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. If a breed is listed as 'Rare' or has a higher AKC number, be prepared for a potentially longer search.
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.
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
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Australian Shepherd
Origin: United States
Purpose: Herding cattle/sheep
Height: 18-23"
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #12
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Pembroke Corgi
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 10-12"
Weight: 24-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #15
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Miniature American Shepherd
Origin: United States
Purpose: Ranch work
Height: 13-18"
Weight: 20-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #24
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Siberian Husky
Origin: Siberia
Purpose: Sled pulling
Height: 20-23.5"
Weight: 35-60 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #26
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English Springer Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing ("springing") game
Height: 19-20"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #28
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Border Collie
Origin: United Kingdom
Purpose: Sheep herding
Height: 18-22"
Weight: 30-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #30
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Brittany
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving game
Height: 17.5-20.5"
Weight: 30-40 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #31
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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'
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Basset Hound
Origin: France
Purpose: Track small game
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #34
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English Cocker Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing woodcock
Height: 15-17"
Weight: 26-34 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #36
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Vizsla
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving game
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 44-60 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #35
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Portuguese Water Dog
Origin: Portugal
Purpose: Fishing companion
Height: 17-23"
Weight: 35-60 lbs
Energy:5/5
AKC Popularity: #45
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Australian Cattle Dog
Origin: Australia
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #49
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Whippet
Origin: England
Purpose: Rabbit Coursing
Height: 18-22"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #50
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Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
Origin: France/Netherlands
Purpose: Versatile hunting dog
Height: 20-24"
Weight: 35-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #51
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Samoyed
Origin: Siberia
Purpose: Herding & sled pulling
Height: 19-24"
Weight: 35-65 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #53
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Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Cattle herding
Height: 10.5-12.5"
Weight: 25-38 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #60
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Bull-baiting, companion
Height: 14-16"
Weight: 24-38 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #63
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Boykin Spaniel
Origin: United States
Purpose: Turkey/waterfowl retrieval
Height: 14-18"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #65
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