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When considering what breed of dog to add to your family, the size of the pup can be a factor. Medium dogs are a great option to consider, due to them not being too fragile, not too large to handle, and their ability to make great family pets. With a variety of different temperaments and behavior, there are medium dog breeds for every type of lifestyle!
While each person’s opinion of a medium-sized dog may vary, the standard size of a medium breed dog is 18-22 inches at shoulder length, with a weight of 35-65 pounds.
The English Foxhound generally weighs between 50-70 pounds and stands at a height of 24 inches. They were originally bred to run long distances, so they require daily exercise to keep them satisfied. Though more common in Britain, the English Foxhound is the rarest breed in the US.
A typical Boxer weighs anywhere from 55-80 pounds and can stand up to 25 inches tall. While Boxers can be extremely energetic, they are known to be great family dogs. With their love of affection and fierce loyalty, the boxer would make an incredible family pet.
Weighing between 20-40 pounds, Whippets are among the smaller of the medium dog breeds. Though they were bred for intensity in sports, they are incredibly calm and collected in a home environment. They have a short and smooth coat, making it easy to maintain. For those looking for a more laid back medium dog breed, a Whippet would be a great choice.
This breed typically ranges from 35-60 pounds and stands 18-20 inches high. Australian Shepherds were originally bred for herding livestock, so they have an incredibly high energy level and a desire to work alongside you. If you are looking for a breed with a strong herding and guarding instinct, this is the breed for you. Keep in mind that this breed does have long fur, so they are known to shed heavily in shedding season.
A standard Golden Retriever weighs in the 60-75 pound range and stands about 24 inches tall. This breed is known for their sweet and loving nature, and the ability to be joyful in almost any situation. Their demeanor is compared to that of a puppy because they are so easy-going and kind. Similar to the Labrador Retriever, this breed is one of the most popular medium dog breeds.
Brittany’s weigh anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds and stand at about 20 inches shoulder length. The Brittany is kind-natured and loving, making them a great companion. While they are incredibly sweet, they do require daily exercise and stimulation to keep their energy levels at bay.
Labrador Retrievers typically weigh around 55-80 pounds and stand between 20-25 inches high. Labradors have so many great qualities, that they are often considered America’s favorite dog. They are loyal, kind, and enjoy family activities. If you are looking for a fun and energetic family dog, the Labrador is quite possibly the best medium dog breed for you.
The standard Border Collie weighs between 30-45 pounds and stands close to 20 inches high. This breed is considered the workaholic of all dogs due to their high energy level and intense work ethic. Border Collies are great family dogs for an active family, but would most likely suffer in an inactive setting. They do enjoy affection, but only once their need for activity has been met.
Weighing an average of 60 pounds, this breed is much larger than it's miniature version, the toy poodle. Poodles are known for their grace and athleticism. Because of their sweet nature, they are one of America’s favorite dog breeds. While they are easy-going, they do require daily exercise to keep their energy levels at bay. They also require daily brushing if possible, since their hair can become quite unruly.
Weighing around 25-40 pounds and standing 15-18 inches high, these are one of the smaller of the dog category. Water Spaniels enjoy an active lifestyle and especially love water activities. They are excellent swimmers, even in rough waters. Keep in mind that they do have a naturally curly coat that does require weekly brushing.
While there is a wide range of different medium dog breeds, there are a few medical conditions that are more common with this size of a dog. Some of the medical conditions you may see in the best medium dog breeds are:
Staying in shape is important for medium-sized dogs. These dogs tend to overeat when given the chance, so keeping a close eye on their food intake is essential for their overall health. Weight gain can cause a list of metabolic health conditions, as well as stress on the joints. Keeping these breeds in a healthy weight range is crucial.
Some of these medium-sized breeds have deep chests, which are more prone to bloat. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that is caused by the twisting of the stomach. Because of this increased possibility, it’s important to keep any medium-sized breed calm for at least 30 minutes after each meal and limit how quickly they consume their food.
As the size of a dog increases, so does their risk of having hip dysplasia. This condition causes the rubbing and grinding of the hip socket, leading to severe pain and possible lameness. Regular checkups with your veterinarian are essential for detecting this condition and CBD oil is a great option to help reduce the pain.
Medium-sized dogs are the perfect addition to any family. With such a variety of breeds to choose from in this category, it’s possible to find the perfect companion for any family. Some of the best medium dog breeds are listed above, and we’re confident that one of them could become your best furry friend!
Amber LaRock
Amber is a Licensed Vet Tech with a degree in Veterinary Technology. Recently she has specialized in veterinary and animal-related content creation and social media management. When she is not working she loves spending time with her furry friends exploring the outdoors.
