Generally speaking, a medium-sized dog can be considered to be anywhere between 30 to 60 pounds on average, though this varies widely depending on the individual. Medium-sized breeds also vary in height, build, and character. Size is not everything, temperament is more important! Do your research to make sure the dog (whether a pure breed or a mixed breed), you are choosing is right for you. The following list includes popular dogs that fit into the medium sized range:
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is longer than it is tall, and definitely heavier than you would expect for a pooch whose height only reaches 15 inches at the most. Weighing in between 55 and 66 pounds, this is no handbag dog!
They have a short coat, which makes grooming a breeze, and they’re not heavy shedders either. However, because they are low to the ground, they are more likely to get dirty during walks, and may need more baths than your average pooch. Though robust, their long backs can cause spinal problems, and their droopy ears can also lead to ear infections. The breed was originally bred to scent and chase rabbits. By being close to the ground and sweeping up scents with its long ears (the longest in the dog world in fact), the Basset Hound is a truly effective hunting breed.
Despite their short legs and their laid-back personality, this is a breed that likes to be on the move – running around freely in the countryside is really where this dog will thrive. They are affectionate, but stubborn, and therefore not the easiest breed to train. Despite this, they are loving and dependable, making them wonderful family dogs.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The Amstaff weighs in at 55 to 66 pounds and reaches up to 19 inches in height. Despite their medium size, they are muscular and robust dogs!
This is a great breed for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time grooming – their short coat is pretty much wash and wear, and they’re low shedders too.
The ancestors of the breed were created as fighting dogs, with athletic bodies and a strong jaw. This makes them a robust breed with few health issues.
Though today’s American Staffordshire Terriers are much more friendly and affectionate dogs, they retain the high energy level of their ancestors. Though they can adapt to city living, they need plenty of exercise, and would benefit from an active lifestyle. It is a stubborn breed, so you will need patience and consistency to get them trained. Despite this, they are incredibly affectionate, gentle, willing to please, and close to their people, which makes them great family dogs.
Border Collie
The quintessential medium-sized dog, the Border Collie weighs in at 33 to 44 pounds and reaches a height of up to 22 inches.
This is a double-coated breed, which will therefore shed heavily and require regular brushing and combing. Their hair is medium-length, so is susceptible to picking up dirt and leaves when you’re out on walks. The Border Collie was bred as a sheepdog and is often described as the perfect herding breed. Their robustness makes them a generally healthy breed, though they may suffer from hip dysplasia and various eye problems.
They are high-energy dogs that require immense amounts of exercise. They are not suited to apartment living, and need space to run. On top of their needs for physical stimulation, their high intelligence means they need mental stimulation as well. They are highly trainable, to the point where they need to feel challenged in their training sessions to avoid boredom and frustration. However, as long as its needs are met, this playful, devoted and loving pet makes a wonderful family dog.
Australian Shepherd
The beautiful Australian Shepherd weighs in at between 42 and 75 pounds, with a height of 18 to 23 inches.
This is a double-coated breed, which will shed heavily. The dense coat can easily hide ticks and knots, so will therefore require regular brushing and combing.
As their name suggests, this is a working breed, which makes it robust and generally healthy. However, like many collie breeds, Aussies are susceptible to eye problems.
Australian Shepherds need plenty of exercise and room to run. They need active owners and are not suited to apartment living. They are eager to please, quick to learn, and easy to train, but their energy needs to be focused in the right direction to avoid behavioural problems arising. This friendly, energetic, and loyal dog will fit right in with an active family devoted to its needs.
Airedale Terrier
The largest of the Terrier breeds, the Airedale weighs in at 37 to 53 pounds and reaches a height of 22 to 24 inches.
This breed is wire-haired, so they are low-shedders, but will require clipping every few months. They are robust dogs, but can suffer from some health issues usually associated to large dog breeds, including bloat and hip dysplasia.
They are an adaptable breed, but because they were bred to chase ground animals, they are best suited to an active lifestyle in which they can join their owners on long walks and hikes. True to any Terrier breed, this dog is strong-willed and can be independent, so training will require consistency. This is a goofy, affectionate, and loyal breed that loves to be included as a family member.
English Cocker Spaniel
The elegant English Cocker Spaniel weighs in at 29 to 31 pounds, and reaches a height of 15 to 16 inches.
Their medium-to-long, wavy coats are high maintenance and require frequent grooming and trimming, especially since they are likely to sweep up debris from the ground. Their long ears can lead to ear infections and Cockers are also susceptible to eye and kneecap problems.
This dog was bred to hunt game birds, including the Woodcock, which is where it got its name. Due to their hunting background, they are active dogs that love to be outdoors, but providing you exercise them sufficiently, they can adapt to apartment living. Cockers are intelligent and eager to please, but they can be stubborn, so they require patience when it comes to training. If they are well socialised and trained from a very young age, they can make patient companions for children and loyal, devoted, and loving dogs to their families.
