Top 10 Medium Dog Breeds

Small, medium, or large — how do you know which size dog is right for you and your family? 

Medium-sized dog breeds strike the perfect balance between the energy of smaller breeds and the strength of larger breeds. These ideal-sized pups fit comfortably into a number of different living situations, making them perfect companions for families, singles, and active seniors. 

Whether you live in a cozy city apartment or a house with a wide-open backyard, there's a medium-sized dog breed out there that can fill your home with joy, energy, and companionship. 

In this guide, we'll explore our top ten medium-sized dogs, delving into their characteristics, care needs, and why they might just be the perfect new addition to your family.

The Australian Cattle dog is a highly energetic and intelligent breed, known for its agility and cattle-herding skills. With a sturdy build and a sharp mind, they’re ideal for active owners who can provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation. 

Famous for their loyalty, these dogs are protective of their family and can sometimes be reserved around strangers. 

Their coat, which comes in distinctive blue or red speckles, doesn’t require too much grooming, but their high energy levels mean they need a lot of exercise and engaging activities to keep them happy.

Learn more about other energetic dog breeds and find out which is your favorite!

Feeding your medium-sized pup can be a tough task — let us help you! Our partners at Dog Food Advisor are experts in different dog foods, dietary recommendations, and more! Check them out for advice and tips on the right food for your furry friend. 

Beagles are one of the most friendly and loving medium-sized dog breeds out there, making them an excellent choice for families. Originally bred for hunting, Beagles have a strong sense of smell and tracking instincts. But keep in mind, this can sometimes lead to a bit of mischief, since their noses can lead them on wild adventures during walks. 

Regular exercise can help manage their energy levels, and their sociable nature makes them great companions! Like most dogs, they sometimes suffer from separation anxiety — but don’t let this discourage you. With the right care and approach, your beagle can adjust to time alone without too much stress. 

Their stunning, short coat is easy to care for, even if they do shed from time to time. All in all, beagles are fun and easy-going companions for any dog lover!

Border Collies are the quintessential working dog, highly prized for their intelligence and responsiveness to training. 

They thrive in different canine sports and activities, making them a favorite among active pet owners. While their herding instincts can sometimes lead to them trying to ‘herd’ children and other pets, proper training and socialization can harness their energy positively. 

Their coat, which can be either smooth or rough, needs regular grooming to stop it from matting. 

Unsure what to feed your Border Collie? Check out our tips for the best dog food for Border Collies and find your pup’s next favorite meal today! 

Cocker Spaniels, both English and American, are known for their gentle and sweet nature, as well as for their beautiful, silky coats. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, which makes them alert and agile little friends. 

Regular grooming is a must to keep their coats in good condition and to prevent ear infections, common in breeds with long ears. They thrive on human companionship, which means this pup does well as long as they’ve got you to count on.

Learn about grooming for long-haired dogs to keep your Cocker Spaniel looking fresh and feeling great. 

Your furry friend’s health matters! Wellness plans are an important investment for pet parents. Carve out time for health check-ups and proper care, and enhance your dog’s quality of life. 

Similar to the Cocker Spaniel, the English Springer Spaniel is an affectionate and energetic medium dog breed that loves to be active. They’re particularly good at agility and obedience training due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. 

Their medium-length coat does shed, which means regular grooming for you as a pet parent. English Springer Spaniels are known for their friendly demeanor, but need plenty of exercises to manage their energy. Get ready for walks, hikes and runs with this pup!

Bull Terriers are easily recognizable by their strong build and unique, egg-shaped head. 

Despite their somewhat intense appearance, they’re incredibly affectionate dogs who are playful with their families. But remember, they have a reputation for being stubborn, so regular, firm training is necessary. 

This dog is easy to care for, thanks to their short coat and minimal grooming requirements. 

With their strong personalities, Bull Terriers are best suited to join families who are either familiar with the breed or are experienced dog owners.

Brittanys are highly energetic, good-natured dogs that were originally bred as gun dogs. They’re highly active and require a lot of regular exercise, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. So if you and your family are an active bunch, a Brittany is the perfect addition to the group! 

Their stunning coat is, luckily, easy to maintain, though they do shed seasonally. 

If you want to get an early grasp on managing your pup’s high energy levels and prevent shyness around strangers, early socialization and training can be a great place to start!

Known for their droopy eyes and long ears, Basset Hounds have a laid-back personality but can still manage to be quite stubborn every now and then. They’re not as energetic as some of the other breeds on this list, but they still require regular, moderate exercise to maintain their health. 

Their unique physical traits mean they require specific care, especially in keeping their ears clean and monitoring their weight.

The best way to stay prepared when your dog gets sick is to consider pet insurance. Be ready for anything and explore different top pet insurance options tailored to your pup’s lifestyle at Wag! Compare.

The Basenji, often known as the ‘barkless dog,’ is known for its unique vocalizations and cat-like grooming habits. It’s one of the only dogs that doesn’t bark in the typical sense — instead, their cries sound more like howls, or yodels! 

This medium-sized breed from Central Africa is known for its intelligence and independence, traits that require an experienced hand in training. Basenjis have a sleek physique and a curious nature, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a quieter, but active dog. 

They’re known for their strong prey drive, which means a secure, fenced yard is ideal. Engaging and consistent training from an early age is crucial to channel their energy and curiosity in positive ways.

Of all the mid-sized dogs we’ve covered so far, Whippets are definitely the essence of speed and grace, known for their ability to run very fast. 

Despite their athletic ability, though, they’re surprisingly low-energy when they’re inside, and are just happy to lounge around the house. 

They have very short coats and are among the easiest breeds to groom — lucky you! But remember, their thin coats mean they’re not suited to very cold climates unless proper precautions are taken — this means sweaters, jackets and other dog clothes for the colder seasons.

Need a dog walker, fast? We’ve got you covered! Book your dog’s next walk with a trusted, local pet caregiver with Wag! today.