20 Best Medium Sized Dogs: Finding Your Perfect Canine Companion

Not sure which breed fits your lifestyle? If small dogs feel too delicate and large breeds seem overwhelming, the best medium sized dogs offer an ideal middle ground. As Charlotte Reed, host of the nationally syndicated pet talk radio show The Pet Buzz, explains: “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.”

According to Vetcarenews, medium-sized dogs typically weigh between 24 and 59 pounds with shoulder heights ranging from 16 to 22 inches. The beauty of the best medium sized dogs? They’re versatile enough to match nearly any lifestyle. Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer with Rover, notes: “Medium dogs are often great for an active lifestyle, with enough energy (for most breeds) to keep up on hikes and adventures.” That said, some medium-sized breeds like bulldogs and whippets are perfect for more relaxed households.

Athletic Powerhouses: Built for Active Owners

These best medium sized dogs thrive on movement and mental stimulation, making them ideal for owners who love outdoor adventures.

English Setter: Dubbed the “gentleman of the dog world,” this 400-year-old breed showcases an elegant yet sturdy frame with distinctive belton-patterned coats in liver, lemon, and orange hues. English setters are playful and naturally friendly with other dogs and people. Their long coats demand regular brushing, and they need substantial daily exercise. Training these sensitive souls works best with positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections.

Vizsla: This Hungarian treasure captures hearts with its sleek golden-rust coat and lean, athletic physique. Vizslas form exceptionally tight bonds with their owners and crave human connection. As former hunting dogs, they excel in sports and require both physical and mental challenges. Grooming is straightforward—occasional brushing and baths suffice. Their versatility and eagerness make them favorites among American enthusiasts.

Australian Shepherd: Don’t let the name fool you—Aussies originated in Europe but earned their reputation on California ranches. Known for their piercing gaze and striking merle coat patterns, these herding dogs possess an innate impulse to control motion (even kids and birds can trigger their herding instinct). They thrive with owners who offer consistent training and active engagement. Regular exercise and mental stimulation keep them balanced.

English Springer Spaniel: An energetic bird dog beloved by sport hunters and families alike, springers combine athleticism with trainability. These muscular companions feature double coats, long ears, and kind eyes. Their dual reputation—reliable hunting partner and well-mannered family member—stems from 400+ years of breeding excellence. K-9 detection teams have valued them since the 1920s for their keen nose and durability.

Bull Terrier: Instantly recognizable by their distinctive egg-shaped heads and triangular eyes, bull terriers pack surprising devotion into their stocky frames. Available in white or brindle-patterned coats, these former bull-baiting dogs transformed into fashionable companions by the mid-1800s. They require weekly brushing, regular ear and nail care, and—most importantly—early socialization and firm but loving training.

Hunting Heritage: Working Dog Traditions

These breeds carry centuries of hunting lineage, though many adapt beautifully to family life.

American Foxhound: Sleek hunters with good-natured temperaments and short, low-maintenance coats, American foxhounds possess a strong prey drive and independent streak. They differ from English foxhounds in leg length and slightly arched loins. Originally bred for long hunts, they need substantial daily exercise—at least one to two hours—but adapt well to varied living situations with proper attention.

Bluetick Coonhound: The ideal blend of sweet home companion and relentless hunter, bluetick coonhounds showcase mottled black-and-blue coats and well-muscled builds. Their distinct baying reveals their hunting passion. Affectionate and devoted, they thrive with plenty of exercise in securely fenced yards. With roots tracing to French staghounds gifted to George Washington, they remain Southern hunting favorites and have served as the University of Tennessee mascot since 1953.

Collie: Originating from Scotland, collies gained pop culture fame through “Lassie” and beloved television shows. These medium-to-large agile herders feature elegant wedge-shaped heads, almond eyes, and gentle expressions. They come in either the full-coated “rough” style or sleek “smooth” coat. Their intelligence makes training straightforward, though regular grooming—with special attention to shedding and matting—is essential. They excel as family pets and prove gentle with children.

Airedale Terrier: Dubbed “The King of Terriers” for its size, strength, and spirit, the Airedale is the largest terrier breed and exudes regal presence. Despite their impressive bearing, they’re remarkably docile and patient with kids. Their short, wiry coats feature tan and black markings, and their alert expression pairs with a distinctive sporting beard and mustache. Daily play sessions burn off their high energy levels while minimal grooming keeps maintenance simple.

Brittany: A beloved gundog on both sides of the Atlantic, Brittanys showcase agility and remarkable versatility. Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, they sport beautiful orange and liver-patterned coats requiring minimal grooming. Medieval French peasants developed these all-purpose hunting dogs in the Brittany region. Arriving in America in 1931, they’re now favored for their energy and exceptional bird-tracking abilities. They excel in hunting, agility, and flyball competitions.

Refined Companions: Elegance and Grace

These best medium sized dogs combine striking aesthetics with engaging personalities.

Standard Poodle: Often stereotyped as purely decorative, standard poodles are actually eager, athletic, and accomplished in numerous activities. Their non-shedding coats make them suitable for allergy sufferers. Famous for their decorative haircuts (which serve a functional purpose), poodles require regular brushing to prevent matting. Interestingly, these French national dogs originated as German duck hunters. They’ve succeeded as circus performers, truffle hunters, and devoted family companions.

German Pinscher: One of Germany’s oldest breeds and prototype for other pinscher varieties, German pinschers are sleek, intelligent dogs standing about knee-high. Their shiny coats come in red, black, or blue with red accents. Despite their elegant appearance, they’re no-nonsense and require minimal grooming—just weekly brushing and occasional baths. They excel in canine sports and make wonderful companions without excessive maintenance demands.

Whippet: Lightning-quick yet impossibly elegant, whippets mirror greyhound grace in a more manageable package. Despite their intense prey drive, whippets are friendly, dignified, and gentle companions. Their short, smooth coats require minimal maintenance and suit apartment living perfectly. Rich history in dog racing and lure coursing demonstrates their speed capabilities, yet they adapt surprisingly well to less active lifestyles when properly exercised.

Spirited and Loyal: Strong-Willed Characters

These breeds bring distinctive personalities and require understanding owners.

American Staffordshire Terrier: Affectionately called AmStaff, these intelligent, confident dogs are known for friendly nature despite their stocky, muscular builds. Broad heads, well-defined jaws, and round, dark eyes give them distinctive appeal. Their stiff, glossy coats need weekly brushing and occasional baths. Originally used in British blood sports, today’s AmStaff is a mellow, beloved family member and canine athlete. They’re people-oriented and thrive participating in family activities and dog sports.

Chow Chow: Dating back to China’s Han Dynasty, chows have served as noble companions, guards, and hunters. Their muscular builds feature a distinctive lion’s-mane ruff and unique blue-black tongue. These clean, loyal dogs train easily for house manners. Their double coats require regular grooming and monthly baths. Despite their sturdy appearance, chows only need moderate exercise and enjoy daily walks and playtime, making them suitable for various living situations.

Dalmatian: Probably boasting the most famous coat in the animal kingdom, dalmatians combine graceful frames with powerful builds suited for endurance. Originally bred to guard horses and coaches, they retain protective instincts and make loyal house dogs. Weekly brushing and occasional baths maintain their distinctive spotted coat. Dalmatians thrive on regular exercise and enthusiastically engage in ball-chasing, jogging, and hiking.

Low-Maintenance Favorites: Relaxed Lifestyle Match

Perfect for owners seeking best medium sized dogs without demanding grooming schedules.

Bulldog: With their distinctive “sourmug” face, thick-set muscular build, and unique rolling gait, bulldogs are unmistakable. Their furrowed brows, pushed-in noses, and characteristic appearance make them instantly recognizable. While appearing laid-back, they appreciate brisk walks and moderate exercise to maintain fitness. Regular grooming—especially cleaning facial wrinkles and ears—is essential. Transformed from 13th-century bull-baiting dogs into beloved companions, bulldogs are now England’s national symbol and popular mascots for sports teams and the U.S. Marine Corps.

Basset Hound: Sweet, lovable, and impossible to resist, basset hounds win hearts with their distinctive appearance and gentle demeanor. This short, squat hound possesses surprising strength and stamina despite low stature. Their domed heads, long ears, and mournful eyes make them excel in scenting work. Despite occasional stubbornness, they’re loyal and entertaining household members. Regular grooming including brushing and nail trimming maintains health and appearance. Originally bred in France and Belgium for short-scenting hunting, basset hounds need daily walks despite their relaxed demeanor.

Unique Treasures: Distinctive Breeds

These best medium sized dogs bring cultural significance and unique characteristics.

Jindo: Originally from Jindo Island off South Korea, these loyal, intelligent dogs earned recognition as Korea Natural Treasure #53 when designated a cultural asset in 1962. With erect ears and distinctive tails, jindos showcase agility, strength, alertness, and dignity. Known for cleanliness and strong hunting instincts, they display bravery and faithfulness to their masters. While potentially reserved around other animals, jindos form deep one-person attachments. They thrive in active households requiring both physical and mental stimulation with purposeful activity.

Australian Cattle Dog: Also called blue or red heelers, Australian cattle dogs are small yet stocky herding dogs descended from dingoes. Born with white coats, they transform into blue-gray or red with distinctive speckling. Their huge work drive, agility, and loyalty make them excellent livestock herders and running partners. A smooth double-layer coat requiring only regular brushing (shedding twice yearly) keeps maintenance simple. Their high activity level demands mental and physical challenges.

Whether you’re seeking athletic partners for weekend adventures or calm companions for quieter homes, the best medium sized dogs offer remarkable diversity. From the refined elegance of standard poodles to the energetic spirit of Australian shepherds, from the gentle loyalty of English springer spaniels to the laid-back charm of bulldogs, medium-sized breeds truly have something for everyone. The perfect match awaits within this ideal size category—you just need to find which best medium sized dogs align with your lifestyle and personality.