- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Medium dog breeds strike the perfect balance for many dog lovers.
They weigh between 20 and 60 pounds and can be more manageable than larger dog breeds—who also need more food and bigger gear! Medium dogs also tend to do better on lengthy outdoor adventures than smaller, more delicate breeds.
Size may be one important factor you consider when choosing a dog, but energy levels, grooming needs, and temperament should also help guide your choice.
Below, find 21 medium-sized dogs from various breed groups, organized by weight. We’ll highlight their key characteristics to help you determine which pup might be the perfect addition to your home.
Smallish to Medium (20-40 lbs)
Pembroke Welsh Corgi (up to 30 lbs)
Corgis are lively dogs easily recognized by their short legs and long bodies. They have both wits and stamina in plenty and love activities that engage both their bodies and minds.
Dog sports, particularly those involving herding, can help redirect herding instincts these spirited pups may display towards children or other pets.
Corgis tend to be heavy shedders. But many fans of the breed consider the extra fur a minor inconvenience next to their cheerful personalities and eagerness to please.
Border Collie (30-55 lbs)
This incredibly smart breed loves having a job to do, which makes them great at agility and obedience training.
Border Collies need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so they’ll do best with an owner who can offer a variety of activities, like training, running, and walks.
These dogs are affectionate with trusted friends and family. They can be cautious of people they don’t know, which makes them good guard dogs. Just keep an eye on them around kids, since they’ll occasionally try to herd them!
Miniature American Shepherd (20-40 lbs)
This compact herding breed is bright, athletic, and ready for adventure! Miniature American Shepherds can adapt to city life, even in an apartment, as long as you can meet their high exercise needs.
They love outdoor activities like hiking, running, and competing in dog sports like agility and obedience.
Cocker Spaniel (25-30 lbs)
Cocker Spaniels are highly trainable dogs who can excel at whatever they put their minds to, from sporty outdoor activities to snuggling with their families.
Their distinctive coat makes them a little higher maintenance in the grooming department. But many people find their friendly, loving personalities more than make up for their grooming needs!
Beagle (20-35 lbs)
The Beagle is an ideal family dog. They’re curious and fun-loving, generally like children, and form strong bonds with their people. And, of course, those big, expressive eyes make them tough to resist!
You can engage their keen sense of smell with a snuffle mat, which can also serve as a slow feeder for eager eaters. Just keep in mind that their strong noses will lead them right to any food left out in the open!
Give them plenty of playtime and affection, and you’ll never want for a merrier friend.
American Eskimo Dog (25-35 lbs)
The American Eskimo Dog is an alert and friendly breed known for their striking white double coat. These dogs were originally bred for herding and will keep you on your toes.
Their high intelligence means they require mental challenges like puzzle toys and plenty of training. Otherwise, they may get bored and resort to mischief.
Whippet (20-40 lbs)
The graceful Whippet can trace their beginnings to Victorian England, when they were bred racing and rabbit hunting. These slim, elegant dogs resemble Greyhounds, with a smaller size. They can run up to 35 miles per hour!
Even so, they can make wonderful apartment dogs, since they love to lie around and don’t bark much. Just make sure they get plenty of regular exercise! Activities that involve speed and agility are great options.
Medium (40-60 lbs)
Australian Cattle Dog (30-50 lbs)
Australian Cattle Dogs are a sturdy breed with plenty of energy. These dogs have a distinctive blue-gray or red coat with mottling or speckle patterns.
They’re extremely smart and need lots of mental stimulation to keep them happy. They also need plenty of physical activity to truly thrive. They’re well-suited for activities that require athleticism and problem-solving, like agility, flyball, nosework, and Frisbee sports.
Airedale Terrier (40-60 lbs)
Known to be very loyal, Airedale Terriers do great with children. Not only do they love to play with kids, but they’re also more than willing to protect them.
This breed even worked as police dogs before German Shepherds became the preferred breed for police work.
Airedales are the biggest of the Terrier breeds and have a recognizable beard and mustache. This energetic breed can be quite vocal, so they may not be the best fit for apartment or condo living.
Basset Hound (40-65 lbs)
It’s not hard to identify a Basset Hound. Look for their signature droopy ears, short legs, and wrinkled foreheads. Basset Hounds may appear sad, but their personalities tell a different story. These dogs are playful and make delightful family pets.
To help them maintain a healthy weight, try aiming for an hour of moderate daily exercise. Even with their short stature, Basset Hounds enjoy activities like obedience training, agility, and scent work—but they’re just as happy with a leisurely walk or playtime in the yard.
Siberian Husky (40-60 lbs)
Originally bred in northeastern Asia by the Chukchi people, Huskies have worked as sled dogs for generations. This breed is smaller than the Alaskan Malamute.
They make great companions for people and and are generally social and agreeable with other dogs. That said, they do need fairly experienced pet parents—they’re independent and good at escaping backyards. Siberian Huskies also need quite a bit of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
English Bulldog (40-50 lbs)
Widely recognized for their facial folds and sweet tempers, English Bulldogs make courageous yet gentle companions who love being with their families.
You can meet their moderate exercise needs with a relaxing walk—just take care in extreme temperatures, as they can quickly overheat. These sweet-tempered pups don’t need much space, which makes them great dogs for apartment life.
Poodle (44-71 lbs)
Poodles are popular around the world for their intelligence and unique curly coat. This protective and loyal breed makes an excellent family dog. They come in many colors and three different sizes, so there’s a Poodle for every home!
Bred as retrieving water dogs, most Poodles love anything water-related, including swimming and dock diving.
Largish Medium (60-70 lbs)
English Setter (45-80 lbs)
English Setters stand out with their speckled coats and silky, fringed ears. These famously friendly and mellow dogs make wonderful family companions.
While they need less exercise than other sporting dogs, you should still set aside at least an hour each day to let them burn off steam.
Bull Terrier (50-70 lbs)
These dogs are hard to miss with their egg-shaped heads, pointy ears, and muscular bodies. Initially bred as fighting dogs in the 19th century, Bull Terriers are one of the most loving and curious breeds around.
They have plenty of personality and thrive with active and energetic pet parents. They make good family dogs as long as you socialize them early, train them well, and give them lots of affection—like all dogs need!
Vizsla (55-60 lbs)
If you want a canine couch potato, you’ll want to keep searching! Vizslas need plenty of attention and engaging activities—without enough stimulation, they can become destructive.
These golden sporting dogs do best in active households, and they make excellent hiking partners. They’re gentle with kids but might not be suitable for homes with cats due to their strong prey drive.
German Short-Haired Pointer (55-75 lbs)
This hunting breed is loving and loyal. They make wonderful family companions—it’s just important they get plenty of exercise.
German Short-Haired Pointers are built for all kinds of activity, with their lean and athletic bodies and the webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers.
Collie (60-75 lbs)
Smart and easy to train, Collies are always up for an adventure—as long as it involves their favorite people! This outgoing breed does great with kids. After playtime, they love nothing more than to cuddle up for a cozy evening at home.
Just keep in mind they can become a bit noisy if they’re bored or left alone for too long. Their silky double coats also require a lot of grooming upkeep!
via pixabay
Boxer (65-80 lbs)
Boxers are playful and fun, loving toward children, and protective. These versatile and loyal pups love being part of the family, so don’t leave them home alone too often!
Their hunting background means they have a high prey drive, so it’s best to have a fenced-in yard where they can play. You’ll also want to work on a solid recall with these dogs.
German Shepherd (65-90 lbs)
German Shepherds are strong and intelligent with a striking wolf-like appearance. They make devoted and loyal companions, provided you have the space for them to run and play and the time and energy to meet their high physical and mental needs.
True to their working dog roots, these active and trainable dogs excel in sports and obedience training. They love exciting outdoor adventures, too!
Doberman Pinscher (75-100 lbs)
They might look imposing, but Dobermans are as sensitive as they are strong. Loyal and protective of their families, these “velcro dogs” thrive on human companionship.
While they can make loving pets, they may be too mouthy for homes with young children. Dobermans require about an hour of vigorous exercise each day, along with stimulating activities such as sports.
Medium Breed FAQ
Which medium breed dogs are known to be calm?
If you’re hoping to find a medium-sized dog with a laid-back personality, you might consider breeds like the Basset Hound, Whippet, English Bulldog, and English Setter.
Which medium sized breeds are low maintenance?
If you’d prefer a dog with moderate energy levels who’s easy to groom and train, we recommend considering the Cocker Spaniel, Whippet, Basset Hound, English Bulldog, Boxer, or Bull Terrier.
Which medium breed dog is hypoallergenic?
While there are no completely allergy-proof dogs, Poodles are often recommended for people with allergies due to their hypoallergenic coats that produce less dander.
Airedale Terriers may also make a good match for people with mild allergies. They have a low-shedding wiry coat that releases less dander.
Which medium breed dog is best for families with kids?
Families with kids might consider medium breeds like Boxers, English Setters, Beagles, Poodles, and Collies. Corgis can also make a good match as family companions, as long as you pay close attention when they’re with small children—they may try to herd them!
Are medium breed dogs good for seniors?
Medium-breed dogs can make an excellent match for older adults, especially dogs with gentle and calm natures. You might consider breeds like Whippets, Basset Hounds, and English Bulldogs.
Do medium breed dogs make good apartment dogs?
A dog’s suitability for apartment living depends mainly on their energy levels and barking tendencies rather than size. If you live in an apartment or small house, consider dogs who don’t need lots of space to roam and don’t bark frequently.
Breeds like English Bulldogs, Whippets, Cocker Spaniels, and Basset Hounds tend to adapt well to apartment life.
High-energy breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies, along with vocal breeds, like Siberian Huskies and Airedale Terriers, may not be the best for apartment living.
