Your Complete Guide to Medium Size Dogs: 20 Breeds That Fit Your Lifestyle

When choosing a canine companion, sizing matters. Between those too-tiny toy breeds and the imposing giant dogs, lies a sweet spot that works perfectly for countless households: medium size dogs. If a pomeranian feels too delicate for your needs and a mastiff seems overwhelming, there’s an ideal match waiting in the mid-size dog category. “Moderately-sized dogs are wonderful because they can meet the requirements of many potential pet owners, whether it’s providing companionship, serving as running partners, working as therapy animals, and beyond,” explains Charlotte Reed, a pet care lifestyle consultant and host of The Pet Buzz, a nationally syndicated pet talk radio program.

The precise definition of what constitutes a medium size dog varies, though Vetcarenews generally defines these canines as weighing between 24 and 59 pounds with a shoulder height of 16 to 22 inches. “Dogs in this size range often excel for people living active lives, with sufficient energy levels (in most cases) to handle hiking, outdoor adventures, and regular play,” notes Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert working with Rover.

The beauty of mid-size dogs is their versatility. Some bring the vigor needed for active pursuits, while others suit more laid-back households perfectly. Even couch potatoes can find their match—breeds like the bulldog and whippet prove that moderately-sized companions come in all temperament varieties. This comprehensive guide explores 20 outstanding medium size dogs, each with unique qualities that might align perfectly with your household.

1. English Setter: The Gentleman of Dogs

Recognized as the “gentleman of the dog world,” the English setter presents an elegant yet robust frame. This sporting dog showcases a stunning belton-patterned coat in shades of liver, lemon, and orange. English setters excel in family settings due to their playful disposition and excellent rapport with both canine companions and people alike. With roots stretching back 400 years to English country estates where they were developed for hunting, these medium size dogs combine athleticism with affection. Their lengthy coats demand consistent brushing attention, and regular physical activity keeps them thriving. Training works best through positive reinforcement methods that respect this good-natured companion’s sensitive nature.

2. American Foxhound: Swift and Spirited

The American foxhound distinguishes itself as a sleek hunter with an approachable temperament. Their short, manageable coat sets them apart from English relatives, as do their longer legs and subtly arched loin. These medium size dogs possess a strong prey drive and independent streak that prospective owners should understand fully. Regular workouts—ideally an hour or two daily—keep them balanced, though with proper guidance they adapt to various living arrangements. Weekly grooming sessions maintain their coat condition beautifully. Originally bred for extended hunting expeditions, these athletic companions thrive with owners who can provide structured exercise and training.

3. Collie: Scotland’s Noble Guardian

Hailing from Scotland, collies captured global imagination through beloved television programs like “Lassie,” catapulting this medium size dog breed to cultural prominence in the 20th century. These medium dogs appear as either the iconic full-coated “rough” variety or the streamlined “smooth” coat style. Collies feature elegant wedge-shaped heads, distinctive almond eyes, and gentle expressions that reflect their herding heritage and family-friendly nature. Their intelligence makes training straightforward, though their double coats require dedicated grooming attention, particularly managing shedding and preventing matting. They excel as household pets and interact beautifully with children.

4. Poodle (Standard): The Sophisticated Athlete

Contrary to common misconceptions, the standard poodle represents athleticism and eagerness wrapped in sophistication. Though France claims them as a national symbol, poodles originated as duck hunters in Germany, showcasing their working-dog heritage. Their non-shedding coat makes them suitable for allergy sufferers, though consistent brushing prevents matting and maintains their elegant appearance. Beyond their famous decorative grooming styles, poodles have served as circus performers, truffle hunters, and devoted household members. This medium size dog thrives in various activities and remains perpetually eager to learn and participate.

5. Bluetick Coonhound: Southern Soul

The bluetick coonhound exemplifies the perfect blend of home companion and focused hunter. Their distinctive mottled black-and-blue coat frames a well-muscled frame, while their characteristic baying announces their enthusiasm unmistakably. Affectionate and dedicated, these medium dogs require substantial exercise and playtime, ideally in securely fenced spaces. Weekly brushing and occasional baths keep their coat healthy. Tracing their lineage to French staghounds gifted to George Washington, bluetick coonhounds hold special significance in Southern culture and remain favorites among hunting enthusiasts. Since 1953, they’ve proudly served as the University of Tennessee’s mascot, cementing their place in American sports tradition.

6. Vizsla: Hungarian Heritage and Heart

The vizsla represents Hungary’s gift to the canine world—a sleek, golden-rust treasure with an athletic build that turns heads instantly. These loving companions form profound bonds with their owners, thriving on human connection and interaction. Originally developed as active hunting dogs, vizslas require both physical exercise and mental stimulation to flourish. Grooming proves refreshingly straightforward with occasional brushing and baths. Centuries of development have created a versatile medium size dog that excels in sports, activities, and family life, beloved by American enthusiasts for their athleticism and eager-to-please nature.

7. American Staffordshire Terrier: Confident Companion

The American Staffordshire terrier, affectionately called AmStaff, showcases intelligence, confidence, and genuine friendliness despite its imposing appearance. With a stocky, muscular build featuring broad heads and well-defined jaws, these medium dogs possess both grace and agility. Their glossy, stiff coats need only weekly brushing and occasional baths. AmStaffs are people-oriented, thriving as integral family members and excelling in canine sports. While their ancestors participated in blood sports in Britain, modern AmStaffs have transformed into mellow, treasured companions deeply woven into American cultural fabric.

8. Bulldog: Iconic Charm

The bulldog’s distinctive face—featuring a furrowed brow, pushed-in nose, and unique rolling gait—makes it instantly recognizable. Despite their laid-back appearance, these sturdy medium-sized dogs enjoy brisk walks and need moderate exercise to maintain fitness. Regular grooming, especially wrinkle cleaning and ear care, prevents health issues. Originating as bull-baiting dogs in 13th-century England, bulldogs evolved into beloved companions and have become national symbols for England, college sports programs, and the U.S. Marine Corps. Their charm lies in combining a tough exterior with a gentle, affectionate spirit.

9. English Springer Spaniel: Eager Working Partner

The English springer spaniel bridges the gap between reliable hunting companion and well-mannered family pet flawlessly. These tough yet loving medium-sized dogs sport muscular builds, double coats, long luxurious ears, and kind eyes. Highly trainable and people-pleasing by nature, springers excel with children and in family situations. Regular grooming and exercise—long walks, play sessions—keep them healthy and content. Originating from Britain’s land spaniels, they developed reputation as eager, dependable gun dogs working upland game birds. By the 1920s, English springers gained North American popularity, and their trainability, durability, and keen nose have made them invaluable in K-9 detection work.

10. Bull Terrier: Devoted Character

The bull terrier’s instantly distinctive long, egg-shaped head and triangular eyes make identification effortless. Their coat appears in white or any color with possible brindle markings. Weekly brushing plus regular ear and nail maintenance keeps this medium size dog in prime condition. Bull terriers thrive with early socialization, consistent training, abundant exercise, and quality family time. Developed from bulldogs and terriers for sport in 13th-century England, they evolved by the mid-1800s into fashionable companions valued for refined temperament and appearance. They quickly became American favorites, with famous bearers including Bullseye (the Target mascot) and General George Patton’s beloved Willy.

11. Airedale Terrier: The King’s Size and Presence

Dubbed “The King of Terriers” for its impressive size, strength, and spirited nature, the Airedale terrier stands as the largest terrier breed available. Despite their commanding presence, they display remarkable patience and gentleness with children. With short, wiry coats featuring tan and black markings, Airedales sport distinctive facial hair—a sporty beard and mustache—that adds character. These intelligent, alert medium-sized dogs need minimal grooming but require daily play sessions burning their substantial energy reserves.

12. Australian Shepherd: Rodeo Legend

The Australian shepherd earned its reputation as a lean, rugged ranch dog through dedicated work in rodeo environments. Though originally developed from Europe’s finest herding stock, their journey included Australian time with Basque shepherds before establishing themselves as California’s iconic cowboy dogs. These medium-sized herders possess piercing gazes and varied coat patterns, including eye-catching merle markings. Their natural herding instinct extends to birds, canine companions, and even children. High intelligence combined with substantial energy means they excel with active owners seeking training partners for work or sport. Regular grooming, exercise, and purposeful jobs keep these medium dogs mentally and physically satisfied.

13. Chow Chow: Ancient Nobility

Tracing lineage to China’s Han Dynasty, chow chows have served as noble companions, protective guards, and skilled hunters throughout history. These medium-sized dogs showcase distinctive muscular builds, commanding lion-like mane ruffs, and characteristic blue-black tongues. Naturally clean and straightforward to housetrain, chows display deep loyalty to their families. Their thick double coats require consistent grooming attention, including regular brushing and monthly baths. Despite their dignified bearing, chow chows need only moderate exercise—daily walks and playtime with loved ones maintain their wellbeing perfectly.

14. Dalmatian: Spotted Endurance

The dalmatian’s famous coat—probably the most recognized in the animal kingdom—adorns a graceful yet powerfully built frame suited for endurance activities. Originally developed to guard horses and coaches, these medium dogs retain protective instincts and make loyal household guardians. Grooming requires occasional baths and weekly brushing to maintain coat health. Dalmatians thrive with regular activity—ball chasing, jogging, hiking—channeling their abundant energy productively.

15. Basset Hound: Sweet Determination

The basset hound’s distinctive appearance—short, squat frame, domed head, long drooping ears, and soulful eyes—wins affection instantly. Despite their relaxed demeanor, these medium-sized dogs possess surprising stamina and strength. Their exceptional scenting abilities made them legendary hunters. Though sporting a stubborn independent streak, basset hounds prove loyal and entertaining household members. Regular grooming, including brushing and nail care, maintains their health and appearance. While not hyperactive, these dogs require daily walks and play sessions. Developed in France and Belgium to create short-legged scenting hounds for hunting pursuits, they retain their distinctive charm today.

16. Jindo: Korea’s Cultural Treasure

Originating from Jindo Island off South Korea, the Jindo represents a loyal, intelligent breed prized for independent hunting, vigilant guardianship, and devoted companionship. Standing with erect ears and distinctive tail carriage, jindos showcase agility, strength, alertness, and natural dignity. Notably clean by nature, these medium-sized dogs possess strong hunting instincts coupled with displays of bravery and faithfulness. While reserved around other animals (particularly males), jindos bond deeply with individual owners, requiring active households offering physical and mental challenges plus purposeful work. Korea designated jindos as cultural assets in 1962, earning them the distinction of Natural Treasure #53.

17. Australian Cattle Dog: Little Worker

The Australian cattle dog (also called blue heeler or red heeler) represents a small yet stocky herding dog from Australia with dingo ancestry. Born with white coats that transform into blue-gray or red with distinctive speckling, these intelligent medium-sized dogs demonstrate massive work drive, agility, and unwavering loyalty. They excel at livestock herding and make excellent running partners. Their smooth double-layered coat needs only regular brushing and sheds predictably twice yearly. Highly active by nature, these medium size dogs require mental and physical challenges to thrive.

18. Brittany: French Gundog Excellence

Beloved on both sides of the Atlantic, the Brittany represents a gundog balancing agility with versatility beautifully. Smaller than setters yet leggier than spaniels, these medium-sized dogs feature beautiful coats in vivid orange and liver patterns requiring minimal grooming attention. Energetic and eager, brittanys excel whether hunting or competing in dog sports like agility and flyball. Medieval French peasants developed these all-purpose hunters in the Brittany region. Arriving in America in 1931, these medium dogs quickly gained favor for their boundless energy and remarkable bird-tracking capabilities.

19. German Pinscher: Germany’s Sleek Original

One of Germany’s oldest breeds and prototype for other pinscher varieties, the German pinscher combines sleekness with intelligence and rich history. Standing roughly knee-high to adults, these impressive medium-sized dogs showcase shiny coats in red, black, or blue with red accents. Despite their elegant appearance, German pinschers require minimal grooming—weekly brushing and occasional baths maintain their polished look. They perform excellently in canine sports and make wonderful household companions.

20. Whippet: Speed and Gentleness

The whippet embodies lightning-quick speed in a sleek, elegant package featuring a sweet expression. Mirroring greyhound elegance in a smaller form, these medium-sized dogs combine intense pursuit instincts with friendly, dignified, gentle companionship. Their short, smooth coats require minimal maintenance, making them well-suited for apartment living. With a distinguished history in dog racing and lure coursing, whippets remain beloved for their athletic prowess balanced with tender-hearted nature.

Finding Your Perfect Medium Size Dog

Discovering the right canine companion involves understanding your lifestyle and what medium-sized dogs can offer. Whether you seek an active adventure partner or a relaxed household member, exploring medium size dogs reveals options matching virtually every preference and living situation. Each of these 20 breeds brings unique qualities—from the English setter’s gentle athleticism to the whippet’s graceful speed. Consider your activity level, grooming commitment, space availability, and personality preferences when selecting among these wonderful medium dogs. With thoughtful consideration and proper research, you’ll find the perfect medium size dog to enrich your household for years to come.