Selecting a dog breed to bring home is an exciting process for new owners. There are so many variations and breeds to choose from! But what makes medium-sized dogs so attractive is that they’re the perfect size for most families.
So, how many medium dog breeds are there? According to the AKC, there are just 45 recognized dog breeds in this class of size. In fact, compared to small and large dog breeds, this category has the fewest number of breeds.
Though there are many more medium dogs out there, here are the ones that are actually recognized by the American Kennel Club. If we missed any medium-sized dog breeds, feel free to leave us a message in the comments section below!
All Medium Sized Dogs
So, what exactly is a medium sized dog? There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. But according to Kim Williamson of Animal Planet, medium sized dogs weigh roughly between 35 and 65 pounds. In addition, they’re between 1 to 2 feet in height.
However, Your Purebred Puppy says they’re dogs between 18 and 22 inches tall while weighing between 40 to 60 pounds. These two sources are not the only ones that have an opinion.
For us, well take someone in the middle. For your convenience, we’ve listed all the recognized medium dogs by alphabetical order. Let us know which is your favorite!
1. Airedale Terrier
Highlights: Brave, Clever, Loving
The Airedale Terrier is the biggest of all of the terriers, measuring between 1’1″ and 1’9″ feet tall at shoulder height. Its typical weight is 40 – 65 pounds and it has an average lifespan of 10-13 years.
It is commonly called the “King of the Terriers,” largely due to its size. This breed originated in Yorkshire from the Airedale Valley and was bred to catch rats and otters.
Airedale Terriers are capable sporting dogs with a lot of confidence and intelligence. Additionally, they also have a lovely playful temperament that will please their owners.
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2. American English Coonhound
Highlights: Docile, Easy-going, Friendly
The American English Coonhound typically measures between 1’11” and 2’2″ feet tall at the shoulder. With a lifespan of 10-12 years, the breed is well known for endurance, speed as a well as a loud bark.
They do not just bay and bark when out but at home, too. This breed requires a lot of exercises as it is an English Foxhound descendant which was bred for hunting.
In terms of color, they are usually blue and white ticked, red and white ticked, black and white or tricolor with red and white ticking too.
3. American Foxhound
Highlights: Sweet, Docile, Independent
American Foxhounds weigh 40 – 60lbs and stand 1’9″ – 2’1″ feet tall at shoulder height. Plus, they have a lifespan of 12-13 years. They are sweet, easy-going, loyal and kind dogs and have existed in this way for over two hundred years.
They love running and have excellent stamina, so they would make a great running companion. The mild nature of this breed also makes them an excellent choice for families, as long as the dog gets their much-needed exercise.
This breed needs about two hours’ exercise daily and can get distracted by scents that they pick up. As well as their gentleness, they can be stubborn and therefore more difficult to train.
4. American Staffordshire Terrier
Highlights: Good-natured, Brave, Smart
This muscular breed of dog is undeniably strong, but affectionate and loving too. Standing at 16 – 19 inches in height, they can weigh up to 60 pounds and live for 15 years.
They love human company whether it’s cuddling up at home, jogging or playing in the park. American Staffordshire Terriers are intelligent dogs and require mental stimulation. If not, their strong jaws could be put to the test out of boredom and you could find them chewing everything.
They will need a trainer who is not only strong but confident too. These dogs need boundaries but also need loving too. This breed will need socialization as the breed tends to be more stand-offish than other breeds.
5. American Water Spaniel
Highlights: Happy, Charming, Sociable
The American Water Spaniel (AWS) is a hunting dog that’s not all that well known unless you live in near the Great Lakes area of the USA. A sporting dog, it typically measures between 1’3”- 1’6” feet at the shoulder and weighs 25 – 45 lbs.
The breed originally specialized in hunting waterfowl (hence its name), so they are skilled at swimming and have a double coat that’s water-resistant.
The American Water Spaniels are high-energy dogs that need to chase and fetch. However, they also make good family pets. Typically, they live between 12 and 15 years.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Highlights: Inquisitive, Alert, Intelligent
This dog breed is active, sturdy yet intelligent and measures 1’5”- 1’8” feet at shoulder height. It was bred by settlers in Australia for herding cattle (hence its name).
Weighing 30-50lbs, it typically lives between 12 and 15 years. This herding dog is still used today and loves nothing more than having a task and being a part of a family.
The breed is protective and loyal but can be a little wary of strangers. They also excel with canine sports such as fly ball, agility, obedience and flying disc.
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7. Australian Shepherd
Highlights: Energetic, Lively, Diligent
The Australian Shepherd dog does not actually originate from Australia at all, but rather from the Western United States! A herding dog, the Aussie measures between 1’6” and 1’11” feet at shoulder height and weighs 40 – 65lbs.
The Australian Shepherd typically lives for 12 – 15 years. Because they were bred to be a herding dog, they’re the happiest when they are busy and working on an assigned task. This Australian Shepherd also makes a lovely family dog thanks to the energy it brings to the table.
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8. Basset Hound
Highlights: Patient, Docile, Sweet
Bred as a hunting dog for rabbits and other small game, the Basset Hound is a stocky dog on short legs! They measure no more than 14 inches in height but weigh between 50 and 60 pounds.
Their name originates from the French word used for ‘low’ – base. However, they’re actually bigger than most people think. It’s just that they have little legs. Still, they’re muscular with heavy bones.
This breed is fantastic as a family pet thanks to its laid-back nature. Despite its size, it’ll try to be a lap dog! They also have a fantastic sense of smell, which is second to that of Bloodhounds!
9. Bearded Collie
Highlights: Lively, Captivating, Smart
Developed in Scotland, the Bearded Collie measures around 1’9″ feet tall and typically weighs 45 to 55 lbs. They are herding dogs used to herd cattle and sheep in all weathers and terrain.
Today, they make excellent family dogs, working sheep dogs and show dogs. Some even manage all three at the same time! They have the speed and energy and compete well in rally, obedience, agility among other dog events.
To describe a Bearded Collie succinctly, the word “enthusiastic” comes to mind. They are trustworthy pups that are active and bright. They’re called ‘Beardies’ thanks to the beard-like appearance below their chin. They are a true shaggy dog.
10. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Highlights: Independent, Friendly, Smart
Resembling a dog with dreadlocks, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is between 22.5 and 24.5 inches in height with a weight of 70 – 84lbs. This is one of the oldest sheepdogs whose history goes back almost 2000 years.
With square bodies, they are compact dogs and thus have great strength as well as speed and agility. They can run long distances for quite a while and are determined, intelligent and patient too.
A highly intelligent dog, the breed is still used for herding today in Europe. Though they originated 2000 years ago, they make great competing dogs, guard dogs or companion dogs today.
11. Border Collie
Highlights: Diligent, Intelligent, Active
The Border Collie is the stereotypical sheep dog of the border areas between England and Scotland. Measuring between 1’6” and 1’10” feet tall, the breed has a good ‘eye’ (or intense stare!), which is how it “controls” the flock of sheep.
This dog has boundless energy, working drive and stamina, making it a premier herding dog. Weighing 30 – 40lbs, many farms still use this breed today. They are intelligent, highly trainable and typically live between 12 and 15 years.
This dog is certainly not a lap dog. These dogs can run around 50 miles in a day, so they need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. This is dog certainly isn’t for everyone.
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12. Boykin Spaniel
Highlights: Enthusiastic, Loving, Friendly
Measuring 1’2” to 1’6” feet in height, the Boykin Spaniel is famous for its hunting abilities, while also being a great family companion.
With friendly confidence and intelligence, an active family would suit this breed the best. They tend to weigh between 25 and 40lbs and have a lifespan of 10-12 years.
These dogs were originally developed for waterfowl (aquatic birds) and turkey hunting in South Carolina. They can retrieve and flush and are always willing to work. Not only are they alert and smart, but get along with children and other dogs too.
13. Brittany
Highlights: Fun, Cheerful, Lively
