20 Best Mid Sized Dogs: Your Guide to Perfect Canine Companions

When you’re browsing dog breeds, extremes abound—tiny lap dogs and massive gentle giants each have their appeal. But if you’re seeking the sweet spot, mid sized dogs offer the perfect balance. These canines deliver the companionship you crave without overwhelming your space, making them ideal for countless households and lifestyles.

According to Charlotte Reed, a pet care and lifestyle expert and host of The Pet Buzz (a nationally syndicated pet talk radio show), “Mid sized dogs are great because they can fulfill the needs of many potential dog owners, including companionship, running/jogging, therapy dog work and more.” There’s no universal standard for classification, though Vetcarenews defines a mid sized dog as weighing between 24 and 59 pounds with shoulder height between 16 and 22 inches.

Nicole Ellis, a certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover, notes that “Mid sized dogs are often great for an active lifestyle, with enough energy (for most breeds) to keep up on hikes and adventures.” That said, not every mid sized dog craves constant action—some, like bulldogs and whippets, thrive as homebody companions. Ready to discover your perfect match? Here are 20 outstanding mid sized dogs worth considering.

1. English Setter

The English setter represents elegance in the mid sized dog category. This sporting breed showcases a distinctive belton-patterned coat in liver, lemon, or orange hues. Dubbed the “gentleman of the dog world,” these sturdy yet refined canines boast playful temperaments and harmonize beautifully with other animals and people alike. Their lineage spans 400 years, tracing back to English country estates where they excelled as hunting companions. Long coats demand regular brushing, and these dogs need consistent exercise. Positive reinforcement training works best with this good-natured, devoted breed, as they’re sensitive to harsh corrections. With proper care, English setters evolve into delightful and manageable family members.

2. American Foxhound

American foxhounds captivate with their good-natured demeanor and sleek hunter’s frame. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance, and they differ from English cousins in leg length and slightly arched loins. Prospective owners should prepare for substantial exercise needs and deliberate training to manage their strong prey drive and independent streak. Weekly brushing maintains coat health nicely. Originally developed for extended hunts, these mid sized dogs demand at least one to two hours of daily activity, yet they adapt well to diverse living situations when given proper attention and structure.

3. Collie

Originating in Scotland, collies became cultural icons through beloved television shows and literature like “Lassie.” These mid sized dogs present in two coat varieties: the iconic full-coated “rough” or the sleek “smooth.” With agile herding heritage, they feature elegant wedge-shaped heads, almond-shaped eyes, and gentle expressions. Collies make superb family pets and demonstrate remarkable patience with children. Regular grooming demands attention to shedding and matting. Their intelligence makes training straightforward and rewarding.

4. Standard Poodle

The standard poodle carries aristocratic bearing in the canine world. Defying stereotypes of being purely decorative, poodles showcase eagerness, athletic prowess and excel across numerous activities. Their distinctive grooming styles receive fame, yet regular brushing prevents matting. The non-shedding coat suits those with allergies particularly well, positioning poodles as a hypoallergenic option. Despite French national dog status, poodles originated as duck hunters in Germany, later becoming circus performers, truffle hunters, and beloved family companions.

5. Bluetick Coonhound

The bluetick coonhound combines sweetness with hunting prowess. Their mottled black-and-blue coat and well-muscled frame command attention. Known for distinctive baying calls, these dogs display affection and devotion within their families. Exercise and playtime remain essential, ideally in securely fenced yards. Regular grooming—including weekly brushing and occasional baths—maintains their appearance. Their history traces to French staghounds gifted to George Washington. The breed remains favored among coon hunters and holds cultural significance in the American South, serving as the University of Tennessee’s mascot since 1953.

6. Vizsla

Hungary gifted the world this treasure: a sleek, golden-rust coated athlete with lean musculature. Vizslas form remarkably tight bonds with owners and thrive on human interaction. These sports enthusiasts excel in various athletic pursuits. Grooming proves straightforward—occasional brushing and baths suffice. Given their heritage as active hunting dogs, vizslas demand both physical and mental stimulation. Centuries-old lineage makes them beloved among American enthusiasts for their versatility and drive to excel.

7. American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier—affectionately called AmStaff—showcases intelligence, confidence and friendliness. Their stocky, muscular builds feature broad heads and well-defined jaws. Stiff, glossy coats need weekly brushing and occasional baths. Despite their powerful appearance, AmStaffs display agility and grace, with deeply people-oriented temperaments. They flourish as family members, during play sessions, and in canine sports. From their controversial blood sport origins in Britain, today’s AmStaff has transformed into a mellow, cherished companion woven into American culture.

8. Bulldog

The bulldog’s distinctive “sourmug” face and thick-set, muscular build are unmistakable. This courageous breed features a furrowed brow, pushed-in nose, and unique rolling gait. While appearing laid-back, bulldogs appreciate brisk walks and require moderate exercise for fitness. Regular grooming—particularly attention to wrinkle cleaning and ear care—remains important. Originally bred for bull baiting in 13th-century England, bulldogs transformed into beloved companions. Today they symbolize England nationally and serve as popular mascots for sports teams and the U.S. Marine Corps.

9. English Springer Spaniel

The English springer spaniel energetically bridges the gap between devoted family pet and reliable hunting companion. These tough yet lovable dogs possess muscular builds, double coats, long lush ears, and kind eyes. Highly trainable and eager to please, springers excel with children. Regular grooming and exercise—including long walks and play sessions—keep them thriving. From Britain’s land spaniels, their history involves upland game bird work. English springers gained North American prominence in the 1920s, and their trainability, durability, and exceptional nose made them invaluable in K-9 detection roles.

10. Bull Terrier

The bull terrier combines playful nature with unwavering devotion, instantly recognizable by its distinctive long, egg-shaped head and triangular eyes. Coats appear white or any other color with brindle striping. Weekly brushing and regular ear and nail maintenance ensure good health. These dogs thrive with early socialization, firm yet loving guidance, abundant exercise, and quality family time. Developed from bulldogs and terriers for sport, their lineage traces to 13th-century bull-baiting. By the mid-1800s, bull terriers became fashionable companions, refined for appearance and temperament. English-born, they quickly captivated America, producing famous examples like Target’s mascot Bullseye and General George Patton’s beloved Willy.

11. Airedale Terrier

Crowned “The King of Terriers” for size, strength, and spirited nature, the Airedale terrier reigns as the largest terrier breed. Despite their regal presence, Airedales remain docile and patient with children. Their short, wiry coat displays tan and black markings. Alert, intelligent expressions complemented by sporty facial hair create a unique terrier variant. Minimal grooming requirements and daily play sessions burn through their substantial energy reserves.

12. Australian Shepherd

The Australian shepherd represents a lean, rugged ranch dog icon in rodeo culture. Paradoxically, despite their name, Aussies originated from European herding stock, traveled through Australia with Basque shepherds, and thrived in California ranch culture. This herding breed displays a piercing gaze and varied coat patterns, notably the distinctive merle. Spry stock movers possess innate herding impulses extending to birds, dogs, and children. Their high intelligence and energy suit owners seeking an active training partnership—whether at work or in sport. Regular grooming, exercise, and purposeful work maintain their well-being.

13. Chow Chow

Tracing ancestry back to China’s Han Dynasty, chows served as noble companions, guards, and hunters. The chow chow showcases a muscular build and distinctive features including a lion’s-mane ruff and blue-black tongue. These clean, easily house-trained dogs display remarkable loyalty. Their double coats require regular grooming—consistent brushing and monthly baths. Chows need only moderate exercise, enjoying daily walks and quality time with family.

14. Dalmatian

Sporting probably the most famous coats in the animal kingdom, dalmatians possess graceful frames yet powerful builds suited for endurance activities. Originally bred to guard horses and coaches, dalmatians carry protective instincts making them loyal house dogs. Grooming requires occasional baths and weekly brushing. These dogs thrive on regular exercise and enjoy activities like ball chasing, jogging, or hiking.

15. Basset Hound

The sweet and lovable basset hound wins hearts through distinctive appearance and gentle demeanor. This short and squat hound surprises with unexpected stamina and strength. Domed heads, long ears, and mournful eyes mark the breed, which excels in scenting work. Despite stubbornness, bassets prove loyal and entertaining home companions. Regular grooming—brushing and nail trimming—maintains health and appearance. While not hyperactive, daily walks and play remain necessary. Training demands patience and consistency given their independent nature. Originally developed in France and Belgium to create short-legged scenting hounds for hunting purposes.

16. Jindo

Originating from Jindo Island off South Korea’s coast, the Jindo represents loyalty and intelligence valued for independent hunting, vigilant guarding, and devoted companionship. Erect ears and distinctive tails showcase agility, strength, alertness, and dignified bearing. These clean dogs possess strong hunting instincts and display bravery and faithfulness. Reserved around other animals (especially males), Jindos become one-person dogs forming deep attachments to owners. Active households providing physical and mental stimulation plus purposeful work suit them best. Korea designated the Jindo a cultural asset in 1962, honoring it as Natural Treasure #53.

17. Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian cattle dog—also called a blue or red heeler—represents a small yet stocky herding dog from Australia. Related to the dingo, these intelligent dogs are born white but transform into blue-gray or red coats with distinctive speckling. Known for tremendous work drive, agility, and loyalty, they excel herding livestock and make excellent running partners. Smooth, double-layer coats need only regular brushing as they shed twice yearly. Their highly active nature demands mental and physical challenges.

18. Brittany

A beloved gundog on both continents, the Brittany excels through agility and versatility. Smaller than setters yet leggier than spaniels, they showcase beautiful coats in vivid orange and liver patterns requiring minimal grooming. Energetic and eager, Brittanys thrive in hunting, dog sports like agility and flyball. Developed by medieval French peasants in the Brittany region for all-purpose hunting skills, the breed arrived in America in 1931. They’re now favored for energy levels and bird-tracking expertise.

19. German Pinscher

As one of Germany’s oldest breeds and prototype for other pinschers, the German pinscher stands as a sleek and intelligent canine with rich history. Standing about knee-high to an adult, these impressive dogs sport shiny coats in red, black, or blue with red accents. Despite elegant appearance, German pinschers remain no-nonsense and require minimal grooming. Weekly brushing and occasional baths maintain their appearance perfectly. They excel in canine sports and make wonderful companions.

20. Whippet

The whippet captures lightning-quick speed and sleek elegance with a sweet face. Mirroring greyhound elegance in a compact package, whippets pair intense pursuit instincts with friendly, dignified, and gentle temperaments. Their short, smooth coats keep maintenance minimal and suit apartment living well. Known for speed, their rich history encompasses dog racing and lure coursing traditions. These mid sized dogs demonstrate that smaller can still be mighty.

Selecting from mid sized dogs opens countless possibilities. Whether you seek an active adventure companion or a relaxed household member, this category provides options for virtually every lifestyle and preference. Each breed brings unique qualities—from the English Setter’s sporting elegance to the Whippet’s zippy athleticism. Take time exploring what resonates with your household situation, and you’ll find your ideal mid sized dog match waiting.

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