Medium Dog Breeds
Medium-sized dogs strike a useful balance for many households — large enough for active outdoor life, small enough to fit comfortably into typical home spaces. The category here covers breeds usually between about 22–55 lb (10–25 kg) adult weight. Within that range you will find everything from energetic working breeds to relaxed companions. The cards below show the medium breeds in our directory; follow through to each profile for exercise, grooming, and household-fit detail.
240 breeds in this category
Bulldog
From England
Calm, brave, affectionate, steady
German Shorthaired Pointer
From Germany
Enthusiastic, cooperative, bold, affectionate
Australian Shepherd
From United States
Smart, energetic, devoted, work-driven
Siberian Husky
From Russia
Friendly, mischievous, independent, gentle
Brittany
From France
Happy, agile, attentive, eager
English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, obedient, gentle
Border Collie
From Scotland
Intense, smart, energetic, responsive
Airedale Terrier
From England
Alert, bold, versatile, friendly
American Pit Bull Terrier
From United States
Confident, affectionate, driven, tenacious
American Staffordshire Terrier
From United States
Loyal, confident, attentive, brave
English Cocker Spaniel
From England
Merry, affectionate, responsive, keen
Whippet
From England
Gentle, amiable, quick, affectionate
Pharaoh Hound
From Malta
Friendly, alert, intelligent, athletic
Ibizan Hound
From Spain
Athletic, sensitive, playful, polite
Samoyed
From Russia
Bright, gentle, alert, social
Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler / Queensland Heeler)
From Australia
Alert, tough, loyal, intense
Chow Chow
From China
Aloof, loyal, independent, watchful
Chinese Shar-Pei
From China
Loyal, calm, independent, watchful
Kerry Blue Terrier
From Ireland
Alert, determined, affectionate, bold
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
From Ireland
Cheerful, affectionate, confident, spirited
Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, sensitive, energetic
Basset Hound
From France
Easygoing, devoted, patient, stubborn
Norwegian Elkhound
From Norway
Loyal, bold, alert, friendly
Welsh Springer Spaniel
From Wales
Loyal, affectionate, diligent, steady
Field Spaniel
From England
Sweet, thoughtful, active, eager
Clumber Spaniel
From England
Mellow, affectionate, determined, dignified
Boykin Spaniel
From United States
Friendly, eager, energetic, keen
Lagotto Romagnolo
From Italy
Keen, affectionate, quick, diligent
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
From Netherlands
Loyal, eager, sensitive, outdoorsy
German Wirehaired Pointer
From Germany
Driven, loyal, confident, energetic
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
From France
Cheerful, determined, outgoing, vocal
Wirehaired Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, resilient, gentle
Appenzeller Sennenhund
From Switzerland
Energetic, alert, confident, devoted
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Devoted, determined, alert, energetic
Finnish Lapphund
From Finland
Friendly, alert, docile, eager
Norwegian Buhund
From Norway
Cheerful, alert, energetic, clever
Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, independent, protective
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
From Poland
Bright, confident, watchful, affectionate
Portuguese Water Dog
From Portugal
Loyal, spirited, intelligent, biddable
Keeshond
From Netherlands
Alert, friendly, outgoing, intelligent
Finnish Spitz
From Finland
Lively, independent, vocal, friendly
Shikoku
From Japan
Loyal, alert, reserved, brave
Kishu Ken
From Japan
Calm, loyal, courageous, reserved
Kai Ken
From Japan
Alert, agile, faithful, reserved
Hokkaido
From Japan
Brave, alert, loyal, hardy
Thai Ridgeback
From Thailand
Independent, alert, strong-willed, loyal
Plott Hound
From United States
Bold, loyal, alert, driven
Tibetan Terrier
From Tibet
Affectionate, sensitive, playful, loyal
Xoloitzcuintli
From Mexico
Calm, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
Peruvian Inca Orchid
From Peru
Gentle, alert, agile, affectionate
Africanis
From South Africa
Agile, alert, affectionate, resilient
Aidi
From Morocco
Vigilant, loyal, intense, athletic
Ainu Dog
From Japan
Courageous, alert, loyal, reserved
Airedale
From England
Alert, bold, trainable, friendly
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
From United States
Loyal, watchful, confident, steady
Alaskan Husky
From United States
Athletic, focused, social, driven
American Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
American Bully
From United States
Confident, affectionate, stable, outgoing
American Leopard Hound
From United States
Energetic, determined, even-tempered, eager to please
American Water Spaniel
From United States
Cheerful, eager, intelligent, hardy
Appenzell Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Lively, bold, loyal, diligent
Appenzeller
From Switzerland
Alert, energetic, confident, devoted
Ariegeois
From France
Gentle, energetic, amicable, focused
Armant
From Egypt
Vigilant, loyal, hardworking, affectionate with family
Australian Bulldog
From Australia
Friendly, stable, confident, affectionate
Australian Cobberdog
From Australia
Gentle, intelligent, sociable, intuitive
Australian Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
From Australia
Energetic, watchful, loyal, determined
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
From Austria
Calm, diligent, friendly, reliable
Austrian Shorthaired Pinscher
From Austria
Alert, spirited, protective, good-natured
Auvergne Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
Barbado da Terceira
From Portugal
Loyal, biddable, energetic, affectionate
Barbet
From France
Cheerful, willing, gentle, sociable
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
From Germany
Balanced, reserved, devoted, persistent
Beagle-Harrier
From France
Friendly, determined, sociable, hardy
Bearded Collie
From Scotland
Playful, intelligent, exuberant, hardy
Black Mouth Cur
From United States
Brave, loyal, energetic, biddable
Black Norwegian Elkhound
From Norway
Alert, bold, friendly, independent
Blue Picardy Spaniel
From France
Balanced, friendly, steady, willing
Andalusian Podenco
From Spain
Alert, agile, independent, friendly with pack
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
From France
Lively, friendly, determined, pack-oriented
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie (Alt)
From France
Lively, friendly, determined, pack-oriented
Austrian Brandlbracke
From Austria
Calm, diligent, friendly, reliable
Balkan Hound
From Balkans
Even-tempered, determined, sociable, resilient
Balkan Scenthound
From Balkans
Calm, determined, friendly, pack-oriented
Balkanski Gonic
From Balkans
Sociable, driven, balanced, enduring
Bedouin Shepherd Dog
From Middle East
Vigilant, loyal, resilient, reserved
Berger des Pyrnes
From France
Intense, clever, spirited, affectionate
Berger des Pyrénées
From France
Quick, bright, loyal, energetic
Bernese Hound
From Switzerland
Friendly, determined, calm, sociable
Black Forest Hound
From Germany
Balanced, diligent, friendly, focused
Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
Bohemian Shepherd
From Czech Republic
Friendly, obedient, alert, devoted
Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic (Barak)
From Bosnia
Hardy, friendly, persistent, calm
Bouvier des Ardennes
From Belgium
Alert, devoted, tough, lively
Braque du Bourbonnais
From France
Affectionate, willing, calm, biddable
Braque Français Pyrenean
From France
Lively, affectionate, responsive, willing
Briquet Griffon Vendéen
From France
Merry, determined, hardy, social
Brittany Spaniel
From France
Bright, eager, affectionate, agile
Buldogue Campeiro
From Brazil
Loyal, courageous, steady, affectionate
Canaan Dog
From Israel
Alert, vigilant, loyal, independent
Canarian Warren Hound
From Spain
Courageous, enthusiastic, dynamic, noble
Carolina Dog
From United States
Loyal, independent, alert, gentle
Catalan Sheepdog
From Spain
Intelligent, loyal, lively, affectionate
Cesky Fousek
From Czech Republic
Willing, calm, biddable, affectionate
Chien dArtois
From France
Calm, friendly, determined, sociable
Chien de lAtlas
From Morocco
Agile, alert, social, steady
Chinese Chongqing Dog
From China
Loyal, alert, bold, protective
Chippiparai
From India
Loyal, alert, intelligent, independent
Chow Chow
From China
Dignified, loyal, reserved, independent
Chuandong Hound
From China
Alert, devoted, bold, intense
Cirneco dellEtna
From Italy
Lively, gentle, attentive, independent
Clumber Spaniel
From England
Gentle, mellow, steady, loyal
Cao da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel
From Azores
Protective, confident, intense, loyal
Kombai
From India
Brave, loyal, alert, independent
Continental Bulldog
From Switzerland
Friendly, balanced, confident, affectionate
Cretan Hound
From Greece
Alert, agile, gentle, independent
Croatian Sheepdog
From Croatia
Energetic, biddable, alert, loyal
Cão da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Cão de Fila de São Miguel
From Azores
Protective, confident, intense, loyal
Dalmatian
From Croatia
Outgoing, smart, active, loyal
Deutsche Bracke
From Germany
Friendly, persistent, balanced, social
Deutscher Wachtelhund
From Germany
Eager, friendly, energetic, biddable
Dingo
From Australia
Alert, resourceful, wary, intelligent
Drentsche Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
Drentse Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
Dunker
From Norway
Calm, friendly, diligent, social
Elkhound (see Norwegian Elkhound)
From Norway
Bold, friendly, dependable, alert
English Bulldog
From England
Gentle, brave, loyal, easygoing
English Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, energetic, biddable
English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, attentive, active
Entlebucher
From Switzerland
Loyal, determined, alert, smart
Entlebucher Sennenhund
From Switzerland
Devoted, agile, vigilant, trainable
Estonian Hound
From Estonia
Cheerful, determined, sociable, alert
Eurasier
From Germany
Gentle, even-tempered, loyal, observant
Finnish Hound
From Finland
Calm, persistent, social, even-tempered
French Brittany Spaniel
From France
Eager, affectionate, intelligent, agile
French Spaniel
From France
Gentle, cooperative, friendly, adaptable
Gammel Dansk Hønsehund
From Denmark
Calm, willing, reliable, affectionate
German Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, confident
Schafpudel
From Germany
Intelligent, willing, gentle, loyal
German Spitz (Giant)
From Germany
Alert, loyal, spirited, confident
Greek Hound
From Greece
Determined, friendly, steady, focused
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Lively, sociable, determined, vocal
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
From France
Brave, eager, friendly, determined
Griffon Nivernais
From France
Courageous, independent, hardy, loyal
Halden Hound
From Norway
Calm, friendly, determined, social
Hamilton Hound
From Sweden
Friendly, eager, steady, confident
Hamiltonstovare
From Sweden
Friendly, eager, steady, confident
Hanoverian Hound
From Germany
Serious, loyal, patient, focused
Hanoverian Scenthound
From Germany
Loyal, calm, diligent, reserved
Harrier
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, determined, pack-oriented
Hellenikos Ichnilatis
From Greece
Determined, friendly, steady, focused
Hokkaido Dog
From Japan
Brave, alert, loyal, dignified
Hygenhund
From Norway
Calm, determined, friendly, reserved
Irish Terrier
From Ireland
Bold, affectionate, spirited, loyal
Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound
From Croatia
Hardy, persistent, friendly, vocal
Istrian Shorthaired Hound
From Croatia
Gentle, determined, sociable, focused
Jindo
From South Korea
Loyal, brave, alert, independent
Kai Dog
From Japan
Brave, alert, devoted, reserved
Kanni
From India
Loyal, shy, gentle, agile
Karelian Bear Dog
From Finland
Brave, alert, independent, loyal
Karelian Bear Laika
From Russia
Courageous, alert, independent, loyal
Karst Shepherd
From Slovenia
Protective, loyal, calm, reserved
Kelb tal-Fenek
From Malta
Friendly, playful, athletic, sensitive
Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
Koolie
From Australia
Alert, eager, intelligent, loyal
Krasky Ovcar
From Slovenia
Loyal, protective, calm, reserved
Lapinporokoira
From Finland
Loyal, energetic, willing, attentive
Lapponian Herder
From Finland
Energetic, responsive, alert, loyal
Latvian Hound
From Latvia
Determined, friendly, calm, sociable
Lithuanian Hound
From Lithuania
Even-tempered, resilient, active, persistent
McNab
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, protective, energetic
Mexican Hairless
From Mexico
Calm, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
Mountain Cur
From United States
Brave, energetic, intelligent, devoted
Mudi
From Hungary
Lively, intelligent, alert, loyal
Nenets Herding Laika
From Russia
Lively, agile, friendly, obedient
Norwegian Hound
From Norway
Calm, friendly, determined, social
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
From Canada
Playful, intelligent, alert, affectionate
Old Danish Chicken Dog
From Denmark
Calm, reliable, affectionate, willing
Olde English Bulldogge
From United States
Loyal, confident, stable, affectionate
Gull Terrier
From Pakistan
Courageous, determined, loyal, intense
Patti
From India
Watchful, loyal, brave, adaptable
Pachón Navarro
From Spain
Docile, calm, intelligent, sociable
Perro de Presa Mallorquin
From Spain
Protective, steady, confident, loyal
Perro Dogo Mallorquin
From Spain
Loyal, calm, courageous, protective
Peruvian Inca Orchid (Pio)
From Peru
Gentle, alert, affectionate, sensitive
Petit Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Calm, sociable, determined, gentle
Petit Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, determined, calm
Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog
From Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Alert, friendly, agile, independent
Picardy Spaniel
From France
Calm, friendly, willing, affectionate
Polish Hound
From Poland
Calm, friendly, persistent, social
Porcelaine
From France
Gentle, sociable, determined, calm
Portuguese Podengo
From Portugal
Lively, alert, friendly, independent
Portuguese Pointer
From Portugal
Gentle, eager, sociable, steady
Portuguese Sheepdog
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Posavac Hound
From Croatia
Calm, sociable, persistent, gentle
Pumi
From Hungary
Energetic, intelligent, alert, bold
Rastreador Brasileiro
From Brazil
Calm, determined, sociable, obedient
Russo-European Laika
From Russia
Brave, alert, independent, loyal
Sabueso Español
From Spain
Calm, persistent, friendly, vocal
Sabueso Español (Alt)
From Spain
Calm, persistent, friendly, vocal
Sapsari
From South Korea
Gentle, loyal, obedient, watchful
Schapendoes
From Netherlands
Cheerful, smart, active, affectionate
Schiller Hound
From Sweden
Friendly, energetic, determined, sociable
Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
Segugio Italiano
From Italy
Steady, eager, gentle, sociable
Serbian Hound
From Serbia
Calm, friendly, diligent, vocal
Silken Windhound
From United States
Gentle, friendly, intelligent, athletic
Slovensky Kopov (Slovakian Hound)
From Slovakia
Determined, calm, friendly, diligent
Smalandsstovare
From Sweden
Calm, friendly, faithful, keen
Small Munsterlander
From Germany
Intelligent, biddable, lively, loving
Small Swiss Hound
From Switzerland
Friendly, calm, diligent, social
Spaniel de Pont Audemer
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, friendly
Spanish Hound
From Spain
Affectionate, calm, brave, courageous
Spanish Water Dog
From Spain
Faithful, obedient, lively, hard working
Srpski Gonic
From Serbia
Calm, friendly, diligent, vocal
Montenegrin Mountain Hound
From Montenegro
Well balanced, attached to master, docile, trustworthy
Srpski Trobojni Gonic
From Serbia
Lively, sociable, persistent, friendly
Stabyhoun
From Netherlands
Gentle, loyal, intelligent, patient
Standard American Eskimo
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly
Standard Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
Stephens Stock Mountain Cur
From United States
Energetic, brave, loyal, focused
Styrian Roughhaired Mountain Hound
From Austria
Hardy, determined, friendly, vocal
Swedish Lapphund
From Sweden
Friendly, alert, affectionate, lively
Swiss Hound (Swiss Laufhund)
From Switzerland
Sociable, calm, persistent, gentle
Taiwan Dog
From Taiwan
Loyal, vigilant, intelligent, bold
Tangkhul Hui
From India
Alert, loyal, resilient, brave
Thai Bangkaew Dog
From Thailand
Alert, intelligent, loyal, watchful
Transylvanian Hound
From Hungary
Good-natured, courageous, enduring, quiet
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
From United States
Friendly, courageous, intelligent, eager
Tyroler Bracke
From Austria
Steady, passionate, independent, enduring
Ukrainian Carpathian Hound
From Ukraine
Balanced, calm, slightly cautious, non-aggressive
Victorian Bulldog
From United Kingdom
Loyal, gentle, confident, affectionate
Welsh Sheepdog
From Wales
Intelligent, loyal, agile, responsive
West Siberian Laika
From Russia
Steady, vigorous, self-confident, alert
Wetterhoun
From Netherlands
Loyal, reserved, determined, calm
Yakutian Laika
From Russia
Bold, lively, friendly, sociable
Yugoslavian Hound
From Balkans
Calm, determined, sociable, vocal
How we choose breeds for this list
Breeds categorised as "medium" in the dataset.
Frequently asked questions
What size counts as "medium"? +
Definitions vary between registries. As a rough guide, medium dogs typically weigh 22–55 lb (10–25 kg) and stand 16–22 inches at the shoulder. Our dataset uses normalised buckets.
Are medium dogs good for families? +
Many medium breeds are popular family choices because they are big enough to play robustly with children but not overwhelming. As always, individual breed traits and the specific dog matter more than size alone.