You are looking for the perfect dog. A Chihuahua is too small and a Great Dane is too big. Something between a chipmunk and a polar bear would be nice. What are the best medium-sized dog breeds? It’s a good idea to research different breeds of dogs before making this major investment. After all, if your new pet is going to be part of the family, it will have to pass all your tests.
Springer Spaniel: I have prejudices towards these breeds; both the English Springer Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel. Growing up our family dog was a ‘brown’ and white Springer Spaniel. This breed is energetic and cheerful, but also well behaved. These dogs are very good with children and make excellent family pets. Very athletic, it would help to have a backyard when purchasing this breed. They require regular grooming.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The secret is out. This breed is becoming a popular domestic dog and family pet. With bangs covering his eyes, this dog looks like a small golden sheepdog. They are energetic, but well behaved; more like the springer spaniel and less like a terrier. They are not always good with very young children and small pets. However, they are good for families with older children and can do well indoors if well trained. They require regular grooming, but they don’t shed, making them good for those with allergies.
Beagle – When I think of the beagle, I think of the famous Red Baron – Snoopy of course. This little hound makes a great energetic and playful family pet. He does well with children and other pets. They require regular grooming and exercise. The beagle would prefer to have a yard.
Border Collie – These attractive dogs are believed to be the most intelligent breed of dog. They are also one of the highest energy. Border collies were bred to herd cattle. They require a lot of exercise and attention. These dogs are not good with young children and small pets. These athletic dogs do well in agility competitions. They are not apartment dogs and require regular grooming.
English Bulldog – The bulldog is often confused with pit bulls. This stocky, flat-faced breed, however, is a much gentler dog. English bulldogs do well with children and can do well with other pets. They like human attention and can make good watchdogs. They require regular grooming.
Cocker Spaniel – These handsome and intelligent dogs can make excellent house pets. They are not ideal for young children, but they can get along with other pets. They are a somewhat temperamental breed. Their long hair requires regular grooming. These dogs are energetic and playful and require regular exercise. With proper training and care, they are sure to be cheerful and loyal pets.
Chinese Shar-Pei – These distinctive dogs have wrinkled faces and black tongues. They are adorable, but they were actually bred as watchdogs. They are loyal family dogs, but are not good with small children and other dogs. Shar-Peis make excellent watchdogs and good family dogs. Their grooming and exercise requirements are minimal.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier- The ‘Staffie’ is a large, athletic dog. Their fighting days are long gone, and today they are loyal house and family pets. They are good with children, but generally not with other pets. They make good watchdogs and do well in an apartment if they get enough exercise. Regular exercise is a must, but grooming requirements are minimal.
Jack Russell Terrier – These adorable dogs have a distinctive white and dark (often tan) coat. Unaware of their small stature, they are bold and intrepid. A very active breed, it requires a lot of exercise and attention. These dogs are not good with small children and other pets. Not much preparation is required. They are loyal watchdogs.
Dalmatian – The black spots on their white coats make these dogs recognizable. This is a versatile breed with many talents. They make excellent watchdogs and good family pets. They are not recommended around small children, but can get along with other pets with proper training. They like human company and require regular exercise. They are not apartment dogs and require regular grooming.
Chow Chow- It would be fair to call this dog ‘fluffy’. The Chow is a dignified and thoughtful breed that has an independent streak. They make good family dogs, but are wary of strangers. These dogs are not good with small children and generally do not get along well with other pets. Chow Chow requires regular grooming. They require minimal exercise and can make apartment dogs if taken for short walks regularly.
Basset Hound – The Basset Hound’s long, floppy ears do not like to be pulled. Other than that, these dogs are excellent with children and good with other pets. They are gentle, lazy dogs that make wonderful family pets. Basset Hounds shed a lot and require a bit of grooming. Regular exercise will keep these dogs from becoming overweight. They are prone to howling from time to time and can be watchdogs.
Australian Shepherd – The ‘Aussie’ actually originated in the western US as a purebred dog. They are versatile and high energy dogs. The Australian also excels in agility competitions. They are intelligent, loyal dogs who like to be given things to do. These dogs are not apartment dogs and need at least a backyard. Grooming requirements are minimal. They are known for their multicolored eyes.
Sussex Spaniel – These dogs are stocky, short-built spaniels. They are brown, reddish or gray in color with some curly hair on their floppy ears. They are generally calm and gentle and can make good family dogs. With training, they can be good with children and other pets. They require regular grooming. They can be apartment dogs, but they do require regular exercise.
Corgi – The corgi is a very distinctive long, short dog with large, erect ears. They are intelligent, energetic and vocal. They do well in apartments and indoors if they get enough exercise. They are guard dogs and do well with older children and other pets. Grooming requirements are minimal.
