Medium Size Dog Breeds In Order of Popularity Rankings
↓ Skip directly to Medium BreedsWe've ranked these breeds by popularity to help you see which may be easier to find and which might be a challenge.
The Medium breed category is best understood as a measure of a dog's body mass and weight rather than its height alone. A perfect example is the Corgi: while short in height, its robust, dense, and heavily-boned frame gives it a weight that aligns with the small-to-medium threshold, leading to its classification here as a Medium breed.
Other examples of "low-to-the-ground" but officially Medium breeds are the Bulldog and the Basset Hound. Despite not being tall, their immense bulk and heavy bone structure place them firmly in the Medium category, typically weighing 40-50 pounds.
Medium-sized dogs often represent a "goldilocks" zone for many owners, offering a blend of manageability and substance. Medium breeds are often large enough to be sturdy hiking partners but small enough to fit comfortably in most homes and cars. They typically have a longer lifespan than Large & Giant breeds and often fewer of the specific orthopedic issues that plague very large dogs.
Browse Medium Breeds
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
Bulldog
Origin: England
Purpose: Bull-baiting
Height: 14-15"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #9
Learn More
Australian Shepherd
Origin: United States
Purpose: Herding cattle/sheep
Height: 18-23"
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #12
Learn More
Pembroke Corgi
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 24-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #15
Learn More
Miniature American Shepherd
Origin: United States
Purpose: Ranch work
Height: 13-18"
Weight: 20-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #24
Learn More
Siberian Husky
Origin: Siberia
Purpose: Sled pulling
Height: 20-23.5"
Weight: 35-60 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #26
Learn More
English Springer Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing ("springing") game
Height: 19-20"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #28
Learn More
Border Collie
Origin: United Kingdom
Purpose: Sheep herding
Height: 18-22"
Weight: 30-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #30
Learn More
Brittany
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving game
Height: 17.5-20.5"
Weight: 30-40 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #31
Learn More
Cocker Spaniel
Origin: United States
Purpose: Flushing woodcock
Height: 14.5-15.5"
Weight: 20-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #32
Note: CKC recognizes as 'American Cocker Spaniel'
Learn More
Basset Hound
Origin: France
Purpose: Track small game
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #34
Learn More
English Cocker Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing woodcock
Height: 15-17"
Weight: 26-34 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #36
Learn More
Vizsla
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving game
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 44-60 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #35
Learn More
Portuguese Water Dog
Origin: Portugal
Purpose: Fishing companion
Height: 17-23"
Weight: 35-60 lbs
Energy:5/5
AKC Popularity: #45
Learn More
Australian Cattle Dog
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #49
Learn More
Whippet
Origin: England
Purpose: Rabbit Coursing
Height: 18-22"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #50
Learn More
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Origin: France/Netherlands
Purpose: Versatile hunting dog
Height: 20-24"
Weight: 35-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #51
Learn More
Samoyed
Origin: Siberia
Purpose: Herding & sled pulling
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 35-65 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #53
Learn More
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 10.5-12.5"
Weight: 25-38 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #60
Learn More
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Bull-baiting, companion
Height: 14-16"
Weight: 24-38 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #63
Learn More
Boykin Spaniel
Origin: United States
Purpose: Turkey/waterfowl retrieval
Height: 14-18"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #65
Learn More
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Origin: Canada
Purpose: Luring ("tolling") waterfowl
Height: 17-21"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #69
Learn More
Bull Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Companion
Height: 21-22"
Weight: 50-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #72
Learn More
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: All-purpose farm dog
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 30-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #75
Learn More
American Staffordshire Terrier
Origin: United States
Purpose: Bull-baiting
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 40-55; 55-70 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #77
Learn More
Lagotto Romagnolo
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Water retrieval & truffle hunting
Height: 16-19"
Weight: 24-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #78
Learn More
Basenji
Origin: Congo
Purpose: Flush game
Height: 15-17"
Weight: 20-24 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #80
Learn More
Chinese Shar-Pei
Origin: China
Purpose: Hunting, guarding
Height: 18-20"
Weight: 45-60 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #83
Learn More
Chow Chow
Origin: China
Purpose: Hunting, guarding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #88
Learn More
Keeshond
Origin: Netherlands
Purpose: Barge watchdog
Height: 17-18"
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #90
Learn More
Standard Schnauzer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Versatile farm dog
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #91
Learn More
American Eskimo Dog (Standard)
Origin: United States
Purpose: Companion
Height: 15-19"
Weight: 25-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #116
Learn More
Tibetan Terrier
Origin: Tibet
Purpose: Companion, herding
Height: 14-17"
Weight: 18-30 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #117
Learn More
Xoloitzcuintli (Standard)
Origin: Mexico
Purpose: Companion, guardian
Height: 18-23"
Weight: 30-55 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #119
Learn More
Mudi
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Herding, farm work
Height: 15-18.5"
Weight: 18-29 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #122
Learn More
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin: Norway
Purpose: Hunt moose
Height: 19.5-20.5"
Weight: 48-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #124
Learn More
Finnish Lapphund
Origin: Finland
Purpose: Reindeer herding
Height: 16-21"
Weight: 33-53 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #129
Learn More
German Pinscher
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Ratting & guarding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 25-45 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #133
Learn More
Bedlington Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Vermin hunter
Height: 15-17.5"
Weight: 17-23 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #134
Learn More
Kerry Blue Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Versatile farm dog
Height: 17.5-19.5"
Weight: 33-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #135
Learn More
Irish Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Vermin hunter, guard
Height: 18"
Weight: 25-27 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #136
Learn More
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Flushing game
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #138
Learn More
Bearded Collie
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Herding, companion
Height: 20-22"
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #140
Learn More
Barbet
Origin: France
Purpose: Waterfowl retrieval
Height: 19-24.5"
Weight: 35-65 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #142
Learn More
Icelandic Sheepdog
Origin: Iceland
Purpose: Herding livestock
Height: 16.5-18"
Weight: 25-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #143
Learn More
Spanish Water Dog
Origin: Spain
Purpose: Herding, water retrieving
Height: 16-20"
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #147
Learn More
Swedish Vallhund
Origin: Sweden
Purpose: Cattle herding, farm dog
Height: 12-14"
Weight: 20-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #153
Learn More
Petit Basset Vendeen Griffon
Origin: France
Purpose: Hunt small game
Height: 13-15"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #155
Learn More
Field Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing/Retrieving game
Height: 17-18"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #160
Learn More
American Water Spaniel
Origin: United States
Purpose: Waterfowl retrieval
Height: 15-18"
Weight: 25-45 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #167
Learn More
Pumi
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Herding livestock
Height: 15-18.5"
Weight: 22-29 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #169
Learn More
Puli
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Herding/Guardian
Height: 16-17"
Weight: 25-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #172
Learn More
Sussex Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing game
Height: 13-15"
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #175
Learn More
Glen of Imaal Terrier
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Vermin Hunter/Farm Dog
Height: 12.5-14"
Weight: 32-40 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #176
Learn More
Irish Water Spaniel
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Waterfowl retrieval
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #177
Learn More
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Drover/Guardian
Height: 16-21"
Weight: 50-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #178
Learn More
Skye Terrier
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Vermin Hunter/Companion
Height: 9.5"-10"
Weight: 35-40 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #179
Learn More
Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PONS)
Origin: Poland
Purpose: Herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 30-50 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #181
Learn More
Harrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Hare hunting
Height: 19-21"
Weight: 45-60 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #183
Learn More
Norwegian Buhund
Origin: Norway
Purpose: Herding/Watchdog
Height: 16-18.5"
Weight: 26-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #184
Learn More
Pyrenean Shepherd
(Berger des Pyrenees)
Origin: France
Purpose: Herding
Height: 15-21"
Weight: 15-30 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #188
Learn More
Cirneco dell'Etna
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Rabbit hunting
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 18-26 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #191
Learn More
Finnish Spitz
Origin: Finland
Purpose: Hunting
Height: 15.5-20"
Weight: 20-33 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #194
Learn More
Canaan Dog
Origin: Israel
Purpose: Herding/Guardian
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #195
Learn More
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Origin: France
Purpose: Small game hunting
Height: 15-18"
Weight: 40-45 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #199
Learn More
Appenzeller Sennenhund
Origin: Switzerland
Purpose: Herding/Guardian
Height: 19-22"
Weight: 48-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Australian Kelpie
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Sheep herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 32-45 lbs
Energy: 5/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Blue Picardy Spaniel
Origin: France
Purpose: Waterfowl hunting
Height: 22-24"
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Braque d'Auvergne
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing & tracking
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Braque Français Pyrenees
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing in mountains
Height: 18-23"
Weight: 40-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Drever
Origin: Sweden
Purpose: Deer tracking
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 35-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Eurasier
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Companion
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 40-70 lbs
Energy: 3/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
French Spaniel
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Karelian Bear Dog
Origin: Finland
Purpose: Hunting, guarding
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 44-49 lbs
Energy: 3/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Norrbottenspets
Origin: Sweden/Finland
Purpose: Hunting small game
Height: 16.5-18"
Weight: 20-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Peruvian Inca Orchid
(Viringo) - Medium
Origin: Peru
Purpose: Companion, hunting
Height: 16-20"
Weight: 17-26 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Peruvian Inca Orchid
(Viringo)- Large
Origin: Peru
Purpose: Companion, hunting
Height: 20-26"
Weight: 26-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Portuguese Sheepdog
Origin: Portugal
Purpose: Herding
Height: 16-22"
Weight: 37-59 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Schapendoes
(Dutch Sheepdog)
Origin: Netherlands
Purpose: Herding
Height: 16-20"
Weight: 26-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Shikoku
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Boar hunting
Height: 17-22"
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More
Yakutian Laika
Origin: Russia (Yakutia)
Purpose: Sled pulling, hunting
Height: 21-23"
Weight: 40-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
Popularity: Not yet Ranked
Learn More