20 Best Mid-Sized Dog Breeds

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Nothing says perfect than the feeling of “just right”—even in dogs! If you’re someone who always wants to look for a bit of balance and you’re looking for the most suitable pet to stick with your lifestyle, then best believe that medium-sized dog breeds will be the best pick for you. From beagles to German pinschers, you have a great list of choices to choose from—each promising to be an ideal addition to your life!

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Beagle

Beagles are the perfect mid-sized pals, known for their playful and friendly personalities. With their smooth coats in fun colors like white, black, and tan, they’re as cute as they are loving. Beagles have a great sense of smell and love outdoor adventures, so they’re perfect for active families. They’re intelligent, quick to learn, and get along well with other pets. Plus, they’re just the right size for cuddles and fun, making them amazing friends for both kids and adults!

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Whippet

Whippets are perfect if you like the Italian Greyhound but want something a bit more manageable in size. They are known for their quiet personality and love to cuddle. They really enjoy quick, energetic activities like chasing a Frisbee, but they’re also happy to chill out on the couch. Their loving personality and low-maintenance style make them great for big yards and cozy apartments. And yes, they look adorable in sweaters!

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Vizsla

Vizslas are like your shadow, always by your side with their stunning reddish-brown coats. These mid-sized buddies weigh between 45 and 60 pounds and are perfect for active families. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they shine on forming friendships and don’t like being alone for too long. With a history linked to warlords and horses, Vizslas are not just pets; they’re a piece of living history with a love for adventure!

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Shetland Sheepdog

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are fluffy and affectionate dogs. They’re known for their sweet, loving personality, making them great for both families and single owners. These mid-sized dogs are friendly and sometimes a bit shy, but they’re always up for some fun. Shelties need about 30 minutes of daily exercise, so they’re happy in apartments and houses. Remember, they do shed, so regular brushing keeps their gorgeous coat looking great.

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Poodle

Poodles are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mid-sized dog that’s both smart and stylish. These dogs are known for being smart—training them is pretty easy! They’re also great swimmers and love activities like running and playing fetch. Their coats are rather unique because they don’t shed a lot, but they do need regular grooming to keep them looking nice. If you’re on the hunt for a lively, clever, and chic pet, a Poodle could be the perfect new member of your family!

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Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs, also known as Blue Heelers, are full of energy and perfect for active people. They have beautiful mottled coats that change as they grow. Originally bred for herding, they’re great for outdoor activities like running. While they may not be the best for very young kids, their loyalty and long lifespan make them wonderful friends for those ready for an energetic, playful friend.

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Bulldog

Bulldogs are like the cool, calm friends everyone loves to hang out with. They have a calm and loyal personality, making them a great friend to have. They may enjoy walks, but they’re also happy just hanging out, especially since they need to stay cool. If you’re into cute wrinkles and don’t mind a bit of stubbornness, Bulldogs are perfect. They’re good for apartments or busy schedules since they don’t need much exercise. Plus, they come in different types like French, English, and American, all with similar chill personalities!

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Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are perfect for those who love an energetic lifestyle. Despite their name, they’re an American favorite, especially known for their herding skills and rodeo fame. These dogs need plenty of exercise, about an hour a day, and thrive with space to run. Great for families or active singles, they do require regular brushing as they shed quite a bit. If you’re ready for an adventure, an Aussie might be your ideal friend!

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Bearded Collie

With their charming shaggy beards, Bearded Collies are the stars of fun and adventure, weighing in at a manageable 45 to 55 pounds. They may look fluffy, but they’re actually relatively lean beneath all that fur. These energetic dogs are fantastic with children and other pets, making them excellent family additions. Ideal for any outdoor adventure, they do need regular grooming to maintain their coat but shed less than other breeds.

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Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are perfect family dogs, famous for their pretty coats and big, kind eyes. They don’t occupy much space, so they’re great for hugs and playing. They do need some brushing to keep their fur nice, but they’re very friendly and good with kids. These dogs like to play for about half an hour each day. If you want a sweet, friendly dog who loves to be around people, a Cocker Spaniel could be the one for you!

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Saluki

Salukis are old gifts in the dog world, with roots stretching back to 7,000 BC. Known for their incredible speed and sharp eyesight, they were once famed gazelle hunters. Today, they’re athletic stars, loving outdoor activities and mental challenges. These dogs are smart and low-maintenance, with silky coats that require only weekly brushing and occasional baths. A Saluki brings historical beauty, energy, and easy grooming to any active and loving home.

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Silken Windhound

Silken Windhounds are perfect for families or first-time dog owners. Smaller than their sighthound cousins like the Saluki, they boast a unique and eye-catching appearance. These dogs are ideal for busy lifestyles as they don’t need much exercise. But the best part? They’re incredibly sweet and love to snuggle. If you’re after a dog that’s easy-going, cuddly, and has a standout look, the Silken Windhound might just steal your heart!

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Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniels are the perfect mid-sized buddies, packing loads of fun in a 30 to 40-pound package. They’re super intelligent and full of love, making them easy to train and great for families. These pups have a cool backstory, too, originally helping French hunters and even appearing in old French art! They don’t need much exercise, so they’re great for those who can’t run around all day. Imagine having a dog that’s part of history and fun to have around!

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are adorable dogs with short legs. They weigh a cozy 25 to 30 pounds, making them perfect for cuddles. Despite their small size, they’re surprisingly strong and quick-moving—a fun combo for playtime. Known for their friendly and playful personality, these pups bring lots of smiles, with a hint of cheeky stubbornness for extra character. They’re the ideal pick for anyone wanting a spirited, loving friend that’s just the right size.

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Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers are the perfect blend of fun and loyalty in a mid-sized package. They have this unique look that screams, ‘Play with me!’ Sure, they’re a bit stubborn and love a good prank, but with the right training and enough exercise, they shine as amazing pets. Known for their deep loyalty and love, they’re super true to their families. Ideal for active homes, these playful pups bring endless joy and laughter to everyday life.

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Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers came from Scotland’s farms, where they started as hard-working dogs. They’re super friendly and love being around people, perfect for families or anyone who enjoys a cheerful friend. With their high energy, they’re always up for playtime, needing about an hour of exercise daily. Plus, they’re pretty healthy and don’t shed much—a big bonus! They need regular grooming, but that’s just more time to bond with these adorable furballs.

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English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are famous for their hunting skills and friendly personality. They’re super easy to train and absolutely love being around people, making them ideal for families, especially those with kids. With a big heart for activities, they’re happiest when they’re not left alone for long. Perfect for active households, they enjoy long walks and games of fetch. Not just great hunting partners, these energetic, cuddly dogs are also pros at learning fun tricks!

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Basset Hound

Basset Hounds charm with their droopy eyes and aren’t the quickest, but their amazing sniffing skills, great for tracking, make up for it. They’re not overly active, yet some exercise is key to their well-being. Their coat sheds, needing regular brushing, and those big ears require extra attention to prevent infections. However, these small efforts are rewarded with their friendly, loving behavior, making Basset Hounds a cherished and delightful addition to any dog-loving home.

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Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs have a knack for making a splash! Originally fishermen’s helpers, their strong bodies and curly, low-shedding coats are perfect for water adventures. They’re super smart and love to learn, making training a fun and easy task. These dogs aren’t just water lovers; they’re fantastic pals anywhere, known for their health and friendly personality. No wonder they were the choice for former President Obama’s family—Bo and Sunny really showed off the breed’s loving and adventurous spirit!

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German Pinscher

German Pinschers have it all—confident, athletic, and super smart. Originally bred for catching rats, they have energy for days and thrive on activities like nose work and agility. They’re easy to groom but need an owner who can keep up with their smarts and energy. They’re perfect for those ready for an active pet since they can get a bit naughty if not kept busy. With the right training and exercise, they’re an endlessly entertaining and loyal friend.