Some people prefer large dog breeds, while some would rather go with a small dog breed — but if you ask us, the perfect pet is right in the middle! These medium-sized (and might we add, cutest dog breeds) are as cuddly as little dogs, and as playful and gentle and larger dogs. Generally, dogs in this category weigh about 30–70 pounds, although some can certainly grow bigger or smaller than that. While they may have size in common, these breeds totally vary in activity level, trainability, coat type and temperament.
These dog breeds include members from almost all the breed groups (including sporting, non-sporting, working, hounds and terriers). That means they are bred for a variety of traits and purposes, including companionship! I want to introduce you to include some of the most popular kinds, and few new ones, that you may not heard before.
Medium dogs are a truly diverse group. We can find dogs with vastly different temperaments and preferences. It can be said that regardless of whether we are looking for a dog for the block, a dog for a house with a garden, a dog for a family with children or a dog for a single person, in the group of medium-sized dogs there will certainly be a breed that will meet our expectations.
Australian Sheppard – With a background in herding, Aussies live to work (or play) thanks to a tireless drive. They are extremely intelligent and loyal, making them extremely receptive to training. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog, currently kept as a companion and a sports companion. Highly active and energetic, he needs a lot of activity and exercise, minimum an hour a day. Lack of a satisfactory dose of exercise and mental activity is likely to result in reactivity and even aggression. The unloaded energy can also make the pooch chase cars, hunt cyclists or chase and nip at running children. Properly guided Aussies are quite relaxed in the home and can usually be excellent companions for children. They also get along well with other dogs and domestic pets. They tend to be distrustful of strangers, but usually do not show aggression. They can, however, be barking. Weight: 40-70 pounds.
Boxer – The Boxer is a confident dog with strong nerves and a balanced character. He has an enormous temperament, he is energetic, cheerful and energetic. His devotion to the owner, loyalty and tenderness are well known. He can be possessive, although he usually does not demand intrusive caresses. He is sensitive to a raised voice and changes in the behavior of household members; therefore, he does not feel well in homes where views are exchanged out loud. He does not like to be left alone for a long time and is not suitable for keeping in a playpen. Boxers bark little, but they make a whole range of other sounds. They also clearly signal their needs, injuries (e.g. earache, paw pain) or malaise. A representative of this breed gets along very well with children and is always willing to play together. However, you must remember about his spontaneity, as a result of which he may accidentally knock over a toddler. He also tends to look after children, and therefore may be unkind to bystanders who he considers a threat. He is a fit and active dog. He must vent his enormous energy, otherwise he may destroy objects in the environment or fail to follow orders. A simple walk is not enough for this dog – it needs a lot of physical activities and mental stimulation. Strength training, however, must be adapted to his age and weather conditions. Vigilance, boldness and courage make boxers perfect as defenders. They do not show excessive aggression and are usually limited to a warning snarl but can use physical force if necessary. Weight: 50-80 pounds.
Chinese Shar-Pei – Shar Pei is an individualist with a unique appearance and character. He can be stubborn and obedient, effusive and reserved at the same time. He has a moderate temper. Close contact with the owner determines his well-being. He is one master’s dog, although he is also attached to the whole family. He gets along well with children, is gentle and willing to play. It is recommended rather for older kids; the little ones need to learn how to handle it properly. Brave, incorruptible and distrustful of strangers, this breed is a great guardian. At the same time, he is not very noisy. Shows concern by huffing (that is, blowing air sharply through his nose). The Shar Pei can live with other dogs (he prefers the company of representatives of his own breed), but because he has a strong personality, he will not subordinate to them. Due to his strong territorial instinct, he fiercely guards his piece of lawn, so it happens that he conflicts with foreign brethren. He has a great memory, and he is also very unforgiving, so by doing him very wrong or hurting him, becomes enemy for life. The representative of this breed likes walks and an active lifestyle, but also does not mind lounging on the couch all day. It can accompany its owner while jogging or cycling, but you must remember not to force the animals to such an effort during the development period. Weight: 45-60 pounds.
Chow Chow – “Lion Dog” impressively looking, is full of pride. It is often said that it is a cat in a dog’s skin. You must earn the respect of this dog. The person who treated him unfairly, will be remember for long time. Chow-chow often does not show feelings, which does not mean that they do not exist. However, he is restrained in expressing them. The more you can feel honored when you decide to show them. A bond based on respect and understanding built with a chow-chow lasts a lifetime. The Chow-chow is one master’s dog, but accepts other household members as well, including older children, if they respect him. He shows reluctance or indifference towards strangers. Despite their powerful appearance, Chows require only moderate exercise — making them adaptable to city life. Fun fact: it is the only breed of dogs that have a purple tongue. Weight: 45-70 pound.
Basset hound – As total couch potato, Basset Hounds love to lounge around. The Basset Hound has a gentle, good-natured character and a moderate temper. Although he may seem phlegmatic at first, he is in fact a cheerful, playful and surprisingly lively dog. He is sociable and does not tolerate loneliness, so he should not be isolated. If we want him to stay home alone for a few hours, we must get him used to it from the moment of the puppy. Otherwise, he may rebel, cry and howl with his deep voice, for hours being quite unpleasant to his neighbors. A representative of this breed is attached to all household members. In youth, he can be quite absorbing and intrusive in showing feelings, which may irritate some owners. Bassets get along well with children. They are patient and tolerant, but do not like to be overly disturbed, so little ones need to learn to handle them properly. These dogs like to live in a herd, so they are happiest when they have a relative with them. They will accept a domestic cat or a rabbit, but the neighbor’s pet may fall victim to the basset. The Basset Hound values comfort and will love to spend most of the day on the couch. However, you cannot let him get too lazy. Movement is especially important to him because it prevents obesity and allows him to maintain his physical condition. Excessive effort, however, can hurt him, so he should decide how much he wants to run. During walks, he likes to roam in the bushes, and when he catches an interesting trail, he forgets about the whole world. Therefore, in busy places, it is better not to let him off the leash. Weight: 40-60 pounds.
Shiba Inu – Japanese breed of hunting dog. A small-to-medium breed, it is the smallest of the six original and distinct spitz breeds of dog native to Japan. Dogs of this breed are intelligent, extremely clever and like to get their way. Their upbringing requires a lot of consistency and patience. Poorly trained Shiba, whose guardians are not able to set clear boundaries, will not fail to go to aggression in order to achieve their goal. Shiba is initially distant from strangers, but after a while accepts people she has already met. However, she is not very demonstrative in showing them sympathy. He loves playing together and has a lot of energy that almost never ends. When he gets bored with the company and wants to take a break from people, he hides in his secluded corner and takes a nap. At home, the Shiba is quiet and does not seem to impose itself on the family members. Weight: 28-24 pounds.
Appenzeller Sennenhund – One of the four regional breeds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn, herders in the Appenzell region of Switzerland. Like the other Sennenhunds, the Appenzeller Sennenhund has a heavy, molosser-like build and a distinctive tricolor coat. Appenzellers are energetic, cheerful and quick-witted dogs. They learn willingly and quickly, although… they may surprise with their creativity. They have a great need for exercise and mental activities. Without stimulation, they can create problems: like destroy its toys, or stuff in the house, or over-guard the area and objects or family members. The Appenzeller feels best in the countryside, but can live in the city apartment as well, you must only remember that its not suitable for keeping in closed space. He must have constant contact with people because he likes to accompany them in their daily activities. Weight: 40 – 70 pounds.
Portuguese water dog – They have not earned the name “water dog” for nothing. They are the lucky ones, that have waterproof coats and webbed feet, originally bred for fishing. Today, the Obamas’ two pets are the most famous examples of the breed. The family partially chose the “First Dogs” for their hypoallergenic fur. A medium-sized, strong-built dog with curly or wavy, thick hair, used as a hunting helper retrieving from the water, and more and more often – a family dog. He is cheerful, lively, balanced and likes to learn. The Portuguese likes to be close to the owner and take part in his activities. He is most attached to the person who trains him and whom he will consider as a guide. He is gentle and friendly towards other family members, but less obedient. In the company of children, he shows patience and gentleness. I live in friendship with pets. He is also not aggressive towards other dogs.
Nature endowed the Portuguese with an excellent sense of smell and hearing. He is agile, swims and dives very well. She loves running and long walks. He learns quickly. He can be successfully trained in obedience, agility or for retriever competitions. Dogs of this breed work as assistants to deaf people and dog therapists. Weight: 35–60 pounds.
Samoyed – Samoyed is called the smiling dog of the north. The corners of his lips are slightly raised, which, together with the dark pigment and slightly oblique set of the eyes, gives a characteristic expression of the face. It is a friendly pet that needs close contact with its owner. He cannot tolerate physical compulsion, unfair treatment, and sharp voice. He may then become fearful, withdrawn or disobedient. The undoubted advantage of Samoyed is that even if we make mistakes in education, we are unlikely to cause him to be aggressive. This high-energy dog loves being outdoors. Samoyeds are friendly, intelligent and eager to please, but they also tend to be reserved. Samoyed gets along well with children, is patient, eager to play, and the role of a fluffy cuddly toy clearly suits him. Samoyed usually lives in harmony with his fellows and is a master of conflict avoidance. He has a well-developed hunting instinct, which makes him chase after game. Representatives of this breed are noisy, their barking resembles the sound of breaking glass, and not every owner accepts it. Females are usually more talkative than males. Samoyed adapts well to city life, but is active, lively and needs regular outdoor exercise. However, it does not require such intense training as other sled races. Weight: 35–65 pounds.
Siberian Husky – Siberian husky is a dog with great temperament, extremely clever, lively, joyful and friendly. He is very alert, but his mild-mannered nature makes him unfit for a watchman. It can quickly adapt to new conditions. As a dog with a strong character, it can dominate its owner if allowed to do so. He gets along well with children. Huskies do not like loneliness, so they feel best being constantly accompanying people or being among other dogs (especially their own breed). They have retained many of the features typical of wolf ancestors. They howl more often than they bark, and their herd has a strict hierarchy, sometimes leading to dominance fights. The group also exhibits strong territorial behavior and can be dangerous to intruders. Curiosity, cleverness and great physical fitness make the husky a master of escape. If we keep it outside, the garden must be surrounded by a high fence (a two-meter fence may not be a sufficient obstacle for a representative of this breed) on a solid foundation. However, even the largest garden cannot replace regular walks and training. Huskies are clever, happy, and responsive. Weight: 35–60 pounds.
Barbet – French water dog. The Barbet is a rare breed. Most Barbets, especially those shown in conformation shows, are entirely black, black and white, or brown. It is common to see white chest spots and white paws or legs on black or brown coated dogs. Fawn (that can range from pearl, cream, to gold the shade), and pied variations are reemerging but in limited numbers. Barbet is a born swimmer – he jumps into the water in any weather. He has a good sense of smell and is still a successful dog for hunting waterfowl. It not only retrieves, but also scares away the game. Most barbets are now companion dogs. Barbet is intelligent, learns quickly and willingly. Weight: 40 – 60 pounds.
Airedale terrier – He is called the “King of terriers”, because he is the largest in this group of British dogs. As the largest terrier breed, Airedales convey the alert, fearless attitude of the group on a supersized scale. They can also carry some of the same stubbornness, but that determination is what makes them such popular and spirited companions. Airedale Terrier is a handsome, temperamental dog, with a classically “terrier” silhouette. He is gifted with great intelligence. Of course, as a typical terrier, he has a trait of independence – he can be stubborn and likes to get his way. Usually, alien dogs are not the first to provoke fights, but the attacked dog will not be blown away. He is friendly towards strangers. Weight: 50-70 pounds.
English Cocker spaniel – is a small hunting dog, most often used today as a family companion. Covered with long hair, with beautiful large eyes and hanging ears. Smart, lively, active. This dog has is a gentle disposition, emotional and friendly to the environment, but with a considerable temperament. Aggression towards people or other dogs is a serious downside. The representative of this breed is strongly attached to the owner and does not tolerate loneliness. The dog of this breed is patient, cheerful and tireless when it comes to play. He will get along better with older children; younger ones need to be taught how to handle him properly. As an alert, curious and perceptive pet, it will prove itself in the role of a watchdog, but you should not expect defensive reactions from it. She generally gets along well with dogs and enjoys living in a pack. Weight: 26 – 35 pounds
