Medium Dog Breeds: The Perfect Fit for Your Family
Explore why medium-sized dogs might be the perfect fit for your family. This comprehensive guide covers everything from popular breeds and energy levels to managing their prey drive with Tractive's innovative features. Perfect for pet parents looking to match their lifestyle with the right furry friend.
Have you ever wondered if a medium dog breed is right for you? Medium-sized dogs offer the perfect balance of size, energy, and affection. With so many breeds to choose from, selecting the right one can be challenging. Let’s explore why a medium dog might be the ideal fit for your family.
5 Second Summary
Medium-sized dogs offer a perfect balance of size, energy, and versatility, making them ideal for various lifestyles. From calm to high-energy breeds, there’s a medium dog for everyone. Discover how Tractive helps keep medium sized dogs safe and healthy.
Always know your buddy is healthy & safe
Read moreWhat’s considered a medium dog breed?
Medium dog breeds typically:
- weigh between 24 and 55 pounds (11–25 kg)
- stand about 15–25 inches (38–63.5 cm) tall at the shoulder
But this is only a general rule. Some dogs may be a little smaller or bigger and still be considered medium-sized.
Dog breed size chart
For reference, this is how different dog breed sizes are generally categorized:
| Dog Breed Size | Weight |
|---|---|
| Extra Small | less than 8 lbs (4 kg) |
| Small | 11-22 lbs (4-10 kg) |
| Medium | 24-55 lbs (11-25 kg) |
| Large | 55-97 lbs (25-44 kg) |
| Giant | greater than 99 lbs (45 kg) |
Why choose a medium-sized dog breed?
Many people love medium-sized dogs because they often:
- Are easier to handle than large dogs
- Are stronger and more active than small dogs
- Fit well into many lifestyles
- Do well with families, singles, and seniors
- Are well suited to apartment life and also larger homes
Medium-sized dog breeds can be playful, calm, sporty, cuddly, or all of these at once.
10 popular medium dog breeds and their characteristics
Below is a list of all of the different medium sized dog breeds, but here are ten that are especially popular around the world:
- Poodle: Exceptionally smart, athletic, and versatile. They come in three sizes (Toy, Miniature, and Standard) and are world-famous for their curly, low-shedding coats.
- Australian Shepherd: A high-octane herder known for its piercing eyes and “workaholic” personality. They are incredibly smart and need a lot of mental and physical stimulation.
- Miniature American Shepherd: Similar to the Australian Shepherd but in a smaller package. They are clever, motivated, and highly adaptable to both farm work and city living.
- Basset Hound: An iconic scent hound with a laid-back, charmingly stubborn personality. They are patient family dogs known for their long ears and incredible sense of smell.
- Vizsla: Known as “Velcro dogs” because they never want to leave their owner’s side. They are sleek, golden-rust hunters that thrive on high-intensity exercise.
- English Springer Spaniel: Friendly, playful, and full of energy. They were bred to “spring” birds into the air and make for very affectionate, people-oriented pets.
- Brittany: A rugged, agile gundog that is smaller and more compact than a Pointer or Setter. They are upbeat, tireless workers who love the outdoors.
- Collie: Famous for their devotion and grace (think Lassie). They are highly intelligent herders that are particularly sensitive and gentle with children.
- Whippet: The “poor man’s racehorse.” They are lightning-fast sighthounds that are surprisingly quiet and “cat-like” when lounging around the house.
- Australian Cattle Dog: A tough-as-nails herder with a unique speckled coat. They are extremely loyal and brave, but they definitely need a “job” to keep their busy minds occupied.
Medium dog breeds list
Below is a list of all of the possible medium dog breeds you may come across (purebred dogs only).
- Airedale Terrier
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- American English Coonhound
- American Foxhound
- American Leopard Hound
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Water Spaniel
- Appenzeller Sennenhund
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Kelpie
- Australian Shepherd
- Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
- Barbado da Terceira
- Barbet
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne
- Basset Hound
- Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
- Bearded Collie
- Bergamasco Sheepdog
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Bohemian Shepherd
- Bouvier des Ardennes
- Boykin Spaniel
- Braque du Bourbonnais
- Braque Francais Pyrenean
- Brazilian Terrier
- Brittany
- Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Canaan Dog
- Carolina Dog
- Chow Chow
- Clumber Spaniel
- Collie
- Croatian Sheepdog
- Czechoslovakian Vlciak
- Dalmation
- Deutscher Wachtelhund
- Drentsche Patrijshond
- Drever
- Dutch Shepherd
- English Foxhound
- English Setter
- English Springer Spaniel
- Entlebucher Mountain Dog
- Eurasier
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- French Spaniel
- German Pinscher
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Hamiltonstovare
- Hokkaido
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Japanese Akitainu
- Kai Ken
- Karelian Bear Dog
- Keeshond
- Kishu Ken
- Korean Jindo Dog
- Kromfohrlander
- Lapponian Herder
- Miniature American Shepherd
- Mountain Cur
- Mudi
- Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
- Norwegian Buhund
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Pharaoh Hound
- Plott Hound
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Pont-Audemer Spaniel
- Poodle
- Porcelaine
- Portuguese Podengo
- Portuguese Pointer
- Portuguese Sheepdog
- Pudelpointer
- Pyrenean Shepherd
- Saluki
- Schapendoes
- Segugio Italiano
- Shikoku Ken
- Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer
- Slovensky Kopov
- Small Munsterlander
- Spanish Water Dog
- Stabyhoun
- Swedish Lapphund
- Taiwan Dog
- Thai Bandkaew
- Thai Ridgeback
- Transylvanian Hound
- Treeing Tennessee Brindle
- Vizsla
- Volpino Italiano
- Wetterhoun
- Whippet
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Wirehaired Vizsla
- Working Kelpie
- Yakutian Laika
A note on medium mixed breed dogs
Not all medium dogs are purebred. Medium mixed breed dogs are very common and often very healthy. A mixed breed medium dog can have traits from more than one breed, and they often have a unique look and personality. Many medium mixed breed dogs come from shelters and can make wonderful family pets.
Energy levels of medium dog breeds
Medium dog breeds come in a variety of energy levels, and knowing this can help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
| Activity Level | Needs | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Low Energy: Perfect for a more laid-back lifestyle. | Shorter walks, plenty of rest, quiet companionship | Bulldog, Basset Hound, Greyhound, Chow Chow |
| Medium-Energy: Ideal for those who enjoy activity balanced with relaxation. | Daily walks, playtime in the yard, calm evenings at home | Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel |
| High-Energy: These breeds thrive with lots of movement and mental stimulation. | Long walks or runs, daily playtime, engaging training or puzzle games | Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Boxer, Siberian Husky, Shetland Sheepdog |
Always choose a dog whose energy level fits your lifestyle.
💡 Did you know? You can track your dog’s daily activity (and make sure they’re getting enough exercise) with the Tractive Dog GPS Tracker.
Prey drive in medium-sized dogs
Because many medium breeds (like Beagles or Vizslas) were originally bred for hunting or herding, they often have a high prey drive. This means they might bolt if they catch a scent or see a squirrel. And some can be quite fast once they’ve run off.
Managing high prey drive with Tractive
For pet parents, managing a high prey drive is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of their dogs. Here’s how Tractive can help:
- Live GPS Tracking: Always know where your dog is (in real-time), even if they dash off after an irresistible scent or sight.
- Virtual Fences & Escape Alerts: Set up safe zones and receive instant alerts if your dog leaves the designated area, providing peace of mind.
- Activity Monitoring: Keep track of your dog’s movements and ensure they get enough physical and mental exercise to satisfy their prey drive in a controlled way.
With Tractive, you can embrace your dog’s natural instincts while keeping them safe and secure. Whether in the backyard or on an adventurous hike, you’ll always have peace of mind knowing they’re closely monitored.
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Conclusion
Medium-sized dog breeds are incredibly versatile, offering the ideal blend of energy, companionship, and adaptability. With various breeds and energy levels, there’s a perfect match for any lifestyle, whether you prefer relaxed evenings or active outdoor adventures (or both). And using tools like Tractive can ensure safety and peace of mind. Choosing a medium-sized dog means gaining a loyal, loving companion ready to enhance your life in countless ways.
Tractive is not a medical device. While Tractive monitors trends and patterns in your pet’s well-being, it is not intended to diagnose health conditions. We recommend always seeking medical advice from a vet.
