Top 61 Medium Sized Dogs That are Perfect for You

Do you want your dog to be a balance between tiny lap dogs and giant breeds? You should look into medium sized dogs. The medium dog breeds offer the best of both worlds. They are big enough to be taken on outdoor adventures and small enough to be cuddled with you on the couch.

From the energetic Australian Shepherd to the charming Cocker Spaniel, we'll explore the diverse range of medium sized dog types. Whether you're picturing playful medium size puppies or seeking a specific breed like a medium schnauzer, we'll cover everything you need to know about these fantastic four-legged friends. Let’s go through the 60 best breeds of medium sized dogs.

Top 61 Medium Sized Dogs That are Perfect for You

1. Airedale Terrier

   
   
   Known as the "King of Terriers," Airedales are intelligent and versatile, excelling in various roles from hunting to companionship.
   Height: 21–23 inches
   Weight: 40–65 pounds

2. American Staffordshire Terrier

   
   
   Muscular and confident, AmStaffs are affectionate with family and known for their courage and strength.
   Height: 17–19 inches
   Weight: 40–70 pounds 

3. Australian Cattle Dog
   Energetic and intelligent herders, they thrive with active families and excel in obedience and agility.
   Height: 17–20 inches
   Weight: 35–50 pounds​

4. Australian Kelpie

   
   
   Hardworking and alert, Kelpies are exceptional herding dogs known for their agility and stamina.
   Height: 17–20 inches
   Weight: 35–50 pounds​

5. Australian Shepherd

   
   
   Highly intelligent and energetic, Aussies are versatile workers and loyal companions.
   Height: 18–23 inches
   Weight: 40–65 pounds

6. Basset Hound

   
   
   With their distinctive long ears and keen sense of smell, Bassets are laid-back and friendly.
   Height: Up to 15 inches
   Weight: 40–60 pounds​

7. Beagle

   
   
   Friendly and curious, Beagles are excellent family pets with a strong nose for tracking scents.
   Height: 13–15 inches
   Weight: 20–30 pounds​

8. Bearded Collie
   Energetic and affectionate, Beardies are known for their shaggy coats and herding abilities.
   Height: 20–22 inches
   Weight: 45–55 pounds​

9. Border Collie

   
   
   Renowned for their intelligence and agility, Border Collies excel in herding and dog sports.
   Height: 18–22 inches
   Weight: 30–55 pounds​ 

10. Brittany

    
    
    Cheerful and energetic, Brittanys are versatile hunting dogs and affectionate companions.
    Height: 17–21 inches
    Weight: 30–40 pounds

11. Bull Terrier

    
    
    Distinctive for their egg-shaped heads, Bull Terriers are playful and affectionate with strong personalities.
    Height: 21–22 inches
    Weight: 50–70 pounds

12. Canaan Dog

    
    
    Alert and vigilant, Canaan Dogs are natural guardians with a strong survival instinct.
    Height: 19–24 inches
    Weight: 35–55 pounds

13. Cardigan Welsh Corgi

    
    
    Long-bodied and low to the ground, Cardigans are loyal and adaptable herding dogs.
    Height: 10.5–12.5 inches
    Weight: 25–38 pounds

14. Chow Chow

    
    
    Known for their lion-like mane and blue-black tongue, Chow Chows are dignified and independent.
    Height: 17–20 inches
    Weight: 45–70 pounds

15. Cocker Spaniel

    
    
    Gentle and joyful, Cocker Spaniels are known for their long, silky ears and friendly disposition.
    Height: 13.5–15.5 inches
    Weight: 20–30 pounds

16. Dalmatian

    
    
    Famous for their spotted coats, Dalmatians are active and intelligent, historically serving as carriage dogs.
    Height: 19–24 inches
    Weight: 45–70 pounds

17. English Bulldog

    
    
    With a distinctive wrinkled face and stocky build, Bulldogs are gentle and affectionate companions.
    Height: 14–15 inches
    Weight: 40–50 pounds

18. English Springer Spaniel

    
    
    Cheerful and intelligent, Springers are versatile hunting dogs and loving family pets.
    Height: 19–20 inches
    Weight: 40–50 pounds

19. Finnish Spitz
    Known for their fox-like appearance and lively nature, Finnish Spitz are alert and friendly.
    Height: 15.5–20 inches
    Weight: 20–35 pounds

20. German Pinscher

    
    
    Elegant and athletic, German Pinschers are intelligent and protective companions.
    Height: 17–20 inches
    Weight: 25–45 pounds

21. German Shepherd

    
    
    Versatile and loyal, German Shepherds excel in various roles from police work to family guardians.
    Height: 22–26 inches
    Weight: 50–90 pounds

22. Golden Retriever

    
    
    Friendly and intelligent, Golden Retrievers are among the most popular family dogs.
    Height: 21.5–24 inches
    Weight: 55–75 pounds

23. Irish Setter

    
    
    Graceful and energetic, Irish Setters are friendly sporting dogs with a stunning red coat.
    Height: 25–27 inches
    Weight: 60–70 pounds

24. Keeshond

    
    
    With their thick fur and expressive “spectacles,” Keeshonds are affectionate and alert companions.
    Height: 17–18 inches
    Weight: 35–45 pounds

25. Labrador Retriever

    
    
    Outgoing and even-tempered, Labs are among the most beloved family and service dogs.
    Height: 21.5–24.5 inches
    Weight: 55–80 pounds

26. Lagotto Romagnolo

    
    
    Curly-coated and intelligent, this breed excels at truffle hunting and is affectionate with family.
    Height: 16–19 inches
    Weight: 24–35 pounds

27. Manchester Terrier
    Sleek and spirited, Manchester Terriers are keen ratters and devoted companions.
    Height: 15–16 inches
    Weight: 12–22 pounds

28. Miniature American Shepherd

    
    
    Energetic and intelligent, these herders are loyal and thrive with active owners.
    Height: 13–18 inches
    Weight: 20–40 pounds

29. Norwegian Elkhound
    Sturdy and courageous, Elkhounds are excellent watchdogs and loyal family members.
    Height: 19.5–20.5 inches
    Weight: 48–55 pounds

30. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    
    
    Smart and playful, Tollers are skilled water retrievers and affectionate pets.
    Height: 17–21 inches
    Weight: 35–50 pounds

31. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

    
    
    Famous for their short legs and big personalities, Pembrokes are bright and loving herders.
    Height: 10–12 inches
    Weight: 25–30 pounds

32. Peruvian Inca Orchid (Hairless)
    Elegant and affectionate, this rare breed comes in hairless and coated varieties.
    Height: 16–20 inches
    Weight: 26–55 pounds

33. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
    Cheerful and inquisitive, PBGVs are scent hounds with lively personalities.
    Height: 13–15 inches
    Weight: 25–40 pounds

34. Pharaoh Hound

    
    
    Sleek and graceful, these intelligent dogs are known for their striking appearance and speed.
    Height: 21–25 inches
    Weight: 45–55 pounds

35. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
    Shaggy and smart, this breed is a vigilant herder and loving family dog.
    Height: 17–20 inches
    Weight: 30–50 pounds

36. Portuguese Water Dog
    Energetic and adventurous, PWDs were bred to work on boats and love swimming.
    Height: 17–23 inches
    Weight: 35–60 pounds

37. Puli

    
    
    Known for their corded coats, Pulis are energetic and agile herders with lots of personality.
    Height: 16–17 inches
    Weight: 25–35 pounds

38. Schnauzer (Standard)

    
    
    Alert and spirited, Standard Schnauzers are excellent watchdogs and family protectors.
    Height: 17.5–19.5 inches
    Weight: 30–50 pounds

39. Shetland Sheepdog

    
    
    Intelligent and affectionate, “Shelties” resemble small Collies and are great with kids.
    Height: 13–16 inches
    Weight: 15–25 pounds

40. Shiba Inu

    
    
    Bold and clean, Shibas are independent but affectionate with their families.
    Height: 13.5–16.5 inches
    Weight: 17–23 pounds

41. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    
    
    Cheerful and friendly, Wheatens have soft, silky coats and lively temperaments.
    Height: 17–19 inches
    Weight: 30–40 pounds

42. Spanish Water Dog
    Versatile and active, this curly-coated dog excels in herding and water work.
    Height: 15–20 inches
    Weight: 30–50 pounds

43. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

    
    
    Muscular and loving, Staffies are known for their loyalty and affection with people.
    Height: 14–16 inches
    Weight: 24–38 pounds

44. Swedish Vallhund
    Resembling a wolf in a Corgi body, Vallhunds are fearless herders with cheerful spirits.
    Height: 11.5–13.75 inches
    Weight: 20–35 pounds

45. Thai Ridgeback

    
    
    Rare and athletic, Thai Ridgebacks are independent and protective family dogs.
    Height: 20–24 inches
    Weight: 35–75 pounds

46. Tibetan Terrier

    
    
    Loyal and charming, Tibetan Terriers are sturdy and affectionate companions.
    Height: 14–17 inches
    Weight: 18–30 pounds

47. Treeing Walker Coonhound
    Energetic and vocal, these hounds are fast hunters and affectionate family members.
    Height: 20–27 inches
    Weight: 50–70 pounds

48. Vizsla

    
    
    Graceful and gentle, Vizslas are athletic hunting dogs with affectionate personalities.
    Height: 21–24 inches
    Weight: 44–60 pounds

49. Weimaraner

    
    
    Sleek and energetic, Weimaraners are intelligent hunters and loving house pets.
    Height: 23–27 inches
    Weight: 55–90 pounds

50. Whippet

    
    
    Calm and graceful, Whippets are quick sprinters but laid-back at home.
    Height: 18–22 inches
    Weight: 25–40 pounds

51. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
    Hardworking and eager to please, this breed is an excellent gundog and devoted pet.
    Height: 20–24 inches
    Weight: 35–70 pounds

52. Xoloitzcuintli (Standard)

    
    
    Ancient and loyal, Xolos come in hairless and coated types and are protective family dogs.
    Height: 18–23 inches
    Weight: 30–55 pounds

53. Basenji

    
    
    Known as the “barkless dog,” Basenjis are independent, clean, and cat-like in behavior.
    Height: 16–17 inches
    Weight: 22–26 pounds

54. Boerboel (Smaller Females)

    
    
    While mostly large, some females are medium; powerful and protective, they are excellent guardians.
    Height: 22–25 inches
    Weight: 50–70 pounds

55. Dogo Argentino (Smaller Females)

    
    
    Muscular and brave, these dogs are bred for big game hunting and family protection.
    Height: 23–25 inches
    Weight: 65–80 pounds

56. Appenzeller Sennenhund

    
    
    Lively and fearless, this Swiss working breed excels at herding and guarding.
    Height: 18–23 inches
    Weight: 48–70 pounds

57. Barbet
    French water dogs with curly coats, Barbets are cheerful and love swimming.
    Height: 19–24 inches
    Weight: 35–65 pounds

58. Dutch Shepherd

    
    
    Loyal and athletic, Dutch Shepherds are versatile working dogs with strong herding instincts.
    Height: 21.5–24.5 inches
    Weight: 42–75 pounds

59. Ibizan Hound

    
    
    Sleek and elegant, Ibizans are athletic and affectionate with clean habits.
    Height: 22–29 inches
    Weight: 45–65 pounds

60. Bergamasco Sheepdog
    Recognized for their unique matted coat, they are loyal and intelligent herders.
    Height: 22–24 inches
    Weight: 57–85 pounds

In the end, it all falls on you.  Choosing from dog breeds that are medium size can be overwhelming, but the effort is worth it. We've listed the best medium breed options, from the athletic to the affectionate, and what makes them special. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a playful pup, a loyal guardian, or a laid-back companion, there’s a breed of medium sized dogs that fits your lifestyle perfectly. So, take your time, do some homework, and welcome your medium sized puppy.