Popular Medium Sized Dogs

People often have different ideas about what constitutes medium-sized dogs so discussions can become confusing. For the purposes of this article, medium dogs will be defined as dogs that are about 13 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 65 pounds. You could argue that dogs from 50 to 65 pounds are medium-large, but there are plenty of dogs in the 35 to 65-pound range to consider.

Some of the most popular dogs today are moderate in size, whether they are purebreds or mixed breeds. This is a good size if you have kids or if you just want a good companion. A dog this size can make a nice house dog but they are still fun to do things with outside.

As with any dog, before you make your choice, you should consider whether you have the time to spend with a dog and train him. Can you afford to feed and provide vet care for a dog? Ask yourself what kind of dog you prefer. Do you like long or short hair? Do you like to groom a dog? Do you need a dog that is good for someone with allergies? Do you need a dog that can do a special job? The answers to these questions will help you choose your dog.

The following medium sized breeds all make great family pets. They are all known for being especially fond of children.

Cocker Spaniels

American Cocker Spaniels were one of the most popular breeds in the United States for many years and they are still quite popular today. They are sturdy dogs originally bred for hunting and they have a long, soft coat unless you choose to keep it cut short. They are gentle, sweet, clever dogs who love to be with people and they are relatively easy to train since they love to please people. They have a cheerful, happy personality and they love being part of the family. They are highly recommended as a family dog. Cocker Spaniels come in black, any solid color other than black (ASCOB), and parti-colors. Cockers do require regular daily exercise.

Beagles

America has had a love affair with the Beagle for many years. They are one of the most popular breeds in the country and everyone knows Snoopy is a Beagle. Beagles come in two sizes, though they can come from the same litter – up to 13 inches at the shoulder, and up to 15 inches at the shoulder. They have a hard, smooth, short coat in various hound colors. Beagles are funny, smart dogs who have a fun-loving personality and enjoy making people laugh. They are smart and curious dogs and they need a good fenced yard as they have a great nose and they can start following an interesting scent. They are not always easy to train but they are very good-natured and they can be trained if you are persistent. They need plenty of regular daily exercise.

Boxers

Boxers are medium-large dogs who weigh about 65 pounds. They are gentle, protective dogs who love to be with their families. They are bright, energetic, playful dogs and they are considered easy to train. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in fawn or brindle with white markings. They are usually athletic and powerfully muscled. Boxers do require plenty of daily exercise and they are good for an active family. They are devoted to their families. They are a brachycephalic breed (short-nosed) so you should be careful with them in hot or humid weather to make sure they don’t overdo their exercise.

Brittanys

Brittanys are another Sporting breed and like many Sporting breeds they love to be with people and please them. They are gentle, intelligent dogs and considered easy to train. They make very good family dogs but they do require plenty of daily exercise. Brittanys are still bred to be hunting dogs and many of these dogs can easily go to the field and display an ability with birds. Although the breed was known as the “Brittany Spaniel” for many years, they are not a spaniel, they are a pointing breed and their name is simply the Brittany now. Brittanys have moderate coat and they are easy to brush and groom.

Standard Schnauzers

The Standard Schnauzer is related to the smaller Miniature Schnauzer which is often kept as an apartment dog. This medium dog is sturdy and athletic and was known for guarding the family and their livestock, along with ridding the farmyard of rats and protecting the owners as they went to market. These are sociable, affectionate dogs who love to be part of the family. They are very smart but they can be strong-willed so it’s important to start their training early. They do require regular daily exercise and they have wiry coats. Their leg hair and beards need to be brushed often to prevent mats. Otherwise, they should be stripped by a groomer about twice a year to remove dead coat. Schnauzers do not shed much and are considered one of the breeds that is good for people with allergies.