Medium-sized dogs: advantages and disadvantages of breeds

The division of dog breeds by size is very conditional. Medium breeds include dogs with a weight of twelve to twenty-five kilograms. And their height at the withers ranges from thirty-five to sixty centimeters. The number of breeds in this group is estimated at two hundred.

Benefits of Medium Size Dogs

Medium-sized dogs are easy to keep in small apartments and, at the same time, there are many among them that can get used to life in an aviary or booth.

Medium dogs live five to ten years longer than their large relatives. This is due to a stronger and healthier cardiovascular system, less wear and tear of the joints due to low weight. In the same time they are not at risk of injury in the apartment because of their restlessness or inattention of the owners, like dwarf “pocket” dogs.

Dogs of medium breeds are friendly, contact, especially with children. They enjoy playing with kids. You can not be afraid that the dog will use his teeth if the children inadvertently hurt her. In the same time the dog will be able to protect his family members or to vote in case of danger. Since the ancestors of many medium breeds served as shepherds, she will not let a small child into a dangerous place, will not let him leave home.

Differences in medium sized dogs

Medium breeds by temperament and inclinations are divided into the following groups:

• sentry;
• for hunting;
• decorative.

When choosing a breed, you need to proceed from your needs and capabilities.

hunting breeds

Dogs with hunting inclinations from the category of medium ones include:

• rate;
• spaniel;
• Like
• sets;
• retriever.

This list can be supplemented by Dalmatian and Fox Terrier, Poodle and Basset Hound, although many owners are not even aware of the hunting skills of their pets. Many of them have adapted to life in apartments. But the owners must take into account that the above breeds need long walks with exercise and games. Also, they should not be used as guards, because they initially have a friendly attitude towards strangers.

We will tell about some of them.

The Cocker Spaniel is known for its friendliness and obedience. No wonder this breed is very common as pets. They are get along great with all family membersplaying with children. But they really don’t like loneliness, so they won’t suit people who are busy at work from morning to evening.

Basset hound dogs stand out not only for their hanging ears, but also for their calmness. In some cases, they can be stubborn, bordering on disobedience. Otherwise, this breed is great for families with children. But as hardy hunters, they require long walks.

Dalmatians attract with their appearance, but are famous for their temperament. They are tireless can become a companion for cyclists during walks. In order not to have problems with obedience, they need to take a course of education from an early age.

The Labrador Retriever is distinguished by a calm character, obedience. He is not aggressive, he is good-natured towards strangers, therefore he cannot be a guard. He loves outdoor games and swimming.

Few people know that the poodle was bred to hunt waterfowl. He is an excellent swimmer and collects game on the water. But his docile nature and ability to get along with everyone, play with children, make the breed a wonderful house dog.

Dachshund loves walks, constantly finds sources for hunting. Despite her intelligence and ingenuity, in the absence of education she becomes disobedient and vengeful.

The Fox Terrier is energetic, agile, loves to bark and run. But with all his mind and ingenuity, he has his own opinion on everything. It can bark at the owner if he, in the opinion of the dog, is doing something wrong. Foxes love to play with children, but may bite slightly if children hurt them while playing. He also does not tolerate physical punishment and aggression from any person. If there are cats or small animals in the house, then fox terriers will begin to show their hunting instinct.

Watchdog breeds

Among dogs of medium size, guard instincts are less developed than hunting instincts. But still, there are several breeds that, when kept in the house, will be good guards. These include the following breeds:

• American Staffordshire Terrier;
• Doberman
• Swiss Mountain Dog.

The American Stafford is easy to train, gets along not only with children, but also with other pets. He won’t bark for no reason. But his intuition makes it easy to “calculate” the danger for the family and to come forward. Therefore, they can be entrusted with the protection of the house and residents.

Doberman is distinguished by its protective qualities. Therefore, you can be sure that he will not sleep through the danger and will control the assigned territory. And if you have to come to the defense of the owner, then he can show ferocity.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (gross) is characterized by good nature with all family members, especially with children. At the same time, his devotion to the owner is manifested by good security and watchdog qualities.