Not too big and not too small, medium sized dogs are just the perfect size. TheyВ are roughlyВ 13 to 24 inches in length and weigh around 20 to 60 pounds.
Why get a medium-sized dog? Bigger breeds require big spaces and an equally big budget for food and care, while toy or miniature breeds can sometimes be too fragile or suffer from genetic anomalies.
In contrast, medium sized dogs need only moderate spaces and can be the perfect companions dogs.В They can also live in apartment spaces so long as they get the exercise they need during walks.
Here is a list of the 20 best medium sized dogs you can own together with the good and bad of each breed.
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1. English Bulldog
An English bulldogВ isВ sweet, loving, and timid by nature. They are very gentle yet can be very brave. Bulldog puppies are frisky, but adults are quiet and plegmatic and may spend a lot of time snoring on the sofa.
Despite their tough looks, the English Bulldog is suited as a canine companion for children. They also make for wonderful watch dogs for their little masters. Bulldogs are said to have a “sixth” sense when it comes to protecting and understanding children.
(As a rule, children and dogs should never be left unsupervised though.)
2. Border Collie
The Border Collie is the smartest dog breed of alldog breeds. They were bred to herd sheep andВ will herd anything from children to ducklingsВ as part of their instinct.
The Border Collie is not for a family that wants a laidback dog though. Because heВ is superlatively intelligent and work-obsessive, the Border Collie needs tons of exercise and activity. A bored Border Collie might drive you up the wall.
If you lead an active lifestyle and want to get into dog sports, the border collie would be just right for you.
Also Read: Border Collie Training: What you should know before bringing a pup home
3. Boxer
The boxer is an outgoing and playful medium sized dog that is perfect for an active family. HeВ has to be providedВ with exercise and training though, and the right care givenВ because of its short snout.
This dog breed isВ naturally friendly to other household pets, even the household cat. They make excellent watchdogs although reactions to strangers can be varying. Still, hisВ stern countenance is usually deterrent enough.
If you are a runner or an exercise buff, consider the boxer as this dogВ is anВ excellent jogging companion.
4. American Pit Bull Terrier
Contrary to popular belief, American pit bulls actually make forВ excellent family pets. The real deal on American pit bulls is that they are good-natured, dependable, and loyal companions.
They are also great with children and can definitely tolerate rough play. They are good watch dogs.
Pit bullshave a dog fighting ancestry though and will engage when challenged by other dogs.
Also Read: Pit Bull Training for a Happy Bully
5. Weimaraner
Weimaraners areВ unique-looking medium sized dogs with ghostly silver coats and eerie eyes. They areВ high-energy, athletic dogs. If you run, bike, hike or even do field work, a Weimaraner would make an excellent companion. They love being with their owners and never leave their side.
AВ well-paired owner will find this dog a faithful, aristocratic gentlemanВ with great character and sensibility.
6. Chow Chow
Chow chows are an impressive breed due to theirВ keen intelligence, innate dignity and independent spirit. They are fantastic guard dogs because they tend to be very suspicious of strangers and are protective of their owners and homes.
Can we mention that they look like adorable bear dogs?
7. Basset Hound
Who can resist this aristocratic French hound with the charming disposition?
Basset hounds are gentle, affectionate and have a surprising sense of humor. These hounds love kids, live for food, and are champion beggars.В They areВ among the most good-natured and easygoing of all dog breeds.
They can be a bit slow to train thoughВ and somewhat stubborn. Still, they are very amusing when doing their own thing.
8. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a beautiful and elegant dog breed. They have very striking blue or multi-colored eyes.
This breed is both intelligent and athletic. Their ability to learn is legendary. A funny joke about the huskies is that they put the “H” in Houdini as they are expert escape artists who can wander off if bored and not fenced in properly.
If you have an active family who loves the outdoors, the Siberian Husky is a good option.
9.В Belgian Malinois
If the Belgian Malinois were a person, he would be an achiever who does everything to the max. This dog breed can dopolice work, compete in dog shows, and be an especially good family friend and protector.
The Belgian Malinois needs a lot of socialization though in order totrainthem well.
10.В Airedale Terrier
The Airedale is the largest of all terrier dogs and is thus known as the “King of Terriers”. This dog breed is exceptionally smart and versatile and can learn almost anything. When they aren’t being all business, the Airedale loves to romp in the yard, take walks, and play with children. It is said that this terrier’s flip side is very comical and entertaining.
Airedale Terries alsoВ make for good house pets due to their loyalty and protectiveness to their family.
11.В Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are highly athletic and thrive on vigorous exercise. They need a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation. They are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable and versatile.
They love being with their ownersВ and are aloof with strangers.
12.В Brittany Spaniel
Brittany Spaniels have pretty feathered coats and are very light and agile on their feet. These medium sized dogs love to run and play around. This breed tends to lean on the “soft” side and are willing to please their owners. They also get along well with other pets.
They don’t do well in homes with frequent loud voices and tension though. If you live in a quiet home and neighborhood, the Brittany will do well with you and will be a great companion.
13.В Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a very distinctive dog. This breed has a big “hippopotamus” head with wrinkled skin and a scowling expression. For all that, the Shar-Pei still manages to look dignified.
On the up side, Shar-Peis are easy to housebreak, naturally clean, and mannerly in the home. Because of their independent character, they don’t beg much for attention.
They are ideal for the city or suburbs because they only need moderate exercise and are inclined to molest livestock in a farm setting. Shar-Peis snore and snort. They need a confident owner who can manage the breed’s strong willed nature.
14.В English Springer Spaniel
English springer spanielsВ makes for goodВ family companions. These high-spirited and tail-wagging canines areВ cheerful, playful and energetic. TheirВ kind and trusting expression is their essential feature.В They are very good with children especially if they have been brought up together.
If you are a fastidious housekeeper though, you might have to give it a second thought. A lot of springers love puddles, mud, and water bowls.
15.В Samoyed
Samoyeds are a breed of dogs with foxy faces, curled tails, and beautiful thick coats. They thrive on athletic activities and love exercise especially in cold weather.
They are so good-natured with everyone that most Samoyeds tend to greet strangers excitedly. The extent of their guarding capacity is to announce visitors with a bark.
16.В Standard Schnauzer
The Schnauzer is a perfect family pet. They are sociable and funny, entertaining themselves when their owners are busy. They interact with family activities and are good with children. In Germany, they were once known as “kinderwachters”.
This breed has a highly developed intellect and is very sensitive of his owner’s moods. He is a good watchdog as he stands his ground firmly and is an effective deterrent. The Schnauzer needs a confident owner.
17. English Bull Terrier
The English Bull Terrier breed has an egg-shaped head, somewhat large ears, and tiny eyes. These dogs are full of rowdy energy and thrive on exercise and athletic games.
English Bull Terriers look fierce but are actually enthusiastic with strangers. SomeВ Bull Terriers are not friendly with otherВ dogs of the same sex or cats.
18.В Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog breed has a lovely coat in striking colors. Like other dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs are animated and athletic. However, these dogs have a “soft” personality as they have sweet, sensitive, gentle, and peaceful temperaments. They get along very well with children, other animals, and even strangers.
These are very bright dogs and need mental stimulation and challenging games to be happy.
Also Read: Best Dog Breeds: Choose Your Ideal Pet
19.В Welsh Springer Spaniel
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a steady and easygoing dog breed. They love play and exercise. They are physically and emotionally sensitive, or what we call “soft” dogs.
Welsh Springer Spaniels are timid with strangers and very protective of their family. They are devoted, respond well to training, and are willing to please their owners.
20.В Bearded Collie
The Bearded Collie is an adorable sweet-natured tail-wagger. He is famous for the “Bearded Bounce” because he is such a happy and carefree dog. This breed is stable, loves exercise, and is very sociable. It is an excellent companion for children.
Bearded Collies have a “shaggy dog syndrome” which means they tend to have stuff clinging to their coats or suffer from shedding.
There are so many lovable medium sized dogs to choose from. If you’ve already settled on the size, the next step is to consider the temperaments, strengths, and weaknesses of its breed.
It is also important to match up your needs with what your potential pet can offer. Are you a single person who likes to stay at home? Are you an athletic and rambunctious family? Do you need a watchdog or do you need a sweet and soft companion?
Good luck in matching and pairing up with the perfect medium sized dog for you!
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