Some people love small, dainty dogs that they can easily carry around. At the same time, others adore giant dog breeds.
While these breeds may be at the end of the weight spectrum, some prefer medium sized dogs.
There are many dog breeds of this size available if your taste lies somewhere in the middle.
Medium-size dogs often possess characteristics of both small and large dogs, and their care and maintenance typically fall somewhere in the middle.
For instance, you would usually spend less on a medium sized dog than you would a large breed, but you will spend more than a small breed.
There are various definitions of medium-size dog breeds. Some organizations categorize dog sizes into detailed groups, some of which include extra-small, small, small-medium, medium, medium-large, large, extra-large, and giant.
Small dog breeds generally go up to 20 pounds, while large dog breeds begin around 60 pounds.
Anything that falls within this range can be classified as a medium sized dog, making these dog breeds the most considerable portion of breeds according to their size.
Here are some of the best dog breeds to consider when choosing a medium-size dog breed.
1. Golden Retriever
Starting this list is the famous Golden Retriever. This dog breed is a happy and lovable dog with an average weight of 55 – 75 pounds.
This dog is eager to please and excellent with children of any age. They are smart and capable of thriving in any household.
They also use this intelligence to act as guides and service dogs. Goldens are also very energetic dogs and require lots of exercises to keep them from being bored and in good shape.
Exercises may include activities like running, hiking, and playing fetch. Training a Golden retriever is essential but not entirely difficult; they are very eager to learn and can do many things.
Golden Retrievers have long coats that require regular grooming.
2. Labrador Retriever
Like its cousin above, the Labrador Retriever is a playful, intelligent, and obedient dog. The Lab is perfect for homes that offer lots of attention, exercise, and training.
They are loyal, well-behaved dogs that are happy relaxing in the home as they are running in the park with their owners.
They are also very eager to please and adapt quickly as service and guide dogs. Labs eat a lot and would happily eat anything edible within their line of sight, so it can be very easy for them to become overweight.
This can be mitigated by regular exercise and limiting dog treats. Labs are very easy to train and have an easy-going temperament.
They have a short, dense double coat that is easy to maintain, and comes in chocolate, black and yellow colors.
Labs stand at 21-25 inches and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
3. Bearded Collie
The bearded collie is an intelligent, family-friendly pup that is gentle and predictable. It is an obedient and trainable dog breed that rarely causes a nuisance.
It weighs about 45 – 55 pounds and has a shaggy double coat which comes in colors including blue, black, brown, and fawn with white markings.
The shaggy coat makes the dog appear larger than it is, but its frame underneath is lean and agile.
Owners of a bearded collie will need to maintain its coat with care, especially regular brushing to detangle the coat and prevent mats.
4. Border Collie
The border collie is a herding dog said to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. It is also an athletic and high-energy dog that loves to work.
Border collie needs regular mental and physical engagements to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
However, the dogs are very affectionate companions in bustling households. Border collies weigh 30 – 50 pounds and stand at 18 to 22 inches.
They have smooth or rough coats with colors which include black and white, sable, blue merle, and more.
Collies have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
5. Bulldog
Bulldogs is another medium-size dog breed on this list. This dog has a fierce reputation, but little is said about how it was used to protect children in the past.
This dog breed is friendly and loyal and gets along with other dogs and pets too. They are comfortable in large living environments as well as small apartments.
They are also delightful to strangers, which makes them great pets for social families.
Although they are low to the ground, their muscle mass makes them fit the medium-size range.
Young bulldogs can be energetic, but they slow down as they age. Bulldogs require regular grooming, especially the folds around their tail and facial wrinkles that need to be cleaned to prevent dirt buildup.
Bulldogs weigh about 50 pounds (male) and 40 pounds (female). They stand at 14 to 15 inches and possess a smooth, fine coat that comes in various colors.
The average life expectancy of a bulldog is 8 to 10 years.
6. Cocker Spaniel
The cocker spaniel is a sporting dog on the smaller side of the medium range, making it a good fit if you don’t have a lot of space.
These dogs weigh 25 to 30 pounds (male) and 20 to 25 pounds (female). Cocker spaniels are generally happy and playful companions that require moderate exercise.
Brushing its coat is essential if the cocker’s coat is kept long. It is also necessary to pay close attention to the ears, as they are prone to infection.
The cocker spaniel has an average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
7. Bull Terrier
The bull terrier is a big-boned dog initially bred as a fighting dog and later evolved into a gentleman’s companion.
These days, the bull terrier is a charming and playful family dog. Although short and stout, these dogs possess large-boned, muscular bodies, putting them in the medium-size dog category.
Bull terriers often have bursts of energy and clownishness that make it entertaining to be around. But they require plenty of exercises to prevent them from being bored and restless.
Bull terriers weigh about 50 to 70 pounds and stand at 21 to 22 inches. They have a short coat with colors which include brindle, white, black and tan.
The average life expectancy of a bull terrier is 12 to 13 years.
8. Australian Shepherd
Despite their name, this dog breed was originally bred in the United States and not Australia in the 1840s during the Gold Rush.
Aussies can be described as intelligent and independent that rely on their strong herding instincts. They are loyal and devoted to their owners but wary of strangers.
Australian Shepherds weigh between 40-70 pounds.
9. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a beautiful dog breed originating from Siberia. They have thick coats that come in several colors and markings.
They have blue or multi-colored eyes and iconic facial masks. Huskies are high-energy, clever, and happy dogs that are very friendly in nature.
Many people are drawn to this pup because of its wolf-like resemblance, but fair warning, this dog breed is very stubborn and acts independently, which can be a challenge for first-time owners.
They are also famous for being escape artists and would look for any opportunity to run away. Therefore, they require enough exercise to reduce boredom.
An average male Siberian husky stands between 21 and 23.5 inches high, while the female averages 20 to 22 inches.
The male weighs between 45 and 60 pounds, and the female 35 to 50 pounds.
10. Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin spaniel is another Spaniel making this list. This dog is a friendly, alert dog known for hunting birds.
It also makes an amicable house pet as well as a hunting dog. The Boykin spaniel is on the smaller side of the medium size dog breed and great size for flushing out game or simply cuddling on the couch.
The Boykin also tends to love water and is a skilled swimmer. This dog breed can make an excellent companion for all types of households.
Boykins stand at 14 to 18 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds (male) and 25 to 35 pounds (female).
They have flat to slightly wavy coats and long, feathery ears that are all brown. The average life expectancy of a Boykin is 10 to 15 years.
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh corgi was initially bred to herd cattle, sheep, and horses. It is described as an active and intelligent dog breed.
This corgi is a long-bodied dog with short legs and unique upright ears. Although the corgi is low to the ground, the breed is quite athletic and powerful for its size, making it an excellent herding dog.
Corgis tend to be very friendly and affectionate, and they also usually act as alert watchdogs. They are easy to train and eager to learn.
They are also great with children and other pets. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi stands at 10 to 12 inches and weighs about 30 pounds for males and up to 28 pounds for females.
12. Whippet
Whippets have a striking resemblance to greyhounds but in a smaller package. And like greyhounds, whippets are swift and athletic dogs.
They have a friendly personality and look very stylish, which makes them great companions and excellent competitors in dog sports.
They make great apartment pets, although they require lots of exercises to burn off all that energy. Whippets have short coats that require minimal grooming but lots of exercises.
They stand at 18 to 21 inches and weigh 25 to 40 pounds. Whippets have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
13. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is also known as the “King of Terriers.” This dog breed originated from the Aire Valley of Yorkshire and was bred to catch otters and rats.
The terrier is also known for its loyalty and is exceptionally trustworthy with children. They’re eager to please and quick learners, but they can struggle to get along with other dogs.
Airedale terriers are middle size dog breeds with an average weight of 50-70 pounds.
14. Beagle
Beagles are compact and hardy dogs that make great companions for both adults and children.
They are a favorite for people that want a dog that is moderately active and very friendly. Beagles are on the smaller size of the medium range.
They are friendly and fun-loving but can be pretty stubborn and require a patient hand. Beagles belong to the hound family, which means they have an excellent sense of smell.
There is nothing more fun for a beagle than following an interesting scent. They were initially bred to track small games like rabbits and hares and are still used in many countries today for this purpose.
Beagles stand up to 15 inches and weigh between 20 to 30 pounds. They have a medium-length coat that comes in colors including tricolor (tan, black, and white), red and white, lemon and white, and more.
The average life expectancy of a beagle is 10 to 15 years.
15. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian cattle dog is an active and extremely intelligent dog breed that fits right in the middle of the medium-size category.
As the name implies, this dog breed originates from Australia and was developed by Australian settlers to handle herds of cattle on large ranches; they are still used today as herding dogs.
This sturdy and athletic dog can be described as curious, alert, and loyal, and it needs something to challenge its mind every day.
They are trustworthy and protective of their families, although wary of outsiders. The Australian cattle dog stands at 18 to 20 inches for males and 17 to 19 inches for females. They weigh about 35 to 50 pounds.
They have a smooth double coat that comes in red or blue-gray. The average life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
