Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds: Top 5 Pups According To Canine Experts

The List: Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds, According to Pooch Experts

1. Cocker Spaniel

If you’re looking for a dog to join you on your daily walks and runs, the Cocker Spaniel is sure to be up to the challenge. But if you have kids and pets at home, this friendly pup will also mesh well with the rest of the family. “These sporting dogs are known to be very happy, smart and gentle,” says Good Housekeeping. “While they can be quite active, they behave well with other animals and kids.”

“Sweet and extremely child-friendly, cocker spaniels make great companion pets and family dogs,” adds PureWow. “They can be gentle with babies, athletic with older kids and patient with seniors. As one of America’s most popular breeds, they maintain a humble obedience and aim to please.”

Whether you live in a small apartment or a big house, the Cocker Spaniel can make do with whatever room you have to offer them. “The cocker spaniel is on the smaller side of the medium range, which makes it a good fit if you don’t have a lot of space,” notes The Spruce Pets. “These dogs are typically happy and playful companions who need moderate exercise.”

2. Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a strikingly beautiful and intelligent breed that requires a lot of activity. Owners that are prepared to dedicate time and energy to this pup’s needs will be rewarded with lots of love and loyalty. “If your family is high-energy and needs a dog to match, go with an Australian Shepherd. These adorable, intelligent and athletic dogs are always game for, well, games,” says PureWow. “They’re herding animals and enjoy running and playing with their humans. Get ready to bond with your Australian Shepherd through activities and long walks.”

“The Australian shepherd is a very intelligent, high-energy, medium-size dog breed. This herding breed also is quite agile and athletic and therefore well-suited to dog sports, such as flying disc and agility,” lists The Spruce Pets. “Plus, Aussies tend to be loyal and friendly dogs that make great companions.”

Be prepared to keep your Aussie busy with plenty of mentally and physically stimulating activities.”If you’re looking for a farm dog, this is it. A herding breed that cowboys love, the Australian Shepherd will herd anything, including other pets, wild animals, and kids,” explains Woman’s Day. “Smart as a whip and full of energy, this breed needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.”

3. Bulldog

This distinct looking breed is known for loyalty and leisure. They are love snuggles and require fairly little exercise to stay happy and healthy, making them ideal for city dwellers and those with busy schedules. “For people looking for a chill dog who’s always down for a cuddle, you couldn’t ask for a better choice than the bulldog,” claims Woman’s Day. “Most likely bred to fight bulls in the 13th century, the bulldog enjoys a much better quality of life these days.”

“Bulldogs are thick teddy bears, ready and willing to follow their families anywhere, be it a city apartment or countryside manor,” adds PureWow. “Always up for friendly games and lazy naps, these charming dogs need enough exercise to stay healthy but don’t require intense excursions beyond the dog park.”

Moderately sized and generally agreeable with everyone, a bulldog makes for a fantastic first (or second, or fifth) pet. “Bulldogs stand 14-15 inches at the shoulder and weigh 40-50 pounds. These pups are known for their cute wrinkles, friendly dispositions, and calm demeanors,” says AZ Animals. “They have moderate energy levels and are typically a breeze to train.”

4. Basset Hound

Everyone knows and loves the big floppy ears of the basset hound. But on top of their most recognizable feature, these pups are also loyal and sweet family pets that can catch a scent from a mile away. “If you want a dog that is easygoing, good-natured, and a bit on the lazy side, the Basset Hound may be for you,” says Hepper. “This lazy dog tends to be a bit of a couch potato, but it has a great personality. This makes the Basset Hound a favorite among households everywhere.”

“Basset hounds can grow up to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 40-65 pounds,” adds AZ Animals. “They’re known for their long ears, strong noses, loyalty, and sometimes their stubbornness. Basset hounds have low energy levels but still need daily activity to stay fit and healthy.”

These dogs may not be fast, but they sure are sweet! “Barely more than a foot tall at shoulder height, the basset hound isn’t going to win any speed contests. But their large, floppy ears, and droopy eyes are beyond lovable, and their ability to follow scents is second only to the Bloodhound,” notes Woman’s Day. “Loyal, easy to be around, and a little bit stubborn, they tend to be more independent than other dogs and less prone to following their humans around.”

5. English Springer Spaniel

Floppy ears, playful energy, and highly relational, the English Springer Spaniel is a great dog for any owner who wants a best friend. This pup is loyal and friendly to all, and make for a great walking or running partner. “Springer spaniels are incredibly affectionate toward their families and tend to be good with other dogs. They’re also playful and high-energy, needing plenty of exercise daily,” explains AZ Animals. “Luckily, these Spaniels are easy to train as they focus on pleasing their people! English springer spaniels are 19-20 inches tall and weigh 40-50 pounds.”

“With long, droopy ears and big eyes, these dogs will have you and your family wrapped around their fingers—er, paws,” adds PureWow. “That’s not to say they’re mischievous! These pups genuinely want to spend time with you and will (politely) let you know. They’re smart and love to please, so obedience training is a cinch.”

From playtime to nap time, the English springer spaniel will be eager to stick by your side. As The Pioneer Woman puts it, “this energetic bird dog makes a trusty hunting buddy as well as a cuddly companion when it’s off duty. These trainable people-pleasers are ready and willing to learn lots of entertaining tricks, too!”

You might also be interested in:

• Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
• Best Dog Breeds for Families
• Best Dog Collars
• Best Dog Shampoo
• Best Dog Training Apps
• Best Dog Food

Sources:

• Good Housekeeping
• The Spruce Pets
• Reader’s Digest
• The Pioneer Woman
• PureWow
• AZ Animals
• Woman’s Day
• Hepper
• Rover
• Daily Paws

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