed that most of them need daily exercise to avoid boredom and possible undesirable behaviors.

Had you heard of all of these medium dog breeds? From quiet little furries to water and play fanatics, each canine has its own particular virtues. Even so, they can all be great companions if you raise them with love and attention.