Finding the perfect dog is a big decision. You want a pet that fits your space, your energy level, and your lifestyle. Medium sized dogs are often the best choice for many people. They are 40 Medium Sized Dog Breeds not too big to handle, but they are not too small to be fragile.
At Clumsy Paw | For Pet Lovers and Pet Enthusiasts, we believe there is a perfect friend for everyone. Medium dogs usually weigh between 25 and 60 pounds. They are great for apartments, houses with yards, and everything in between. Here are 40 wonderful breeds to consider.
Top 40 Medium Sized Dog Breeds for Your Home
Choosing a dog is about finding a companion that makes you happy. These breeds are well known for being great additions to a home.
Whippet: These dogs are fast and love to run, but they are very calm inside. They are quiet and make excellent companions for relaxing on the sofa.
Beagle: Beagles are famous for being friendly and curious. They have a great nose and love to follow scents on long walks.
Border Collie: These are smart dogs that love to have a job to do. They need plenty of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Known as the nanny dog, they are very loving with people. They are strong and sturdy but have hearts of gold.
English Springer Spaniel: These dogs are very social and love being part of family activities. They are eager to please and very easy to train.
Cocker Spaniel: With their beautiful ears and gentle eyes, they are very popular. They are cheerful, playful, and great with children.
Standard Schnauzer: These dogs are smart and have a lot of personality. They are good protectors and very loyal to their owners.
Australian Cattle Dog: They have endless energy and are very clever. You must keep them busy or they might find their own trouble.
Basenji: These dogs are unique because they do not bark. They are quiet and very clean, acting a bit like a cat.
Basset Hound: You will love their long ears and sweet, droopy faces. They are laid back and very patient with everyone they meet.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: These little herders are smart and full of spirit. They are small in height but have a big personality.
Shiba Inu: They look like little foxes and have a bold personality. They are independent and need a firm, loving hand during training.
Brittany: These dogs are perfect for active people who love the outdoors. They have lots of energy and are always ready for a game.
Vizsla: They are known as velcro dogs because they love to be right next to you. They are very affectionate and loyal.
Keeshond: With a beautiful fluffy coat, they are very social and happy dogs. They love being part of everything the family does.
Whippet Mixes: Many shelter dogs are mixed breeds that have the size of a whippet. They often have the best traits of two different dogs.
Portuguese Water Dog: They are very smart and do not shed much. These dogs love to swim and play in the water whenever they can.
Australian Shepherd: Even though they are active, they are very loving. They are great at learning tricks and playing games.
Dalmatian: Known for their spots, these dogs are energetic and fun. They need a lot of room to run and play outside.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: They have a happy attitude and a soft, wavy coat. They are friendly with everyone and love to give kisses.
American Eskimo Dog: These dogs are smart and very pretty with white hair. They learn fast and are very eager to play with you.
Bull Terrier: They have a unique head shape and a funny personality. They are very active and love to wrestle with their toys.
Finnish Spitz: These dogs are talkative and have a friendly face. They are loyal to their family and very watchful of their home.
Canaan Dog: This breed is very smart and easy to train. They are devoted to their owners and make great watchdogs.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: They are smaller than a Golden Retriever but just as smart. They are very playful and love a good game of fetch.
Shetland Sheepdog: These look like little Collies and are very smart. They are great at agility and love to be helpful.
Kerry Blue Terrier: They have a beautiful blue-gray coat and lots of spunk. They are energetic and very good at guarding the house.
Shar-Pei: Famous for their wrinkles, they are quiet and calm dogs. They are very loyal to their main person and keep to themselves.
Bedlington Terrier: They look like little lambs but are very tough. They are fast, active, and very sweet with their own family.
Miniature American Shepherd: These are very smart and easy to live with. They have plenty of energy but can settle down inside.
Wire Fox Terrier: They are bold, energetic, and always ready for fun. You will never be bored with this dog in your house.
Clumber Spaniel: These are a bit heavier but very sweet and gentle. They prefer a slow walk and a nice nap afterward.
Whippet and Poodle Mix: Often called a Doodle, these dogs are smart and friendly. They are often good for people with mild allergies.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi: These are very sturdy and intelligent working dogs. They have a big bark for their size, which is great for safety.
Norwegian Elkhound: They are brave and very loyal to their family. They have a thick coat and love cooler weather.
Chinese Shar-Pei: These dogs are independent and very clean. They do not need a lot of exercise and are happy just being near you.
Puli: These dogs have corded hair that looks like dreadlocks. They are very smart and need a lot of mental activity.
Saluki: They are graceful and very fast, but also gentle. They like a calm home where they can lounge and relax.
Icelandic Sheepdog: These are very friendly and love being with people. They have a happy bark and are great companions for kids.
Cirneco dell’Etna: These are small and slender, making them great house pets. They are very playful and enjoy sunny spots.
Training Your New Medium Sized Friend
No matter which breed you pick, training is a part of the process. A well behaved dog makes life much easier for everyone. If you find that your new friend needs a little extra help with manners, you might want to look into the 28 Day Dog Training Challenge for Better Behavior. It is a great way to bond with your dog while teaching them the rules of your home.
Remember that consistency is key. Keep your training sessions short and fun. Use treats to reward them when they do something right. Dogs really want to please you, they just need to understand what you want from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are medium sized dogs good for apartments?
Yes, many medium dogs are great for apartments. The most important thing is their energy level. A breed that is calm inside will do fine in a smaller space as long as they get a walk every day.
Do medium dogs live longer than big dogs?
In many cases, yes. Smaller and medium sized dogs often have longer lives than very large dog breeds. Taking them for regular checkups helps them stay healthy for a long time.
Which medium dog is easiest to train?
Breeds like the English Springer Spaniel and the Shetland Sheepdog are often very easy to train. They want to be close to you and listen to what you say.
How much exercise does a medium dog need?
This depends on the breed. A working dog like an Australian Cattle Dog needs much more activity than a Basset Hound. Plan for at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day for most medium dogs.
