Your Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Medium Sized Dogs

When choosing a canine companion, you might find that small dog breeds like the pomeranian feel too delicate, while large breeds such as the mastiff seem overwhelming. The solution? Exploring the wonderful world of medium sized dogs that strike the perfect balance. “Medium size dogs are great because they can fulfill the needs of many potential dog owners, including companionship, running/jogging, therapy dog work and more,” explains Charlotte Reed, pet care and lifestyle expert and host of The Pet Buzz, a nationally syndicated pet talk radio show.

Medium sized dogs typically range from 24 to 59 pounds, standing between 16 to 22 inches at the shoulder. However, size alone doesn’t define these breeds—it’s their remarkable versatility. “Medium dogs are often great for an active lifestyle, with enough energy for most breeds to keep up on hikes and adventures,” notes Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. Yet medium sized dogs aren’t exclusively for the active crowd. Breeds like the bulldog and whippet prove that even within this size category, you’ll find perfect companions for homebodies seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

Below are 20 exceptional medium sized dogs, each bringing unique characteristics and charm to potential owners seeking the ideal canine match.

Athletic & Energetic Medium Sized Dogs for Active Lifestyles

English Setter Known for its elegant belton-patterned coat featuring liver, lemon, and orange colors, the English setter represents centuries of sporting heritage. These medium sized dogs have earned the nickname “gentleman of the dog world” for their sweet disposition and playful nature. English setters excel with other dogs and people alike, tracing their lineage back 400 years to English country estates where they were bred for hunting. Their long coats demand regular brushing, and they need consistent exercise. These devoted companions respond best to positive reinforcement training and thrive as engaging family members when properly cared for.

American Foxhound These medium sized dogs showcase a sleek, athletic build with a good-natured temperament that makes them outstanding hunters. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance—just weekly brushing to keep it healthy. American foxhounds differ from their English cousins in leg length and loin structure. Prospective owners should understand that this breed needs substantial exercise due to its strong prey drive and independent nature. Originally bred for long hunts, these dogs require at least one to two hours of daily exercise, though they adapt well to various living situations with proper training and attention.

Vizsla This Hungarian treasure features a distinctive sleek, golden-rust coat and lean, athletic body that commands attention. Vizslas form deep bonds with their owners and thrive on human connection, making them ideal medium sized dogs for those seeking loyal companionship. These athletes excel in various sports and activities, requiring both physical and mental stimulation. Grooming is straightforward—occasional brushing and baths suffice. With centuries of hunting heritage, vizslas remain beloved among American dog enthusiasts for their versatility and eagerness to participate in various endeavors.

English Springer Spaniel As an energetic and intelligent bird dog, the English springer spaniel earns favor from sport hunters and families alike. These medium sized dogs combine a well-mannered temperament with reliable hunting instinct, featuring a muscular build, double coat, long ears and kind eyes. Highly trainable people-pleasers, springers excel with children and require regular grooming and exercise through long walks and play sessions. Their history traces back to Britain’s land spaniels and upland game bird work, earning them recognition as eager, reliable gundogs. In North America since the 1920s, their trainability, durability and nose have made them invaluable for K-9 detection work.

Bull Terrier Instantly recognizable by its distinctive long, egg-shaped head and triangular eyes, the bull terrier displays playful nature and unwavering devotion. These medium sized dogs feature coats in white or various colors with brindle striping, requiring weekly brushing and regular ear and nail care. Bull terriers thrive on early socialization, firm but loving training, plenty of exercise and quality time with loved ones. Developed from bulldogs and terriers during the 1800s, they quickly became fashionable American companions, with famous examples including Bullseye (the Target mascot) and General George Patton’s beloved Willy.

Australian Shepherd A lean and rugged ranch dog, the Australian shepherd thrives in the rodeo world, having journeyed from Europe through Australia before becoming iconic in California’s cowboy culture. These medium sized dogs are known for their piercing gaze and varied coat patterns, including the distinctive merle. Aussies demonstrate spry stock movement with herding impulses that extend to birds, dogs and children. Their high intelligence and energy mean they excel with owners seeking a dynamic training partner, either at work or in sport. Regular grooming, exercise and meaningful work keep them happy and healthy.

Australian Cattle Dog Also known as blue or red heelers, these medium sized dogs represent a small yet stocky herding breed from Australia with dingo ancestry. Born with white coats that transform into blue-gray or red with distinctive speckling, they showcase huge work drive, agility and loyalty. They excel at herding livestock and make excellent running partners. Their smooth, double-layer coat requires only regular brushing and sheds twice yearly. Highly active, Australian cattle dogs need mental and physical challenges to thrive.

Brittany A beloved gundog on both sides of the Atlantic, the Brittany is celebrated for agility and versatility among medium sized dogs. Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, they display beautiful coats in vivid orange and liver patterns requiring minimal grooming. Brittanys prove energetic and eager, excelling in activities from hunting to dog sports like agility and flyball. Originating in the Brittany region of France and developed by medieval peasants for all-purpose skills, they arrived in America in 1931 where they’re now favored for their energy and bird-tracking abilities.

Versatile Working & Hunting Heritage Breeds in Medium Size

Collie Originating from Scotland, collies gained fame in the 20th century through beloved cultural references like “Lassie.” These medium sized dogs come in either the iconic full-coated “rough” variety or the sleek “smooth” coat. Collies are agile herders with elegant wedge-shaped heads, almond eyes and gentle expressions. They excel as family pets and show excellent rapport with children. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, though owners must dedicate time to regular grooming with careful attention to shedding and matting.

Poodle (Standard) The standard poodle represents aristocracy in the dog world, defying stereotypes as eager, athletic dogs excelling in various activities. These medium sized dogs are probably most famous for their decorative haircuts, requiring regular brushing to prevent matting. Their non-shedding coat makes them suitable for allergy sufferers. Though France claims them as the national dog, poodles originated as duck hunters in Germany. Beyond duck hunting, poodles have worked as circus performers, truffle hunters and devoted family companions.

Airedale Terrier Dubbed “The King of Terriers” for size, strength and spirit, the Airedale is the largest terrier breed among medium sized dogs. This regal breed remains docile and patient with children, featuring a short, wiry coat with tan and black markings. An alert, intelligent expression complemented by a sporty beard and mustache distinguishes these unique terrier variants. Airedales require minimal grooming but need daily play sessions to burn off their high energy levels.

German Pinscher One of Germany’s oldest breeds and prototype for other pinscher varieties, the German pinscher ranks among medium sized dogs valued for intelligence and sleek appearance. Standing about knee-high to adults, these impressive dogs feature shiny coats in red, black or blue with red accents. Despite their elegant appearance, German pinschers require minimal grooming—just weekly brushing and occasional baths. They excel in canine sports and make wonderful companions.

Jindo Originally from Jindo Island off South Korea, the Jindo represents a loyal, intelligent breed among medium sized dogs prized for independent hunting, vigilant guarding and devoted companionship. With erect ears and distinctive tail, Jindos showcase agility, strength, alertness and dignity. Known for cleanliness and strong hunting instincts, they display bravery and faithfulness to their masters. Though reserved around other animals (especially males), Jindos form deep attachments with their owners and thrive in active households with physical, mental stimulation and meaningful work. Designated a cultural asset in 1962, Jindos hold the status of Korea Natural Treasure #53.

Medium Sized Dogs: The Laid-Back Companion Category

Bulldog The lovable bulldog, with its distinctive “sourmug” face, represents bravery through a thick-set, muscular build. The breed’s furrowed brow, pushed-in nose and unique rolling gait make bulldogs instantly recognizable among medium sized dogs. Though appearing laid-back, bulldogs enjoy brisk walks and need moderate exercise for fitness. Regular grooming proves essential, especially cleaning wrinkles and ears. Originally bred for bull baiting in 13th-century England, bulldogs transformed into beloved companions, becoming a national symbol of England and popular mascots for sports teams and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Bluetick Coonhound A sleek and lovable breed, the bluetick coonhound represents the ideal blend of sweet home temperament and relentless hunting pursuit among medium sized dogs. Recognized for mottled black-and-blue coats, these well-muscled dogs are known for distinct baying and bawling. Affectionate and devoted, they require plenty of exercise and playtime, especially in securely fenced yards. Regular grooming includes weekly brushing and occasional baths. With history dating to French staghounds given to George Washington, bluetick coonhounds remain favorites among coon hunters and hold a cherished place in Southern culture, serving as University of Tennessee’s mascot since 1953.

Chow Chow Originating back to China’s Han Dynasty, chow chows have served as noble companions, guards and hunters—roles they maintain among today’s medium sized dogs. This breed showcases a muscular build and distinctive features including a lion’s-mane ruff and blue-black tongue. Chows prove clean, easy to house train and deeply loyal. Their double coats require regular grooming with brushing and monthly baths. Chows need only moderate exercise and enjoy daily walks and playtime with their people.

Basset Hound The sweet and lovable basset hound wins hearts with its distinctive appearance and gentle demeanor among medium sized dogs. This short and squat hound possesses surprising strength and stamina despite its compact frame. Recognized for a domed head, long ears and mournful eyes, basset hounds excel in scenting. Despite a stubborn streak, these dogs prove loyal and entertaining at home. Regular grooming including brushing and nail trimming maintains their health and appearance. While not overly active, basset hounds need daily walks and play. Originally bred in France and Belgium to create short scenting hounds for hunting, they maintain their independent nature, requiring patient and consistent training.

Dalmatian Featuring probably the most famous coats in the animal kingdom, the dalmatian combines a graceful frame with powerful build—making it ideal among medium sized dogs for endurance activities. Originally bred to guard horses and coaches, dalmatians retain protective instincts and make loyal house dogs. Grooming requires only occasional baths and weekly brushing. Dalmatians thrive on regular exercise and enjoy activities like ball chasing, jogging or hiking.

Whippet The whippet is a lightning-quick, sleek dog with a sweet face representing grace among medium sized dogs. Mirroring the elegance of a greyhound in a smaller package, whippets combine intense pursuit instincts with friendly, dignified and gentle companionship. Their short, smooth coats make them low-maintenance and apartment-suitable. Known for speed, whippets boast rich history in dog racing and lure coursing.

American Staffordshire Terrier The American Staffordshire terrier, affectionately called AmStaff, stands out among medium sized dogs for intelligence, confidence and friendly nature. With stocky, muscular builds featuring broad heads, well-defined jaws and round, dark eyes, AmStaffs display agility and grace. Their stiff, glossy coats need weekly brushing and occasional baths. These people-oriented dogs thrive as family members, in play sessions and competing in canine sports. Originating from blood sports in Britain, today’s AmStaff has transformed into a mellow, beloved companion representing rich American cultural history.

Choosing Your Perfect Medium Sized Dog Match

Whether you’re seeking an athletic companion for outdoor adventures or a relaxed friend for quiet evenings, medium sized dogs offer remarkable diversity. With twenty exceptional breeds ranging from energetic hunters to devoted family members, you’ll find the perfect match aligned with your lifestyle, living space and personal preferences. Each breed brings unique characteristics—from grooming needs to exercise requirements—ensuring thoughtful selection will lead to a fulfilling relationship with your medium sized dog companion.