The 10 Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds

1. Golden Retriever

Known for their gentle and loving nature, Golden Retrievers are highly sociable and make excellent companions for families and individuals alike. However, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization are crucial. Be prepared for their moderate shedding and invest time in weekly grooming to keep their luscious coat healthy.

Height: 21.5-24 inches
Weight: 55-75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Affectionate Level: ★★★
Protective Level: ★★☆
Shedding Level: ★★☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★★☆
Trainability Level: ★★★

2. Australian Shepherd

You probably already know that Australian Shepherds are intelligent and versatile dogs, renowned for their loyalty and agility. They require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training to channel their energy in a positive way. Due to their protective nature, early socialization is essential. Make sure you are ready for their moderate to high shedding and allocate time for weekly grooming before rushing to the local store or adoption center!

Height: 18-23 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Affectionate Level: ★★☆
Protective Level: ★★★
Shedding Level: ★★☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★★☆
Trainability Level: ★★★

3. Border Collie

Border Collies are intelligent and energetic dogs, known for their herding abilities. They thrive in active households where they can receive mental and physical stimulation. Regular exercise, training, and socialization are essential for their wellness. Note that their moderate shedding requires weekly grooming to maintain a beautiful coat.

Height: 18-22 inches
Weight: 30-45 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Affectionate Level: ★★☆
Protective Level: ★★☆
Shedding Level: ★★☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★★☆
Trainability Level: ★★★

4. Bulldog

Bulldogs are known for their friendly and calm demeanor. They make excellent companions and adapt well to various living situations. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper weight management are essential for their health. Despite having a short coat, it's important to periodically clean their facial folds to avoid potential skin problems.

Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Affectionate Level: ★★★
Protective Level: ★★☆
Shedding Level: ★☆☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★☆☆
Trainability Level: ★★☆

5. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are always gentle and affectionate. They enjoy human companionship and make devoted family pets. However, their medium-length coat needs consistent grooming to prevent tangling and preserve its attractive appearance. It's also important to remember to provide them with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and proper grooming.

Height: 14.5-15.5 inches
Weight: 24-28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Affectionate Level: ★★★
Protective Level: ★★☆
Shedding Level: ★★☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★★★
Trainability Level: ★★☆

6. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is widely recognized for its friendly and outgoing nature, making it an excellent choice for families. These dogs are cherished for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful demeanor. To ensure their well-being, it's important to provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Additionally, it's worth noting that Labradors have moderate shedding and grooming requirements to keep their coat looking beautiful.

Height: 21.5-24.5 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Affectionate Level: ★★★
Protective Level: ★★☆
Shedding Level: ★★☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★★☆
Trainability Level: ★★★

7. Boxer

Famous for their playful and energetic nature, Boxers are loyal and protective companions, making them excellent family dogs. While they have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, their wrinkles need occasional cleaning to prevent skin issues. Moreover, ensuring their overall welfare requires regular exercise, training, and socialization.

Height: 21.5-25 inches
Weight: 55-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Affectionate Level: ★★★
Protective Level: ★★★
Shedding Level: ★★☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★☆☆
Trainability Level: ★★☆

8. Vizsla

Vizslas are affectionate and gentle dogs that are energetic and require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training. They form close bonds with their families and crave human intimacy. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance when it comes to coat care.

Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 45-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Affectionate Level: ★★★
Protective Level: ★★☆
Shedding Level: ★☆☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★☆☆
Trainability Level: ★★★

9. American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terriers, also known as AmStaffs, are cherished for their loyalty and affection towards their families. It is recommended to provide them with regular exercise, engaging mental stimulation, and dedicated training to channel their energy in a loving manner. Early socialization is crucial for them due to their protective nature. With their short coat, prospective keepers can rest assured that coat maintenance will not pose a challenge.

Height: 17-19 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Affectionate Level: ★★☆
Protective Level: ★★★
Shedding Level: ★☆☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★☆☆
Trainability Level: ★★☆

10. English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are known for their friendly and obedient nature. They are intelligent and require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training. Additionally, their medium-length coat deserves regular grooming to prevent matting and ensure its radiant beauty is always on display.

Height: 19-20 inches
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Affectionate Level: ★★★
Protective Level: ★★☆
Shedding Level: ★★☆
Coat Grooming Frequency: ★★★
Trainability Level: ★★★