Discover the Best Medium Dog Breeds: Your Complete Guide to 20 Perfect Companions

Looking for a canine companion that’s not too small and not too large? Medium dog breeds offer the ideal balance for many pet owners. According to Charlotte Reed, a pet care and lifestyle expert and host of The Pet Buzz, a nationally syndicated pet talk radio show, “medium dog breeds are fantastic because they can meet the diverse needs of potential dog owners, including companionship, running and jogging opportunities, therapy dog work, and much more.” If you’re seeking a medium-sized dog that fits your lifestyle, keep reading for detailed insights into twenty exceptional breeds worth considering.

Understanding Medium Dog Breeds

While there’s no universal standard for classifying a medium dog breeds, most experts define them as dogs weighing between 24 and 59 pounds with a shoulder height ranging from 16 to 22 inches. According to Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover, “Medium dogs often excel in active lifestyles, possessing sufficient energy in most cases to accompany you on hikes and outdoor adventures.” The beauty of medium dog breeds lies in their versatility—some are perfect for active families seeking adventure partners, while others are content to lounge at home. Bulldogs and whippets are prime examples of laid-back medium-sized companions that adapt well to less active households.

1. English Setter - The Gentleman Sportsman

Renowned as the “gentleman of the dog world,” the English setter exemplifies elegance and athleticism. This medium-sized sporting dog features a distinctive belton-patterned coat available in liver, lemon, and orange colorways. With a history spanning 400 years as a hunting companion on English country estates, the English setter combines playfulness with a sweet temperament. These dogs socialize exceptionally well with both canine and human companions. Their lengthy coats demand consistent brushing, and they require regular physical activity. Employing positive reinforcement techniques during training works best with this sensitive, devoted breed. When properly cared for, English setters become cheerful and dependable family members.

2. American Foxhound - The Spirited Hunter

Distinguished by their good-natured character and sleek hunter’s build, American foxhounds possess a short coat that’s simple to maintain. They differ from their English relatives through their longer legs and slightly curved lower back. Prospective owners should understand that this breed demands considerable daily exercise—often one to two hours—and requires focused training to manage their strong hunting instinct and independent streak. Weekly grooming sessions help preserve their coat’s condition. Originally developed for extended hunts across diverse terrain, American foxhounds can flourish in various living environments provided they receive adequate attention and exercise.

3. Collie - The Beloved Herding Icon

Originating in Scotland, collies captured worldwide imagination through twentieth-century cultural touchstones, most notably the “Lassie” television series and literary works. The breed presents two coat varieties: the famous full-coated “rough” version and the streamlined “smooth” coat. Medium to large in stature, collies are agile herding dogs displaying elegant wedge-shaped heads, almond-shaped eyes, and gentle expressions. They excel as family companions and demonstrate wonderful rapport with children. Their coats require frequent grooming with particular attention to shedding and mat prevention. The breed’s intelligence makes them responsive to training, facilitating their role as both working dogs and cherished household members.

4. Poodle (Standard) - The Refined Athlete

Defying common misconceptions, the standard poodle stands as an athletic and ambitious competitor in canine activities. Beyond their renowned decorative grooming styles, poodles exhibit eagerness and athleticism that often surprises those unfamiliar with the breed. Their non-shedding coat makes them particularly suitable for individuals with allergies, though their fur demands regular brushing to prevent matting. Paradoxically, while France adopted them as the national dog, poodles originated as duck hunters in Germany. Throughout history, poodles have demonstrated versatility as circus performers, truffle-hunting specialists, and devoted family members, showcasing remarkable adaptability across diverse roles.

5. Bluetick Coonhound - The Southern Favorite

A harmonious blend of gentle home companion and relentless tracker, the bluetick coonhound represents southern hunting heritage. Their distinctive mottled black-and-blue coat covers well-muscled frames, while their characteristic baying and bawling announce their hunting passion. Affectionate and unwavering in devotion, these dogs thrive with extensive exercise opportunities and play sessions within secure yards. Weekly brushing and occasional bathing maintain their coat and health. Descended from French staghounds gifted to George Washington, bluetick coonhounds continue captivating coon hunters and occupying an important place in Southern tradition. Since 1953, they have proudly served as the University of Tennessee’s mascot, embodying regional pride and sporting heritage.

6. Vizsla - The Hungarian Velcro Dog

Immediately recognizable by their sleek golden-rust coat and lean, athletic physique, Vizslas present an unmistakable silhouette. These loving companions establish profound bonds with their owners and flourish through consistent human interaction. Born athletes, Vizslas excel across numerous sporting endeavors and competitions. Their grooming needs remain minimal, requiring only occasional brushing and bathing. Given their heritage as active hunting dogs, Vizslas demand both physical exertion and mental stimulation to remain content. With centuries-long roots in Hungarian tradition, Vizslas have become increasingly beloved among American dog enthusiasts for their versatility and enthusiastic approach to athletic pursuits and family life.

7. American Staffordshire Terrier - The Confident Companion

The American Staffordshire Terrier, fondly called AmStaff, combines intelligence with confidence and an innate friendliness that makes them exceptional family dogs. Sporting a stocky, muscular build, they display broad heads, pronounced jawlines, and distinctive round, dark eyes. Their stiff, glossy coats need only weekly brushing and occasional bathing to maintain their appearance. AmStaffs demonstrate remarkable agility and grace while remaining deeply people-oriented—they flourish when integrated into family life and enjoy both play sessions and competitive canine sports. Originally developed for blood sports in Britain, the modern AmStaff has transformed into a gentle, cherished companion with deep cultural significance throughout American society.

8. Bulldog - The Iconic Lounger

No one forgets the characteristic “sourmug” expression of a bulldog. This courageous breed possesses a thick-set, muscular frame supporting their distinctive appearance. Their most notable features include a furrowed brow, pushed-in nose, and unique rolling gait that accompanies their movement. Though bulldogs appear supremely laid-back, they appreciate brisk walking sessions and require moderate exercise to maintain fitness. Routine grooming, particularly wrinkle cleaning and ear maintenance, remains essential for their health. Transformed from thirteenth-century bull-baiting fighters into beloved companions, bulldogs now symbolize England internationally and serve as beloved mascots for sports franchises and the U.S. Marine Corps, representing strength and loyalty.

9. English Springer Spaniel - The Eager Gundog

The English springer spaniel combines high energy with strong intelligence, earning admiration from sport hunters who value them equally as well-mannered household pets and dependable hunting companions. These resilient yet endearing dogs showcase muscular builds, double coats, long flowing ears, and compassionate eyes. Springers demonstrate exceptional trainability and eagerness to please, making them wonderful with children and responsive to instruction. Maintaining health and happiness requires regular grooming and consistent exercise through extended walks and interactive play. Tracing their lineage to Britain’s land spaniels and their work with upland game birds, the breed earned recognition as dedicated, skilled gundogs. After arriving in North America during the 1920s, English springers became invaluable for K-9 detection work, their trainability and scenting abilities proving exceptional.

10. Bull Terrier - The Spirited Character

Known for exuberant playfulness and absolute faithfulness, the bull terrier gains instant recognition through its distinctive long, egg-shaped head and triangular eyes. Their coats appear in white or any other color accompanied by brindle striping. Maintaining health involves weekly brushing plus regular attention to ears and nails. Bull terriers flourish with early socialization, consistent yet affectionate training, abundant exercise, and meaningful time with beloved family members. Developed through crossing bulldogs and terriers for sporting purposes, their history extends back to thirteenth-century bull-baiting traditions. By the mid-1800s, bull terriers evolved into fashionable companions, refined for visual appeal and improved temperament. Originating in England before becoming American favorites, famous examples include Bullseye (the Target corporate mascot) and General George Patton’s companion Willy.

11. Airedale Terrier - The King of Terriers

Deservedly titled “The King of Terriers” due to their impressive size, considerable strength, and spirited personality, the Airedale terrier represents the largest terrier variety. This breed exudes natural dignity while remaining remarkably docile and patient with children. Airedale terriers feature a short, wiry coat displaying tan and black markings across their frame. Their alert and intelligent expression, combined with a sporty beard and mustache, distinguishes them among terrier variants. These dogs require minimal grooming maintenance but need daily play sessions to expend their abundant energy reserves, keeping them healthy and content.

12. Australian Shepherd - The Versatile Herder

A lean and sturdy ranch dog, the Australian shepherd commands recognition throughout the rodeo circuit. Despite their name, these herding dogs descended from European stock brought to Australia by Basque shepherds before establishing themselves as cultural icons throughout California and the American West. Known for their penetrating gaze and varied coat patterns—particularly the eye-catching merle coloration—Aussies demonstrate remarkable agility during stock work. They possess an instinctive herding impulse extending to birds, other dogs, and even children. Their intelligence and high-energy nature make them ideal for owners seeking an enthusiastic training partner, whether for work or competitive sports. These dogs require consistent grooming, regular exercise, and purposeful activities to maintain their physical and psychological wellbeing.

13. Chow Chow - The Noble Guardian

Originating during China’s Han Dynasty, chows have served as noble companions, fierce guardians, and skilled hunters across centuries. The chow chow exhibits a powerfully built frame and distinctive characteristics including a lion-like mane and unusual blue-black tongue coloration. These dogs naturally maintain cleanliness, respond well to house training, and display unwavering loyalty to their families. Their double coats require consistent grooming attention, including thorough brushing and monthly baths to keep them in optimal condition. Chows thrive with moderate exercise consisting of daily walks and interactive playtime with their people, making them suitable for various living situations.

14. Dalmatian - The Energetic Icon

Possessing perhaps the most instantly recognizable coat pattern in the animal world, the dalmatian combines graceful features with a powerful physique ideally suited for long-distance work. Originally bred to guard horses and coaches during travel, dalmatians retain protective instincts that make them loyal household guardians. Their grooming requirements remain modest—occasional bathing and weekly brushing suffice. These energetic dogs thrive with consistent exercise and eagerly pursue activities including ball chasing, jogging, and hiking, making them perfect for active families.

15. Basset Hound - The Determined Tracker

Capturing hearts through distinctive appearance and gentle manner, the sweet basset hound combines short stature with surprising strength and stamina. Recognized immediately by their domed head, extraordinarily long ears, and soulful expression, basset hounds excel at scent tracking and detection work. Despite occasionally displaying stubbornness, these dogs remain fiercely loyal and provide endless entertainment at home. Consistent grooming including brushing and nail trimming maintains their health and appearance. While not hyperactive, basset hounds require daily walks and play sessions. Training demands patience and persistence given their independent nature. Developed in France and Belgium specifically to create short-legged scenting hounds for hunting purposes, bassets remain beloved family companions.

16. Jindo - The Korean Treasure

Originally hailing from Jindo Island off South Korea’s coast, the Jindo represents a loyal, intelligent breed historically prized as an independent hunter, alert guardian, and devoted companion. Distinguished by erect ears and a characteristic tail, Jindos display remarkable agility, strength, alertness, and inherent dignity. Known for their cleanliness and strong hunting instincts, they exhibit bravery and steadfast devotion to their masters. While occasionally reserved around other animals, particularly male Jindos, they typically form deep, exclusive attachments to single family members. These dogs flourish in active households providing both physical and mental challenges plus purposeful work. Designated a cultural asset in 1962 and officially recognized as Korea Natural Treasure #53, Jindos hold special significance in their homeland.

17. Australian Cattle Dog - The Tireless Worker

Also called blue heelers or red heelers, Australian cattle dogs represent small yet stocky herding dogs from Australia. Related to dingoes, these intelligent animals are born with white coats that transform into blue-gray or distinctive red colorations, often featuring unique speckling patterns. Renowned for their tremendous work drive, nimble agility, and fierce loyalty, they excel at herding livestock and make excellent running companions for athletic owners. Their grooming needs remain simple—regular brushing of their smooth, double-layer coat that sheds twice annually. Highly active by nature, Australian cattle dogs require both mental and physical challenges to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

18. Brittany - The All-Purpose Gundog

Cherished on both sides of the Atlantic, the Brittany combines agility with remarkable versatility. Smaller than setters but longer-legged than typical spaniels, they display beautiful coats in vivid orange and liver patterns requiring minimal grooming attention. Brittanys demonstrate energetic enthusiasm and excel across hunting scenarios through canine sports including agility competitions and flyball events. Originating in France’s Brittany region and developed by medieval peasants for their all-purpose hunting abilities, Brittanys arrived in America during 1931. American enthusiasts quickly embraced the breed for their energetic temperament and exceptional bird-tracking capabilities.

19. German Pinscher - The Sleek Athlete

Representing one of Germany’s oldest breeds and serving as a prototype for other pinscher varieties, the German pinscher combines sleek form with keen intelligence and substantial historical significance. Standing approximately knee-high to adults, these impressive dogs showcase shiny coats appearing in red, black, or blue with red accents and markings. Despite their refined appearance, German pinschers require minimal grooming—weekly brushing and occasional bathing maintains their appearance effortlessly. They perform exceptionally well in competitive canine sports and evolve into wonderful, responsive companions for dedicated owners.

20. Whippet - The Swift Sprinter

The whippet represents a lightning-quick, sleek dog featuring a sweet expression. Mirroring the greyhound’s elegance within a smaller, more manageable package, whippets possess intense pursuit instincts balanced by friendly, dignified, and gentle personalities. Their short, smooth coats require minimal maintenance, making them suitable for apartment living despite their speed-focused heritage. Famed for their extraordinary velocity, whippets possess a rich competitive history in dog racing and lure coursing events, maintaining their reputation as exceptional athletes.

Choosing Your Perfect Medium Dog Breed

When selecting among these wonderful medium dog breeds, consider your lifestyle, living situation, exercise capacity, and time available for grooming and training. Whether you seek an active companion for outdoor adventures or a relaxed household member, medium-sized dogs offer remarkable diversity. The twenty breeds highlighted here showcase the incredible range available within the medium dog breeds category, from energetic herders to devoted hunters and loving family companions. Each brings unique characteristics, personality traits, and requirements. Take time to research thoroughly, meet breed representatives when possible, and honestly assess your household needs to discover the ideal medium-sized dog breed for your circumstances. Your perfect companion awaits within the wonderful world of medium dog breeds.