Medium-sized dogs: the sweet spot

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), medium-sized dog breeds are among the most popular in the country, which is no surprise. This is the happy medium: they are not too big and not too small, just right for many potential owners. Find out more about the ideal size pets and whether one is right for you.

What breeds of dogs are medium

A dog weighing about 10 kg or less is usually considered small, and over 27 kg is considered large. This means that medium breeds have a fairly wide range of sizes. To help determine what size dog you need, they can be divided into three groups:

1. medium-small, including Standard Dachshunds, Corgis and French Bulldogs;

2. Average, including hounds and border collies;

3. Medium-large, including Samoyeds, Shar-Peis and bitches of larger breeds such as Airedales and Standard Poodles, which are smaller than males of the same breed.

Benefits of Medium Size Dogs

Medium dogs include many breeds from almost all groups allocated by the AKC. The exception is lap dogs, which include all breeds weighing up to 4,5 kg. Although the temperament, character traits, sizes of average pets are varied, the choice of such a dog as a whole has a number of advantages.

A medium sized dog is well suited for an apartment and children. These pets are usually strong and hardy, and yet large enough to cope with vigorous activity better than small dogs. If you go out for a run with a Chihuahua, you will most likely have to carry it in your arms most of the way. And it will not be difficult for a mixed border collie, for example, to keep up with you. Medium dogs require less space, are easier to transport and cheaper to feed compared to large dogs. For many families, this golden mean becomes an ideal option.

How to choose a medium sized dog

Choosing the right pet involves much more than just choosing the size. When choosing a dog, it’s a good idea to take into account its temperament, energy level, and grooming needs to determine if it’s a good fit for the family. You need to make a list of possible dog breeds, study these breeds to see which ones will suit your characteristics.

Mixed-breed dogs come in a wide variety of sizes and can make great companions. If you are looking for a dog of a certain size, talk to a counselor at the shelter you plan to adopt. It will help you figure out if the needs and character of the animal are suitable for your life situation.

Best Medium Size Family Dog Breeds

Several popular medium-sized dog breeds for apartments and houses:

• Cocker Spaniel. The smallest sports spaniel according to the AKC classification. These strong dogs are about 35 cm tall at the withers and are very fond of children. Their thick coat requires frequent brushing, but with the right care they are beautiful. Cockers are energetic and friendly, they make great friends for children.

• English Springer Spaniel. Another beautiful breed, whose representatives are slightly taller than the Cocker Spaniel – about 50 cm. Their coat requires regular care. But they more than compensate for all the costs of grooming services with an excellent character. These dogs love company, so they are unlikely to fit a house where there is no one for days on end.

• Dachshund. If you submitted a miniature dachshund, think of the standard variety weighing around 10 kg (according to the RKF standard). It is large enough to fit the lower end of the average range. These smart and daring dogs are distinguished by stubbornness, which can both touch and annoy.

• Basset hound. Drop-eared hounds have the strength and stamina of a large dog in a sturdy little body. Bassets are tenacious in tracking prey, but otherwise they are calm and gentle dogs with a pleasant temperament and fierce devotion to their owners.

• Standard Schnauzer. Representatives of this breed are small, medium and large. The standard schnauzer, which weighs around 18 kg, falls into the medium range. These cheerful dogs love and protect their owners with fierce tenacity. They require a lot of physical activity, which they need in order to burn off excess energy and not get bored. Some Schnauzers bond strongly to only one person, so they may not be the best dogs to meet new partners or children.

• Corgi. These squat-legged dogs come in two varieties: the adorably tailless Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the slightly larger Cardigan Welsh Corgi with a long bushy tail. Both are smart, athletic and very loyal dogs that are easy to train.

• Border Collie. These medium-sized herding dogs are said to be among the most intelligent. Athletic and easy to train, Border Collies don’t like to sit around. They need to be given the opportunity to spend energy and realize instincts. Otherwise, in the process of training for agility or obedience, they may try to “herd” people and other pets.

• Beagle. Cute representatives of this breed, whose growth at the withers reaches 40 cm, are distinguished by seething energy and fidelity. As a rule, they are carefree, friendly and loving creatures. Beagles will be an excellent choice for families with children, with whom they will enjoy playing.

This is just a small list of medium sized dog breeds for kids and families. There are too many medium-sized four-legged friends to list them all, and if you add mestizos to them, the options are simply endless. Perhaps the same puppy is already waiting for you at the local shelter. To learn more about medium sized dogs, check out Hill’s Pet’s Dog Breed Guide. With such a variety, you are sure to find a companion of the right size for your home.