Medium Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a medium-sized breed dog? These dogs start at about 35 pounds and go up to approximately 65 pounds. Click on the breed name to read the full breed profile.

Airedale. As the largest member of the terrier group, the Airedale can be intimidating. Though they may seem aloof to strangers, the breed is very loving towards his family, especially towards children.

American Staffordshire terriers. The American Staffordshire terrier is a powerful and intimidating dog, when he wants to be. When it is just him and his family, he is a loving and easy going breed.

American water spaniel. Developed in the Midwestern United States, the American water spaniel readily retrieves game from the water. Tracking by scent, the water spaniel springs game instead of pointing.

Australian cattle dog. Unlike the Aussie, the Australian cattle dog is truly from Australia. Developed to herd cattle, this dog needs lots of mental stimulation and physical activity.

Australian shepherd. Despite his name, the Australian shepherd is an American made dog. Used in herding, protecting and various competitive sports, the Aussie is very intelligent and craves activity.

Basset hound. Made popular by the “Hush Puppy” shoe advertisements, the basset hound’s seemingly sad, droopy face is one of the most widely recognized in the United States. These consummate hunters require energetic play to avoid behavior problems. They can be stubborn and if they don’t feel like hunting, they won’t.

Bearded collie. The bearded collie may not be as popular as some other breeds but he has plenty of admirers. A hardy dog that thrives as a sheep dog in Scotland, this breed has a thick coat that allows his to thrive in cold outdoor weather.

Border collie. Considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the border collie loves to herd anything and everything. With his natural instinct, the border collie is unrivaled in herding competitions and agility.

Brittany. Developed in France, the Brittany was originally called a spaniel but actually works like a setter. One of the best bird dogs, the Brittany is a good shooting dog and can be a great companion.

Bulldog – English. Once you get used to their snoring, the bulldog will prove to be a cherished family pet. Not much on exercise, the bulldog just needs to spend some time checking out the grass several times a day.

Bull terrier. With a long sloping egg shaped head, this dog stands out in a crowd. With small triangular eyes and erect ears, the bull terrier always causes a doubletake.

Canaan dog. This breed dates back to biblical times and is a dog of Israeli descent. Named for the Land of Canaan, drawings of this breed have been found in tombs as old as 2000 BC. The breed was used to guard and herd the flocks of ancient Israelites.

Chinese Shar-pei. With his characteristic wrinkly body, this breed is instantly recognizable. The shar-pei is easily housetrained. In a way, the breed’s fastidiousness and attitude is a little like a cat’s; they can be a little standoffish and will act like king or queen of the household if the owner lets them.

Chow chow. The chow is one of the most easily recognized breeds. Popular because of his thick fluffy coat, the chow is a great guard dog. His teddy bear looks are quite deceiving. This dog can launch an impressive attack if provoked.

Cocker spaniel – American. The popular cocker with his curly hair and sad eyes is a good choice for a companion. Needing basic exercise, the American cocker usually spends his days lounging and waiting for his owner’s return and isn’t often found hunting.

Cocker spaniel – English. More popular as a hunting dog than the American cocker, the English cocker is a land spaniel, eager to please.

Dalmatian. Well known for his characteristic spotted coat, the Dalmatian is an old breed often associated with firehouses.

English springer spaniel. One of the most popular hunting dogs, the English springer is quick and obedient. Excelling in field trials, this dog is often used to hunt birds.

Field spaniel. Most often black, the field spaniel is a sturdy and hardy dog. Intelligent and persistent, this dog is willing to do anything.

Finnish spitz. The National Dog of Finland, the Finnish spitz is not a common breed but has many admirers. Primarily a companion, the Finnish spitz is a natural protector, especially in regard to children.

Harrier. Originally developed in England, the harrier is not a very common site. Bred as a hunter with lots of stamina, the harrier looks somewhat like a foxhound or big beagle. The term harrier is a Norman word for hound.

Ibizan Hound. As the name suggests, the Ibizan hound hails from the island of Ibiza, off the coast of Spain. This ancient dog has been found in the tombs of Pharaohs.

Irish terrier. This terrier may be small but looks like a miniature Irish wolfhound. An excellent companion, this dog also loves to chase rabbits and is not the best choice for a home with pet bunnies.

Irish water spaniel. Even though he may look like the clown of the spaniel family, the Irish water spaniel is the tallest spaniel and a great water dog.

Keeshond. A Dutch favorite, the keeshond is a loving and devoted family pet. Related to other Arctic breeds such as the chow chow, samoyed and Pomeranian, the Keeshond has a thick coat to protect him in harsh weather.

Kerry blue terrier. Originally from Ireland, the Kerry blue has been used to hunt vermin, small game and birds. As an all purpose dog, the Kerry blue has even been used to herd sheep.

Mixed Breed Dog The mutt is the all-American dog. Call him a random-breed, a mixed-breed or a mongrel, at his best he’s loyal, healthy, smart and friendly – a virtual melting pot of positive canine characteristics. For many animal lovers, owning a mutt is a badge of honor. Many come into the world as “surprises,” born of a homeless stray or a roaming house pet, then sent off to an animal shelter.

Norwegian elkhound. This dog is descended from canines that served with the Vikings. Brave enough to track bear and moose, the elkhound makes an excellent watchdog. The breed is bold, courageous and athletic.

Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. Also known as tollers, these dogs were bred to lure ducks into a trap or into gunshot range. Intelligent and hard working, these dogs do well on land and in the water.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Also known as the PBGV, this little dog has a big name. Once you understand what each part of the name means, you can understand the dog. Petit means small, basset means low to the ground, griffon means wirehaired and Vendeen refers to the area of France where the breed was developed.

Pharaoh hound. One of the oldest breeds, the Pharaoh hound is appropriately named. As a breed coveted by royalty, it was not uncommon to see a Pharaoh on his way to the hunt with a falcon on one hand and a Pharaoh hound on the other.

Plott hound. When German immigrant George Plott left Germany and settled in North Carolina, he brought his faithful dogs with him. After years of breeding, the Plott hound was developed. This dog is a natural hunter and readily trees game, just like other coonhounds. Considered the hardiest of all coonhounds, this dog is great for people who love coonhounds but don’t care for their characteristic bawling voice.

Pointer. An excellent gun dog, the pointer has a natural hunting instinct that is evident even in young puppies. He will point at game to alert the hunter.

Polish lowland sheepdog. The Polish lowland sheepdog looks somewhat like a small version of the Old English sheepdog with his shaggy coat. Hailing from Poland, this dog is an excellent sheep herder and great family pet but can be a bit stubborn if not trained.

Portuguese water dog. Bred to help the fishermen of Portugal, it is no wonder this dog is as happy on land as he is in the water. Historically used to send messages from boats, the Portuguese water dog still loves to jump in the lake, pond, sea, or any body of water.

Redbone coonhound. This coonhound is an American creation. An excellent scent hound, the redbone originated in Georgia and looks a little bit like a Vizsla. As with other coonhounds, the redbone has a natural ability to tree game. Through diligent breeding programs, the redbone is most often completely red in color.

Saluki. Another sighthound, the saluki is considered by many to be one of the oldest breeds of dog. He is also the fastest, reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour. The Royal Dog of Egypt, the saluki excels at lure coursing and has a natural tendency to chase anything that moves.

Samoyed. The Samoyed is an ancient breed who has spent the majority of his life in the company of humans. Used as a sled dog, these dogs are able to pull about 1 1/2 times their own weight in equipment and supplies. Known for his smiling face, the Samoyed is a happy and highly intelligent dog that readily protects his home.

Siberian husky. This beautiful and regal dog has been used to pull sleds in arctic countries for centuries. Originating in Siberia, this breed was very important in the 1925 “diphtheria serum run” that saved the lives of hundreds of Alaskan children. This run later became the Iditarod.

Sloughi Even though you may not have heard of the sloughi, the breed has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. Thought to be the forerunner of the greyhound, the sloughi is a lean and fast dog.

Soft coated wheaten terrier. A medium sized terrier, the wheaten seems to love life and human companionship. A useful terrier, this breed is more often found as a family pet.

Staffordshire bull terrier. Often unfortunately confused with the pit bull, the Staffordshire bull terrier is a powerful and intimidating dog, when he wants to be. A little smaller than the American Staffordshire, this version hails from England.

Standard schnauzer. Like his larger relative, the standard schnauzer is also a working dog. The breed hails from Germany, and was used in hunting and guarding. Originally classified as a terrier, the standard schnauzer quickly proved that he is more of a working class dog. Strong and tough, this breed is an excellent family dog and readily protects his house and home.

Sussex spaniel. His lack of speed is countered by his excellent nose. Though not very popular in the United States, the Sussex spaniel is still used in England as a retriever.

Swedish vallhund. The Swedish vallhund is a spitz breed hailing from Sweden. Known as the “little Viking dog” this breed is a great family pet and working dog and is the newest member of the American Kennel Club family.

Vizsla. Also known as the Hungarian pointer, the vizsla is a multi-purpose, swift and quiet hunter.

Welsh springer spaniel. An excellent water dog, the Welsh springer spaniel is bigger than a cocker and smaller than the English springer.

**Wetterhoun**The wetterhoun is an uncommon breed that was developed in the Netherlands initially to rid the area of otters. With a name meaning “water dog,” this breed is also used to hunt water fowl.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. This uncommon dog is known as the “old hunter’s bird dog” since he will often run to the field and frequently return to check on his owner’s progress.