Looking for a pup that’s just the right fit for your family? Medium dog breeds might be for you! The best medium sized dog breeds are not too small and delicate but not too big and intimidating either!
Read on for a list of the best medium-sized dogs that make the perfect companions for your kids.
How To Pick The Right Medium Sized Dogs For Your Family?
It’s important to know which medium breeds are compatible with kids. Here are some factors you should consider before adopting one:
What is considered a medium size dog breed?
Average medium-sized dog breeds
These medium dog breeds can have the appearance of slightly larger dogs, the average weigh between 40-60 pounds and typically stand between18-23 cm tall.
While they may differ in appearance and energy levels, they are generally healthy, smart, and incredibly loyal dogs and they make an excellent companion for family members.
Medium-sized dogs usually need more exercise. Some in this category serve as herders and hunters.
According to the American Kennel Club, Australian Cattle Dogs which are also known as the Blue Heeler fit into this size range (30-50 pounds).
Medium-Small Dog Breeds
Almost all dogs are classified as sized between small and medium. Several dogs possess excellent family qualities and possess good personality.
Like any pet, depending on the breed, some smaller and larger dogs tend to be less active than most.
Even the less athletic dogs on this list have a normal activity level which means they need to walk around for 1-3 hours every day.
The smallest medium to big dog breed usually weighs up to 40 pounds but can weigh less than 20 pounds.
Medium-large dog breeds
The medium-sized dog is ideal for farms and people who enjoy being outdoors.
From the Akita Inu Giante Schnauzers to the Dalmatians and Golden Retrievers, these canines fit well into pet families because they are:
- intelligent
- active
- playfully loving
- loyal.
Since they are big dogs, they need more exercise than smaller ones do. Many medium-sized canines are genetically transmitted with certain diseases.
Medium Dog Breeds – Head Shape And Size
The head is considered the most sensitive part of a dog because that’s where all their senses converge; sight, sound, touch and smell.
Dogs with medium sized heads can do well around children since they are less likely to be injured on the head. Large and flat-faced breeds, however, should be avoided by kids as they can easily hurt these dogs.
Behavior and Energy Level of Medium Sized Dogs
To make sure that a medium dog breed is a good fit for your family, you have to first look into their personality.
If you want a more laid back pooch, consider those from herding or hound groups because those dogs are generally very calm and easy going.
On the other hand, active dog breeds will need plenty of exercise to keep them satisfied.
It’s also important to know if they get along well with children since some breeds do not like being touched or being around little ones – which can easily lead to accidents!
Exercise and Potty Time
Medium sized dogs need daily exercise for at least 30 minutes.
Find out How Much Exercise Do Small Medium and Large Dog Breeds Need.
Also bear in mind that dogs need time for potty breaks every couple of hours — but it’s best to take them outside right after eating or drinking.
Be aware that some breeds are known to be picky when it comes to going out–like Siberian Huskies and some terriers.
So if your kid wants a medium dog who loves to play, then you might want to consider a breed that doesn’t need lots of potty breaks throughout the day.
Best Medium Sized Dogs for Families
Here Are The Best Medium Dog Breeds For Kids:
The following are medium dogs that are known to be great with kids. They are all friendly, intelligent and easy to train.
1. Golden Retriever
A family favorite! This medium breed is great for almost any type of household–whether it’s an apartment or a house full of kids who like roughhousing and games.
Golden retrievers love people and will quickly become attached to your whole family. Any pet parent will likely fall in love with the floppy ears on these gentle natured dogs.
This breed is often used as a guide and service dogs. In addition to them making great service dogs, they make great family pets.
They are a generally a calm, medium dog so they are considered one of the best medium dogs for families.
Your kids may want to play ball every single minute of the day but Goldens can handle it. They are not known for being barkers either so your kids will be kept safe.
Goldens need daily exercise (about 30 minutes) and while they love to swim, don’t forget that dogs like to get dirty too–especially if there’s a pond or river nearby!
What To Consider:
The Golden Retriever has a slender build which means he’s prone to injury–which is why it’s very important to keep him away from stairs and other slippery surfaces.
These medium dog breeds also shed during season changes so expect hair tumbleweeds on your hardwood flooring!
2. Beagle
This medium dog breed is not only an intelligent family companion but a great hunting dog too.
Beagles were originally from England where they used to sniff out rabbits in the fields–which is why this breed has a very keen sense of smell and love adventure.
These dogs tend to love being outdoors so he can roam around freely without much supervision.
It’s best to keep him on a leash when walking around the neighborhood though because he also likes to explore easily accessible spots that you don’t want him going near!
What To Consider:
Beagles need lots of exercise every single day (about 30 minutes) but it doesn’t take long for them to tire out — which makes Beagles great dogs for an active family with young kids who like getting fresh air every now and then!
They are also happy-go-lucky which means they don’t mind giving the kids a little bit of rough play.
They’re also an obedient breed and can be trained to stay away from off limits areas and refrain from jumping up on people–however, there’s no harm in teaching your kids how to treat animals with respect too.
3. Labrador Retriever
This medium sized breed is not only the most popular dog in the world but also one of the most intelligent ones as well! That’s why labrador retrievers make excellent family pets.
They are very friendly, patient and love playing games with their human companions (the more you play with them, the happier they’ll be). This breed gets along great with children–even those who are overly rambunctious.
What To Consider:
Labrador retrievers need daily exercise–about 30 minutes of running and playing.
Their gorgeous coats also need regular brushing because this breed sheds a lot and will shed even more during seasonal changes.
4. Australian Shepherd
This medium sized dog breed is versatile, intelligent and very athletic! They are a herding breed and are loyal dogs that were originally bred for herding.
The Australian Shepherd is happiest when they have people around them but can become lonely or destructive if left alone for too long.
They’re also very good dogs for city dwellers because they have a natural alertness that makes them attentive to their surroundings.
What To Consider:
Aussie shepherds are energetic and need daily exercise (about 30 minutes) in the form of jogging, playing ball or hiking around your neighborhood!
You can also try getting him involved in some dog sports–something he might really enjoy doing too!
Long walks may not be enough when you want to tire out this breed so think about giving him a job unlike most dogs who learn how to do several tricks on their own.
They shed a lot during seasonal changes but they don’t require much maintenance.
5. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are not only great family companions but they can also be trained to help people with disabilities. They’re playful but calm too–so they get along just fine with younger children and older ones alike.
What To Consider:
If you want a medium sized dog that doesn’t shed at all, the cocker spaniel is your best bet!
However, this breed does require daily grooming because of its long coat which also requires trimming every two years or so to keep it from turning into a mop.
They’re very active dogs who need about 30 minutes of exercise every single day in the form of jogging or playing fetch.
Tips for Introducing Children To Your New Medium Dogs
- Teach your child how to gently pet animals, not just dogs.
- Have the child offer the dog a treat and then let them slowly pet him on his back, side or underneath his chin.
- Show your child how to praise your dog for being good.
- Teach kids basic dog training that is appropriate for your medium size breed. For example, have children sit down with their backs straight while you hold your pup’s leash–just make sure he doesn’t try to jump up on anyone in order to teach him self control.
- Introduce medium sized dog breeds to small children by rubbing the dogs belly or giving him a treat so he’ll learn that they’re friendly.
Medium Sized Breeds Wrap Up
Some of the most popular medium sized dog breeds include the Australian Shepherd, the Golden Retriever, and the Cocker Spaniel.
These medium size dog breeds are generally considered to be the best family dogs because they are energetic dogs and have a lot of personality. They are also very intelligent dogs, which means they can be easily trained.
Other medium sized dog breeds that anyone looking for a great family dog might want to consider are:
- Airedale Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Basset Hound
- Bearded Collie
- Border Collie
- Brittany Spaniel
- Bull Terrier
- German Shorthaired Pointers
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Queensland Heeler
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Siberian Husky
- Springer Spaniels
Medium sized dog breeds have a lot of great options for families. There is a wide selection of very smart dogs that can easily adapt to consistent training.
When pet owners start the search they may want to consider if there are attributes such as hunting dogs, rescue dogs, hypoallergenic dogs, sporting dogs that may make their new pup a better fit for the family.
It is important to reaearch the breed characteristics of the dog and teach kids basic dog training that is appropriate for that breed.
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