Which Medium Dog Breed Suits You Best?

Medium dog breeds strike the perfect balance for many dog lovers.

They weigh between 9.5 and 27.5 kg 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 (9.5–18.5 kg)

1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi (up to 13–14 kg)

Corgis are lively dogs easily recognised 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.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Short double coat
• Colours: Fawn, red, black and tan, sable
• Height: 25.5–30.5 cm
• Weight: Up to 13–14 kg
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active, experienced pet parents or people with older children

2. Border Collie (14–25 kg)

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!

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length, wavy double coat
• Colours: A very broad range, including black, blue, red, sable, lilac, gold, brindle, seal, and others
• Height: 46–56 cm
• Weight: 14–25 kg
• Trainability: Extremely trainable
• Best for: An active family who loves outdoor adventures or enjoys training, tricks, and dog sports

3. Miniature American Shepherd (9.5–20 kg)

This compact herding breed is bright, athletic, and ready for adventure! Miniature American Shepherds can adapt to city life, even in an flat, 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.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Medium-length double coat
• Colours: Black, blue merle, red, red merle
• Height: 33.5–46 cm
• Weight: 9.5–20 kg
• Trainability: Extremely trainable
• Best for: An active family with older children who love cycling, hiking, and other outdoor activities

4. Cocker Spaniel (9.5–14 kg)

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!

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Long, silky double coat
• Colours: Many, including black, silver, buff, red, brown, golden, sable, and lots of combinations with white and tan
• Height: 34.5–39.5 cm
• Weight: 9.5–14 kg
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: An active family with older children or single people, and they can be great for first-time pet parents

5. Beagle (9.5 kg or under or 9.5–14 kg)

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.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Long, silky double coat
• Colours: Many, including black, silver, buff, red, brown, golden, sable, and lots of combinations with white and tan
• Height: 33.5 cm and under or 6–7 kg
• Weight: 9.5 kg or under or 9.5–14 kg
• Trainability: Moderately trainable but strong-willed
• Best for: Families and first-time pet parents, as well as people who love outdoor activities

6. American Eskimo Dog (11.5–16 kg)

The standard 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. (Toy and miniature American Eskimo Dogs are also available.)

Their high intelligence means they require mental challenges like puzzle toys and plenty of training. Otherwise, they may get bored and resort to mischief.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Medium-length double coat
• Colours: White or white and biscuit
• Height: 38.5–48.5 cm
• Weight: 11.5–16 kg
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: People interested in training or dog sports who are around a lot of the time, and highly active individuals or couples with a secure garden (although they can adapt to apartment life if you give them enough exercise)

7. Whippet (11.5–18.5 kg)

The graceful Whippet can trace their beginnings to Victorian England, when they were bred for 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 dogs if you live in a flats, 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.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Smooth, short coat
• Colours: So many, including black, blue, fawn, red, sable, cream, and others
• Height: 46–56 cm
• Weight: 11.5–18.5 kg
• Trainability: Moderately trainable, although capable of mischief without enough enrichment
• Best for: Calm, relaxed pet parents who live in a flat or small home, and they’re suitable for people with gentle children or people who live in cities

Medium (18.5–27.5 kg)

8. Australian Cattle Dog (16–22.5 kg)

Australian Cattle Dogs are a sturdy breed with plenty of energy. These dogs have a distinctive blue-grey or red coat with mottling or speckled 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.

Breed Overview:

• Coat type: Smooth, short double coat
• Colours: Blue or either blue or red speckled or mottled
• Height: 43.5–51 cm
• Weight: 16–22.5 kg
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active, experienced owners who have a working farm, love outdoor adventures like hiking or running, or are happy to spend real time on activities like dog sports

9. Airedale Terrier (23–32 kg)

Known for their loyalty, Airedale Terriers excel 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 recognisable beard and moustache. This energetic breed can be pretty vocal, so they may not be the best fit for apartment or condo living.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Either short or medium-length and wiry
• Height: 58.5 cm
• Weight: 23-32 kg
• Colours: Black and tan or grizzle and tan
• Trainability: Moderately trainable, as their intelligence can make them easily bored
• Best for: Active, experienced pet parents with a large, fenced garden, with older children preferred and supervision recommended during interactions with young children

10. Basset Hound (18.5–29.5 kg)

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 garden.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Smooth, short
• Height: Up to 38.5 cm
• Weight: 18.5–29.5 kg
• Colours: Many combinations of black, white, brown, tan, lemon, red, and mahogany
• Trainability: Moderately trainable
• Best for: Chilled-out people or families who don’t necessarily need to adventure to have a good time

11. Siberian Husky (16–27.5 kg)

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 are generally social and agreeable with other dogs. That said, they do need fairly experienced pet parents—they’re independent and good at escaping gardens. Siberian Huskies also need quite a bit of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Smooth, short
• Height: 51–59.5 cm
• Weight: 16–27.5 kg
• Colours: Most are white combined with agouti, black, grey, red, sable, brown, or black and tan, but some are black
• Trainability: Moderately trainable but challenging for first-time pet parents
• Best for: Active pet parents who run, bike, or hike a lot but have secure fencing at home and don’t mind a fire engine siren greeting you at the front door

12. English Bulldog (18.5–22.5 kg)

Widely recognised 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.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Smooth, short
• Height: 35.5–38.5 cm
• Weight: 18.5–22.5 kg
• Colours: Combinations of brindle, white, fawn, or red
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: More laid-back pet parents in a small home who are after loyal companionship rather than a workout

13. Poodle (18–32 kg)

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 colours 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.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Long and curly
• Colours: White, grey, brown, cream, red, silver, apricot
• Height: Over 38.5 cm (standard)
• Weight: 18-32 kg (standard)
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active people and families, people with allergies

Largish Medium (27.5–31.5 kg)

14. English Setter (20.5–36.5 kg)

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.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Silky, medium-length double coat
• Colours: Blue, lemon, liver, or orange belton, as well as tricolour blue, belton, and tan or completely white
• Height: 58.5–68.5 cm
• Weight: 20.5–36.5 kg
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Active families or people who love exercise and the outdoors and are after a sociable buddy

15. Bull Terrier (22.5–32 kg)

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 socialise them early, train them well, and give them lots of affection—like all dogs need!

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Smooth, short
• Colours: Many, including black, brindle, red, white, and fawn
• Height: 53.5–56 cm
• Weight: 22.5–32 kg
• Trainability: Moderately trainable but highly independent and fun-focused
• Best for: Confident, active, energetic pet parents who can provide an outlet for the bull terrier’s high energy (and have patience for their mischief)

16. Vizsla (20–27.5 kg)

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 thrive in active households and make excellent hiking companions. They’re gentle with kids but might not be suitable for homes with cats due to their strong prey drive.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Smooth, short
• Colours: Red, golden rust, or sandy yellow
• Height: 53.5–61 cm
• Weight: 20–27.5 kg
• Trainability: Extremely trainable
• Best for: Active pet parents who love the outdoors but are home a lot, possibly with older, respectful kids (but definitely no cats)

17. German Short-Haired Pointer (20.5–31.5 kg)

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 a variety of activities, thanks to their lean and athletic bodies, as well as the webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Smooth, short
• Colours: Red, golden rust, or sandy yellow
• Height: 53.5–63.5 cm
• Weight: 20.5–31.5 kg
• Trainability: Extremely trainable
• Best for: Highly active pet parents who enjoy training and have a house with plenty of space and a secure garden or large outdoor area

18. Collie (23–34.5 kg)

Smart and easy to train, Collies are always up for an adventure—as long as it involves their favourite people! This outgoing breed does great with kids. After playtime, they love nothing more than to cuddle up for a cosy 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!

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Rough or smooth, short or long double coats
• Colours: Combinations of black, white, tan, sable, and blue merle
• Height: 56–61 cm
• Weight: 23–34.5 kg
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Moderately active, often-present families with kids

19. Boxer (23–34.5 kg)

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 garden where they can play. You’ll also want to work on a solid recall with these dogs.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Rough or smooth, short or long double coats
• Colours: Combinations of black, white, tan, sable, and blue merle
• Height: 56–61 cm
• Weight: 23–34.5 kg
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Best for: Moderately active, often-present families with kids

20. German Shepherd (23–41 kg)

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!

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Medium-length double coats
• Colours: Combinations of black with cream, red, silver, or tan, as well as grey, sable, white, liver, blue, or bicolor varieties
• Height: 56–66 cm
• Weight: 23–41 kg
• Trainability: Extremely trainable
• Best for: Experienced, active pet parents with a specific job in mind, or those interested in training, dog sports, and structure

21. Doberman Pinscher (27.5–45.5 kg)

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.

Breed Overview

• Coat type: Smooth, short
• Colours: Black and rust, fawn and rust, blue and rust, red and rust, or white
• Height: 61–71.5 cm
• Weight: 27.5–45.5 kg
• Trainability: Extremely trainable
• Best for: Confident, experienced, active pet parents and families with older kids who are around a lot

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.