You are looking for the perfect dog. A Chihuahua is too small and a Great Dane is far too big. Something in between a chipmunk and a polar bear would be fine. What are the best medium sized dog breeds? It is a good idea to research the different dog breeds before you make this important investment. After all, if your new pet is going to be part of the family, he or she will have to pass all of your tests.
Springer Spaniel- I am biased toward 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 mannered. These dogs are very good with children and make excellent family pets. Very athletic, it would help to have a backyard when buying this breed. They require regular grooming.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier- The secret is out. This breed is becoming a popular house dog and family pet. With bangs that cover their eyes, this dog resembles a small golden sheepdog. They are energetic, yet well mannered; more like the Springer Spaniel and less like a terrier. They are not always good with very small children and small pets. However, they are good for families with bigger children and they can do well indoors if well trained. They require regular grooming, but they do not shed making them good for people with allergies.
Beagle- When I think of the beagle, I think of the famous Red Baron himself: Snoopy, of course. This smallish scent hound makes a great energetic and playful family pet. They do well with children and other pets. They require regular grooming and exercise. The beagle would prefer having a yard.
Border Collie- These good looking dogs are thought to be the most intelligent breed of dog. They are also one of the most high energy. Border collies were bred to herd livestock. They require a lot of exercise and attention. These dogs are not great around small 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 flat faced and stout breed, however, is a much more gentle dog. English bulldogs do well with children and can do well with other pets. They like human attention and can make good guard dogs. They require regular grooming.
Cocker Spaniel- These handsome and smart dogs can make excellent house pets. They are not great for small children, but 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 the right 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 were actually bred as guard dogs. They are loyal family dogs, but are not good around small children and other dogs. Shar-Pei's make excellent watchdogs and good family dogs. Their grooming and exercise requirements are minimal.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier- The 'Staffie' is a stout and athletic dog. Their fighting days are long behind them, and today they make loyal house and family pets. They are good with children, but, generally, not with other pets. They are good watchdogs and can 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 distinctive white and dark (often tan) coats. Unaware of their small stature, they are bold and fearless. A very active breed, they require a lot of exercise and attention. These dogs are not good around small children and other pets. Not a lot of grooming is required. They make 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 they can do well with other pets with the right training. They like human companionship and require regular exercise. They are not apartment dogs and require regular grooming.
Chow Chow- It would be fair to name this dog 'fluffy.' The Chow is a dignified and thoughtful breed having an independent streak. They are good family dogs, but are wary of strangers. These dogs are not good around small children and generally, don't get along with other pets. Chow Chow require regular grooming. They require minimal exercise and can be apartment dogs if they are taken on short walks regularly.
Basset Hound- The long, floppy ears of the Basset Hound don't like to be pulled on. Other than that these dogs are excellent around children and good around other pets. They are gentle and lazy dogs who make wonderful family pets. Basset Hounds shed a lot and require some grooming. Regular exercise will keep these dogs from becoming overweight. They are prone to howling now and then and can be watchdogs.
Australian Shepherd- The 'Aussie' actually originated in the Western U.S. as a stock dog. They are versatile and high energy dogs. The Aussie also excels in agility competitions. They are intelligent and loyal dogs that like being 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 multi-colored eyes.
Sussex Spaniel- These dogs are low built and sturdy spaniels. They are brown, reddish, or grey in color with some curly hair on their floppy ears. Usually they are calm and gentle and can be good family dogs. With training, they can be good around children and other pets. They require regular grooming. They can be apartment dogs, but require regular exercise.
Corgi- The corgi is a very distinctive long and low dog with big, upright ears. They are intelligent, energetic and vocal. They do well in apartments and indoors if they get enough exercise. They are protective dogs and do well with older children and other pets. Grooming requirements are minimal.
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