Medium dog breeds

Size: 15–22kg

Temperament: Loyal, active and intelligent, this working breed thrives in homes with lots of space to explore.¹ They’re perfect for active and experienced dog owners.

Size: 34–43kg (technically a large breed but sometimes categorised as medium for their activity needs)²

Temperament: Strong, friendly and highly energetic, Alaskan Malamutes are working dogs bred for sledding.² They thrive in homes with plenty of space and require consistent training and exercise.

Size: 18–25kg³

Temperament: Like their German counterparts, Australian shepherds are herding dogs that thrive on activity and mental challenges.³ They are energetic, intelligent and loyal, making them ideal for active owners who enjoy hiking or training their dog in agility and obedience.

Size: 20–27kg⁴

Temperament: Gentle, relaxed and friendly, Basset Hounds are excellent companions for quieter households.⁴ Their floppy ears and soulful expressions make them endearing, though they require moderate exercise to prevent weight gain.

Size: 18–27kg⁵

Temperament: Energetic, friendly and sociable, Bearded Collies are lively herding dogs that thrive in active families who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.⁵

Size: 9–14kg⁶

Temperament: Friendly, curious and energetic, Beagles are a popular breed for active families.⁶ Their keen sense of smell and love of adventure makes them a great hunting dog and an excellent outdoor companion.

Size: 13–20kg⁷

Temperament: Intelligent, energetic and highly trainable, Border Collies excel at obedience and agility sports.⁷ They require ample physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.

Size: 12–15kg⁸

Temperament: Affectionate, gentle and playful, Cocker Spaniels are ideal for families and individuals.⁸ Their silky coats require regular grooming, and they thrive with moderate exercise.

Size: 18–23kg⁹

Temperament: Calm, loyal and easy going, English Bulldogs are a low-energy breed perfect for more relaxed households.⁹ Despite their stocky build, they’re affectionate and gentle with children.

Size: 25–32kg (may fall into medium-to-large classification, depending on size)¹⁰

Temperament: Friendly, loyal and highly trainable, Golden Retrievers are among the most popular family dogs.¹⁰ Their loving nature and intelligence make them great companions suitable for various roles, including therapy and service work.

Size: 20-32kg (may fall into medium-to-large classification, depending on size)

Temperament: Poodles are incredibly smart and easy to train.¹⁶ They are agile, graceful, and bright. They enjoy and succeed at various canine activities, such as agility, obedience, and tracking. They are superb water dogs and can be trained to compete in dock diving and retriever hunt competitions.

Size: 14–20kg¹¹

Temperament: Spirited, alert, and protective, Standard Schnauzers are versatile companions and can be great watchdogs.¹¹ Their wiry coats are low shedding but need regular grooming.

Size: 6–12kg¹²

Temperament: Intelligent, agile and devoted, Shetland Sheepdogs are excellent for families who enjoy outdoor activities and training sessions.¹²

Size: 9–14kg¹³

Temperament: Gentle, calm and affectionate. Whippets look much like greyhounds but are smaller and more compact.¹³ They are sprinters who enjoy short bursts of exercise followed by long naps, making them great for quieter households.

Medium dog breeds often have high energy levels and require regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Breeds like the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie thrive with vigorous exercise, such as long walks, hiking or agility sports. Similarly, Alaskan Malamutes need space to run and engage in activities like pulling weights which cater to their instincts.

Lower-energy breeds like the Bulldog or Basset Hound are content with shorter daily walks and indoor playtime. Regardless of the breed, medium dogs need at least 30–60 minutes of exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight and avoid boredom-related behaviours.

Medium dogs balance the needs of small dog breeds that thrive indoors and large dog breeds that need ample outdoor space, making them an adaptable pet. While some breeds thrive in spacious homes with backyards, others can live comfortably in apartments or urban settings if their exercise needs are met:

Apartment living: Breeds like the Bulldogs and Beagles can adapt to smaller spaces with sufficient outdoor exercise.

Homes with backyards: Breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog and Border Collie benefit greatly from access to outdoor spaces where they can run and play.

Medium dog breeds are often a great fit for families due to their size, temperament and adaptability. Many medium dogs are:

Great with kids: Breeds like the Golden Retriever, Beagle and Cocker Spaniel are gentle, affectionate and patient with children.

Protective companions: Medium breeds like the Standard Schnauzer and Australian Cattle Dog can be protective, offering loyalty and security for families.

Playful: Dogs like the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie are ideal companions for active families because of their playful nature.

Additionally, their manageable size reduces the risk of accidental injuries when playing with younger children compared to larger breeds. Medium dogs can also thrive in multi-pet households when properly introduced and socialised.

Regardless of breed, all dogs benefit from regular nail trims, dental care and occasional baths to stay clean and healthy. The grooming needs of medium breeds vary depending on coat type:

Low maintenance: Breeds like the Beagle and Bulldog have short coats that require minimal grooming, usually a weekly brush to control shedding.

Moderate maintenance: Dogs like the Australian Cattle Dog or Border Collie may need brushing a few times weekly to prevent matted and loose fur.

High maintenance: Breeds like the Cocker Spaniel require regular brushing, professional grooming and coat trims to maintain silky coats and prevent tangling.

Medium dog breeds often display exceptional intelligence and trainability. Positive reinforcement, patience and consistency are essential for training any medium breed. Early socialisation ensures they grow into well-behaved, confident adult dogs.

Highly intelligent dog breeds: Dogs like the Border Collie, Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd excel at learning commands, agility sports and advanced tricks. Mental stimulation through obedience training, puzzle toys or interactive games is key for these dogs.

Stubborn or independent breeds: Breeds like the Bulldog may require extra patience and consistency during training sessions due to their independence.

Medium dog breeds generally enjoy a lifespan of 10–15 years, depending on their breed, health and care. They are loyal dogs who will love you all their lifetime. With attentive care, many medium-sized dogs live healthy, happy lives well into their senior years. To promote longevity and well-being, focus on:

Regular vet visits: Routine check-ups help catch health concerns early, such as hip dysplasia or obesity.

Proper nutrition: A balanced diet tailored to their breed, age and activity level prevents weight gain and supports energy needs.

Preventive care: Vaccinations, flea/tick prevention and dental hygiene are crucial for long-term health.