The Complete Guide to Medium Dogs: Finding Your Perfect Companion

Looking for a four-legged friend that’s just right? Medium dogs offer the ideal balance for many pet owners. Between the smaller pomeranian and the larger mastiff breeds, medium dogs have emerged as the goldilocks option of the canine world. “Medium size dogs are great because they can fulfill the needs of many potential dog owners, including companionship, running/jogging, therapy dog work and more,” explains Charlotte Reed, a pet care and lifestyle expert and host of The Pet Buzz, a nationally syndicated pet talk radio show.

But what exactly qualifies as a medium dog? According to Vetcarenews, medium dogs typically weigh between 24 and 59 pounds with a shoulder height of 16 to 22 inches. Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover, notes that “medium dogs are often great for an active lifestyle, with enough energy (for most breeds) to keep up on hikes and adventures.” Interestingly, the medium dog category isn’t limited to active breeds—some famously laid-back dogs like the bulldog and whippet also fall into this mid-size range, making medium dogs suitable for various living situations and owner preferences.

Active and Energetic Medium Dogs

These medium dogs excel for owners who love outdoor adventures and need a running companion. They combine athletic ability with trainability, making them ideal for active households.

English Setter

With a heritage spanning 400 years, the English setter earned the nickname “gentleman of the dog world.” These elegant medium dogs display distinctive belton-patterned coats in liver, lemon, and orange hues. Originally bred for hunting on English country estates, setters are playful, get along well with other dogs and people, and thrive with positive reinforcement training. Their long coats require regular brushing, and they need consistent exercise to stay happy and healthy.

American Foxhound

American foxhounds represent another excellent choice among medium dogs for active families. These sleek hunters are known for their good-natured demeanor and short, easy-to-maintain coats. Bred for long hunts, they require at least an hour or two of daily exercise but can adapt well to various living situations with proper attention. Weekly brushing helps maintain their coat, and prospective owners should be prepared for their strong prey drive and independent nature.

Vizsla

A Hungarian treasure, the vizsla is an athletic standout within the medium dog category. These loving companions, recognizable by their sleek golden-rust coats and lean frames, form tight bonds with their owners. Vizslas excel in various sports and activities, requiring both physical and mental exercise due to their background as active hunting dogs. Grooming remains straightforward with occasional brushing and baths, and their centuries-long history has made them beloved among American dog enthusiasts for their versatility.

English Springer Spaniel

For medium dogs that combine hunting heritage with family-friendly temperament, the English springer spaniel stands out. These energetic and intelligent birds dogs feature muscular builds, double coats, long ears, and kind eyes. Originally tracing back to Britain’s land spaniels, they became valued gundogs and gained North American fame in the 1920s. Highly trainable, springers excel at long walks, play sessions, and increasingly popular K-9 detection work, making them reliable companions for active families.

Brittany

A beloved gundog on both sides of the Atlantic, the Brittany ranks among medium dogs known for exceptional versatility. Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, they display beautiful coats in vivid orange and liver patterns requiring minimal grooming. Originating in the Brittany region of France, these energetic dogs excel in hunting, agility, and flyball competitions. Brought to America in 1931, they remain favored for their energy and bird-tracking skills.

Australian Shepherd

A lean and rugged ranch dog, the Australian shepherd stands out among medium dogs for its piercing gaze and varied coat patterns, including the distinctive merle. Originating from Europe’s herding traditions through Australia with Basque shepherds before thriving in California, Aussies became iconic to cowboy culture. These spry stock movers possess innate herding impulses and high intelligence, thriving with owners seeking high-energy training partners. Regular grooming, exercise, and meaningful work keep them happy.

Australian Cattle Dog

Also known as blue or red heelers, the Australian cattle dog is a small yet stocky herding option within medium dogs. Related to the dingo, these intelligent dogs are born with white coats that transform into blue-gray or red with distinctive speckling. Known for their huge work drive, agility, and loyalty, they excel at herding and make excellent running partners. Their smooth, double-layer coats require only regular brushing and shed twice yearly.

Hunting Heritage Medium Dogs

These medium dogs possess deep roots in hunting and sporting traditions, combining reliable instincts with loyal temperaments.

Collie

Originally from Scotland, collies gained twentieth-century fame through beloved cultural references like “Lassie.” These medium dogs come in either the iconic full-coated “rough” variety or the sleek “smooth” coat. They’re agile herders with elegant wedge-shaped heads, almond eyes, and gentle expressions that make excellent family pets. Collies excel with children and train easily due to their intelligence, though regular grooming requires careful attention to shedding and matting.

Bull Terrier

Instantly recognizable for its distinctive long, egg-shaped head and triangular eyes, the bull terrier represents another hunting-origin medium dog. Their coats come in white or other colors with brindle striping. Developed from bulldogs and terriers for sport dating back to thirteenth-century bull-baiting, by the mid-1800s these medium dogs became refined as fashionable companions. Today’s bull terriers display playful natures, unwavering devotion, and have produced famous individuals like Bullseye (the Target mascot) and General George Patton’s beloved Willy. They require weekly brushing, early socialization, and firm but loving training.

Bluetick Coonhound

A sleek and lovable breed among medium dogs, the bluetick coonhound perfectly balances sweet home temperament with relentless hunting pursuit. Recognized for their mottled black-and-blue coats, these well-muscled dogs are known for their distinct baying and bawling. With history dating back to French staghounds given to George Washington, bluetick coonhounds remain favorites among coon hunters. Since 1953, they’ve served as the University of Tennessee’s official mascot, representing an enduring place in Southern culture.

Airedale Terrier

Dubbed “The King of Terriers,” the Airedale represents the largest terrier breed among medium dogs. This regal breed is known for docility and patience with children, featuring short, wiry coats with tan and black markings. Their alert and intelligent expression, coupled with a sporty beard and mustache, make them unique. Airedales require minimal grooming and daily play sessions to burn off energy levels, maintaining their position as distinctive medium dogs.

German Pinscher

One of Germany’s oldest breeds and prototype for other pinscher varieties, the German pinscher stands as a sleek and intelligent medium dog. Standing about knee-high to adults, these impressive dogs display shiny coats in red, black, or blue with red accents. Despite their elegant appearance, German pinschers require minimal grooming—just weekly brushing and occasional baths. They excel in canine sports and make wonderful companions.

Gentle and Laid-Back Medium Dogs

Not all medium dogs need to be high-octane athletes. Several breeds in this category thrive on relaxation and moderate activity.

Bulldog

There’s no mistaking the lovable “sourmug” face of a bulldog, the laid-back counterpart among medium dogs. This brave breed features a thick-set, muscular build with a distinctive furrowed brow, pushed-in nose, and unique rolling gait. Despite appearing laid-back, bulldogs also enjoy brisk walks and need moderate exercise to stay fit. Originally bred for bull baiting in thirteenth-century England, these medium dogs transformed into beloved companions, becoming a national symbol of England and popular mascots for sports teams and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Basset Hound

The sweet and lovable basset hound wins hearts with its distinctive appearance among medium dogs. This short and squat hound possesses surprising strength and stamina despite its compact build. Recognized for its domed head, long ears, and mournful eyes, the basset hound excels in scenting work. Despite a stubborn streak, these medium dogs prove loyal and entertaining at home. While not overly active, they need daily walks and play sessions. Training requires patience and consistency given their independent nature. Originally bred in France and Belgium to create a short scenting hound for hunting.

Chow Chow

Originating back to China’s Han Dynasty, chows have served as noble companions, guards, and hunters—representing another calm option among medium dogs. These medium dogs are recognized for their muscular builds, distinctive lion’s-mane ruffs, and remarkable blue-black tongues. Chows prove clean, easy to house train, and loyal, making them appealing for many households. Their double coats require regular grooming including brushing and monthly baths. They need only moderate exercise, enjoying daily walks and playtime with their people.

Whippet

The whippet is a lightning-quick, sleek medium dog with a sweet face that mirrors the elegance of a greyhound in a smaller package. Despite their intense pursuit instincts, whippets are friendly, dignified, and gentle companions. Their short, smooth coats make them low-maintenance and suitable for apartments, offering medium dogs as an option for space-conscious owners. Known for their speed and rich history in dog racing and lure coursing, whippets provide excitement without excessive grooming demands.

Distinctive and Unique Medium Dogs

These medium dogs stand out for their appearance, heritage, or uncommon characteristics.

Poodle (Standard)

The standard poodle represents an aristocrat within the medium dog world. Contrary to stereotypes, poodles prove eager, athletic, and excel in various activities. Famous for their medley of decorative haircuts, these medium dogs require regular brushing to prevent matting. Their non-shedding coats make them hypoallergenic options for allergy sufferers, a significant advantage among medium dogs. Despite being the national dog of France, poodles originated as duck hunters in Germany. Beyond duck hunting, these medium dogs have served as circus performers, truffle hunters, and beloved family companions.

Dalmatian

Featuring probably the most famous coats in the animal kingdom, the dalmatian represents a graceful medium dog with surprising power and endurance. Originally bred to guard horses and coaches, these medium dogs possess protective instincts and make loyal house dogs. Grooming requires only occasional baths and weekly brushing. Dalmatians thrive on regular exercise, enjoying activities like chasing balls, jogging, or hiking.

Jindo

Originally from Jindo Island off South Korea, the Jindo is a loyal and intelligent option among medium dogs, prized for its role as an independent hunter, vigilant guardian, and devoted companion. These medium dogs showcase erect ears, distinctive tails, agility, strength, alertness, and dignity. Known for cleanliness, they possess strong hunting instincts and display bravery and faithfulness to their masters. While reserved around other animals, Jindos are one-person medium dogs forming deep attachments to owners. They thrive in active households needing physical and mental stimulation plus meaningful work. Designated a cultural asset in Korea in 1962 and called Korea Natural Treasure #53, these medium dogs represent their nation’s heritage.

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire terrier, affectionately called AmStaff, represents an intelligent and confident option among medium dogs. With stocky, muscular builds, they feature broad heads, well-defined jaws, and round, dark eyes. Their stiff, glossy coats require weekly brushing and occasional baths. AmStaffs are both agile and graceful, people-oriented medium dogs thriving as family members through play sessions and canine sports. Originating from blood sports in Britain, today’s AmStaff is a mellow, beloved companion with rich history in American culture.

Choosing Your Ideal Medium Dog

Medium dogs offer remarkable diversity across sizes, energy levels, temperaments, and grooming needs. Whether you’re seeking an athletic companion for hiking adventures, a gentle family member for relaxed evenings, or a loyal protector with unique heritage, medium dogs provide options for virtually every lifestyle and preference.

The key to finding your perfect medium dog match lies in honest self-assessment. Evaluate your living situation, activity level, grooming commitment, and lifestyle expectations. Some medium dogs demand extensive exercise and mental stimulation, while others thrive in quieter homes. Some require professional grooming expertise, while others need only basic maintenance. By matching your household’s characteristics with the right medium dog breed, you’ll create a fulfilling relationship lasting years to come.