Medium sized dogs are anywhere from 24-55 to 60 pounds. You might see varying definitions of medium sized dogs by weight, but overall, you will see common consensus around these weight ranges. If you have the space and love to spare, these breeds will capture your heart.
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Not known for barking, they are still terriers – so they have a tendency to chew and dig. Their happiness is rooted in companionship and interactions with humans. Airedales own the title of largest terrier.
A coveted hunting companion with all the stops – speed, endurance, and a voice to be heard by all. Like most sporting group breeds, they are extremely loving animals and derive extreme satisfaction in pleasing their owners.
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While these dogs can be patient with their own families, they have been known to be standoffish to strangers, and aggressive at times. If you took a powder keg of gentle and destructive, and shook it, you’d have the American Foxhound in a bottle. For example, while they are not snuggly animals, they exhibit separation anxiety if distanced from owners.
This ‘Pit Bull’ breed is more affectionately known as AmStaffs by their devout fanbase. They have a smooth coat and typically weigh anywhere from 50-80 pounds. True to what you’d expect from a Pit Bull, they are muscular and dawn signature “rose” ears.
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Native to the Wisconsin in the 1800s, the American Water Spaniel (AWS) is an optimistic, active outdoor loving dog. They can be territorial and aggressive to other dogs, but they have many traits that make them desirable family pets.
This medium sized Swiss herding dog is energetic and fearless. Their presitge as an all around working dog might have inflated its ego, as they can be self-assured. They are the smallest breed of the Swiss Mountain Dogs.
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Among the more intelligent breeds, the “Blue Heeler” was bred in Australia in the 19th century to move cattle across large expanses of land. They are easy to train, outgoing and playful.
These medium sized herding dog from Australia has some distinct pointy ears. They are extremely intelligent and alert. As you would expect with a dog in charge of corralling all sorts of livestock, they have near endless energy.
As a breed that can be anything from a police dog to a family pet, these dogs can adapt to their surroundings. Their intelligence and drive need to be placed somewhere to keep them from getting bored.
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This Portuguese herding dog makes for a wonderful family and companion dog. They are intelligent and smart, easy to train. When not herding livestock and cattle, they make for great guard dogs.
A classic example of a water dog from France, this photogenic dog is intelligent and quick witted. They are typically anywhere from 30-60 pounds and love human companionship.
A stubborn breed through and through, they have an uncontrollable urge to bark at most anything that might pass them as they lounge on the front porch. They are a robust, energetic breed, with the patience to match, which makes them great family dogs if you have children.
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Also known as a Beardie, this affectionate charismatic dog sports an undeniably recognizable shaggy coat. Once a prominent herding dog for Scottish shepherd, this dog has now filled the role of adored family companion.
When it is not herding sheep in the hilly boarder of Scotland and England, this intelligent, black and white workaholic thives on law and order in their surroundings – both in the field and at home. Regarded as one of the most intelligent dogs, when the family is fast asleep, the Border Collie can be found in the study playing chess against itself.
Fierce, energetic and bold in the field, these pups are just as happy placing their attention in the home. They are loyal and kind, making them a perfect choice for a family with kids of all ages.
This medium breed is as swift and athletic as they come. Make sure to have an exercise plan in place before considering the breed as they have inexhaustible energy. On the home front, they are sweet and patient, making them good for families with children of all ages.
This medium to large breed has a most distinguished nose. They were originally bred for fighting, but with those days behind them, they’ve taken a welcomed role as a family companion. While their temperament is sweet-tempered, its important to take this breed on a case-by-case basis if looking to have them join a family with smaller kids.
These medium-sized, short muzzled dogs are unmistakable. Believed to be a cross of an Asiatic mastiff and a pug, the massive head and brick-like body has certainly pulled the best of both worlds.
This Spitz type dog from China is a thick set dog, square in its profile. Its thick double coat is sure to keep it warm in the winter. They mostly keep to themselves as they are aloof and wildly independent.
Though more aloof than other Spaniels, this large sized breed from the UK makes for a great family dog. They are smart and eager to learn. It’s better to give them positive reinforcement than stern discipline, as they respond better that way. They can be sensitive like that.
The Collie’s mid-size, light frame are highly intelligent. They are particularly gifted with anticipating the needs of people around them, making them wonderful additions to the family, or even service dogs.
If you’ve every watched the Disney movie where there were 101 of them, or looked at any Fire Station posters, you’ve undoubtedly come across a Dalmatian. Their limelight might suggest that they are even tempered, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Their popularity has declined over the decades due to their high maintenance and fragile temperament.
The German Spaniel is a kind and gentle hunting dog that is content in a family setting. They love their human companionship.
Brimming with energy and intelligence, this herding dog of Dutch origin was a versatile dog for the farm. While this medium sized dog is good in a family setting, they aren’t affectionate like you’d find with other breeds.
This scenthound is a sturdy and strong as an ox. Bred originally to hunt, yep, foxes. The English Foxhound is smaller than its American cousin. Socialize these pups when they are young and they can be good family dogs, in the right families.
This medium sized sporting dog is part of the Setter group (red Irish Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, and Gordon Setters). Mild-mannered overly accommodating, they make for great companions for any age. Their protective nature makes them adequate watch dogs.
These medium sized sporting dogs love flushing and retrieving birds. While they are professional and alert in the field, they are affectionate and cheerful at home.
This mid-sized old school cattle Swiss herding dog is the smallest descendant of Molossians, which were the Roman war dogs that later sprung off the breed of Mastiffs. These dogs can be sweet and kind. They can also be unwelcoming to strangers.
Responding better to positive reinforcement than hard reprisals, this even tempered spitz type breed originated in Germany. They are loyal to their inner circle and remain standoffish to strangers.
Their outgoing personality and loving and caring temperament make this breed a wonderful family dog. While wonderful at home, they thrive even more in the outdoors – both on land and in water.
This small to medium sized Pinscher is an intelligent and lively breed. Their even temper and familial love make them great additions to the clan. Just make sure you are ready each day to exhaust their energy, of which they have ample.
These even tempered medium to large sized dogs were a versatile hunting dog in Germany. When treated well and with respect (especially with the unpredictability of younger children), these dogs are sweet and affectionate.
This terrier is among the oldest of the terrier breeds. This bold and courageous, protective and reverent medium sized dog is affectionately nicknamed the “Daredevil” of the Emerald Island. Pedal to the medal, this pup lives its life.
This intelligent, medium-sized spitz-type dog hails from South Korea. In terms of loyalty, this dog just might win that category. They enjoy an active lifestyle, so that is most certainly a consideration when evaluating if they might be the right match for you.
This Finnish dog is cautious, yet brave, loyal, yet territorial. Their agility in the field make them versatile hunters. They specialize in larger game like bears, moose and wild boar.
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This medium sized dog has some large sized fur. They are athletic and nimble and were used as companions and guard dogs on Dutch ships. Its closest relatives are from the Spitz family of dogs.
This medium sized terrier was promoted from all around hunting dog (rabbits to badgers to foxes and otters) to an all around working dog. They are brave and spirited, affectionate and loyal.
Also known as a Kromi, this 20-35 pound dog was developed in Germany after WW II as a companion dog, which they thrive at being. Their longer lifespans, up to 18 years, could be another factor to consider.
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Affectionately known as a “truffle dog”, this small to medium sized pup is smart and active, loving and compassionate. They certainly have their nuances, so be sure to socialize them young and know how to give them the attention and love they need so they are their best selves for you.
This Hungarian herding dog has all the makings of a great family dog. Loving and loyal, kind and patient. Their herding ancestry has them full of energy, so make sure they have room to run and play. As with most herding dogs, their bark and desire to corral could be off-putting to smaller children.
This Spaniel type dog has been around for quite a while. They are adorned in Dutch paintings dating back to the Middle Ages. They were used as working dogs, with a specialty in trapping ducks, as its name suggests.
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This medium sized Spitz type all purpose herding breed is fun loving and energetic. They are very affectionate and naturally gentle.
The “decoy dog” is the smallest of the retrievers. They are intelligent and are eager to please their owners, making them wonderful as a “toller”. Their patience and size make them great family dog for families of all ages.
This small to medium breed is an intelligent, athletic sighthound coming from Peru. They are energetic and lively and love being with humans.
These active and agile hounds were bred to hunt rabbits on rocky terrains. Medium in size, the “Blushing Dog” of Malta has a regal appearance.
This blue collar, shaggy coat herding dog loves putting in a good days work. They are even tempered and intelligent. They are excellent family dogs where the kids are a little older.
Touting excellent swimming skills, Poodles are easily the most popular water dog. They’re highly intelligent and eager to train. Poodles have kindly temperaments making them an ideal pet for families with children.
This hypoallergenic, medium-sized working group dog was originally from the Portuguese coast, with an original job of herding fish into the fisherman’s net. They are intelligent and brave while remaining docile and obedient, which makes them a great family dog as well.
Few dogs have a more distinguishable coat. This small to medium sized herding breed sports a corded coat. As with most herding dogs, they are intelligent and energetic.
A mid-sized herding dog, this breed is highly intelligent, clever and vigilant. To be in a family home, there would need to be an exercise schedule for this one. They have tons of energy and need to expend it to be at their best.
The royal dog of Egypt is in the running for oldest dog on record. They are not overly affectionate, but they are sweet with kids and love being by your side. While aloof, they still crave human companionship. They can sprint up to 42 MPH, which isn’t too shabby.
This medium sized herding dog has a hypoallergenic coat that doubles its presence. While they are lively and friendly, they also have a stubborn side that is just as strong. They require lots of exercise and have a relatively long grooming list, so make sure you account for that when considering this breed.
This Dutch sheepdog has the signature shagginess of these style herding dogs. A wonderful farm dog, they also exhibit better agility than you might originally anticipate.
This hypoallergenic, medium sized terrier hails from Ireland. As a terrier, they are intelligent and spirited. With families, they are affectionate and energetic.
The Spanish Water Dog can herd a flock or retrieve waterfowl. Its nature to herd marks a key differentiator from the American and Irish Water dogs of the same name. For family planning purposes, the are hypoallergenic, affectionate and loyal.
The “Frisian Pointer” as they name translates to, this medium-sized breed has a tranquil and obedient presence. The Stabyhoun is a solid jack-of-all trade that can be everything from a herding dog to a hunting dog to a vigilant watch dog.
The original of the three Schnauzer sizes (Giant, Standard, and Miniature), this hypoallergenic pup came from 14th century Germany. They are fantastic family dogs who’s devotion puts them in the air of some of the better companion dogs.
If you closed your eyes and took a Cocker Spaniel and then gave it a dachshund-like body, you’d have a good idea of its appearance. They are low to the ground bird dogs with impressive endurance. They have a cheerful and sociable disposition.
This small to medium sized dog has admirable agility, as it has adapted to traversing the uneven and thickly forested terrain of Taiwan. They are bold and alert, as their surroundings would require. Due to their disposition, it is better to have older, well-behaved children if you’re thinking of adding them to the family.
One of three breeds with the hallmark ridge of hair along its back (the other two: Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Phu Quoc Ridgeback), this loyal and loving dog needs to be socialized at a young age to enforce the best parts of their familial traits. They are muscular and agile dogs with tons of energy to expend.
These loyal companions love to run so make sure you have an exercise plan in place. They have seemingly endless energy and have natural hunting chops. Vizsla does mean “pointer” in Hungarian, after all. This medium breed makes for a wonderful family dog as they are fiercely loyal and affectionate.
Originally an otter hunter in the Netherlands, the Wetterhoun is a true “water dog” as their name translates to. They are mostly reserved and quiet. In the right circumstance, when socialized young, they can be good in a family setting.
Whippets have been known to hit 35 MPH at a full sprint. At those speeds, they can make hairpin turns, too. While quiet and gentle, these sighthounds can be lively, friendly, and affectionate.
This hypoallergenic medium sized dog is a superior level gundog. Their desire to please their owners combined with their instinctual prowess in the field make them highly trainable. Their inherent gentleness makes them wonderful on the homefront.
Sharing the same hunting prowess as its short haired cousin, the Wirehaired Vizsla has a notable coat. They are very smart and highly trainable. Match that with their innate skills and you’ll see just how good they are when they are in their element. At home, they have a happy demeanor and never shy away from human love.
These Australian herding dogs have endless energy. Their intelligence makes them capable of mustering livestock on their own. They have a short double coat that comes in many styles and variations.
A known breed in Mexico for over 3,000 years, the Xolo holds the destinction of being the first dog in the Americas. In a family setting, don’t be surprised if they latch onto one member as its favorite. They are not typically aggressive towards strangers.
Bred as a strong and tough working dog, the Spitz style Yakutian Laika was responsible for anything from herding reindeer to pulling sleds. They hail from the Arctic region in Russia.
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