The Best Breeds of Medium-Size Dogs

Mid-sized dogs have become exceedingly popular because they are more adaptable to various living conditions and lifestyle changes than some other dogs. Also, dogs that fall into the mid-size range tend to require less maintenance than large dogs and are sturdier and healthier than small dogs. Mid-sized dogs are commonly defined as from 14 to 18 inches tall and weighing from 20 to 40 lbs., depending on their breed. Potential pet parents have many choices among the best breeds of mid-sized dogs.

  1. Breed Selection

    • In "Choosing a Dog for Dummies," author Chris Walkowicz encourages people who want to bring home a new dog to consider their lifestyle. That will help them find a dog with personality traits most like their own. Walkowicz recommends factoring in a breed's temperament, activity level, medical issues and grooming requirements.

    Active Dogs

    • If you have an active lifestyle, you might want your canine companion to be energetic. The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies dog breeds into groups. Two of the most active groups are herding dogs and terriers. Most dogs that fall into these categories have high energy and will relish joining you in your daily exercise routine. Many of these dogs are touted for their sporting prowess and enjoy participating in sports and competitions such as agility games. Herding dogs and terriers thrive with training and need to be physically and mentally challenged daily.

      Mid-sized breeds in the herding dogs group are border collie, Australian shepherd and Shetland sheepdog. The terriers group includes Jack Russell terrier, bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and West Highland white terrier.

    Lap Dogs

    • A calming, laid back atmosphere is not for all dogs, but some breeds flourish in that type of home. Usually, such dogs prefers a childless residence and do quite well in an apartment or other home without a yard. Many fall into the AKC's non-sporting group and are better known as lap dogs. They would just as soon be quietly cuddled up with you on a couch as anywhere else.

      Non-sporting, mid-sized breeds that are lap dogs include miniature poodle, Boston terrier, Bichon Frise' and Lhasa Apso.

    Most Versatile Dogs

    • Finding the best mid-sized dog breeds that are somewhere between couch potato and athletic champion is not all that difficult. Many dogs are adaptable to environmental conditions, and most are in tune to their owner's situational needs. Dogs are highly instinctual and survive within a pack mostly because of their intuitive adaptability.

      The best mid-sized breeds for this type lifestyle are Samoyed, chow chow, Havanese, most of the Spaniels, miniature schnauzer, Pembroke Welsh corgi and Cardigan Welsh corgi.