Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Medium dog breeds usually weigh around 40 to 60 pounds and are often considered the perfect-sized dog.
Adopting a medium-sized dog breed means you’ll need adequate space for them, and the ability to provide them with the care they need.
Medium-sized dogs can suffer from certain health conditions. Giving them a longevity-boosting supplement can help support their wellness.
Not too big, not too small. Medium-sized dog breeds are popular because they satisfy the desire for a dog that is larger than a small or toy breed but not so large that they take up an entire room in your home or weigh more than you do!
Medium dogs are great pets for families and singles, don’t require a lot of space, and are generally great pets. Learning what you need to know about a medium-sized breed before you adopt one can help you prepare for a long relationship with your new furry friend.
In the excitement of adopting a new pet, new owners often forget that these dogs have a much shorter lifespan than their human companions. As such, it’s easy to forget that as they age (even in the first five years), their bodies are getting exponentially older.
Thankfully, there are some proactive steps you can take to support your dog’s longevity and love your dog longer. We’ll talk about everything you need to know about medium-sized dogs and how to protect their bodies and minds.
Medium dog breeds are generally classified as dogs that weigh between 20 and 60 pounds in adulthood and are shorter than 27” tall. These include numerous breeds (up to 195 at last count).
Some of the most popular are:
Mixed breeds, like cockapoos and goldendoodles, are sometimes included in this class of dogs but may exceed the weight and height depending on their genetics. Medium-sized dog breed variations include subcategories for medium dog breeds like medium-small, medium-medium, and medium-large.
It may seem like you’re ordering a t-shirt when choosing the perfect medium-sized dog breed, but these distinctions help people find the perfect fit for their family and home life.
Every breed of dog has specific care needs. As any dog owner will attest, you’ll need to provide your new best friend with more than simply food, water, and shelter.
Determining a specific breed’s temperament, potential health issues, exercise levels, and space requirements is incredibly important. If you work long hours and are rarely at home but choose a breed that requires three fast-paced walks per day, you’ll need to consider a pet sitter or a different breed altogether.
Before you begin your search for the perfect pet, here are the considerations to keep in mind.
A dog needs space to run and play. They also need space to sleep, eat, and potty. Surprisingly, the larger the dog doesn’t always mean the larger the needed space in terms of outdoor area. There are plenty of large breeds (like Saint Bernards) that can weigh up to 150 pounds but have activity levels that are so low they don’t need an expansive backyard to roam.
Medium-sized dog breeds are generally middle- to high-energy pets, although several medium-sized breeds rank as lower energy. Low energy medium-sized breeds include basset hounds, bulldogs, pugs, and some breeds of spaniels.
Most medium-sized dogs will need space to run and walk, but that does not mean you need to have a privately fenced yard to accommodate them. Dog parks and daily walks will give them the space they need to let out energy.
In your home, a medium-sized dog will need a bed large enough to fit them comfortably and a dedicated space for their food and water. If you plan to crate-train your dog, you’ll need a crate that is wide enough and tall enough for your dog to stand up without touching the top and wag their tail without touching the sides.
Most medium-sized dogs will fall into a higher energy category unless you specifically choose a lower-energy breed. This means they’ll thrive when they receive 40 to 80 minutes of exercise each day. Exercise can include walking, running, playing fetch, or interacting with other dogs at a dog park.
Exercise can be broken up into small segments, just like human exercise. In other words, if your dog needs 40 minutes of exercise per day, you can break that up into four 10-minute walks or two 20-minute walks each day.
This can seem overwhelming, particularly if you work outside the home, but if you have your heart set on a higher-energy breed, you can consider hiring a dog-walking service or taking your dog to a doggie daycare during periods of time when you won’t be able to give them the exercise they need.
Sure, longhairs are beautiful animals, but be ready for grooming fees! All breeds benefit from grooming and will need at least some level of at-home and/or professional grooming each month.
All dogs need regular monthly nail trims, ear cleaning, and daily dental care. Additionally, dogs will need regular bathing, although most will not need a daily bath.
Most breeds need bathing once or twice a month. If you have a longhair, daily brushing is a must to prevent matting. If your dog’s hair becomes matted and needs professional detangling, the cost can really add up. Longhairs will also need regular haircuts and may need to have their hair cut even shorter during warmer months to keep them cool.
There are numerous other grooming services available, including coat treatments to keep your dog’s fur shiny and soft.
Taking care of your dog will involve regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and an at-home care routine that keeps them healthy. Before you adopt your pet, it’s a wonderful idea to meet with a few local veterinarians to find out if they can care for the specific breed you would like to adopt and to ask questions about problems that specific breed may have.
At home, you’ll want to adopt a daily routine that includes providing mental stimulation for your dog (through play, walks, and toys) and taking care of their coat and teeth. Daily brushing can help reduce shedding and keep your dog’s coat shiny.
Daily dental care can help protect your dog from the negative health impact of poor oral hygiene. Brushing your dog’s teeth each day can help reduce the number of cavities they have and can support their gums and teeth.
Each breed has its unique health concerns. Medium-sized dogs don’t struggle as much with dental issues as smaller dogs or hip problems like large dogs.
Medium-sized dogs are more prone to the following issues:
Knowing what to expect may be as simple as speaking to a veterinarian or doing some web-based research on the breed you plan to adopt so you know the risks associated with the particular breed.
We all wish dogs could live forever. It seems unfair that the puppy you adopt may only have a lifespan of 15 to 17 years. Most medium-sized dog breeds live between 10 and 13 years, which is a very short period in which to love and enjoy them. You can take steps to care for your dog so that they’re able to live as long as possible.
Most of us know our dogs will need vet visits, quality food, ample water, and plenty of exercise. But many of us don’t know that we can be more proactive about protecting our dogs’ abilities to lead the longest lives possible.
One simple way? By giving them Longevity15 daily. Longevity15 is a science-backed supplement that contains a fatty acid that helps support health and well-being.
Longevity15 is the supplement rocking the dog world. Inside each daily packet (which can be added to your dog’s kibble at mealtime), you’ll find FA15™, the pure, sustainable version of C15:0, a fatty acid that is beneficial for both humans and dogs.
This fatty acid helps your dog by:
Longevity15 is recommended for dogs aged 7+. As our dogs get older, they, like us, can benefit from added support.
Why not give them something that is not only delicious (thanks to the addition of Himalayan cheese) but great for their aging bodies? Longevity15 is the solution for supporting your dog’s wellness and giving them the chance to wag those furry tails as long as they can.
Your medium-sized dog will be a great addition to your family and bring you years of joy. In return, you can support them with belly rubs, walks, daily care, and Longevity15 so they can enjoy a happy, healthy life.
Sources:
Get to Know Medium Breed Dogs | ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance
13 Low-Energy Dog Breeds | PetMD
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost for Dogs? (2025) | Vety
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment | American Kennel Club
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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